Passages: Spring 2021

Dr. Claude Gentry

Biology and Agriculture (1960-1999)

Jan. 14, 2021

Dr. Claude Edwin Gentry, age 90, husband of 65 years to Shirley passed away Thursday, January 14, 2021 in Lexington, Ky. Dr. Gentry was born August 3rd, 1930 in Oak Hill, W. Va., to the late Albert Lewis and Pearl Walton Gentry. He was a Navy veteran serving in the Korean Conflict as a Seabee and following his tour of duty he was stationed on the Island of Guam to help rebuild after WWII. Following his time in the Navy he enrolled in the University of Kentucky and there received his undergraduate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Dr. Gentry was a Professor of Biology and Agriculture for 38 years with Berea College, he loved his career at the college and the many students and friends made there during his tenure. He was an avid UK basketball and football fan and enjoyed all sports in general, and coached in the Berea Little League for several years. Dr. Gentry was a former member of the Berea Kiwanis Club and served as the Lt. Governor for the Kentucky-Tennessee district while a member, he also served on the Berea Board of Education for eight years. He was a member of the Berea United Methodist Church.

Other than his parents he was preceded in death by one brother, Linnell Gentry.

Dr. Gentry loved his family and being involved in their lives, other than his wife he is survived by three children, Rebecca Isaacs and her husband Tim, Glenn Gentry, and Tim Gentry all of Berea, Ky two granddaughters, Aimee Sparks of Chicago, Ill, and Lyndee Hankins and her husband Kevin of Richmond, Ky. Two sisters, Ina Mae Riffe and Juanita McGhee both of Bowie, Md., and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Visitation was Tuesday, January 19, 2021 from 5-8 PM at the Davis & Powell Funeral Home. In accordance with Gov. Beshear’s mandates facial covering and social distance will be observed. Private inurnment will be in the Berea Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions suggested to Berea United Methodist Church 101 Fee Street, Berea, KY 40403.

Rev. Dr. Gloria Johnson

Willis D. Weatherford Jr. Campus Christian Center

First African-American Female College Chaplain (2000 – 2010)

Jan. 6, 2021

Gloria Ann Smith, the fifth child of John Wesley Smith of Dadeville, AL and Katie Mary Susie Thomas Smith of Coosa County, AL, was born on September 22, 1944 in Atalla, AL. The sibling order is the following: Janice, Jeannette, Thomas Wesley (deceased) Helen, Gloria, John, Brenda, Byron (deceased), Vernon, Clifford, and Fulton. She was born into a close array of cousins and friends that formed close familial relations in Attalla, AL. She was raised in a family unit with strongly interwoven and sustaining community connections and foundations between cousins and childhood friends. Her parents were sticklers for education, Gloria Johnson graduated Norris High School (Atalla – 1961), earned a Bachelor of Arts from Stillman College (Tuscaloosa, AL – 1965), Master of Divinity from Interdenominational Theological Center-Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary Atlanta, GA – 1987), and Doctor of Philosophy Claremont School of Theology (Claremont, CA, 2007). Her precocious character, the daughter of John Wesley Smith; and demonstrated intellect, the daughter of Katie Mary Susie, endeared her to childhood friends, community elders, Sunday School teachers, other women in the neighborhood and college professors. Gloria’s professional social work career started in Newark, NJ (1961) and later blossomed as Case Manager Supervisor with Department of Family and Children Services in Atlanta for eighteen (18) years. Gloria Ann Smith was wife and mother. She met and married Sam William Johnson, Birmingham, AL in 1965. One son, Jason Bernard Johnson was born to this union. He is the apple of her eye and determined drive for her living. Her mothering affections were extended toward god-children, DeDe Fleming, Gina Fleming, Lamar Kilgore, as well as and Gregory and Theresa Mann. These and so many other friendly adoptions brought joy and excitement to her life as she stretched her affections and senses of inclusivity toward generations of youth and young adults. Rev. Gloria A. Johnson, Ph.D. was pastoral counselor and psychotherapist at the Kaleidoscope Therapy Center, Clairmont, CA. Upon locating to Berea, KY, she joined the staff of the Willis D. Weatherford, Jr. Campus Center in 2000, as the first African American College Chaplain of Berea College. She provided pastoral counseling, served as the Center’s liaison to Berea College’s Black Cultural Center for collaborative programming between the two centers, worked as spiritual advisor to the Black Music Ensemble, developed numerous African American religious initiatives to support the life and development of all students in the College, and generally promoted the spiritual dimensions of the institution’s interracial commitment. She was accorded the faculty position of Assistant Professor of General Studies, where she regularly taught courses on Christianity as well as African and African American traditions. She periodically taught courses in Ghana on African traditions, spirituality and identity; whereupon she introduced many of Berea College’s African American students to racial, cultural and religious heritages of African descended people. Her womanist scholarship put her in relationship with many leading womanist and feminist voices in these respective movements. Dr. Johnson retired from Berea College in 2015. Rev. Johnson was an ordained pastor of California Presbyterian Church. Functioning in full connection with the Presbyterian Church, she was invited and served a myriad of pastoral and leadership functions; some of which being supply pastor, session leader, congregational leader, office administrator, seminar facilitator, as well as leadership consultant for congregations, professional groups and community societies. Upon retirement and relocation to Atlanta, she continued sharing her ministerial gifts and the graces of communal care as mentor and great friend of the West Hills Presbyterian Church, Atlanta. She reacclimated there with seasoned friends who were members of this congregation while making new ones. She fully supported this congregation via the provision of pastoral care, supply preaching, auxiliary leadership, and Christian education as one knowledgeable of Presbyterian order, the scriptures and vested in human wellbeing. The Rev. Dr. Johnson reverenced her parents and held high esteem for her siblings. She often brought a unique perspective to every relationship and engagement. Everyone was addressed in the contexts of their involvement as a person, friend or stranger and experienced an intuition that sought grounding truth and invaluable accountability to G-d, self, culture and history. The person and her relationship with them required a depth of honesty and forthrightness that one could neither resist nor avoid. She reported continual humility at the care of long-term friends who was _____ ER’RYBODY (seriously)! Long-term friends, Eugenia and Azalene!! Rev. Johnson departed this life on January 6, 2021. She is continually remembered by her son, Jason Johnson, Atlanta; god-children, DeDe Fleming, (GA), Gina Fleming, (AR), Lamar Kilgore (PA) and Gregory and Theresa Mann (GA); siblings Ms. Janice Speights (Syracuse, NY); Ms. Jeannette Blackmon (Silver Springs, MD); Ms. Helen Green (Capital Heights, MD); Mr. John E. Smith (Silver Springs, MD); Mrs. Brenda (Willie) Franklin (Columbia, SC); Mr. Vernon Smith (Capital Heights, MD); Mr. Clifford Smith (Attalla, AL); and Mr. Fulton Smith (Alexander City, AL); Butner Road family where is known as Mama Beau and Mama G; US and international student mentees; Cathy and Keith as well as close special friends at Berea College; extended family at the Department of Family and Children in Atlanta; ITC-Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary friends and the Westhill Presbyterian Church Family, Stillman College Alumni, AKA and the Almighty Norris High School Alumni plus a host of special cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Matthew Stewart

Networking and Infrastructure Director in the Information Systems & Services (2018 – 2020)

Dec. 20, 2020

Matthew James Stewart, 35, of Berea, KY, formerly of Matheny, passed away Sunday, December 20, 2020. Graveside service 1pm Monday, Dec. 28, at Palm Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Matheny; donations Alice Lloyd College. Arrangements by Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco. To plant a tree in memory of Matthew James Stewart, please visit Tribute Store.

Jean Hoffman Wexler Acad. ’38

Nov. 18, 2020

Jean Stewart Wexler peacefully passed away on Nov. 18, 2020, at the age of 99. The quintessential Vineyard woman, Jean was feisty, fiercely independent, and fearless. Born on June 12, 1921, in Charlotte, N.C., Jean grew up in her father Edwin Hoffman’s home state of South Dakota before moving to Berea, Ky., where her father was a professor at Berea College and her mother, Mary Lindsay Hoffman, a librarian at the local academy. Jean attended Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio, and later studied at the Black Mountain College Summer Art & Music Institute in Black Mountain, N.C., under the attentive eye of Josef Albers.

After a brief marriage in the early 1940s, Jean and her son Michael moved from North Carolina to New York City, where Jean worked in the garment industry, hand-painting silk scarves. In the mid-1950s, Jean and Michael traveled on the last successful voyage of the Andrea Doria to spend a year in Geneva, Switzerland, with her late brother, Michael Hoffman, who was a foreign economics correspondent for the New York Times. While in Geneva, she relished hiking the Alps with her sister-in-law Catherine, and recalled one glorious evening where she crossed over to France and danced the rumba all night long with Harold Atkinson.

Upon returning to the States, Jean and Michael lived for a time in Washington, D.C., before returning to New York City, where Jean held numerous jobs in publishing with Random House, Knopf, and Condé Nast. In the late 1960s, after frequenting Martha’s Vineyard for many summers, Jean decided to move to the Island year-round. In 1967 she designed and built her home in West Tisbury, and married her late husband, Stanley Wexler. Over the years, Jean made frequent visits to New York City to visit Stanley in their New York apartment, as he was not a fan of Island living, and together they traveled to many countries, including Greece and Italy.

Jean continued working remotely, proofreading for the New York publishing houses, and discovered an enduring passion for gardening and surf fishing on the Vineyard. A close friend of Polly Hill, Jean adorned her property with many unusual plants and trees, including rhododendrons transported from North Carolina. A prolific writer, she kept extensive gardening journals, and wrote the “Vineyard Gardener” column in the Vineyard Gazette for more than 20 years.

In 1971, she co-wrote “The Martha’s Vineyard Cookbook,” now in its fourth edition, with Louise Tate-King. In the 1970s Jean also created a quirky gift shop named Beetlebung, whose namesake has now returned in a new iteration at its original location in Menemsha. In the 1990s, Jean was instrumental in creating the famed Dumptique at the West Tisbury dump, and she managed this pioneering recycling shed for many years.

Jean is survived by her granddaughter, Carolina Cooney of North Tisbury; her grandson, Jesse Stewart of Durham, N.C.; and her two great-grandchildren, Dashiell and Dexter of North Tisbury.

The family is especially grateful for the devoted care Jean received at Windemere, as well as from the VNA over the years; and to the West Tisbury Library, which brought her great joy.

Jean was especially well-known around the island for her intense love of dogs, especially her many beloved poodles. Per her request, her ashes will be scattered over her dogs’ graves at the family home in North Tisbury, with a small celebration in spring 2021 while her favorite flowers, tulips, are blooming. The exact date will be announced at a later time. Donations in Jean’s memory can be made to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.org, and all are encouraged to plant tulips or lilies in Jean’s honor, to fondly remember her vivacious spirit and love of the natural world.

Elizabeth Eversole Adams Acad. ’40, ’44

Oct. 6, 2020

Tibby” Eversole Adams, native of Hyden, died in Lexington, Ky., on October 6, 2020 at the age of 98. She attended Berea College and returned to Hyden to teach elementary school during WWII while her husband, John M. Adams, Jr., served in the infantry overseas. Tibby also helped in her mother’s (“Phronia Eversole) general store in Hyden during the war years, when goods were rationed and faithful customers included nurses on horseback from the Frontier Nursing Service. FNS founder Mary Breckinridge was a friend of Mrs. Eversole and a life-long inspiration. Tibby and John were married in Whitesburg before he left to fight in Europe. This photograph is the one he carried with him during the four years they were separated. Upon his return, they lived in Cooperstown while he obtained a master’s degree in horticulture from UK. In the following years, they lived and taught school in Carlisle, Georgetown, London, and Somerset before retiring in Lexington. They were active members and elders in Presbyterian churches wherever they lived. The only time they were ever audited by the IRS was for a year when their generous donation to the building fund of a church was so disparate to their income that it was questioned. They valued education and self-sacrifice and did not store up their treasures in this world. They were married for 59 years before John died in 2002. Tibby and John had three daughters, all of whom survive: Sherrie (Warner) Webb, Mary Lynn (Ernest, who died in 2018) Collins, and Anne (Don) Chesnut. Tibby is also survived by grandchildren Donald (Lorie) Chesnut, Chad (Heather) Collins, Camille (David) Dean, Elizabeth (Alex) Barrera, Nora Chesnut and Mary Chesnut, and by great-grandchildren Hadley, Jack and Leah Collins, Mia Dean, and Luca Barrera. In addition to teaching school, Tibby was a homemaker and beloved mother who loved piano, reading, games of all kinds, and the outdoors, and passed all of that on to her girls. She was fiercely competitive (especially at Scrabble, Aggravation, and Rook) and enjoyed fishing with John and Sunday afternoons walking through the national forest or at Cumberland Falls, Pine Mountain, Levi Jackson and other state parks. She was most intimidating to young men calling on the girls, prompting one to write after a visit to London that “you have a nice city and a very serious mother.” Indeed. Graveside services will be at Camp Nelson National Cemetery on October 9 at 9 a.m., the Rev. J.T. Silence of Hunter Presbyterian Church officiating.

Geneva Mullins Gilb Acad. ’44

Dec. 1, 2020

Geneva Mullins Gilb died peacefully in her sleep at Sayre Christian Village in Lexington, KY on December 1, 2020 at the age of 96. Geneva lived a wonderful life, surrounded by her loving family, her true passion in life. Geneva was born in Climax, KY to Dollie Elizabeth Mullins. She was raised in the home of her maternal grandparents George Washington and Missouri “Dovie” Mullins. She attended a one-room school in Climax, the Foundation High School associated with Berea College, then graduated from Spears Nursing School in Dayton, KY. She worked as a registered nurse in several capacities, the last being the Emergency Department of St. Luke Hospital in Ft. Thomas, KY. She was predeceased by her husband, Howard Edward Gilb, whom she married on March 20, 1948. She is survived by her three children: Charmaine Gilb Pfister (Fred), Douglas Gilb (Valerie), Scot Gilb (Barbara); six grandchildren: Lauren Pfister Wall (Kemp), Matthew Pfister (Knox), Philip Gilb (Alex), Leslie Gilb Brunner (Brian), Natalie Gilb Li (Jiren), Brittany Gilb Erickson (Ryan); and four great-grandchildren: Battle Wall, Margaret Wall, Caldwell Pfister, and Porter Pfister. Geneva was a very active member of The United Church of Christ, Ft. Thomas, KY for over 50 years. She was a wonderful cook and hostess in her home, an accomplished seamstress, gardener, bridge player, lover of the outdoors, and world traveler. Her home was always open to her many, many friends and family. She had a great sense of humor, which she kept until the end of her life. Above all, she loved her family. Children gave her joy throughout her life, most recently from spending time with her great-grandchildren. During the past 5 years, she lived at Sayre Christian Village Healthcare Center, where the staff gave her exceptional care and compassionate love. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, yet we are comforted by knowing that she is now at peace with our most loving God. Due to COVID19, a small private family service was held at Dobbling Funeral Home in Ft. Thomas, KY. In lieu of flowers, she would be honored by any donations in her name to Sayre Christian Village Healthcare Center, Lexington, KY or Berea College, CPO 2216, Berea, KY 40404. Special condolences and memories can be given at www.dmefuneral.com. Dobbling, Muehlenkamp-Erschell caring for Geneva and her family.

Susan Cochran Gibson ’45

Nov. 2, 2020

Susan Cochran Gibson, one of five children born to Frederick and Velma (Watt) Cochran was born on October 22, 1923. She is the last of her siblings, surviving into her 97th year. She died on November 2, 2020 in the care of Hope Hospice at St. Clare Home, Newport, RI.

Susan graduated from high school early, and went on to graduate in the top 2% of her class at Berea College in KY in 1945. With her husband, the Rev. Dr. Raymond E. Gibson, she studied the philosophy of religion in the master’s program at Columbia University in 1946-47. He continued on with his studies earning a PhD, while she worked to support them as a Ford Agency model in NYC, making the cover of Seventeen Magazine in 1949. Education was always ongoing throughout her life as she audited Greek at Brown University, and later earned a Master’s of Library Science degree from the University of Rhode Island.

Susan married (the late) Rev. Dr. Raymond E. Gibson the day following her college graduation in 1945. The Second World War was ending and Raymond, a Navy Chaplain, was granted a 48-hour leave of absence for their wedding at Berea College, where they first met and both graduated from. Their marriage of 60 years lasted to his death in 2005. They had five children.

Once her youngest son was enrolled in kindergarten Susan began working towards her MLS degree. She served as the Head Librarian at the Wheeler School in Providence, RI, for almost two decades. This work was perfect for her as she loved literature and history, was methodical and organized, easily quoting Latin, Greek, and famous authors of poetry and literature throughout her life.

As a minister’s wife, Susan graciously served all of the requisite duties, first at New Lebanon Congregational Church, then at South Congregational Church in Pittsfield MA (10 years) and finally at Central Congregational Church in Providence RI (27 years). She was the Clerk of the First Congregational Church of Hillsborough Center in NH (almost 50 years) where she provided the fresh flowers from her garden for the summer services.

Susan was a talented musician. She played the piano in her high school orchestra and continued to play her entire life. She sang in the church choirs and encouraged her children to study and play music. Her home was always filled with piano, guitar, banjo, harmonica, violin, and recorder music, and of course singing.

In the early 1960’s, looking to give their children the experience of nature and working a farm, the couple acquired a property in rural New Hampshire. There their young family grew vegetables, stabled ponies from a local farmer, chopped wood, learned archery and most of all gained a deep appreciation for the woods and nature. Susan baked bread, nourished her children with fresh food, and filled the house with music, flowers, literature and a bounty of love. Their academic months were spent in Providence RI, their summers in Hillsborough NH. The couple retired there full time in 1986.

A social activist, Susan was always on the side of the environment, civil rights, the plight of migrant farm workers and women’s rights. She was a conservationist; never owned a clothes dryer, always rode her Raleigh 3 Speed bike to work, refused the elevator to her office and used canvas cloth grocery bags 40 years before they became the norm. She never allowed pesticides to be spread in her gardens and kept bees. She was a true lover of nature and supported the Sierra Club and the Audubon Society.

In the last decades of her life she enjoyed reading, gardening and the beauty of nature. Susan hosted many large gatherings for holidays as her own children returned with their spouses and her grandchildren. She moved to Assisted Living in Newport, RI, at the age of 95 though she insisted she’d be perfectly fine living on alone.

She is survived by her children; Cyrus, Mark, Christopher, Lauren and Jonathan; their spouses, Barbara, Mary Ann, Anne, Bayard and Camille; eight grandchildren: Raymond, Jessica, Lauren, Matthew, Margo, Bailey, Emily and Lily. She will be greatly missed by all.

A memorial service will be held in the summer at the church by her beloved farmhouse in New Hampshire.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in honor of Susan C. Gibson, to: The First Congregational Church 1 North Road Hillsborough, NH 03244.

Frances Nunley Giles ’45

Oct. 16, 2020

Born in Alabama, Fran received her BA from Berea College in 1945. She met her first husband, Sherwin “Sherry” F. Abrams, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. They married in 1950 and remained in Madison while he finished his doctorate and she ran the Theater Box Office. In 1955, they came to Carbondale where Sherry joined “Mac” McLeod to form the nascent Theater Department at SIU. In 1964, Fran and Sherry adopted her brother’s three children, Joseph, Michael, and Patricia Nunley, after their parents’ deaths. From 1955, Fran was secretary to the deans in the College of Education (COE) until she was encouraged by Dean E. J. Clark and Sherry to quit and pursue her master’s degree. Fran received her MA in English from SIU in 1969. She taught in the English Department then became an academic advisor in the COE and, from 1975, served as its coordinator for Teacher Education Services and chief academic advisor until her retirement in 1987. Sadly, Sherry died in 1970, but a few years later, Fran met John “Jack” E. Giles who was a vice president at Giles Armature and Electric in Marion. They were married from 1978 until Jack’s death in 2007.

Fran joined the First Presbyterian Church of Marion, was a member of the professional organization Phi Delta Kappa, walked with the Strutters’ Club and, along with Jack, became a Life Master at Duplicate Bridge. Although Jack was a staunch Republican and Cubs fan and Fran was a devout Democrat and Cardinals fan, these things did not matter to them. They went to the voting booths and Bush Stadium together, and rooted for their respective teams. All that other people noticed about them was their joyful pursuit of their common interests, especially bridge, theater, cats, books, and travel. An extremely friendly, people-oriented individual, Fran rarely traveled anywhere without encountering an old friend or making a new one. Fran was an avid reader of mysteries and biographies and, as long as she was physically able, she attended all of the plays at SIU’s McLeod Theater and the Jackson County Stage Company. Although her body weakened, during her last few years she was able to live comfortably at home with the help of her home care-workers, in particular, Francis Gonzalez, Melissa Gunn, Becky Loving, Janette McDaniel, and Diane Tatum.

Fran is survived by her three children, two grandchildren, and several cousins.

A memorial service for her will be sometime next year. If you wish to make a donation in her honor, consider giving to Hospice or to your local library, public broadcast station, animal shelter, live theater, or, if you prefer, to a charity of your choice. To plant trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Eula Turner Holliday Acad. ’40 ’45

Oct. 19, 2020

Eula Mae Turner Holliday was born March 26, 1919 to Ona Wells Turner and Sam Turner in Breathitt County, KY. She died at home as was her wish. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Elmer Holliday; her parents; one sister: Rachel Rose Turner Jackson of Crocketsville, KY; one brother: Sam Turner Jr. of Hazard, KY; son-in-law: Tony Asbury Jr. of Hazard, KY. She is survived by two daughters: Sharon Ann Holliday Asbury; Eliza Jane Holliday both of Hazard, KY; one sister: Helen Ogle, of Cincinnati, OH; many nephews, nieces and special caregivers and friends: Glynetta Ritchie, Omar Cortez and Jeff Asbury. Eula attended Berea Foundation school after her father died when she was nine. She graduated from both Berea Foundation and Berea College, which she supported as a member of the Presidents Club. Eula came to Perry County as a home economist working for the Stuart Robinson Foundation based at Homeplace Clinic, in Ary, KY where she met Elmer. In 1948, with a small GI loan, she and Elmer established and co-owned Perry Farm Center, a unique service based farm, hardware, appliance and furniture business. Despite losing practically everything in the 1957 flood, Eula and Elmer considered it an honor to have General Electric restore their customers appliances which were destroyed in the flood, or delivering appliances at night or on weekends to prevent loss of a customers food, or just giving advice on gardening. They had a very special relationship with many of their loyal customers during their 43 years of business. Eula was a founding member of Hull Presbyterian Church. She loved reading, education, farming, travel and was a gourmet cook. She believed education was essential and both encouraged and helped many young people attend Berea College. Her hard earned travels ranged from most of the United States to Europe and China. Integrity, hard work, humbleness and service to others and devotion to family was the code she lived by and inspired in those who knew her. Due to Covid there will be at Graveside Service at Riverside Cemetery on Thursday October 22, 2020 at 3PM with Rev. Dana Feltner officiating, close friends and family welcome to attend the socially distanced service with mask required. Please participate by praying for her. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to Hull Presbyterian Church of Hazard, KY or Berea College, CPO 2216, Berea, KY 40404 https://www.berea.edu/give/.

Norma Vanderheide Johnson ’45

Sept. 6, 2020

Norma Karlyn Johnson, 98, of Manistique, passed away on September 26, 2020, at her home with her family. She was born on August 17, 1922, the fifth child of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Vanderheide, in Kenosha, Wisconsin. She graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School and went on to attend Berea College, in Berea, Kentucky. During World War 2, she assisted in the war effort by being a gas welder of bed frames for submarines. In 1944, she married Eugene E. Johnson, USN LTA Pilot, while he was serving during World War 2, and was stationed at Lakehurst, New Jersey. She arrived in Manistique, in 1949, when her husband took the job as the Engineer at the Schoolcraft County Road Commission. Eugene preceded her in death in 2011. She became a member of the First United Methodist Church, serving in many different capacities. She had served as lay leader, lay speaker, choir director, Sunday school and vacation bible school teacher, banner maker, and a founding member of the bell choir. She was active in the United Methodist Women’s Club, where she held offices in the local, district and statewide conferences. She was also a recipient of the Denman Award, for exceptional ministry of evangelism. She also was a frequent school substitute teacher in the late 60’s and 70’s, and active in the Senior Citizens agencies in the area, being awarded, person of the year in 2006. Her interests included the “fiber arts”, as a quilter, spinner, weaver, and knitter. She displayed these talents around the community in demonstrations often. She also enjoyed playing her autoharp, singing, and writing poetry. She was the mother of six children, Gregg (deceased), Karl (Barbara Nelson), Eric (deceased), Kris (deceased), Evan (Kelly), and Neal (Cindy Parker-Johnson). She is also survived by six grandchildren, Erika, Kirsten, Lloyd, Seth, Amanda, and Joseph, as well as 6 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Eugene, older brothers and sisters, Theodore, Marion, Grace and Edna. Memorial Services for Norma will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2020, at 2:00 PM, at the First United Methodist Church in Manistique, with Pastor BJ Ash officiating. Burial will take place at a later date at the Lakeview Cemetery in Manistique. Memorial contributions in Norma’s name may be directed to the First United Methodist Church of Manistique, or to the Manistique Senior Center.

Edward Stanley Golon Navy V-12 ’45

Nov. 13, 2018

Edward S. Golon, 95, of Enfield, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at his home. Son of the late Adam and Agnes (Mikula) Golon, Edward was born on October 2, 1923. He was raised on a farm in Enfield where shared many hunting adventures with his beloved dogs. Edward proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. His patriotism carried throughout his life, and he was an avid collector of World War II memorabilia. Following his years of service, Edward enjoyed a long career at Pratt and Whitney until his retirement. He enjoyed gardening and cherished his time spent with family. He was a loving and generous spirit who will be dearly missed. Edward is survived by his nieces; Susan Fontaine, Linda Fisher, Diane Leo, Laurie Hannon and Sara Gladu; his nephew; Wayne Golon, and his grandnieces and nephews; Adam Fontaine, Rachel Fontaine, Rylie Olmstead, Brianna Gladu, and Audrey Gladu. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Joseph and Donald Golon and his nephew, David Golon. A memorial service honoring Edward’s life will be held at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd, Enfield on Sunday November 18, 2018 at 1 pm. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Donations in Edward’s memory may be made to the Enfield Food Shelf, Inc., P.O. Box 699, Enfield, CT 06083. To send online condolences, please visit www.leetestevens.com.

Margaret Jessup Kauffman ’45

March 25, 2019

Margaret was born on November 16, 1923 and passed away on Monday, March 25, 2019. Margaret was a resident of Michigan at the time of passing.

John V. Coapman ’46

Aug. 19, 2013

Obituary Unavailable

Homer W. Hall

                Spouse of Bernice Clark Hall ’46

April 24, 2019

Homer Wilson Hall, 98, of Morgantown, W.Va., passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2019, at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown.

Homer was born in Lenore, W.Va., March 12, 1921, a son of the late Julius Caesar Hall and Gertrude Dempsey Hall. He lived in the small town of Lenore and enjoyed sports, gardening and hunting.

Homer excelled in basketball and football, and was offered scholarships for basketball. He joined the Army in 1940 and served until 1945. He graduated from Marshall University with a master’s degree. He married the love of his life of 73 years, Bernice Clark, February 20, 1946.

During his life, he taught accounting and business law at Potomac State College and later distributive education at Wheeling Park High School. He served as an elder in First Christian Church in Wheeling, was active in the Foxwood Neighborhood Association in Englewood, Fla., and held other various professional memberships.

Homer was known for his garden in St. Clairsville, Ohio, which he raised for his community. He was also a conservationist and beekeeper.

He is survived by his wife, Bernice; son Stephen; and daughter Jennifer.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, Oliver, and sister, Edith Marcum.

Family and friends will be received from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday and noon to 1 p.m., the time of service, Monday, April 29, at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce Street, Morgantown, WV 26505, with Dr. Rev. Randy Flanagan officiating. Interment will follow at East Oak Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to West Virginia Highlands Conservancy, P.O. Box 306, Charleston, WV 25321, or Doctors Without Borders, P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Send condolences at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Evalee Williams Hensley ’46

May 10, 2018

Evalee Hensley, 93, of Middletown, passed away May 10, 2018. Visitation May 14, 6-8 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Middletown. Breitenbach Anderson Funeral Homes, Middletown, OH.

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Nancy Covington Lacy ’46

Jan. 11, 2021

Nancy Lois Covington Lacy, of Oak Ridge, passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 11, 2021 at the Courtyards Assisted Living of Oak Ridge.

Mrs. Lacy was born in Cookeville, Tenn., on April 8, 1925 to the Rev. B.W. and Ethyl Covington. She attended Berea College in Kentucky, where she obtained a nursing degree. She soon moved to Oak Ridge, where she worked as a Registered Nurse at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge for many years.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 51 years, F. Gorden Lacy; sisters Helen Covington Copeland and Lucile Covington Hyder; brothers James Covington, William Covington, and Dr. John Covington.

Mrs. Lacy is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Nancy L. and Winston Russell of Oak Ridge; son and daughter-in-law Gordon R. and Katie Lacy of Plano, Texas; grandchildren Joseph, Juliana, and Camille Lacy of Plano, Texas, and Doug Russell of Maynardville.

Mrs. Lacy spent her final years living at the Courtyards Assisted Living in Oak Ridge, where she was adored by the staff and fellow residents. She always enjoyed playing bingo, and working crossword and jigsaw puzzles, along with numerous other activities.

Mrs. Lacy was active with First Presbyterian Church of Oak Ridge. She attended Charlotte Hensley’s exercise classes at the Civic Center for many years and was always grateful for the assistance of Alice Miller.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks for the loving care provided by the entire staff of Courtyards Assisted Living, which was always the best care with an exceptional staff; Amedisys Hospice for their excellent compassionate care; her physician Dr. Pamela Bridgeman; hospice nurse Juliana Schmitt, and Chaplain Scott Payne.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 6106, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6106 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

A private family graveside service will be held with the Rev. Sharon Youngs and the Rev. Bob Cantrell officiating.

Weatherford Mortuary is provided the arrangements. An online guestbook can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.

Doris Davies Comer ’47

Dec. 18, 2020

Born March 25, 1924 in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, Doris Ann Davies Comer grew up in Summit Hill, PA. After graduating from the Business Training College of Pittsburgh she attended Berea College in Kentucky, where she met her husband to be, Richard Henry Comer (from South Boston, VA). They were married on V-E Day, 1945, after his return from fighting in the Mediterranean in WWII. They had a loving marriage until he went to be with Our Lord in 2009, where they are now together once more. In 1956, she opened Grove Presbyterian Kindergarten, remaining a dedicated teacher and administrator until 1968. Doris and Richard traveled extensively, were well-read and enjoyed sharing their adventures and knowledge with others. She is survived by her two daughters, Marlo Gwynne Sherman (wife of the late Roger L. Sherman) of West Virginia and Dr. Jennifer Ann Comer (wife of David L. Duchon) of Havre de Grace; one grandson, Zachary L. Sherman of Fairfax, VA; and three step-grandchildren: Heather Lindhorst (wife of John Lindhorst and mother of Kaylee and Harper) of Fallston, MD; Dr. Chad Duchon (husband of Ana Duchon and father of Jared, Jacob, Miana and Catalina) of League City, Texas; and Dr. Joel Duchon (husband of Brittany Duchon and father of Micah, Nathan, and Ella) of Pearland, Texas. She was preceded in death by one son, Judson T. Comer. No viewing or funeral per her wishes. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your church or charity.

Jean Wolfe Dollar ’47

July 29, 2020

Emerald Isle-Margaret “Jean” Wolfe Dollar, 94 of Emerald Isle died at Carteret HealthCare in Morehead City on Wednesday, July 29, 2020.  A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2020 at 3:00 PM at Emerald Isle Baptist Church with the Rev. Freddie Braswell officiating.

She was preceded in death by her son, Don Henry Dollar; daughter, Karen Dollar Edwards; parents, Louis Dewitt and Lillian Wolfe; and her brother, Jack Wolfe.

Jean was survived by her son, Isaac Ike Dewitt Dollar of Nashville, NC; seven grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren and her son in law, Lawrence Edwards.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Emerald Isle Baptist Church, 304 Emerald Plantation Road, Emerald Isle, NC 28594.

Maxine J. Funk Acad. ’43, ’47

Oct. 9, 2020

Obituary Unavailable

L. Felix Joyner Navy V-12 ’44, ’47

Oct. 29, 2020

L. Felix Joyner Jr. died surrounded by family and friends on Oct. 29, 2020, in Durham, North Carolina. Felix was born on Nov. 20, 1924, in Savannah, Georgia.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Margaret Ruth Barrett Joyner; and by his younger brother, Wendell Ray Joyner, of Atlanta, Ga.

He is survived by his sons, Leon S. Joyner (Suellen) of Brentwood, Tennessee, and Barrett R. Joyner (Stephenie) of Cary, North Carolina; his two grandsons, Brian Joyner (Elise) of Rock Hill, South Carolina, and Matthew Joyner (Carole Pierce) of Raleigh, North Carolina; his granddaughter, Katherine Joyner (Dan Touchette) of Munich, Germany; and his great-grandchildren, Hayden, Will, Elaine, Anna, Emilee and Bree of Rock Hill, South Carolina, and Noble and Willow of Raleigh, North Carolina. In addition, Felix is survived by his most cherished friends Jackie Quirk and Don Rayno.

Felix grew up in the small community of Bay Branch, Georgia, outside of Sylvania, Georgia, in Screven County. Felix and Margaret met while attending Brewton Parker College in Mt. Vernon, Georgia, Margaret’s hometown.

After graduating from Brewton Parker, Felix entered the U.S. Navy and proudly served until 1946. He then attended Berea College, graduating in 1947. He continued his post-graduate studies by attending both Harvard Business School and the Southern Regional Training Program.

Felix began his career in Kentucky State Government in Frankfort, Kentucky, as a budget analyst. From 1948 to 1955, he served as budget director and deputy commissioner of finance for Governors Earle Clements and Lawrence Wetherby.

He also had a series of consulting assignments. These assignments include working for the Government of Burma where he directed the creation of the country’s financial accounting system. When leaving for Burma, Gov. Weatherby remarked, “Felix is one of the finest public servants I have ever seen in government. I think he knows more about government financing than anyone I’ve ever known.”

In 1960, Felix returned to Kentucky to serve in the administrations of Governors Bert T.Combs and Ned Breathitt as the Commissioner of Finance. In 1962, he was named Kentucky Public Administrator of the Year by the American Society of PublicAdministration.

Felix was known for his wry sense of humor, his story-telling ability and his knowledge of the workings of government. In a Louisville Courier Journal article, Allan Trout stated that “Joyner has a sly smile that twinkles and a low pitched drawl that invites bemused attention … The thing is, Joyner does not need the status of a suite or the props of a staff, just walking around he carries more between his two ears than the average functionary can stow in a dozen file cabinets.”

In 1968, Felix took a job as VP of Finance at UNC serving first Bill Friday and then C.D. Spangler until his retirement in 1995. His impact on the UNC System was immense; he created and molded the financial structure of the 16-school UNC system.

In his spare time, Felix endeavored to be the best fisherman in North Carolina. Felix enjoyed fishing with his children, grandchildren, colleagues, as well as governors. Another passion was college basketball, especially his beloved Tarheels, and he was proud to say he and Margaret were in New Orleans for both of Dean Smith’s UNC national championships in 1982 and 1993.

He was a member of the South Frankfort Presbyterian Church until 1968. A private service to celebrate Felix’s life was held on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Felix and Margaret Joyner Scholarship Fund at Brewton Parker College, P.O. Box 197, Mt. Vernon, GA 30445 or make checks payable to the Multiple Sclerosis Society and send to MS Greater Carolinas Chapter, 3101 Industrial Drive Suite 210 Raleigh, NC 27609.

Dorothy Turpin Morris ’47

Nov. 17, 2013

Obituary Unavailable

Mary Lou Haigler Salter ’47

Dec. 13, 2020

Mary Lou Salter, 94, of Milton Florida, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, December 13, 2020. Mary Lou was native of Cherokee, North Carolina, and a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. She was the second oldest of nine children born to the late Donald and Cora Mae Haigler. She graduated from Berea College in 1948, with a B.S. in Nursing. During her time at Berea College she met the love of her life Dr. James I Salter. They married on June 1, 1948. She was a proud member of the WWII Cadet Nursing Corp. Mary Lou was a retired operating room and school nurse and with over 30 years of loving and caring service. She was a faithful member of The First Baptist Church of Richmond, Kentucky, and while in Milton, Florida, she was a faithful worshiper at Pine Terrace Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. James I Salter, of Milton, Florida. Survivors include son, J. Gregory Salter; daughter, Cynthia (James) Grimes; brother, Tom Haigler; brother, Larry (Melba) Haigler; loving niece and daughter of Tom, Traci Haigler (Tim) Lowe; grandsons, James (Aricka), Eric and Aaron; great grandsons, Isaac, Noah and Gavin; and many loving and caring members of the Salter Family; nieces; nephews, cousin and friends. Funeral services for Mary Lou Salter will be held at 11:30 a.m., Friday, December 18, 2020, at Pine Terrace Baptist Church, Milton, Florida, with Dr. Mike Wiggins officiating. Burial will follow in the Serenity Gardens Cemetery, with Lewis Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be held 10:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m., prior to the service. The family wishes to thank the staff of Emerald Coast Hospice and a very special thank you to Donnie Pitman for the love and care given to their mother, sister and Nana, during her time of illness. The family requests memorial donations be made in Mary Lous names to the Madison County Breast Cancer Support Group, c\o Arlayne Francis, 270 Clairmont Dr., Richmond, KY 40475.

Kathleen Beverly Cruise ’48

Nov. 6, 2020

Kathleen Beverly Cruise, 94, of Marietta, GA, passed away on Friday, November 6, 2020, at A.G. Rhodes Health and Rehab Center in Marietta, GA. Mrs. Cruise was born on September 10, 1926, in Tarpon, VA, and was the daughter of the late Fred Alfred and Sarah Victoria Rakes Beverly.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Glenn Cruise, one daughter, Karen Cruise Newcomb, and one son, David Alan Cruise.

Mrs. Cruise was a graduate of Haysi High School and attended Berea College, after which she taught school briefly. Following marriage she made a home in Giles County, VA where she raised her family of five children and lived until 2012. She was a member of Pearisburg Baptist Church since 1951, serving as a Sunday School and Bible School teacher and was active in women’s circles. Throughout her life she sewed and crocheted, raised vegetable gardens, canned food, and was a wonderful cook. She loved to read books and was an inveterate solver of crossword puzzles.

Mrs. Cruise is survived by two daughters, Beverly Cruise Hueter of Smyrna, GA; Sara Cruise Grochowski and her husband, Ted, of Roanoke, VA; one son, Robert Glenn Cruise of Pensacola, FL; one sister, Nadine Farmer of Abingdon, VA; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg on November 14, 2020 at 2:00 pm. If you wish, memorial donations may be made to A.G. Rhodes Foundation (agrhodes.org) or the charity of your choice. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.GivensFuneralHome.com.

Jean Justice Welsh ’48

Sept. 26, 2019

Obituary Unavailable

Loyal Hogue ’49

July 14, 2016

Loyal R. Hogue, 91, born February 18, 1925, passed away at his home on Thursday, July 14, 2016. “Buddy” was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne Bridges Hogue; his parents, Elzie Hogue and Bertha Land; and a son-in-law, Greg Bowen.

After graduation from Middleburg High School in Casey County, KY, Buddy enlisted in the Army at the age of 18 and served our country during World War II as a member of the OSS, which later became known as the CIA. After the war, he completed his studies at Berea College where he met his wife, Joanne Bridges. After graduating from Berea, they both attended Indiana University and earned Masters Degrees in Business. After working in Memphis and Louisville for a few years, Buddy and Jo returned to her hometown, Cumberland, where he practiced as a self-employed CPA for 53 years. Buddy was a member of the Cumberland United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday school for many years. He was also a member of many civic organizations and served as a member of the Robert E. Frazier Foundation Trust Fund until his passing.

He is survived by four children, Ann (Daniel) Midkiff, Benham, KY, Scott (Tammy) Hogue, Richmond, KY, Alyson Bowen, Willisburg, KY, and Chris (Dana Joy) Hogue, Cumberland, KY. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren, Paul(Julie) Midkiff, Black Mountain, NC, Scott (Lori) Midkiff, Midway, KY, Charlie Midkiff (Larry Green) Berea, KY, Kelli (Alex) Combs, San Francisco, Steven Hogue, Lexington, KY, Matthew (Katie) Bowen, Lexington, KY, Daniel (Ali) Bowen, Lexington, KY, Whitney Bowen, Willisburg, KY, Brooks (Caroline) Hogue, Lexington, KY, Kyle Hogue, Lexington, KY, Lauren Hogue, Richmond, KY, and Caleb Hogue, Cumberland, KY, and 4 great-grandchildren, Andrew and Grady Midkiff, Black Mountain, NC, Madelyn and Emma Midkiff, Midway, KY.

Visitation will be held at the Cumberland United Methodist Church on Saturday, July 16 from 5:00 – 8:00, and the funeral will be Sunday, July 17 at 2:00, also at the church with Rev. Jody VanSickle officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Cumberland United Methodist Church. Interment will be in the Monte Vista Cemetery in Cumberland, KY with family serving as pallbearers.

You may leave online condolences for the family at www.tricityfuneralhome.com.

Tri City Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.

William B. Evans Fd. ’50

Nov. 22, 2020

William Best Evans (Bill) passed away peacefully at home on Nov 22, 2020. Bill was born to Wilson and Ellen Evans in Berea, KY on Sept 13, 1932. He was recruited to play basketball for the University of Kentucky Wildcats, and his #42 jersey is retired in the rafters of Rupp Arena. Bill was a multi-sport athlete at UK. He also played baseball and #1 singles in tennis, lettering in all three sports. After graduating he played basketball for the Armed Forces, which led him to be invited to play on the 1956 USA Olympic Basketball team that won the Gold Medal in Melbourne, Australia. In 1959, he played in the Pan American Games for the US team that won Gold in Chicago. Bill was always humble when asked about his achievements.
Bill had a long successful career as Vice President of Franchising for Kentucky Fried Chicken in Louisville. He enjoyed his job and traveling around the country meeting with KFC franchisees. When Bill wasn’t working his favorite place to be was on the tennis court.
He was known as a great competitor and a gentleman on the court. He played singles and doubles in state, sectional and national level tournaments. He was a tennis enthusiast who made it a priority to grow the sport in Kentucky. Whether it was for fun or for a trophy, he usually found a way to win.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Nancy. He is also survived by his sister Rose Mary, brother Carl (Ann), children Sallie and Allison (Tom), and grandchildren Lynn, Hannah and Sam Coryell, Evan and Tommy Scanlan, and extended family.
Bill chose to bequeath his body to the University of Kentucky Medical Center. Memorial gifts may be made to the Raise a Racquet For Kentucky Tennis Foundation.

To plant trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Billy Kaye Moores Acad. ’46, ’50

Aug. 12, 2019

Billy Kaye Moores, 95, of Kearneysville passed away Monday, August 12, 2019 at his home under the care of Hospice. Born December 31, 1923 in Ravenna, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Charles Algin Moores and Ada Mae Tipton. He was a member of the St. Peters Lutheran Church. Billy served in the U S Navy. He worked for the Prince George’s County Public Schools as a physical education teacher.

He is survived by two sons, Billy Moores II and Charles Moores and wife Lisa all of Kearneysville, brother, Paul Moores of Coco Beach, Florida, two sisters, Patricia Cox and Mary Lou Moores both of Richmond, Kentucky, grandchildren, Chelsea Kay and Charles Franklin, great grandchildren; Blaze, Haize, Rhiot, Kilyan, Paizlee, Kierra and Rayna. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Fulk Hill Moores, brothers James and Charles Moores and sister, Betty J. Moores.

Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church with the Pastor Karen Valentine officiating. Interment will be in the Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Monday at the Jefferson Chapel Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Billy Kaye Moores, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Doris Walker Rummel ’50

Jan. 2, 2021

Doris Ellen Rummel (nee Walker), age 94, passed away on January 2, 2021. She was the beloved wife of the late John Henry Rummel, Sr.; devoted mother of John H. Rummel, Jr. and his wife Margaret, Joan A. Doody and her husband Jerry, and Paul A. Rummel and his late wife Joan. Loving grandmother of Paige Feehan and her husband Evan, Nolan Rummel, Kaitlin Bowen and her husband Matt, Sean Doody, James Doody, Cory Tibball, and Spencer Rummel; cherished great grandmother of Eloise K. Bowen. Doris was predeceased by her siblings Jane Bolger, Ann Lorden, and George Walker. Services and interment are private. Those desiring may make a memorial donation in Doris’ name to the Berea College, CPO 2216, Berea, Kentucky 40404. Condolences may be left for the family at www.schimunekfuneralhomes.com.

Garland Williams ’50

Dec. 3, 2020

Garland (Smokie) Williams, 93, passed from this life on Thursday, December 3, 2020 at Mt. Pleasant Retirement Village, Monroe, Ohio. Garland was born to George and Mae Williams in Bonneyman, Ky., Nov 29, 1927. After graduating from First Creek High School at the age of 16, he attended Berea College, where he became Smokie.

At age 18, the U.S. Army redirected his talents to Korea where he served with the Occupation Troops of Japan. A couple years later, he returned to Berea to finish his degree, play a lot of baseball for the Mountaineers, and marry Wanda Branham. In the spring of 1951, the couple arrived in Middletown Ohio looking for summer employment. Smokie’s summer job at Aeronca lasted 20 years. His love of all things sports continued. He played for and coached the Aeronca Flyers softball and basketball teams, took up golf at Wildwood and tennis at the Middletown Tennis Club. He attended all the Middies games as long as he was physically able.

Smokie was a vital part of church life and leadership at the First Baptist Church; teaching classes, serving on boards, and quietly dispensing wisdom as needed. He earned an MBA from Miami University and continued his career as Senior Systems Analyst at Mosler Safe Co. in Hamilton.

Smokie was defined by his sharp, but subtle, sense of humor and ready smile. He found great joy in little everyday things. Dogs loved him. Family was always most important. He most wanted to be remembered as a good man. He succeeded. Smokie is survived by Wanda, his wife of 71 years, daughter Kathryn Sloan of KC, Missouri, and son Gerald Williams of Glendale, Ohio. Grandchildren: Jesse Sloan, Jared (Heather) Sloan, Jackson (Denise Miller) Williams, Claire Williams, and Bailey Williams. Four great grandchildren: Finley & Olive Sloan and Wyatt & Nora Williams. He was preceded in death by his parents, George & Mae Williams and sister Evalee Hensley all of Middletown.

A celebration of life service will be scheduled for a future date. Donations in his memory will be welcomed by Hospice of Butler & Warren Counties or First Baptist Church of Middletown.

Harold W. Barr

                Spouse of Sara Anderson Barr ’51

Feb. 21, 2019

Harold Wayne Barr, 92, of Blountville, died at home on Thursday, February 21, 2019. In a family history he completed some six years ago, he summarized his life’s occupations as: high school teacher, church organist, farmer, and genealogist. Those few words only hint at how his service, work, and study touched lives in his community and beyond.

Born on April 9, 1926 in Oildale, California, he was the third child of Sullivan County natives Mellye Frances and Clarence W. Barr, Sr. The family moved back to Tennessee soon after he was born, and he grew up on his family’s farm. He was educated at Blountville Grammar School and High School. In 1944, his salutatory address at his high school graduation was “The Value of Education,” and that sentiment suffused his entire life.

In July 1945 he enlisted in the US Army Air Forces and was in the Pacific theater as World War II ended and Allied occupation and reconstruction began. He was honorably discharged at the rank of sergeant, returned to the US, and enrolled at Davidson College where he completed a bachelor’s degree in English.

During the 1950s he pursued graduate education at Vanderbilt University and earned a master’s degree. He taught high school in the Sullivan County system. In 1957 he married Sara Anderson of Kingsport, and they began a family at his home place in Blountville.

From the 1950s through the 1980s, he taught at Blountville High School and later Sullivan Central High School. There he taught and influenced thousands of students who studied English and French with him. His love of language—from speaking and handwriting to the plays of Shakespeare and the New England transcendentalists—was complete. He strived to bring that love to his students, and to help many others appreciate that English is not the only language spoken on earth. Sullivan County residents who had him as a teacher still speak of his caring, humor, and rigor in the classroom.

For some thirty years, Harold was the organist at Blountville Presbyterian Church. His love of musical language was knit up with a faith shaped by biblical study and strengthened by his readings about and encounters with people of other faiths. He served as an elder in the church. He underscored the practicality of this faith by giving to the church—whether it was the monthly check in the collection plate or sacks of potatoes donated to an orphanage.

Throughout his life he combined the work of teacher and musician with that of farmer. Alongside Sara, he ran a subsistence farm that produced livestock and vegetables. They and their four children worked on the farm and experienced the effort of growing food and the vagaries of weather, soil, and machinery. His love of the outdoors took the family on camping trips around the Mountain Empire.

After retiring from teaching, he took up genealogy in earnest, and worked for years on a family history that culminated in the publication of a book in 2013 From the Green Meadow. Alongside that work, he continued to run the farm, was an active member of the Blountville Ruritan (where he was honored with a lifetime membership), and sang in a church choir. He and Sara square danced and cleared and blazed trails as members of the Mount Rogers Appalachian Trail Club. In 2007, they traveled to Scotland, a magnificent adventure.

Over the past four years, the progression of Harold’s Alzheimer’s dementia made life increasingly difficult.  During this time, his caregiver Willie Duffy provided care, support, and love for “Chief” and the whole family. The family is deeply grateful for Willie and has been blessed by his wonderful spirit and wisdom.

Dementia could not completely undercut Harold’s mind, and as late as January 2019 at the conclusion of a FaceTime call, in a little island of lucidity, he bade his son “au revoir.”

Harold Barr is predeceased by his parents Mellye Frances (nee Foust) Barr and Clarence William Barr, Senior, brothers Clarence William Barr, Jr. and Graham Wright Barr, sister Evelyn Eleanor (nee Barr) Goad, and a niece.

He is survived by his wife Sara Rebecca Anderson Barr of Blountville, sister Frances Pauline Barr Morgan of Port Haywood, Virginia; children Thomas Harold Barr (Kathryn) of Providence, Rhode Island, Margaret Rebecca Barr Myers (Richard) of Memphis, Tennessee, Clarence William Barr, III (Amy Lee) of Birmingham, Alabama, and Andrew Anderson Barr (Hillary) of Seattle, Washington; grandchildren Rebecca Woodson Barr, Elizabeth Suzanna Barr, Thomas Anderson Barr, Samuel Ralph Martin Myers, James Foust Myers, Mary Margaret Barr, Virginia Lee Barr, Clarence William Barr, IV, Sydney Jane Barr, and Griffin Matthew Barr; eight nieces and nephews, eight great-nieces and great-nephews, and one great-great-nephew.

Visitation will be 1:30 – 3:30 on Sunday, February 24, 2019 at Blountville Presbyterian Church, and following that a service of celebration will be led by Rev. Marshall Steinle.  Following the service, interment will be at Gunnings Cemetery, with military graveside rites conducted the American Legion 3/265.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, 3152 Little Road, Suite 146, Trinity, FL, 34655 or Blountville Presbyterian Church, 3400 Hwy 126, Blountville, TN  37617.

Louise Lewis Craft ’51

Dec. 20, 2020

Louise Laura Lewis Craft died peacefully on December 20, 2020, in her home at Magnolia Trace Retirement Center in Huntsville, Alabama. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Curtis Craft. Louise felt cared for and loved in her final hour, as she had been for the past year as her daughters took turns staying with her. This was a sweet time, during which Louise shared many stories, watched lots of tennis and golf, and zoomed with family in several states. Louise was born on December 22, 1927 in Roanoke, Virginia to Eudie Oliver and Mabel Caldwell Lewis. She is preceded in death by her older brother Earl Lewis (Larue) of Harrells, NC; and by her older sister Aileen Schaller of Durham, NC; and by her younger brother Claude Lewis of Roanoke, Virginia. Raised in Roanoke, Louise graduated from William Byrd High School in 1946 and from Berea College (Kentucky) in 1950. She majored in Home Economics with a focus on furniture and clothes design. Her skill in food sciences led to interesting work for Fontana Dam and for the Appalachian Power Company, where she demonstrated how to cook with the newly available microwave oven. Louise first saw her future husband, Joseph Curtis Craft, as they passed in a doorway during the first week of college. They became friends, enjoying time on the tennis court and walking in the woods. Big dates included nickel coffee at the diner near campus. Louise and Joe were married in Danforth Chapel at Berea College on May 27, 1952. They returned to the area where Joe had been raised, settling in the Lakewood subdivision of Huntsville, Alabama. The Redstone Arsenal was growing fast, and Joe found work there as mathematician, while Louise taught biology and home economics at several schools, primarily Davis Hill Junior High. The family was involved in activities ranging from school bands (for which Louise helped make banners and uniforms) to swim teams. They spent weekends hiking on Monte Sano or playing sports in the neighborhood. Summers included trips to the Lewis family farm in Bladen County, North Carolina, and many happy weeks were spent on the shores of that state. The couple was active in Civitans, the Opportunity Center and the Help Line. Louise held leadership roles in the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution. She enjoyed bridge, gardening and sewing projects of all kinds. She became an accomplished amateur genealogist and produced an excellent record of both the Craft and Lewis ancestries. When Joe retired, the couple traveled extensively, from Florida to Arizona to Massachusetts. Louise and Joe had three daughters: Cheryl Elizabeth Anderson (Sonny) of Madison, Alabama; Peggy Craft of Efland, North Carolina; and Jolynn Powell (Michael) of Gurley, Alabama. There are a dozen grandchildren: Daniel Powell, Beth Anderson, David Powell, Ross Anderson, Sarah Kinzer, Joellen Craft, Heather Craft, Laura Anderson, Gloria Gasser, Rebekah Powell, Thomas Curtis Anderson, and Adam Powell. Along with the twenty great grandchildren, they carry many happy memories of time spent with Grandma Louise and Grandpa Joe. A gathering of the immediate family will be held at Valhalla Memory Gardens. A celebration of Louise’s life will be held at a later date. If you want to honor Louise’s life with a donation, please consider Berea College or the Opportunity Center of Huntsville.

G. Milton Davis ’51

Dec. 9, 2020

Fittingly for a high school English teacher, Milt Davis loved a good story, classics like “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Of Mice and Men.” His personal favorite, the one he shared often with family and friends, was the story of how he proposed to his wife, Bettie.

The young couple was out for a drive one night in 1952 when Milt pulled to the side of a country road to nervously pop the question. Just as he finished speaking, he got a response: “MOOOOOO!” Because of the darkness, the startled couple realized that a cow was standing practically next to the car when it delivered its untimely bellow. Happily, however, Bettie said yes, and their marriage lasted almost 60 years until her death in 2012.

George Milton Davis died on Dec. 9, 2020, in Ashburn, after a long illness. He was 90 years old. Born on May 1, 1930, Milt was one of three children to Marvin and Dorothy (nee Cook) Davis in Fountain Inn, S.C. Growing up on a farm, Milt would recall having lots of pets and playing marbles with his younger brother Jack and friends. At Fountain Inn High School he played football alongside his twin brother, Wilt. After graduation, Milt went to Berea College in Kentucky, earning a bachelor’s degree in English in 1951. It was in college that Milt would meet the woman who would become his wife. He and Bettie married on Oct. 26, 1952, and went on to have three children, Lydia, Gary and Dee Dee.

College was followed by Officer Candidate School with the U.S. Navy, which led to assignment on the USS Missouri battleship during the Korean War. After leaving the service, Milt earned a master’s degree from Duke University in 1956 and embarked on a long career in education. The first four years, he taught English at Washington-Lee, Wakefield and Yorktown High Schools in Arlington. The next 30 years were spent at George Mason High School in Falls Church, Virginia, where he was head of the English department and retired in 1990.

Throughout that time he was active in his church, Columbia Baptist Church, where he was a deacon. He also taught an adult Sunday School class with the same core group of members for well over 20 years.

As a lifelong educator, Milt was beloved by his students and touched thousands of lives, something they shared in letters to the family and in social media posts. Milt and Bettie also developed a strong bond with an exchange student who lived with the family for a year. The student, Matt, considered Milt to be his second dad.

Having a father who taught high school had its benefits. As a little boy, Gary was the lucky recipient of squirt guns, super balls and other forbidden toys Milt confiscated from his students. As teenagers, attending the high school where their father taught was a mixed blessing. On one hand, “if I forgot my lunch money, I could always go to dad,” Dee Dee says. Milt attended Gary’s football games and proofread all the siblings’ essays. But there were awkward moments, too, like when Milt would come upon his son holding hands and kissing a girlfriend in the hallways. And somehow Milt knew to scold Lydia after she skipped a geometry class.

In retirement, Milt picked up many of the household duties while Bettie was still working. He also avidly followed his favorite sports teams from his La-Z-Boy recliner. Baseball was a particular passion, and the family shared his joy when the Washington Nationals finally won a World Series in 2019. The Washington Redskins and the Duke men’s basketball team were also high on Milt’s list.

Milt was predeceased by his parents, wife and twin brother, Robert Wilton Davis. He and Bettie also lost a son, Keith Ray, in infancy.

Survivors include his brother, Jack Henry Davis of Hendersonville, North Carolina, and three children. Lydia (Charlie) Pratt of Sunset, South Carolina, Gary (Maureen) Davis of Fredericksburg and Dee Dee (Mark) Sharron of Rincon, Georgia.

Also surviving him are eight grandchildren, Ryan, Joshua and Suzana Pratt; Caitlin Penning and Cole Davis; and Matthew Sharron, Stephanie Turner and Rebecca Sharron. Three great-grandchildren survive him as well: Ella and Chase Pratt and River Turner.

As per his wishes, Milt was cremated, and his remains will be interred with those of his wife in Berea, Kentucky. Because of the coronavirus, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations can be made directly to Berea College or the National Kidney Foundation. Arrangements are being handled by Money & King Funeral Home.

Margaret Templin Hall ’51

Aug. 30, 2020

Margaret Elizabeth Templin-Hall, age 93 of White Pine, TN, passed away at her home on August 30, 2020. She was a retired teacher from White Pine Elementary after 32 years of service and a devoted lifetime servant of the Lord and a member of Leadvale Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Joe Hall; sons, Freddie Joe Hall and Philip Austin Hall; parents, Isaac and Pearly Mae Templin; four brothers and two sisters. Margaret is survived by her son, Ricky “Doc” (Annette) Hall, four grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren: several nieces, nephews, other family members and several special friends. Graveside Interment Service will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2020, at 10:00 am, Dandridge Memorial Gardens with Rev. Charlie Harkleroad and Rev. Brandon Cate officiating. Friends and family may pay their respects between the hours of 5:00-7:00 pm at Leadvale Baptist Church in White Pine on Wednesday, September 2, 2020. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Operation Christmas Child “Shoeboxes”, Leadvale Baptist Church, 874 Leadvale Church Road, White Pine, TN 37890.
In consideration of the health and safety of all those attending the services, Farrar Funeral Home strongly encourages all CDC guidelines be followed, including the use of facemasks.
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Martha Dendy King ’52

Dec. 3, 2020

Martha Frances King passed away Thursday evening, December 3, 2020 at home in Fairfield Glade, TN. She was born November 16, 1929 and had just celebrated her 91st birthday. She was born to Oscar and Ola Mae (Wright) Dendy at home in Boaz, AL. She lost her own mother very young and was fortunate to welcome stepmother, Nell Gaines Dendy, when she was 12. She was very close to her father, who, like his wife, was an educator, and clearly a strong influence. He encouraged many a young person in Boaz and Martha’s encouraging and supporting nature surely reflected his. While she had no siblings, Martha was very close to several of her parent’s siblings and their children. She grew up supported and loved by her extended family.

Martha left Boaz to study at Berea College in Berea, KY and remained a lifelong fan and supporter of the college! She graduated with a degree in physical education and then continued with a master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin. Her first teaching position was at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College (now Randolph College) in Lynchburg, VA. She then went to The Ohio State University where she taught for 8 years, acquiring her nickname, Marty, along the way. While there, she picked up golf and, in addition to teaching many young students to play, perfected her own game. She also made lifelong friends and met the love of her life, Walter Alfred King (or Bud as she and the family know him). Marty and Bud married August 24, 1963, in Boaz, AL, and lived in Bowie, MD, after spending their first year of marriage on Long Island, NY. Two children, Laura Frances and John Walter followed.

Martha was a lifelong teacher, competitor and supporter of her family. From getting her kids to “move to the ball,” coaching and cheering on her kids’ various athletic and academic endeavors, to winning golf championships, she was a tireless proponent of an active life. She was such a positive influence on all children that she would routinely be asked by her own children’s classmates to be a field trip chaperone. She cheered on good behavior and good sportsmanship in the classroom and on the field, firmly believing that was the enduring lesson of sports, to take care of yourself and others, and to use those lessons in daily life.

Her genuine interest in the lives of other people comes through time and again in remembrances from family and friends. She always celebrated the successes of others. And she had plenty of her own successes, particularly on the golf course. She practiced and played the game with a studied intensity and great enthusiasm that made her a popular playing partner with golfers of all skill levels. She won numerous club championships over the years and even played in both Maryland and Tennessee state amateur tournaments, picking up four Maryland senior amateur titles and five super senior amateur titles in Tennessee.

Marty and Bud retired to Fairfield Glade, TN, in 1993, to be closer to family in both Alabama and Ohio, where they enjoyed many years of golfing, traveling, visiting family, and making new friends. Grandchildren first appeared on the scene in 1999 and travel to the Glade became known as Summer Camp. Mimi (or Grammy) was always up for activity when it came to the grandkids. All have many fond memories of trips to the Glade, Florida, North Carolina, and Wisconsin with her. She could not have been prouder of her grandchildren and having her in their lives was a great blessing!

Martha leaves behind to cherish and celebrate her memory her husband of 57 years, Walter A. King; her daughter, Laura Frances Gunter and husband, Markham, of Raleigh, NC; her son, John Walter King of Madison, WI; her grandchildren, Graham McDaniel and Sloane Frances Gunter, and Trayton Garrett and Abate John King; and many relatives and friends.

A service memorializing her life will be held later. In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorials in honor of Martha to Berea College (www.berea.edu/give/ or Berea College, CPO 2216, Berea, KY 40404, 800-457-9846) or Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church (www.ffgumc.org/give or Fairfield Glad UMC, 237 Westchester Drive, Fairfield Glade, TN 38558, 931-484-3473).

John Campbell Rogers ’52

Jan. 12, 2021

Mr. Rogers was born on January 23, 1929 to the late French and Jenness Rogers in Well Springs, TN. He attended Powell Valley High School, Berea College in Kentucky, The University of Tennessee and graduated with a Master’s degree in Education of the University of Georgia. Mr. Rogers married Lou Grubb Rogers in 1951. He was drafted into the Army in 1953 and served two terms at Fort Gordon, formerly known as Camp Gordon. After his discharge from the military, he worked at Southeastern Signal School at Fort Gordon until he retired in 1988. After Lou passed away in 1997, he married Norma Carr of Hamilton, Ohio. Mr. Rogers and his family attended Hillcrest Baptist Church where he also served as a deacon. Survivors include his wife, Norma Brooks Rogers; children, Mike Rogers, Kim Shutt and John Rogers, all residing in Georgia; sister, Virginia Meadors of Tennessee; grandchildren, Levi Shutt, Sean Rogers, Kyle Rogers, Ben Shutt, Jennifer Rogers, Hailey Rogers, Jordan Rogers and Anna Rogers; and one great-grandchild, Jayden Rogers. Private graveside services will be held at the Veterans section of Bellevue Memorial Gardens where Mr. Rogers will be laid to rest next to Lou Rogers. The family will have a public memorial service at Hillcrest Baptist Church at a later date.

Dr. Oscar Byrne Tinney Jr. ’52

Oct. 12, 2019

Oscar Byrne Tinney, Jr., 89, of Rebel’s Creek in Mitchell County died on October 12th after a brief illness. He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Wilma Howell Tinney, also of Rebels Creek, and seven siblings.

He is survived by three children. Nancy of Long Island, New York, Alan of Penland in Mitchell County, and Elizabeth, also of Rebel’s Creek. Also surviving are his brother George, of West Virginia, his grandson, Matthew Tinney of Burnsville, his granddaughter, Erin Crouse, of Charleston, South Carolina, two great-grandchildren, Samantha and Jacob, 10 nephews and nieces and their descendants.

He was born and raised in Elkins, West Virginia, the 7th of eight children born to Oscar Tinney, and his wife, Clara Halstead Tinney, in 1930. After graduating high school, he became the only member of his family to attend college by enrolling at Berea College in Kentucky,

Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish in 1952. While there, he met Wilma Howell from Rebel’s Creek, who was also the first member of her family to attend college. They were married in Berea’s Danforth Chapel in April of 1952. During the summer between his Junior and Senior years in college, and having never traveled anywhere, he hitchhiked to Mexico City in Mexico to immerse himself in a Spanish-speaking culture!

After graduation, Byrne enlisted in the Air Force and became a ‘lifer’, serving his country for the next 23 years. He was posted to Spain and the Panama Canal Zone, and to various States from Mississippi to North Dakota. After retiring as a chief Master Sergeant in 1975, he worked as a sales representative marketing electronic equipment in Latin America.

In 1977, he moved to Mitchell County to join the administrative staff at Penland School of Craft. In 1982, he and Wilma moved to Chapel Hill and enrolled at UNC, where she finished her bachelor’s degree and he earned his master’s and Ph.D in Romance languages, specializing in Central American literature. He remained there for several years as a adjunct instructor, serving more than once as program director for the junior year abroad program in Seville, Spain, where he and Wilma got reacquainted with old friends from their time living near Seville in the 1960’s. They retired to Rebels Creek in 1997.

Byrne was also a ham radio operator who spent hundreds of happy hours chatting with other hams all over the world. He used that hobby socially and for emergencies helping other people communicate and track down loved ones. He was also an emcee and translator for the southern command band while in the Canal Zone. He was a creative amateur photographer and also sang shaped notes and gospel music in numerous choirs and churches and Military chapels. His sense of humor was indomitable especially in word play. Nothing was so sacrosanct that it could not be joked about. He will be sorely missed by his many friends and his family.

Those who wish to make a donation in his memory are welcome to contribute to the Mitchell County Animal Rescue with the family’s thanks.

Graveside Memorial services will be Sunday, January 5th, at 2 p.m., at Rebels Creek Cemetery, off Highway 80 north in Mitchell County. There will be full military honors. In case of bad weather, it will be held at Rebel’s Creek Baptist Church

 To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Oscar Byrne Tinney, Jr., please visit our floral store.

Doretha Bensenhaver

                Spouse of Charles B. Bensenhaver Jr. ’53

Oct. 22, 2020

Doretha Hanson Bensenhaver, 88, of Louisville, KY passed away on October 22, 2020 at Norton’s Audubon Hospital after a short illness.

Doretha was born in her parents’ home on property that is now a part of Mammoth Cave National Park. The family moved to their farm in Hiseville where Doretha lived until she accepted a teaching position in Louisville.

She attended Hiseville School and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Western Kentucky State College, now Western Kentucky University.

Hundreds of students enjoyed her excellent teaching skills over the course of her career of twenty-nine years. To this day, former students visit and reminisce about the varied activities and funny stories they shared while in her class. She began her teaching career at Alice Waller Elementary School, moved by redistricting to Benjamin Franklin Elementary, and then the school from which she retired, St. Matthews Elementary.

After her retirement, Doretha was able to pursue her passion and prowess for tennis full time, sometimes playing as many as five times a week. She was an excellent player, team captain, and ace tennis rules encyclopedia. Over the years she played at Dupont, Blairwood, and Bass Rudd Tennis Centers. She continued captaining two teams during her illness.

She was predeceased by her parents, Earl Hanson and Ethel Cutliff Hanson along with numerous brothers and sisters. Her loving husband, Charles Jr., survives her.

She is survived by three children, Lisa Kennedy (Earl), Acworth, Georgia, Amye Bensenhaver, Frankfort, Kentucky, and Dr. Charles (Todd) Bensenhaver III (Rose), Louisville, Kentucky. Goonmommy will be sorely missed by her traveling companions Elizabeth Olotka (Greg) and Emily Kennedy. Stella Bensenhaver and Lila Bensenhaver kept their Goonmommy entertained as she was able to watch young grandchildren become lovely young ladies. She was entranced by her two great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Elise Olotka. Doretha is survived by nieces and nephews living across the country. She treasured her friendship of seventy years with Charlene Wallace.

No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you send Charlie a note of remembrance sharing a memory or two of Doretha. Please send your card or note to Charlie at 4950 Thornwood Trace, Acworth, GA 30102 c/o Lisa Kennedy.

Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure

Dorothy Cooper Falin Fd. ’53

March 30, 2019

Dorothy Jewel Falin, 83, of Noblesville, passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at Riverview Health in Noblesville following a long battle with chronic illness.  She was born on August 31, 1935 in Whitesburg, Kentucky and was the daughter of Viola Boggs.

Dorothy spent most of her youth in Kentucky but later moved to Indiana looking for work.  She retired from Indiana Bell after many years of service.  Dorothy was an active member of Open Door Free Methodist Church in Noblesville.  In her free time, she enjoyed spending time with family and friends and her home garden.

Dorothy leaves behind her loving husband of 62 years, Dedrick Falin; her daughter, Sharon (Falin) Adams and Mike Adams; her grandson, Levi Falin and Megan (McLaughlin) Falin; her grandson, Brady Turner; and her great-grandsons, Luke and Matthew Falin.

In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her son, Joseph Wayne Falin.

Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at Open Door Free Methodist Church, 20545 Riverwood Avenue in Noblesville, with visitation from 12:30 pm to the time of service.  Pastor Jeff Gammon will officiate.  Burial will be at Crownland Cemetery in Noblesville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Open Door Free Methodist Church, 20545 Riverwood Avenue, Noblesville, IN 46062.

Condolences:  www.randallroberts.com

Roy C. Page ’53

Oct. 29, 2020

Roy Christopher Page was born on February 7, 1932 in Campobello, South Carolina and died on October 29, 2020 at 4:35 PM in Springfield, MO.  He began his professional career by earning a Bachelor of Arts, Phi Kappa Phi, from Berea College of Kentucky in 1953 and a Doctor of Dental Surgery, summa cum laude, from the University of Maryland Dental School in 1957.  He then joined the U.S. Navy and was a lieutenant on the Aircraft Carrier USS Randolph between 1957 and 1960, and a commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1964 until 1978. After serving active duties, he practiced general dentistry back home in South Carolina from 1960-1961. He moved to Seattle Washington in 1961 and lived there till 2016 when he moved to Missouri.  He earned a Certificate in Periodontology in 1963 and a Doctor of Philosophy in 1967 from the University of Washington and a Doctor of Science (honorary) from Loyola University, Chicago in 1983.

Spanning more than four decades, Dr. Page made significant contributions to the field of biomedical research, demonstrating intellectual leadership, a spirit of collaboration, and a record of professional service.  In 1967 he joined the faculty of the University of Washington School of Dentistry followed by a long and distinguished association as a professor of pathology and periodontics in the schools of medicine and dentistry, director and associate dean for research in the School of Dentistry, director of the Research Center in Oral Biology, director of graduate and postdoctoral education in Periodontics, and director of the Regional Clinical Dental Research Center.  He was renowned for his prowess in attracting grant funding – more than $40 million in the course of his career.  Since 2003, Dr. Page has been a professor emeritus of periodontics and pathology at the University of Washington. In 2017 the School of Dentistry’s Department of Periodontics renamed its research laboratory to honor one of the school’s most illustrious faculty members and researchers, Dr. Roy C. Page.  He also had a private practice in periodontics in Seattle from 1963-1998.

In the course of his career, Dr. Page received numerous awards and honors including the Norton M. Ross Award for Clinical Research, the American Dental Association’s highest recognition for lifetime research achievement. He was named Distinguished Scientist by the American Association for Dental Research in 2001 and Distinguished Alumnus by the University of Washington in 2000 and received the Gies Award from the American Academy of Periodontology and American Dental Education Association in 1982. He served as the president of the American Association for Dental Research and the International Association for Dental Research in 1980’s. Moreover, Dr. Page was elected as a fellow of the American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists, and Pierre Fauchard Academy, and as an honorary member of British, Indian, and French periodontal societies.

Dr. Page enjoyed gardening, maintaining his greenhouse, opera and classical music, traveling, reading, tent camping, good food and fine wine. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, parents, Milton and Anny Mae (Eubanks) Page and was the last surviving member of their 10 children (7 boys and 3 girls). He is survived by Allen, Alice, Steven and Serina Chen of Washington, stepdaughters Elaine Woodson, Diana Myers, Nancy McDowell and their families of Missouri.

The family would like to express our thanks to Ozark Nursing and Care Center for their care and support during Dr. Page’s illness.

A private ceremony will be held at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at Noon, followed by a private service at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, MO. A celebration of life will be held at a future date when COVID restrictions are lifted.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dr. Roy C. Page’s name may be made to Berea College, CPO 2216, Berea, KY 40404 (https://give.berea.edu/give/191405).

Dr. Walter Riley Wright ’53

Oct. 6, 2020

After college Walt served as an officer in the U. S. Navy as an underwater demolition specialist/instructor hard hat deep-sea diver (yes, the kind with the big locking bell helmet and heavy weighted boots.) Incredibly, he did not then, nor ever did learn to swim on top of the water. Upon leaving the Navy, Walt worked as a chemist for Dupont in Delaware, the petroleum industry in Odessa, Texas (where he became a member of the Masonic Lodge) and for the development of solid rocket fuel propellant in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Unassumingly brilliant, Walt returned to school and earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry from N.C. State University. As a clinical chemist he worked for various pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and medical laboratories.  Later, in retirement, Walt would serve his community as a volunteer firefighter.  No doubt his time as a deep-sea diver, underwater with all his heavy equipment, made him more comfortable with heavy gear and oxygen tanks while fighting fires. 

During his time in the Navy and early work as a chemist, Walt and Tena had their two sons. They shared the adventure of parenting while moving countless times about the country as Walt’s career advanced.  They moved so often that Steve once had to ask a police officer how to get home, and Monte, coming home from college with a load of laundry, found the washer and dryer packed in a moving van and the home sold!

Despite the gypsy lifestyle, Walt (and Tena) provided a stable and secure home. He instilled in his sons a strong work ethic, and a love of life, sports, and adventure. He brought us a sense of humor and playfulness. (Just peek into his gaudy wardrobe of Christmas attire.)  He nurtured love for each other regardless of our imperfections, and a rock-solid faith foundation. Walt’s own story of faith began in his family church as a youth where he won a bible contest that awarded him a trip for training with the young evangelist from Black Mountain, NC – Billy Graham. This would lead to an opportunity to work on a Billy Graham crusade. (Interestingly, later as an adult, he and his family moved to Black Mountain and lived on the same road as the Reverend Graham.)  Just as he was encouraged to share his faith as a youth, Walt continued to share his faith with his family, co-workers, golf buddies, and with all he came to know.

A good man, following the instruction of Proverbs 13, Walt’s inheritance to us was to learn, learn a lot; work, work hard; love, love graciously; live, live adventurously; laugh, laugh often at yourself; and hope, hope assuredly knowing the source of all hope has called you to heaven and paid the price for your admission.  You just need to accept it.  This was the greatest inheritance Walt/Dad/Pops left to us.

Share it!        See you later Pops …!

(Due to Covid-19 concerns, a memorial service celebrating his life will be scheduled at a later date. If you would like information on the future memorial, please contact Monte Wright at:  mswrighta1pt@yahoo.com.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider making a memorial donation to the American Cancer Society, Divine Hospice of Anderson, S.C., or College Street Baptist Church in Walhalla, S.C.)

James Herbert Allen Fd. ’54

Aug. 26, 2018

James Herbert Allen, age 83 of Mascot, passed away Sunday, August 26, 2018.  Jim loved and attended Green Acres Baptist Church.  An eclectic soul with a wife who epitomized the patience of Job, Jim found solace in nature.  With a goose as his pet, Jim cultivated the earth with his innate green thumb.  He maintained the precision of a cartographer with a reserved personality, all while harboring strong, privately held beliefs.  Preceded in death by his parents, Mitchell and Mamie Allen; brother, Wayne Allen; and wife, Laura Ruth Allen whom he had married on August 26, 1956. He is survived by his daughter, Susan Davis and husband Dennis of Mascot; son, Gary Allen and wife Mary of Reno, NV; grandsons, Bradley Davis and wife Katherine, Dustin Davis and wife Keyra; granddaughter, Jennifer Allen; six great grandchildren; brother, Richard Allen. The family will receive friends Tuesday, August 28, 2018 from 5:00-7:00 PM with the funeral service being held at 7:00 PM in the chapel of Bridges Funeral Home with Rev. Leonard Goin officiating. The interment will be private. Arrangements by Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, 865-523-4999.  www.bridgesfuneralhome.com

Mazie Faulkner Baker ’54

Dec. 13, 2020

Mazie A. Baker, age 89, of Celina passed away on Sunday, December 13, 2020 at Coldwater Hospital.

She was born in Campton, KY on July 5, 1931 to the late Leornard and Rhoda (Roe) Faulkner. On December 24, 1950, she married Robert Baker who survives in Celina.

She is survived by her children Mazie (Steve) Mizelle of Pittsford, NY, Rhoda (Michael) Lane of Celina, Steve Baker of Paulding, Bill (Sherry) Faulkner of Campton, KY, five grandchildren Christina (Hunter) Trevino, Sarah (John) Miller, Robert (Anna) Mizelle, David (Kim) Mizelle, J. Lee Baker, four great-grandchildren Riley Miller, Jackson Mizelle, Charlie Mizelle, Danny Mizelle, two step great-grandchildren Jazlynn Miller, Morgan Miller, brothers and sisters-in-law Clell (Louise) Faulkner of Campton, KY, Bill (Sherry) Faulkner of Campton, KY, two sisters Ada Sewell of Winchester, KY, and Faith Faulkner of Walnut Cove, NC.

She is preceded in death by her parents, son Timothy Louis Baker, two brothers Corbet Faulkner, Chalmer Faulkner, and two sisters and brothers-in-law Marie (Emerald) Lykins, Mary (Henry) Parsons and brother-in-law George Taylor “GT” Sewell.

Mazie graduated from Wolfe County High School in Campton, Ky, with the class of 1949 and attended Berea College in Berea, Kentucky. She owned and operated Ed Hoenie Realty for thirty years.

She was a member of the Grace Missionary Church in Celina. Mazie worked with the Red Cross at the Mercer County Fair. She enjoyed her bowling League, reading a good book and fishing.

Private family and friends funeral services will be held on Friday, December 18, 2020 at the Lehman-Dzendzel Funeral Home in Celina, with Pastor Steven Howell officiating. Burial will follow at North Grove Cemetery in Celina.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army 2030 Holiday Dr., Celina, OH 45822.

Condolences can be shared with the Baker family on-line at www.LehmanDzendzelFH.com.

L. Hunter Elrod ’54

Obituary Unavailable

Nelma Eller Sherrill ’54

Sept. 20, 2020

Mrs. Nelma Jean Sherrill, age 87, of Orlando, Florida passed away 09/20/2020. She was born in Haywood County, North Carolina on October 29, 1932 and attended school there. After high school, she attended Berea College in Berea, Kentucky receiving her Bachelor Degree in Education and later attended Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina, receiving her Master Degree in teaching. She married William Samuel Sherrill of Candler, North Carolina in February 27, 1956, moving to the Orlando area a short time later in 1958.

Jean was employed with the Orange County School Board as a teacher for over 53 years mostly teaching at Columbia Elementary School in East Orlando, Florida.

Those that knew Jean always would be greeted by a big smile and infectious laugh. She was kind and generous to her friends and her church, and a woman of faith.

She was preceded in death by her parents George Eller and Frances (Coleman) Eller of Canton, North Carolina, her siblings and her husband William Samuel Sherrill.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 14th, 10:00 A.M. at the University Carillon United Methodist Church, 1395 Campus View Court, Oviedo, Florida 32765. Please note all Covid 19 preventative measures, including the wearing of masks, will be followed.

She will rest for eternity at the Chapel Hill Cemetery, in Orlando, Florida

Please feel free to leave a memory or story of Jean on this web site.

Dorothy Ledford Withers ’54

Nov. 6, 2020

Dot graduated from Glen Alpine High School and obtained her teaching degree from Berea College in Kentucky. After marrying Albert Withers in March 1958, the couple moved to Gaston County where Dot began her elementary teaching career for Gaston County Schools. She continued dedicated service to generations of students for 38 years where she was honored for her teaching services from the Gaston County chapter of the North Carolina Association of Educators, Inc. After retiring from Gaston County Schools, Dot turned her passion for teaching to adult learning. She volunteered for 15 years with the Gaston Literary Council teaching adults to read and receiving the Celebrate Literacy Award from the Council. For 12 years she faithfully delivered Meals-on-Wheels, sharing with the meals her care, concern and compassion for the recipients. As member of Myers Memorial United Methodist Church for 58 years, Dot was faithful to her Savior and Church by teaching Sunday School, overseeing acolytes and volunteering for many church ministries. The Church recognized her commitment with the Outstanding Service to Christian Education Award. In addition to her parents, Dot was predeceased by her loving husband, Albert Darry Withers, a sister, Wanda Norman, and a brother, Carmie Ledford. Left to cherish her memory are her son, Darry Withers, and his wife, Paula, of Gastonia; sister Barbara Rueger and husband, Dr. Bill Rueger, of Ohio; Grandsons Chris Cannupp and wife, Sandy Ann, of Mount Holly; DJ Cannupp and wife, Ashton, of Unionville; Chandler Cannupp and girlfriend, Mollie Kush, of Oregon; multiple nieces and nephews. A celebration of her life will be held at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at Carothers Funeral Home in Gastonia, with Rev. Sally Queen officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2:00 PM 3:00 PM at the funeral home prior to the service, which is open to the public. Interment will be at Gaston Memorial Park after the funeral service. The funeral service will be livestreamed on the Carothers Funeral Home Facebook page starting at 3:00 PM. For those who wish to remember Dot in a special way, a donation to Myers Memorial United Methodist Church, 301 S. New Hope Rd., Gastonia, NC 28054, may be made in lieu of flowers.

Roy W. Cline ’55

Aug. 10, 2009

Roy Willard Cline, 76 of Beaver died Monday, Aug. 10, 2009, at the Villages at Greystone in Beaver. Born in 1932 at Baisden, he was the son of the late Frank and Stella Morgan Cline. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife Mary Stokes Cline and brothers Sid, Ross, Wilford and Leck Cline. He was a retired chemist, held a Bachelor s Degree in Chemistry, and served in the U.S. Army. He is survived by his sons Kevin (Hope Dana) Cline of Dallas, Texas, Colin (Crystal) Cline of Princeton, daughter Melanie Cline (Dennis Gaule) of Joplin, Mo., granddaughter Madeline Cline of Dallas, Texas, and sister Georgia (Charles) Paynter of Baisden. Roy is also survived by his caregivers at the Villages of Greystone and a host of other dear family and friends. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009, at 1 p.m. at the Mounts Funeral Home Chapel in Gilbert with the Rev. Dewayne Cline officiating, with burial to follow at the Ritchie Cline Family Cemetery in Baisden. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Visitation will be at the Mounts Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Mounts Funeral Home of Gilbert”

Dorothy Gay Rouse ’55

Jan. 4, 2021

Mrs. John James (Dorothy Jane Gay) Rouse, Jr., beloved wife, mother and grandmother, died peacefully at 87 years of age on Monday morning, January 4, 2021. She was born Dorothy Jane (Dottie) Gay on November 10th in Walton, Kentucky to David Colson Gay and Sarah Jane Bishop Gay. The family moved to Lakeland, Florida where her father and mother owned a plant nursery business, growing strawberries, flowers, and potted plants for the local community. Dottie Gay graduated from Lakeland High School in 1951 with academic honors and worked at the local jewelry store in the afternoons. Her English teacher, Ms. Hazel Haley, encouraged her to go to college. She took her advice and went to Berea College, Berea, Kentucky. The family could afford Berea as the college has no tuition as every student works on campus. Dorothy worked in the college bookstore and soon met John James (Jim) Rouse, Jr. whom she married on June 5, 1954. The Berea College sweethearts’ marriage lasted 66 years.

The newlyweds moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where her husband Jim worked at Crosley Broadcasting. Dorothy finished her Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Home Economics at the University of Cincinnati. While in Cincinnati, Dorothy held a high school teaching job. The couple later moved to Atlanta, Georgia as Jim was transferred to work at Channel 11 Television as the Station Controller. Atlanta was a perfect location for the couple being halfway between Dottie’s home in Florida and Jim’s in Virginia. Dorothy became active in her community – teaching in the Dekalb County school system at Snapfinger Elementary School. She was active in the Garden Club and won a dress making contest in the home economics category. Dorothy’s enthusiasm for volunteerism was exceptional as she was a member of the HOA and Garden Clubs of Spring Valley in Decatur. She also enjoyed baking and making gingerbread houses during Christmas holidays and distributing many to the Ronald McDonald House and to friends. While living in the Stone Mountain/Tucker area, she held officer positions with the Smoke Rise Garden Club and was on the board of the Georgia Federation of Garden Clubs. She was President of the Tucker High School Band Boosters and helped parents organize a band trip to Mexico City. There the band students performed at the half time show at the semifinal world soccer match. Additionally, Dorothy worked with Emory University specialists on understanding special student learning needs for their academic studies. With a residential move in July 1990 to Johns Creek, Dorothy’s civic participation grew even more as she was a member in the Bellmere Garden Club, was Emeritus board member of the Georgia Federations of Garden Clubs, Past President of Atlanta Ivy Association, Board member of the National Ivy Association, a Certified State of Georgia Flower Judge, Interior designs club member, Iris Society member, and a member of the National and local Genealogy Society.

Foremost, Dorothy focused on her family as wife and mother of three children: Janet, Judy and Johnny. She is survived by her husband, John James Rouse, Jr., her beloved sister, Evelyn Ruth Gay Roper and her children: Janet Gay Rouse Vaughan, Dr. Judy Ellen Rouse Van Doorn (Dr. John D. Van Doorn), and John James Rouse, III (Melissa Moers). Her grandchildren are April Dorothea Vaughan, Alexander Russell Vaughan, Dorothy Virginia Van Doorn, Georgia Emmeline Van Doorn, John James Rouse, IV, and LCPL Jackson Lanier Rouse.

During their life together and after Jim worked 24 years with Cox Broadcasting, Dottie enjoyed family time at Lake Lanier, renovating projects at Jim’s Virginia birthplace farmhouse, traveling together to Canada, Ireland, England, Scotland, the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Russia, Germany, and China. One of their favorite trips was to China with the Berea College student choir and alumni on a culture exchange program.

Dorothy was a beautiful woman with extraordinary enthusiasm, creativity, and joy for civic and community work. Her family and dear friends remember her sparkle, giggles, smiles, and joyful laugh. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the following: Berea College, CPO 2216, Berea, Kentucky 40404 or Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, 180 Academy Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009 or Bellmere Garden Club, 10777 Bell Road, Johns Creek, GA 30097. A Memorial service to celebrate her life will be scheduled at a future date.

Condolences may be sent by visiting http://www.billheadfuneralhome.com

Bill Head Funeral Homes & Crematory Duluth Chapel (770)476-2535.

Sylvene Osteen Spickerman ’56

Jan. 14, 2021

Sylvene “Syb” Osteen Spickerman, 86, died Thursday, January 14, 2021. Services will be private.

Sylvene was a faculty member in the East Carolina University School of Nursing for many years. She was the widow of Bill Spickerman who died in 2003.

She was also preceded in death by a sister, Greta Allen. She is survived by her brothers, Mitchell Osteen and Carl Osteen; sisters, Jean Watkins and Martha Sue Osteen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Berea Fund, Berea College, Berea, KY 40404.

Roma Ball Pedde Fd. ’57

Nov. 28, 2020

Obituary Unavailable

Thomas M. Bertram

                Spouse of Marguerite Dyer Bertram ’58

Dec. 21, 2020

To really understand Tommy Bertram and his outlook on life, you have to know about “The Accident.”

In January 1961, Tommy was working in Russellville, Kentucky, when he was seriously injured in an industrial accident. A large piece of equipment fell on and crushed his right arm. He was in a coma for three days and it was first thought he might not even survive.

Tommy remained in a Nashville hospital for weeks, and he never regained much use of that arm. A man who had grown up mowing yards, playing basketball, and enjoying the outdoors in the shadow of his father, would never be able to do many of the things he had loved to do as a young man.

Tommy would look back on it years later and believe that The Accident was a great blessing. For, as Tommy put it, “The Lord made me be born left-handed”.

Tommy died last week at the family home in Albany, at age 85. He was a true pillar of our community, but a man who was always low-key and low profile. However, Tommy and his wife of over sixty years, Marguerite, did as much for the people of this town as anyone. They just never sought the credit or recognition that they deserved.

Tommy loved Albany as much as anyone, but he wasn’t born here. His mother and father, Ethel “Georgia” and Oral Bertram, were Wayne Countians. He moved to Clinton County with his parents in 1945 when he was nine years old. That was the year his father became the Fish and Wildlife Officer for the county, soon after the impoundment of Dale Hollow Lake.

Tommy grew up mowing yards (a classified ad in The New Era, the local newspaper of its day, stated that he had a “new electric mower”), playing ball, and loving to go with his father to places like Boys Island on Dale Hollow Lake. He would tag along when Oral was guiding folks like Governor Lawrence Wetherby on Dale Hollow fishing trips. He always said Albany was a wonderful place to grow up.

Tommy became a pretty good basketball player for CCHS, and also wrote the Sports column for the “CCHS News” in the local newspaper. He was a pretty good writer, but never bragged on himself. He did mention to his Sunday School class years later about once making a shot from mid-court in the gym at Center (Ky.), High School in Metcalfe County. He said it was just luck.

He began courting Marguerite Dyer while in high school, and after he graduated from Eastern Kentucky State College, and she from Berea College, they were married in 1958. In 1959 the first of their three daughters, Laura (now Dr. Laura Heironymous, a nationally renowned expert on diabetes) was born. She was soon followed by Carol (now Carol Peddicord, M.D.), and later Nell (Boils), who recently retired from an outstanding career as teacher and librarian in the Wayne County schools. Tommy was always a great family man, and always proud of all of his girls–and justifiably so.

After The Accident, and with Marguerite on the verge of giving birth to their second child, Tommy knew he had to change directions in his life and find a line of work which would allow him to primarily use only his one good arm.

After being discharged from the Army in 1960, he had hoped to teach school, but that didn’t come to fruition. With the encouragement of family members, he started pharmacy school. Marguerite had a Chemistry Degree from Berea and she decided to become a pharmacist as well, and they both started at the UK College of Pharmacy.

In 1963, the young couple, along with their two oldest daughters, moved south to the Howard School of Pharmacy at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, to finish school, where they both graduated in 1964.

Mrs. Leah Dyer called Tommy and asked him to come back home and help “Big Jim”, son of the founder. Big Jim also encouraged Tommy to come back home and indicated to him there would likely be an opportunity to buy into the business in the future.

Tommy and Marguerite, after having lived in Cookeville for a couple of years, moved back to Albany in 1966. They both became employed at Dyer Drug Company, established in 1916 by Marguerite’s great-uncle, James F. “Jim” Dyer.

Tommy and Marguerite soon moved into her grandfather Dyer’s old house on Water (now Lovelace) Street, just below the home of her parents, Bob and Mary Wynn Dyer. A few years later, they bought the lot next door and built the house where they lived together for forty-six years.

After the death of Mrs. Leah Dyer in 1967, the promised opportunity to buy into the business did occur, and Tommy and Marguerite became equal partners in the drug store.

In the early 1970s, Dyer Drug bought the adjacent Jenkins & Darwin building, tore out the soda fountain (they decided later that might have been a mistake–Tommy missed the days of Mr. Dennis drawing a Cherry Smash) and remodeled the store.

Tommy and Marguerite co-owned the store until 1998 when they sold out to the third generation, “Little Jim” Dyer. At that time, Tommy retired as a pharmacist, but he sure didn’t quit doing things. You would see him driving around town in his most prized possession, a World War II era Army Willys jeep he had inherited from his father. He was always busy doing something.

When Tommy and Marguerite came back home in 1966, they became very active in the community. His first priority was becoming active in the First Baptist Church, where he became a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Church Moderator, and helped guide the church through various projects of expansion and outreach. Tommy was both cautious and progressive. When disagreements might occur, Tommy was the glue that held things together, always taking the Lord’s side.

Tommy also served as President of the Fish and Game Club which held an annual fish fry at the Roadside Park, one of the biggest local events of the year. Tommy’s mother would make the hush puppies.

He was, for many years, a member of the local Hospital Board, and helped guide the hospital through expansions and difficult times. He was so proud of the local hospital and so appreciative of the Medical Center’s purchase of the facility a few years ago.

Tommy Bertram was low-key, and every conversation that you had with him was generally more about you than him. He always seemed genuinely interested in what was going on in your life. He was always an encourager, and motivated so many young people by simply expressing to them that he believed in their capabilities.

He never sought any credit for anything, and gave the Lord credit for everything good in his life, and where many people want to do the right thing, Tommy was always doing the right thing. To him it came naturally.

But advice wasn’t the only thing Tommy gave away. He did countless other good deeds in the church and community, devoting time as well as treasure, many times anonymously. Tommy’s favorite song was “Pass It On”, and by his actions he did so, and by his life he encouraged others to do the same.

Last week, in the midst of a pandemic, on Christmas Eve, in a freezing mist, Tommy Bertram was laid to rest in the Albany Cemetery.

Nearly a hundred people showed up for the short graveside service, in one final paying of respects to the man who had done so much, and meant so much to his church, his family, and the people of his community.

As it was aptly put by someone at the gravesite, “We may well have buried the best man in Albany today”.

No objection was made.

Mr. Thomas “Tommy”  Milton Bertram, of Albany, Kentucky passed away Monday, December 21, 2020, at his residence in Albany, Kentucky, having attained the age of 85 years, 2 months. He was of the Baptist faith and was a Deacon at the Albany First Baptist Church. He was a pharmacist, and co-owner of Dyer Drug Store in Albany , Kentucky for thirty plus years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his great-granddaughter, Emma Peddicord.

 He is survived by his wife, Marguerite (Dyer) Bertram whom he wed on Saturday, January 18, 1958, daughters, Laura (G.D.) Hieronymus of Nicholasville, Kentucky, Carol (Steve) Peddicord of Albany, Kentucky, Nell (Tony) Boils of Albany, Kentucky, grandchildren, Thomas (Chelsey) Peddicord of Newalla, Oklahoma, Michael (Montana) Peddicord of Lexington, Kentucky, Kelly Hieronymus of Lexington, Kentucky, Lindsay Hieronymus of Lexington, Kentucky, Brooke Boils of Lexington, Kentucky, Anthony Boils of Albany, Kentucky, great-grandchildren, Claire Peddicord, Emersyn Peddicord, sister-in-law, Deanie Williams of Albany, Kentucky, nephews, John Dyer (Michele) Williams of Clarksville, Tennessee, Bob  (Susan) Williams of Georgetown, Kentucky.

The graveside service was conducted Thursday, December 24, 2020, at 11:00 am (CST) at Albany Cemetery with Bro. Nathan Britt officiating. Hon. Mike Lawson read an Eulogy.  Military honors were provided by the Hull-York D.A.V. Chapter #5. Casket bearers were Steve Peddicord, Alan Smith, Mark Maupin, Tony Boils, G.D. Hieronymus, Michael Peddicord, Bob Williams, Anthony Boils, John Williams. Burial was in the Albany Cemetery in Albany, Kentucky. Campbell-New Funeral Home of Albany, Kentucky was honored to be in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas Milton (Tommy) Bertram, please visit our floral store.

J. C. Brandenburg ’58

March 1, 2020

J.C. Brandenburg of Goshen Township, OH. Born on December 2, 1937 in Lee County, KY. Died on March 1, 2020 at the age of 82.

Beloved husband 62 years to Shelby Jean (nee Whitaker) Brandenburg. Loving father of Pamela (James) Balke. Caring grandfather of Bryce, Maura and Tara Balke. Proud great-grandfather of Kairi Strickland. Dear brother of Joe Brandenburg, Wilma Sue Hall and the late Kenny, Ronnie, James and Nancy Brandenburg and Ruth Hicks. Devoted brother-in-law of Tony (Carolyn) Whitaker. Cherished son of the late Conley and Margie (nee Burns) Brandenburg. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and many dear friends.

J.C. taught mathematics in high school and college for 32 years. He was past master of Goshen Masonic Lodge #119 and just received his 50 year pin.

Visitation will be from 10 AM – 11:45 AM on Saturday, March 7 at Tufts Schildmeyer Funeral Home, 1668 St. Rt. 28, Goshen, where Masonic Services and Scottish Rite Ring Service will begin at 11:45 AM followed by a funeral service.

A graveside service will be held at 3:30 PM on Saturday, March 7 at Richmond Cemetery, 606 E. Main St., Richmond, KY 40475.

Rev. Cynthia Church will be the minister for the services in Ohio.

Rev. David Evans will be the minister for the services in Kentucky.

June Torrence Farley ’58

Jan. 6, 2021

June Torrence Farley passed away on January 6, 2021, at Manorhouse Assisted Living & Memory Care in Richmond, Virginia, at the age of 84. June was born to Edythe Hurd Torrence and Wilson M. Torrence Jr., in Charlotte, North Carolina. She graduated from Lynn View High School in Kingsport, Tennessee, and attended Berea College in Berea, Kentucky. She worked as an administrative manager in various governmental agencies in Washington, D.C., before moving to Baytown, Texas. June was predeceased by her husband, William Farley, of Baytown, Texas; her brother, Richard; and her nephew, Richard of Atlanta, Georgia. She is survived by her devoted brother, Mack Torrence and his wife, Darlene, of Manakin-Sabot, Virginia; her sister-in-law, Sarah Johnson of Georgia; six nieces and several cousins. There were many things that dementia took from June but never her sense of humor, her beautiful singing voice which she used often and loudly, her easy ability to make friends and the joy and love she brought to her family and friends. Bennett Cerf said, “The person who can bring the spirit of laughter into a room is indeed blessed.” We were so blessed to have received hers. The family would like to send immeasurable thanks and gratitude to the amazing staff of Manorhouse Assisted Living and to Paige Klase and Ascend Hospice who cared for June with tender hands and loving hearts. Due to travel limitations and COVID-19 restrictions, no formal service will be held. Memorial donations in her name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/donate.

To plant trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Jan. 17, 2021.

Dr. John W. Forbes, III ’58

Oct. 29, 2020

John William Forbes was born on July 11, 1936 and passed away on October 29, 2020 and is under the care of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes & Crematory.

Dr. Marvin Gay Payne ’58

Obituary Unavailable

Sharron M. Coker

                Spouse of Sherril Franklin Coker ’59

Jan. 24, 2015

Sharron McPhetridge Coker, at age 71, went home to be with the Lord on January 24, 2015, surrounded by her loving family. She was a member of Beaver Dam Baptist Church, past Worthy Grand Matron of the Corryton Chapter of the Order of the Eastren Star, a proud member of the Halls Women’s League, member of Delta Kappa Gamma, teacher at Halls High School and Ross S. Sterling High School in Baytown, Texas. Preceded in death by her son, Mark Coker; parents, James and Leone McPhetridge; step mother, Euretha McPhetridge. Survived by her husband of 52 years, Sherril Coker; sons, Greg (Susan) Coker and Spencer (Brandi) Coker; grandchildren, Jessica, Andrea, Aaron, Brianna, Olivia, Derek, Landon, McKenzie, and Lexi; great grandchildren, Maddox, Emery, and Evan. Family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday at Beaver Dam Baptist Church, 4328 E. East Emory Rd., Knoxville, Tennessee 37938, with service to follow at 8:00 p.m. Dr. Alan Price officiating. Special thanks to the nurses and staff at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center 8th Floor North and Tennova Residential Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Patient Access Network, PO Box 221858, Charlotte, NC 28222, or www.panfoundation.org. Friends will meet 10:45 a.m. Tuesday at Highland Memorial Cemetery, 4340 Sutherland Ave., for interment service at 11:00. Mynatt Funeral Home Halls Chapel in charge of arrangements. www.mynattfh.com

Published in Knoxville News Sentinel from Jan. 25 to Jan. 26, 2015.

Cecil Edward Hatfield ’59

Nov. 16, 2020

The Williamson community is mourning the loss of a longtime area coach, educator and former Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce director as Cecil Hatfield died this past week at the age of 83.

Hatfield, who led the Williamson Wolfpack baseball team to its only state title in 1965, died Monday, Nov. 16, while in care at Pikeville Medical Center in Pikeville, Kentucky, after a six-week battle with cancer, according to his family.

Hatfield grew up in Williamson and graduated from Williamson High School in 1954. He graduated with a bachelor’s in education from Berea College in 1959 and received his master’s in education from Morehead State University in 1962.

Hatfield settled in Williamson and began his career as an educator, first serving as a teacher at Williamson Junior High and High School. Hatfield eventually became assistant principal at the high school and later became the first principal of the new Williamson Junior High School.

Hatfield also served as director of the Mingo County Vocational School when it became its own school and while there initiated the school’s LPN program.

Athletically, Hatfield was best known for leading the Wolfpack to their only state title, but he was a familiar face with all WHS athletics. He also served as an assistant coach for the WHS football and basketball teams and later served as a head coach for the basketball and football teams at the junior high.

Hatfield was voted into the second class for the Williamson High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999 and stayed active serving as president of the Hall of Fame’s board of directors until his death.

After retiring from the Mingo County school system, Hatfield served as the executive director at the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce for several years helping bring attention to Mingo County as a tourist destination. He and his late daughter, Sonya Hatfield Hall, were instrumental in developing the popular Hatfield and McCoy Marathon.

Hatfield was also an active member in the local Moose Lodge and in the BPOE Lodge, where he served as exalted ruler of the West Virginia Elks organization.

The Williamson community reacted to the news of Hatfield’s passing on social media.

“Hated to hear this news. He took a chance on some young baseball players in 1961 and developed us into a state championship team,” said Greg Slater, a member of the 1965 baseball state champions. “We will miss him. He did a lot for our school and alumni. Hope he and the other coaches are telling lot of stories in heaven.”

“To know Cecil was to love Cecil,” Tami Weaver Pinson said. “My memories of Cecil started when I was very young. He touched many people during his life either in education or with community service.”

“He was a TEACHER and a COACH, with capital letters,” local dentist and WHS Hall of Fame inductee Dr. Jerry Mounts said. “He could look at you when you were upset with you performance on the field or in the classroom, and you could think he was the meanest person ever. But that was a put on and only skin deep. Underneath, that put on was a HEART that can’t be measured and made of gold. He always had time to listen and just to talk to you which helped us all grow and mature as grown men. You can’t replace Coach Hatfield, as he was THE MAN. The community has lost a GREAT ONE.”

“Mr. Hatfield was the community patriarch and my good friend,” Mingo County Schools employee Rob Channell said. “He will be deeply missed. Prayers for comfort, peace and understanding to the family.

Hatfield is survived by two daughters, Marsha (Marty) Wagner of Phelps, Kentucky, and Cecilia Lynn Barker of Williamson. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Gail Rose Perkins Hatfield; his daughter, Sonya Hatfield Hall; and his grandson, Benjamin Heath Wagner.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, private services were conducted Thursday at Rogers Funeral Home in Belfry and livestreamed on their Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial gifts to the First Baptist Church of Williamson at Fifth Avenue and Harvey Street or a donation to the WHS Athletic Hall of Fame at 1726 West Fifth Ave., Williamson.

Cecil Edward Hatfield, 83, of Williamson, W.Va., widower of Gail Rose Perkins Hatfield, died Nov. 16 in Pikeville (Ky.) Medical Center. He retired from the Mingo County School System. Services will be private at R.E. Rogers Funeral Home, Belfry, Ky., with burial in Mountain View Memory Gardens, Maher, W.Va. Donations are suggested to First Baptist Church of Williamson at Fifth Avenue and Harvey Street or the WHS Athletic Hall of Fame, 1726 W. Fifth Ave., Williamson. www.rerogersfh.com.

Jean Gibson Jones ’59

Sept. 23, 2010

“Jean” Jones, 73, of Springfield, died peacefully at Capitol Care Center on Thursday, September 23, 2010. Born in Jellico, TN on February 23, 1937, Jean was preceded in death by her father Lloyd Gibson, and mother, Bessie (Scott) Gibson, as well as two brothers and two sisters. Jean married J. Norman Jones in 1956 in Cincinnati, OH and they later divorced in 1978; he survives. Jean is survived by her daughter Kathy Volz, her son-in-law Jeffery Volz, and one grandchild Tyler Volz, all of Rolla, MO. Jean was an award-winning painter and portrait artist, working primarily in oils. In recent years, Jean participated in clown ministry as “Blossom,” performing at hospitals, churches, and public venues. A memorial service will be held at Bisch and Son Funeral Home located at 505 East Allen Street Springfield, Illinois on Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Smiles Unlimited Universal Clown Ministry. Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” as www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.

Loretta Vance Krogstad ’59

Dec. 28, 2020

Loretta Vance Krogstad of Shepherdstown, passed away from natural causes Dec. 28, 2020. Born Oct. 27, 1936 in Breeden, in Mingo County the daughter of the Honorable Darby Vance and Francis Vance. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Krogstad Sr.; brothers, Locey Vance, Henry Vance, Homer Vance, Richard Vance, and sister, G. Anne Vance. She is survived by her three devoted children, Robert Krogstad Jr., Karen Grote, Kerry Krogstad, son-in-law, Cord Grote III; her dear sister, Mary Jane Sutton; and the joy of her days, granddaughter Elizabeth Krogstad. She graduated from Berea College, earned a Masters from University of Pittsburg in Social Work and later a Masters in Reading Specialist from Shippensburg University. Her desire to alleviate suffering was a testament to her devotion to Christ. She was a Child Welfare Agent in Berkeley County, and later a teacher for 39 years for Jefferson County Public Schools. She spent her life in service to others and faithfully opened and closed the Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church twice a day for over 35 years and was a member of Shepherdstown Order of the Eastern Star Chapter No. 155. Faith and education were the most important principles in her life. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to her alma mater Berea College. There will be an online Celebration of Life service for Loretta Vance Krogstad, at the Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021 https://www.shepherdstown presbyterian.org/

Margaret Melton Tunnell ’59

Dec. 13, 2020

Eunice Margaret Melton Tunnell, 83, of Bostic, NC, formerly of Kingsport, TN, died Sunday, December 13, 2020 at Fairhaven Home of Bostic. Born in 1937 in Caroleen, NC, she was the daughter of the late Maude and Hatcher Melton and widow of the late E. Truman Tunnell. She was also preceded in death by sisters, Eris M. Yelton, Edith M. Hosler, Jeweline M. Perry and Selma M. Hamrick; a brother, Max Melton and several nieces and nephews.

Margaret grew up in Caroleen on the family farm. She graduated from Tri-High in 1955. She went to Gardner-Webb Junior College and transferred to Berea College in 1959. She graduated with a BA in English. She taught for thirty years at Robinson Junior High in Kingsport, TN. After retirement, Margaret was active in volunteer work at Shepard Center in Kingsport, Boy & Girls clubs, and Habitat for Humanity.

Margaret was nominated Teacher of the Year twice by the principal. She was a member of Alpha Delta Sorority. She also won volunteer of the year award from Habitat in 1995 and received the Kenner Award by the Civitan Club. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Kingsport, TN where she enjoyed singing in the adult choir.

Survivors include her brother Keith Melton and wife Ann, sisters, Grace Black and Anne Jones, and many nieces and nephews.

A private funeral service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 200 W. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660, Habitat for Humanity, 750 E. Main Street, Kingsport, TN 37663, or Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kingsport, 1 Positive Place, Kingsport, TN 37660 or the organization of the donor’s choice. The Padgett & King Mortuary& Crematory, Forest City, NC is serving the family of Mrs. Tunnell. Online condolences may be made at www.padgettking.com.

Mary Riddle Armbrester ’60

Jan. 18, 2020

Mary Lou Armbrester, 80, of Plant City, Florida, born on August 23, 1939 in Marion, Virginia, entered into eternal rest on January 18, 2020. She was a retired Registered Nurse, and past President of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses. She loved her family, and enjoyed traveling. She was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny “Bob” Armbrester. She is survived by her daughter, Jeanine Robertson (Allen) of Plant City; grandchildren, Robert Spurgeon of Plant City, and June Spurgeon of Alabama; great-grandchildren, Colton Spurgeon, Bentley Spurgeon, and Aliyah Spurgeon; and sister, Virginia Fisher (Don) of Marion, Virginia. Interment at Hopewell Memorial Gardens, Plant City. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com. Cemetery Details Hopewell Memorial Gardens 6005 County Road 39 South Plant City, FL, 33567

A. Dan Morgan

                Spouse of Katha Reagan Morgan ’60

Feb. 4, 2018

ARTHUR DANIEL “DAN” MORGAN, 79, of Lilburn, Georgia, died Wednesday, February 14, following several years of illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Davis Morgan and Mary Jane Jarrett Morgan. Dan was born August 8, 1938, in Waynesville, NC, attended Candler Schools and was a member of the first graduating class of Enka High. Dan’s passion was ball – playing, coaching and as a profession. He was a standout high school athlete in baseball, football, and basketball, earning numerous recognitions in all three, including pitching a no-hitter for his baseball team as a sophomore. He attended the Univ. of SC on a baseball and basketball scholarship and was named MVP of his freshman and junior baseball teams and to the ACC All-Star team as a junior. He played pro ball for the NY Yankees organization two seasons in the rookie league and Class A. In his middle years he was player/coach of a traveling fast-pitch softball team. Beginning at age 60, he played on a slow-pitch softball team that traveled to tournaments all over the country and was named to the All World team three years in the 65 age group. He also officiated high school basketball for many years in SC and GA. Dan’s life work helped children in need. He was the supervisor of recreation/activities at the Epworth Children’s Home, Columbia, SC for 14 years, followed by 30 years of also teaching children how to have fun at the United Methodist Children’s Home in Decatur, GA. In 2004 Dan carried the Olympic Torch for the Atlanta relay, handing the torch off to Evander Holyfield. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Katha Reagan Morgan; two sons Dan (Amy) and Bobby (Penny) and one daughter, Susan. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Hannah Pye (Brandon); Grace, Jarrett, Max, Sam and Hope Morgan; and one great-grandchild Lillie Pye. Dan was a member of Decatur First UMC, where his memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 24 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the church, 300 E Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, GA, 30030 or your favorite charity. A graveside service was held on February 17 at the Piney Mountain UMC Cemetery in Candler, NC.

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.

He was born May 16, 1938 in Uhrichsville, Ohio, son of the late Joseph T. Fanti Sr. and Rosa (Natoli) Fanti.

Joe was a graduate of Uhrichsville High School in 1957, where he excelled in Academics and Basketball. A graduate of The Ohio State University, he earned his B.S. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering in 1962. While completing his master’s degree, he then decided to change course to Dentistry. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from The Ohio State University in 1968. He then began his practice in the Cincinnati School System for one year before searching for a permanent home. After much consideration, he and his wife, Maudie decided that Cambridge, Ohio was the perfect area for his practice and to raise their family. After several years in practice, Dr. Fanti achieved the additional honor of Fellow, Academy of General Dentistry in 1995.

Joe was a man of deep Christian faith. He was a member of the Valley View Baptist Church in Newcomerstown, Ohio and was an original cast member, along with Maudie, of the Living Word Outdoor Drama, which they have faithfully continued for 44 years. He was also a past board member of The Living Word Outdoor Drama. Joe will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He strongly encouraged family fellowship, and he enjoyed the relationships with his brother and sister and their families. Most of all, he will be remembered for his love, generosity and kindness of which he gave so freely to his family, friends and community.

He belonged to several Dental Professional Organizations including: The American Dental Association, The Ohio Dental Association, The Academy of General Dentistry, The Central Ohio Academy of Dental Practice Administration, and The Muskingum Valley Dental Society.

He enjoyed woodworking, gardening (he loved to share the bounty with family and friends), and traveling to OSU football games. He was always open to learning new things and relished new challenges.

He is survived by his loving wife, Maudie W. (Meek) Fanti, whom he married May 7, 1963; two sons, Kevin Fanti of Cambridge and Damon Fanti of Newcomerstown; a daughter, Shana (William) Wilson of Cambridge; a brother, Paul (Andrea) Fanti of Uhrichsville; a sister, Rose Marie (Larry) Nardi of Dennison; four grandchildren, Brooke (Serafin) Sanchez, Nicolas Fanti, Rheanna Wilson, and Jarrett Wilson; and two great-grandchildren, Harlow Sanchez and Krew Sanchez.

Visitation will be held Friday (October 5, 2018) from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Thorn-Black Funeral Home, Cambridge. Burial will be at Northwood Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday (October 6, 2018) at 2 p.m. at The Living Word Outdoor Amphitheater. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to The Living Word Outdoor Drama, 6010 College Hill Road, PO Box 1481, Cambridge OH 43725. Personal condolences may be sent to the family at

www.thorn-blackfuneralhomes.com

Thorn-Black, 740-439-1365

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Francis L. Sheedy Fd. ’61

Sept. 26, 2020

Francis Leo Sheedy “Frank” Of Alexandria, VA passed away on September 26, 2020. Born February 1, 1933 in Syracuse, NY, Frank earned degrees in industrial arts and education from Berea College and Eastern Kentucky University after serving the Navy. He devoted the better part of his life to working with high school students as an a print shop teacher in Northern Virginia, first at Wakefield High School in Arlington, and then for over 20 years at George Mason High School in the city of Falls Church, where he was a beloved member of the community. Frank was an outstanding educator, a generous soul, and a friend to all he met. He will be deeply missed and his memory cherished by his wife of over 45 years, Susan K. Sheedy; his daughter Allison F. Sheedy of Washington, DC; and his three grandchildren, August, Fynn, and Hebrides. His family and friends will celebrate Frank’s memory with an Irish wake when conditions permit.

John R. Sheppard

                Spouse of Diane Robertson Sheppard ’61

Oct. 1, 2020

John R. Sheppard, III, born in Florence, SC, a resident of Williston, SC for sixty years, passed into eternity on October 1, 2020. He was a son of the late John Reese Sheppard, Jr. and Marie Baker Sheppard. He was a graduate of MUSC College of Pharmacy and served as a pharmacist for forty-four years in Williston, his most beloved small town. A Memorial Service will be held at eleven o’clock a.m., Saturday, October 10, 2020 in the Folk Funeral Home Chapel, Williston with the Dr. Stephen Burnette and Dr. Beth Yarborough officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Saturday, October 10th. Johnny was a member of the Lion’s Club, a Sunday School teacher at the First Baptist Church of Williston and later a member of Williston Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder. He was compassionate and cared for many stray cats and dogs, some of which he adopted. Johnny played the trombone in the Charleston High School band and also in a dance band. He got his private pilot license, while very young; he enjoyed the Pilot’s Breakfast Club with Wendell Gibson and Dr. Gilchrist. He completed Army Basic Training and went into the Army Reserve. He started USC with the intention of majoring in music, but changed to MUSC College of Pharmacy in Charleston, SC where he graduated in June of 1962. Following graduation, Johnny married Theresa Diane Robertson, a weekday Education Teacher from Hamlet, NC. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, his sons John R. Sheppard, IV and Robert Johnathan Sheppard, daughter-in-law Tammy Way Sheppard, two grandchildren Turner Reese Sheppard and Madeline Nicole Sheppard. Donations may be sent to the Barnwell County Animal Shelter, Barnwell County Courthouse, 57 Wall, Barnwell, SC 29812. To plant a tree in memory of John Sheppard, please visit our tribute store.

Catherine Austin Teets ’62

Dec. 16, 2020

Catherine Austin Teets, 80, died on December 16, 2020, at Ohio Living Mt. Pleasant in Monroe, Ohio. Cathy was born on February 10, 1940, to Thomas Hayden and Sudie Jenkins Austin in Taylorsville, North Carolina. A graduate of Taylorsville High School, Cathy earned her bachelor’s degree in English at Berea College in Berea, Kentucky. A resident of Monroe, Ohio, Cathy taught English at Middletown High School. She took additional classes at Xavier University to be certified as a librarian at Middletown High, Monroe High, and Garfield Alternative School. Cathy regularly attended services at Zion Lutheran Church in Middletown where she enjoyed volunteering at the Amazing Grace Day Camp and helping with summer coffee hours. In 1968 she married Ernest “Bo” Teets, who proceeded her in death in 2017. In addition to her brother Tom who resides in Montmorenci, South Carolina, Cathy is survived by five sisters. They are Jane Follmer of Monroe, Ohio, Helen Hassler of Middletown, Ohio, Judy Austin of Maysville, Kentucky, Libby Austin of Jasper, Tennessee, and Beverly Smith of Taylorsville. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Dale Austin of Montgomery, Alabama, and Sam Austin of Taylorsville. She was a loving aunt to Melanie Austin, Amy Austin, and Emily Smith of Taylorsville, as well as Jason Austin of Montgomery, Alabama, and Sarah Davis of Port Huron, Michigan. A private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 10 N. Breiel Blvd., Middletown, Ohio 45044. Please sign the guestbook at

www.WilsonSchrammSpaulding.com

Edwina Poynter Adams ’63

Nov. 8, 2020

Edwina Jane Adams, age 79, of Fairfield, Ohio passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2020. She was born on April 21, 1941, in Eubank, Kentucky; the daughter of Edward and Hettie (Ray) Poynter.  On November 2, 1963, she married James Carl Adams in Berea, Kentucky.  They were married for 57 wonderful years.  Jane retired from Hamilton City Schools, where she was a High School Inter Office Education teacher for more than 30 years.  She was a member of Hamilton Christian Center for more than 50 years.  She enjoyed going for walks on the beach, and spending time with her kids and grandkids.  She is survived by 3 children:  Pamela (Dennis) Groh, Scott Adams, Grant (Cara) Adams; 8 grandchildren:  Kristina Groh, Jessica (Eric) Beachy, Drew Adams, Erica (Chris) Durbin, Dalton Groh, Ethan Adams, Avery Adams, and Aiyla Adams.  Jane is also survived by her brother, Blaine (Brenda) Poynter and sister, Elaine (Starlin) Smiley, and several nieces and nephews.  Jane was preceded in death by her parents, brother, William Poynter, sister, Wanda Isaacs, brother, Alvis Poynter, and brother, Leland Poynter. 

Visitation will be held at Avance Funeral Home and Crematory, 4976 Winton Road, Fairfield, Ohio 45014 on Friday, November 13, 2020 from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, with services following.  Burial will follow in Rose Hill Burial Park, 2421 Princeton Rd, Hamilton, OH 45011.  If desired, memorials may be made to the American Stroke Association at https://www.stroke.org.  Online condolences can be found at https://www.avancefuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edwina Jane (Poynter) Adams, please visit our floral store.

Bill Howard

                Spouse of Hazel Lawless Howard ’63

Sept. 1, 2017

Billy Howard age 76, husband of Hazel Lawless Howard, died Friday Sept. 1, 2017 at his home. Billy was retired from Parker Seal Company, he was born in Rockcastle County to the late Edgar and Grace Brown Howard, and he was also preceded in death by his brother Glenn Howard.

Billy is survived by his wife Hazel Howard, his children Deborah Howard and Anthony Howard, and his siblings Shirley Wilson, Linda Hollis, and Teresa Shivel. Funeral services will be Tuesday Sept. 5, 2017 at Lakes Funeral Home at 1:00 pm; visitation will be Tuesday from 11 am to 1 pm at Lakes Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Madison County Memorial Gardens. Online condolences at www.lakesfuneralhome.com.

Richard H. Nachman

                Spouse of Evelyn Ritchie Nachman ’63

Jan. 5, 2020

Richard Nachman, 78, passed away Sunday, January 5, 2020 at the Estelle’s House of Hospice of Marion County.

Dick was born on November 19, 1941 in Baltimore, MD to the late Lewis and Irene Sherman Nachman. His family moved to Florida in 1945. Dick served his country in the US Army from 1958-1961.

Dick is survived by his wife, Evelyn; son, Richard (fiancee Tammy Barron); daughter, Dana (Dave) Kennett; grandsons, Chris Kennett and Jeff Kennett; in-laws Buzz Ritchie and Marilyn Lawhon (along with many family members from both families) and his little dog Cody.

Dick worked in the elevator industry for over 30 years. He retired in 1998. In retirement he enjoyed playing golf in Apopka, FL for several years before returning to Pensacola to be closer to family. Dick was a loyal fan of the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Dolphins.

Per his wishes, Dick has been cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Those desiring can make a donation to Hospice of Marion County, PO Box 4860, Ocala, FL 34478, or to any local animal shelter.

Patricia Wolford Porter ’63

Jan. 22. 2021

Obituary Unavailable

Nellie Mawk Smith Fd. ’63

Dec. 29, 2018

Mrs. Nellie Lou Smith age 72, of Mt. Vernon passed away Saturday, December 29, 2018 at the St. Joseph Hospital in London. She was born on May 1, 1946 in Glenn Springs, Ky. the daughter of the late Elmo and Alma Carrington Mawk. She was a retired business owner, enjoyed fishing, sewing, watching the Cincinnati Reds & Kentucky Wildcats, flower arranging, spending time with her grandchildren, cutting up, listening to music and dancing, shopping for antiques, and was a member of the Eastern star, the Senior Citizens Center, and the Baptist faith. Survivors are: one daughter; Leslie Smith Rigsby and (Dennis) of Mt. Vernon. Two grandchildren; Cody Edward Kirby, and Hunter Rigsby. One brother; Frank Mawk. Four sisters; Alice Hook, Pat Cropper, Shirley Porter, and Anna Faye Cropper also survive. Besides her parents she was also preceded in death by: her husband; Eddie Smith, by one brother; John Mawk, and by one sister; Lisa Kaye. Visitation for Mrs. Nellie Lou Smith will be from 6 to 8 PM on Tuesday January 1, 2019 at the Cox Funeral Home. Graveside services to follow. Arrangements are by the Cox Funeral Home.

Victoria C. Lewis

                Spouse of Donald Edward Lewis ’64

Obituary Unavailable

Bonnie Burke Venters ’64

Sept. 12, 2020

Bonnie Mae (Burke) Venters, of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., died suddenly after a medical procedure at Mayo Clinic, Fla., on Sept. 12, 2020. She was 78.

Bonnie was born April 4, 1942, in Church Hill, Tenn. She was an alumna of Berea College in Kentucky, where she graduated in 1964 with a BA degree in history and political science. Bonnie was a former longtime resident of both Yellow Springs and Jacksonville, Fla.

Bonnie served her country for 20 years as an awarded outstanding career civil servant with the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. She retired in 1994 as Chief, Command and Control Systems Directorate, notable. Her work involved managing a program (CAP) providing support to enable employees with disabilities to achieve their full potential.

Prior title notable; she was hand-picked for the key role of Program Manager, Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), charged with merging logistics systems, (AFLC/Wright-Patt AFB) and weapons systems (AFSC/Andrews AFB) into the 1992 stand up of Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) HQ to date at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.

While residing in Yellow Springs, Bonnie raised two daughters. She was also involved in several local theater groups, including Center Stage and Fairborn Playhouse, both acting and fundraising for the organizations.

She supported a number of charitable organizations, including The Red Cross, American Cancer Society and American Heart Association, and was an Angel Tree Christmas shopper.

While in Jacksonville, Fla., Bonnie worked for Citizens Property Insurance in IT and was a student standardized test essay exam reviewer for the State of Florida’s Department of Education.

Bonnie was an avid reader and a traveler for both leisure and work, continuing her professional and educational goals. She was humble, rarely speaking of her many accomplishments. Bonnie embodied empathy, often helping those in need, and she loved being Nana.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Nelson H. Burke Sr. and Azella V. (Hutchens) Burke; all her siblings, Nelson H. Burke Jr., Herbert Burke, Janet Lee and Emmitt Burke; and her grandson, Gunnar Bracewell.

Bonnie is survived by her daughters, Amy E. Venters and Holly A. Bracewell; two grandchildren, Mitchell W. Renn and Zella G. Harris; two great-grandchildren; and nieces, extended family and cherished friends.

Memorial arrangements are not yet planned at this time and will be announced at a later date. Sympathies and correspondences may be sent to 6042 Springfield Xenia Road, Springfield, OH 45502.

Hunter P. Widener ’64

Oct. 25, 2020

Hunter Preston Widener, age 77, was called by his Father to Heaven on Sunday, October 25, 2020, following complications of Lewy Body Dementia. His devotion to his family and his belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace. He was devoted to his wife, daughters, grandsons and family. He was a member for many years at First Baptist Church in Bristol, Va.

Hunter was born in the Widener’s Valley Community of Washington County, Va. He was preceded in death by his father, Hunter Preston Widener; mother, Marie McVey Widener; twin sister, Carolyn Marie Widener; and brother, Jim Widener. His deceased wife, Virginia Palmer Widener, the mother of Michelle and Laura, also preceded him in death.

He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Jean Stidham Widener; daughter, Michelle Widener Davalos and husband, Rick; grandsons, 1st Lt. Ryan and Zachary of Big Stone Gap, Va.; daughter, Laura Widener Craiger and husband, Roger, and grandson, Milo Farley of Bristol, Va.; sister, Betty Widener Boyd of Naples, Fla.; brother, Eddie Widener and wife, Fannie, of Goldsboro, N.C.

He is dearly missed by his loved ones who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his Creator. “We live out our lives moving toward that point of completion, but we only reach that point at death, when God gathers in His people with a love even greater that we have known on Earth.”

Hunter graduated from Damascus, Va., High School in 1960 where he was Sophomore Class President, Senior Class Vice President and recipient of the Virginia Education Scholarship, Crist Award and VFW Award. He entered Berea College, Berea, Ky., in 1960. While at Berea, he served as Chair of the Christian Youth Council, member of the Student Judicial Commission and served as YMCA Chaplain and Junior Counselor. His class represented Berea College at the National Conference on “Problems of Appalachian Rural Youth” at Oklahoma State University. He also represented Berea College on a panel regarding Appalachian Development and the Council of the Southern Mountains, Inc. at Princeton University.

During the summers and Christmas breaks, he worked at the U.S. Department of Interior in Washington, D.C. He graduated with a degree in Sociology and following Berea College, he worked as a Social Worker at Christian Church Children’s Home, Danville, Ky. In 1965, he entered Kent School of Social Work at the University of Louisville, Louisville, Ky., and graduated in 1967 with a Master of Science in Social Work.

In 1968, he received a direct commission to the United States Army Medical Service Corps during the Vietnam Conflict, stationed at Fort Sam Houston in Texas. He was discharged in 1972 with the rank of Captain.

In 1972, he accepted a position as Area Director for the Barren River Comprehensive Care Center in Glasgow, Ky. In 1975, he accepted the position of Executive Director of Highlands Community Services Board that provided mental health, retardation and substance abuse services for Washington County and the City of Bristol, Va. While at Highlands, he was elected Vice-Chair of the Virginia Association of Community Service Board and was recognized as “Executive of the Year” by the Washington County, Virginia Chapter of Secretaries, International. He served in this position for 31 years until his retirement in 2006.

Services are pending and will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church, One Virginia Street, Bristol, VA 24201.

A special thanks to Dr. Daniel Carroll, Family Practice, Kingsport, Tenn.; Dr. Thomas Bulle, Cardiologist, Kingsport; Dr. Peter Hedera, Neurologist, Vanderbilt University Medical Center; and Dr. Krcal Otaker, Neurologist, Kingsport; for their compassionate care.

Condolences and memories may be viewed and shared by visiting www.oakley-cook.com. Arrangements especially for Mr. Widener and his family have been made through Oakley-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory.

Cecil R. Yates

                Spouse of Pat Barney Yates ’64

Aug. 9, 2020

Obituary Unavailable

Esther Alexander Clements ’65

Dec. 12, 2020

Esther Alexander Clements, 77 of Narrows, VA went to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at her home surrounded by her family. Esther was born on November 26, 1943 in Asheville, NC and was a daughter of the late Bryan William Alexander and Helen Ingall Alexander. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, William Alexander.

Esther graduated from Berea College and received her Master’s degree from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO. She was a Navy Veteran and was working at the Pentagon when she met her husband, Don. She loved taking care of her family and her dogs.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Don Keith Clements of Narrows, three daughters, Stephanie C. Clements of Narrows, Susannah N. Clements of Narrows, Sarah C. Hein (Brian) of State College, PA, two grandchildren, Nora A. Hein, Alexandra A. Hein, two sisters, Joy Colvard of King George, VA, Alice Alexander of Abington, VA and one brother, James Alexander (Tari) of Florence, SC.

A private graveside service will be conducted Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 12pm at the Draper’s Valley Presbyterian Church Cemetery with the Rev. Robert Davis officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The family is being served by Givens – Riffe Funeral Service in Narrows, (540) 726-2442.

William J. James

                Spouse of Ann Elliott James ’65

Nov. 5, 2013

William Jesse James, 81, passed away at his home, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2013. A family man and business man he was much loved and will be missed. He was a veteran of the Korean War. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Ann James; sons, Clyde Jeremiah and Carroll James; grandsons, Jeremiah and Nathan; and sister-in-law, Peggy Elliott. The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. CDT Thursday with a funeral service to follow in the funeral home chapel. To send online condolences visit www.tatefh.com. Arrangements by Tate Funeral Home, LLC, Jasper, 423-942-9500.

Chester R. Morrow ’65

Aug. 29, 2020

Chester Ronald Morrow passed away unexpectedly at home on August 29 of apparent heart failure. He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret “Peggy” Green of 56 years who also passed away suddenly in April 2020. Many who knew him did not expect him to survive long without her. Chester (or Ronald for those who knew him as a boy) was born in McCreary County, Kentucky on May 17, 1943 to Chester and Charity Keith Morrow. He is predeceased by his brother Arnold and survived by his remaining brothers and sisters JC (Betty), Milton (Patsy), Boyce “Dean” (Anne), Florence King and Kay. He was the father of Kate, Beth (Tommy) Lonn, and the grandfather of Sarah Lonn, who was his pride and joy. He was proud to be the great-grandson of the infamous train robber, Jerry Morrow. Chester attended Berea College where he met and married Peggy. They made their home together in Sidney, Ohio where Chester worked for many years at Ross Aluminum Foundries. He retired from Ross as VP of Sales and Marketing and always counted his former co-workers amongst his closest friends. After retirement he and Peggy returned to Berea, just as he always promised her they would. Chester loved golf, travel, and telling a good story. He was a Shriner and as such a member of the Scottish Rite of Dayton as well as a member of the Masonic Lodge of Port Jefferson. His love of history led to him serving on the board of the Shelby County Historical Society. He had many Jeopardy championships to his credit, although from his own living room. He will be best remembered as a person who could engage in fierce debates while simultaneously making those around him laugh. He had a wicked sense of humor and strong, vocal opinions on every topic under the sun. Chester was an ardent Democrat. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Biden for President Campaign at www.JoeBiden.com or by mail to Biden for President, PO Box 58174, Philadelphia, PA 19102, making checks payable to “Biden for President.” He also supported the McCreary Christian Care Center, donations can be sent to PO Box 363 Whitley City, KY 42653. Joint funeral services for Chester R. and Margaret “Peggy” Green Morrow will be 7:00PM EST Tuesday September 1, 2020 at Davis Powell Funeral Home with Rev. Kent Gilbert officiating. You may join the family by live stream 6:30PM EST at www.davisandpowellfuneralhome.com Visitation will be 5:00PM 7:00PM Tuesday with Masonic Rites for Chester performed at 6:30PM. Also, with-in our parking area the service will be broadcast on FM radio channel 88.1. For the protection of all attending and in accordance with Governor Beshear’s executive order, social distancing and facial coverings will be required.

Joe F. Stevens ’66

Nov. 15, 2019

Joe Franklin Stevens was born on July 7, 1944, and on Friday, November 15, 2019, at the age of 75, he earned his wings as Heaven gained a beautiful angel and we said goodbye to ours. Joe left us with the gift of his love and irreplaceable memories. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Rhonda Stevens; his children, Kellie, Randall, Brooke, Clayton, Kylee, Kaytlynn, Josh, as well as Rick, Kennette, and Kendall. Those wishing to share memories or messages of sympathy may do so online by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The family of Joe Franklin Stevens is in the care of the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210. 276-623-2700.

Robert A. Ferrebee ’67

Nov. 7, 2020

Robert Allen Ferrebee, 76, of Berryville, VA, died on November 7 at the Blue Ridge Hospice Center. The cause of death was prostate cancer caused by his exposure to Agent Orange while serving in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. He was the son of James Medrick Ferrebee and Flora Hartley Ferrebee. In 1966, he married the love of his life Kay Galloway Ferrebee.

He was a veteran who served as a commissioned officer from 1967-1970. He was especially proud of his service as a reconnaissance officer with the elite 101st Airborne Division during his tour in Vietnam and was awarded a Bronze Star and the Air Medal.

He was a graduate of Clarke County High School, Berea College and Virginia Tech. He was employed by Prince William County Public Schools from 1970 to 2003, serving as a mathematics teacher, an assistant principal, a high school principal, and an associate superintendent.

In 2001, he and Kay returned to their beloved Clarke County. He was active in local activities serving on both the Berryville Planning Council and the Clarke County Social Services Board. He was a member of Berryville Presbyterian Church; American Legion Post 41, where he served as historian, adjutant, and commander; VFW Post 9760; Clarke County Lions Club; and Green Hill Cemetery Board of Directors. He was a regular attendee of the men’s coffee group that meets at Jane’s Lunch every weekday morning. He was selected as “Legionnaire of the Year” in 2007, and in 2018, he was honored as the Clarke County-Berryville “Veteran of the Year” for his continuous service to his community.

He enjoyed travel, and together, he and Kay visited over sixty countries. He was also a lifetime New York Yankees fan.

In addition to his wife he is survived by his brother and five sisters: Gary (Martha), Betty Pyne, Beatrice Freeman (Billy), Wanda Whitson (Bob), Mary Ellen Borror (Dale), and Judy Campbell (Olandis). He is also survived by a large extended family of numerous nieces and nephews.

A family graveside service will be held at Green Hill Cemetery, Berryville on Friday, November 13. Military honors will be provided by the Clarke County Honor Guard. A memorial service with Reverend Jonathan Bunker officiating will be held at a later date at Enders & Shirley Funeral Home, Berryville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Berryville Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 46, Berryville, VA 22611 or to the FISH Food Bank, P.O. Box 1154, Berryville, VA 22611.

To view the obituary and send condolences online, please visit www.endersandshirley.com.

Doris Edwards Henry ’67

Aug. 21, 2020          

Doris E. Henry Asheville Doris Edwards Henry, 76, passed away Friday, August 21, 2020, at Mission Hospital. Mrs. Henry was born October 8, 1943, in Asheville to the late Catherine Fox Middleton. She received her bachelor’s degree from Berea College and spent most of her career with Bell South/AT&T. More recently she worked as a CNA with CarePartners Hospice as well as working and volunteering with TEACH and the Autism Society of NC. She is survived by stepsons, Richard Henry (Raynelle) and Mark Henry (Jeanette); grandchildren, Christopher Henry-Blair, Emmanuel Henry, Danaan Henry, Cady Henry, Adrian Amber Buck, Julie Lunsford and Jessica Henry; nephews, Geoffrey Pace, William Middleton and Jacob Middleton; numerous great-grandchildren; a brother, Ricky Middleton and a sister-in-law, Faith Pace. A family graveside will be at Ashelawn Gardens. The on-line register is available at GroceFuneralHome.com.

Phyllis J. Pigmon Osbun ’67

Sept. 11, 2020

Phyllis P. Osbun, 75 of North East, MD, passed away Friday, September 11, 2020 in the Christiana Hospital, Newark, DE. Born in KY on August 13, 1945, she was the daughter of the late Elmer and Dorothy (Hylton) Pigman. Phyllis retired from Perry Point VA Medical Center as a Social Worker. She was a member of the Women’s Stock Club and the Hances Point Community Association. She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years: Richard L. Osbun; a brother Larry Pigman (Ola); niece; Kelly Stephens; and nephew: Marcus Pigman Funeral service will be held Sunday, September 20, 2020 at 3:00 pm at Crouch Funeral Home, P.A., 127 South Main Street, North East, MD with visitation beginning at 1:00 pm.

Chester “Chet” M. Copeland ’68

Nov. 2, 2020

Chester “Chet” Copeland, age 77 of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, formerly of Berea, Kentucky, died November 2, 2020. He was born in Crossville, TN and was a son of the late Hubert and Trannie Copeland. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Kevin Andrew Copeland, as well as eight siblings.

Survivors include a daughter, Dawn Rae May and husband Ben of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Chase Lane Copeland of Georgetown, KY, Alexandria “Alex” May, Micah May and Hannah May, all of Murfreesboro; sisters, Hannah West and husband Edsel of Kingston, TN, Mary Goldshot of English, IN; and a host of other loving family and friends.

Mr. Copeland was a 1968 graduate of Berea College and retired as a State Farm insurance agent after 36 years of service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the New Opportunity School for Women (www.nosw), 204 Chestnut Street Berea, KY 40403. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Woodfin Memorial Chapel, Murfreesboro and online guestbook is available for the Copeland family at www.woodfinchapel.com.

Dennis E. Cox ’68

Sept. 30, 2020

Dennis Cox passed peacefully on Sept 30, 2020 with his wife, Kay, and stepdaughters, Susan, Tracy, and Robyn by his side. Dennis was a loving, kind, and gentle man whose arms were always open to his five (step)grandchildren, Natalie, Hailey, Cadence, Torren and Kenley. He was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on Oct 28, 1946, the oldest of three children. Dennis attended Berea College in Kentucky and, after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He spent time in California, Guam, where he was an aerial photographer and Lowry Air Force Base, CO as a photography instructor. In 1971 Dennis married his first wife, Sandra, and they celebrated the birth of their son, Brian, in 1973. They both preceded him in death. Dennis’ employment at the Bureau of Reclamation began in 1974 until he retired in 1995. When not working Dennis enjoyed biking, country dancing and genealogy research of his Cox ancestors. Dennis and Kay Anderson married in 2003 and recently celebrated their 17th anniversary. After living in Highlands Ranch, CO they moved to Windsor, CO in 2009 to enjoy retirement in a smaller, quieter community and to be closer to their grandchildren. In the past ten years, “grandpa” has been his favorite name. Time spent with the little ones whether it was at the park, swimming pool or snuggling on the couch were the highlights of his day. He would read books, color, play and seek, or tickle “Little Miss Kenley” whenever asked. Dennis fought a hard battle against advancing Alzheimer’s Disease over the past five years, with his last month’s spent at Columbine West Health and Rehab Center. His family will forever be grateful for the comfort and care they provided him during this time. Dennis is survived by his wife, Kay, stepdaughters: Susan, (Todd), Tracy, (Jason), Robyn (Mike), and grandchildren: Natalie (16), Hailey (14), Cadence (13), Torren (10), and Kenley (6). In addition, his brother, David (Frances, Ray, Jimmy) of Illinois and his niece, Michelle and nephew, Johnny of Tennessee. His sister, Sharon, predeceased him. A private Celebration of Life to share special memories of Dennis will be held at a later time. A military service honoring Dennis’ time in the Air Force will also be held at Ft Logan National Cemetery.

Dalton L. Smart ’68

Nov. 1, 2020

Dalton Smart, 79, of Greensburg, Indiana passed away surrounded by loved ones November 1, 2020. Dalton was born in Forest City, North Carolina on April 19, 1941 to Mary and Ernest Smart.

Mr. Smart was the president of his 1959 graduating class of Cool Springs High School in Forest City. After high school, he graduated from Gardner- Webb College with an Associate in Arts in 1965, Berea College in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, then proudly obtained his Master’s degree in Hospital Administration from Medical College of Virginia in 1970 before its transition to Virginia Commonwealth University.

His long career included positions as Administrator at Appalachian Regional Hospitals of Kentucky and West Virginia, South Charleston Community Hospital of West Virginia, Decatur County Memorial Hospital, Hoosier Health System Heritage House, and Jennings Community Hospital in Indiana.

Dalton was both beloved by and devoted to his community and served as President of the Rotary Club of Greensburg, the Board of Directors of Chamber of Commerce, a Trustee of the Kentucky Hospital Association and Indiana Hospital and Healthcare Association, a Diplomat with the American College of Healthcare of Hospital Executives, and a Kentucky Colonel. He was also a member of the Greensburg United Methodist Church (GUMC) since he moved to the area in 1988.

Dalton was a kind and generous man who brought joy to everyone who knew him. He happily volunteered every year to deliver Thanksgiving meals for those in need through GUMC. His humor and compassion for others will be sorely missed.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, brother Ray Smart, and sister Janice Oliver.

Dalton is survived by his children: daughter Connie (Vincent) Dorsi of Bloomingdale, Georgia; daughter Christina Smart of Roswell, Georgia; son Matthew Smart of Denver, Colorado; and daughter Elizabeth (Steele) Welch of Greensburg; his sister Mary Elizabeth Henson; brother James (Jackie) Smart; and brother Bill (Ann) Smart. Dalton is also survived by his long-time companion Diana Springmier.

The family would like to thank Our Hospice of South Central Indiana and beloved caregivers and friends Edi Kumwenda and Ivy Choga.

Due to COVID-19, funeral arrangements are pending at this time until family can safely gather for a memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations can be made in memorium to either the Michael J. Fox Foundation to help find a cure for Parkinson’s Disease or to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.gilliland-howe.com.

Leon I. Alder ’69

Jan. 3, 2021

Leon I. Alder, age 76, of Abingdon, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 3, 2021, at Johnson City Medical Center.

Raised in Williamsburg, Kentucky, Leon joined the U.S. Army shortly after graduating from Berea College in 1967, with a degree in Business Administration. Leon served overseas with assignment to the Eighth Army, Korea from 1967-1969. After an honorable discharge from active duty, Leon served in the Army Reserves until 2004, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant.

Leon loved his family and took great pride in his beloved children. As an only child, Leon valued his relationships with his lifelong friends from Williamsburg and Berea College in Kentucky.

Leon is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Kate Jacob; children, Emily Miller (Dave) of Clemmons, N.C., Valerie Cox (Andy) of Abingdon, Va., Bethany Bullock (Brant) of Piney Flats, Tenn., Rebecca Palumbo (Patrick) of Kill Devil Hills, N, Jillian Smith (Andrew) of Bristol, Va., Christopher Alder of Abingdon, Va., and Gregory Alder (Tori) of Saltville, Va.; and 11 grandchildren, Lauren Lenham, Samuel Miller, Emma Cox, Neal Cox, Trent Cox, Jonah Fullen, Faith Fullen, Anthony Palumbo, Katherine Palumbo, Henry Smith, and Clara Smith.

Leon was preceded in death by his father, Isom Alder; mother, Myrtle Sullivan Harrell; and stepfather, Hubert Harrell.

Leon was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Christ the King Catholic Church with the Rev. Francis X. Musolooza, Pastor, officiating. Interment will follow at the Mountain Home National Cemetery in Johnson City, Tenn.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church Community Outreach, P.O. Box 1201, Abingdon, VA 24212, or Holy Redeemer by the Sea Catholic Parish Project LAMB, 301 West Kitty Hawk Road, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949.

Farris Funeral Service

427 E. Main St., Abingdon, VA 24210

To plant trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.

James H. Raines ’72

Nov. 5, 2020

James Howard “Jim” Raines, 72, of Ridgetop, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at Hendersonville Medical Center on November 5, 2020.

Jim (“Jimmy” to his wife and “Jamie” to his mom) was born in Breaks, Virginia on May 23, 1948. He was the second of four children of Ernest Raines, a decorated veteran of World War II, and Shirley Estep Raines, a five-star homemaker with the county fair ribbons to prove it. Jim was delivered at home in a house still under construction. The house did not yet have electricity, so family friend Dr. Josh Sutherland borrowed a coal miner’s helmet from Jim’s grandfather and used the headlamp to aid in the delivery. He was the middle of three very close brothers who grew up sharing the same room. Their dad’s hard work, their mother’s phenomenal homemaking, and the love of both parents combined to provide an idyllic childhood. Jim grew up in a snug household filled with love, laughter, fun, music, and plenty of good food. Many memorable hours were spent playing games, fishing with his dad, playing with the dogs, visiting his grandparents, and roaming the Virginia hills with Gary and David. Much later, when he was 18, a surprise baby sister, Lisa, was born, to whom he was very devoted.

Both of Jim’s parents were teachers. And so, after graduating from Grundy Senior High School in 1966, he chose to enter the family business. He attended one year at Southern Missionary College near Chattanooga, Tennessee, and then transferred to Berea College in Berea, Kentucky. He received his B.A. in Elementary Education from Berea in 1972, and an M.A. in Elementary Administration from Radford University in 1983. While there were brief periods of other employment, Jim always thought of himself as a teacher and the bulk of his working life was devoted to education. Over the course of his career he worked in the Buchanan County Public Schools in Virginia, with the Seventh-day Adventist parochial school system in Kentucky, Maryland, and Tennessee, and at Darton College in Albany, Georgia. He was an excellent teacher and administrator who always had a special place in his heart for the underdog. In the classroom his heart very sincerely went out to the little boy who couldn’t read, the girl with math struggles, or the shy kid alone on the playground. He believed with all his heart that a teacher could touch lives and make a difference. Many of those students remember him today as their favorite teacher ever.

While studying at Berea Jim met and fell in love with Arlene Mays. In a true case of opposites attracting, the Virginia country boy and the Florida city girl married in January of 1970 and were together for more than fifty years. The celebration of their golden wedding anniversary just days after his cancer diagnosis was a special joy. Daughter Christa was born in 1972, followed by son Aaron in 1976. As time passed the family grew with the addition of son-in-law Matt in 1994, grandson Ethan in 2004, granddaughter Casi in 2006, daughter-in-law Larisa in 2009, granddaughter Mikka in 2011, and grandson Mattias in 2012. Jim was always happiest when with his family. He took great joy in seeing the family circle grow larger.

Jim was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes in 1963, at the age of fifteen. Although health complications related to his diabetes caused him to leave full time employment in 1998, he remained very active in his church and community. For many years he served the Ridgetop Seventh-day Adventist Church as a church elder, Sabbath school superintendent, religious liberty leader, and community services leader, and served as a volunteer reader with the Nashville Talking Library, a radio service for the blind. Anyone in need of help or encouragement could count on a visit, card, or phone call from Jim.

Jim will be fondly remembered by many people, and with good reason. He was the personification of kindness and humility. He loved all sorts of animals, but especially dogs, horses, and children, not necessarily in that order. He was an inveterate tinkerer who could repair almost any broken thing. This was especially useful once the grandchildren came along. He loved strawberry milkshakes, trees, University of Kentucky basketball, and music – especially playing and collecting guitars. We will probably be finding guitars tucked away in various nooks and crannies for months. He never met a yard sale, flea market, or antique store he didn’t like. He had the greenest of green thumbs and planted untold hundreds of trees and shrubs in his life. He could whip up a mean grilled cheese sandwich which, when paired with a can of Campbell’s tomato soup, was the perfect comfort food for a sick child or grandchild. His Sunday morning Mickey Mouse shaped pancakes were legendary. He enjoyed long walks in nature, especially if he could hold a grandchild’s hand while doing so. We will miss those walks terribly. Those who knew him best will never be able to eat cottage cheese and fruit again without thinking of Jim. He had a dry, quick sense of humor, which kept his family and health care providers entertained to the very end of his life. Mostly we will remember him for the quiet, sincere, Christian love that was so very evident in his life, and added so much richness to ours. The fruits of the spirit were well watered in his heart’s garden.

He is survived by his wife Arlene Raines, of Ridgetop, Tennessee; daughter Christa (Matt) Demaree of Madison, Tennessee; son Aaron (Larisa Hellgren) Raines of Springfield, Tennessee; grandchildren Ethan and Casi Demaree, and Mikka and Mattias Raines; his mother Shirley Raines of Breaks, Virginia; brother Gary (Marina) Raines of Glendale, California; brother David (Susan) Raines of Breaks, Virginia; sister Lisa (Andy) Miller of Villanow, Georgia; aunts Marcie Morrow of Daphne, Alabama, and Nora Estep of Knoxville, Tennessee; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, all of whom he dearly loved.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Raines, of Breaks, Virginia; grandparents Joe and Dana Raines of Breaks, Virginia; and grandparents Ned and Lena Estep, of Delbarton, West Virginia.

Jim lived in many places over the course of his life – Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Maryland, Tennessee, and Georgia – but his mountain roots ran very deep. Near the end of his life he drew special comfort from being able to spend so much time with Arlene in the home of his youth, surrounded by familiar scenery that was dear to him. It is fitting that his final earthly resting place will be in the family cemetery in the Breaks, less than a mile from the place of his birth. God willing a public memorial service will be held for him in the spring.

The mission of St. Jude Children’s Hospital was always close to Jim’s heart. If you wish to honor him a donation to St. Jude’s may be made in his memory. An equal honor would be for you to think of him while planting a tree or doing a kind deed for someone less fortunate. If you can do these things while drinking a strawberry milkshake, so much the better.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (II Timothy 4:7, 8)

Bill Broaddus age 65, passed away Tuesday Jan. 19, 2021 after a brief battle with cancer. Bill was born in Madison County to the late Joan Whitlock Combs, he was a Pharmacy Technician for over 40 years for the Berea Drug Pharmacy. Bill is survived by his brothers: Carl (Cathy) Broaddus, and Robert (Annette) Broaddus, and his nephews Kyle Broaddus, Scott (Kathryn) Broaddus, and Matt (Lindsay) Broaddus.

Funeral services will be Monday Jan. 25. 2021 at 2 pm at Lakes Funeral Home with Rev. Kenny Davis officiating, burial will be in the Berea Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dana Anglin, Ed Alcorn, Kyle Broaddus, Robbie Little, Joe Chowning, Carl Broaddus, and Robert Broaddus, honorary pallbearers are Scott Broaddus and Matt Broaddus. Visitation will be Monday beginning at 1 pm until service time at Lakes Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers donations are suggested to Hospice Care Plus 208 Kidd Dr. Berea, KY 40403. The family will observe state mandates for social distancing and facial coverings for all services.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William ‘Bill’ Earl Broaddus, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Debbie Werk Fowler ’77

Feb. 10, 2020

Debra “Debbi” Fowler, 65, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away on Monday, February 10, 2020 at her home. She was born on Sunday, June 6, 1954 in Hamilton, Ohio to Donald and Lois (Sexton) Werk.
Debbi graduated from Berea College with a degree in English and a minor in Art. She retired from Keller Crescent Co., after over 30 years of service as a proofreader. She loved to spend time in her studio creating treasured masterpieces. Her family and friends always looked forward to receiving her cards that were so unique and personalized for each individual. Debbi loved to feed the fish in the lake behind her house. She also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, jumbles, and word games. Debbi loved to travel. On one of her many trips to Europe, she was blessed by the Pope.
She is survived by her husband of 22 years, Scott; sisters, Donna (Marion) and Darla T.; brothers, Dale (Kim) and Dane (Denise); her nieces and nephews, Tommy (Meredith), Darla (Rob), Derek (Sarah), Beth (Brian), Sarah (Jon), Jody (Tino), and Kylie; step-mom, Judy; sisters-in-law, Sherry, Shannon (Steve), and Stacey; brother-in-law, Steven (Barb); Scott’s nieces and nephews, Eric (Lori), Kevin, Kassie, Kelly, Mallory (Brian), Haley, Lindsey, and Chelsea.; and 11 great nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors and staff at Oncology Hematology Associates and Deaconess Hospice for their excellent care.
A Memorial Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at Alexander East Chapel with Dale Werk officiating. Friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until service time at the chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Deaconess Hospice, 600 Mary Street, Evansville, IN 47710.
Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.
To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store. Published in Courier Press from Feb. 13 to Feb. 16, 2020.

Rosemary Buchanan Briggs ’83

Jan. 19, 2021

Rosemary Buchanan Briggs, daughter of Don and Gayle Buchanan of Berea, KY entered her Heavenly home on January 19, 2021 after a short illness.

She was a 1979 graduate of Berea Community High School and a 1984 graduate of University of Kentucky where she majored in Marketing. She was an advertising executive for radio, TV and newspapers for many years, in both Lexington and in many areas of Florida.

In 1995, Rosemary married Kevin Briggs and made Lexington, KY their home.

Rosemary was proceeded in death by her husband, Kevin Briggs, her aunt, Anne Stephenson, her cousin, Brad Browning, and grandparents, Ernest and Effie Harper, and Harold and Helen Buchanan.

As family and friends mourn her passing, they remember in their prayers those she leaves behind. Her son, Brian Briggs of Lexington, KY; brother and sister-in-law, Scott and Courtney Buchanan of Berea, KY , their sons, nephews Conner Buchanan of Port Orange, FL and Hunter Buchanan of Berea KY; aunt, Mary Ann Buchanan of Vero Beach, FL; uncle, John Stephenson of Berea, KY; cousins Susan Stephenson Robinson (Mike and sons Ty and Brent) of Berea, KY and Barry Stephenson (Kristy and sons John and Jack) of Metropolis, IL; special friend, Guy Brock and a host of dear friends.

Due to COVID 19, the family will have a private service on Monday, January 25 at Lakes Funeral Home. If you would like to view the livestream service you may do so at 11 am, Monday at lakesfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Food Closet at Berea Baptist Church at 310 Chestnut St. Berea, KY 40403.

The family asks you to continue your prayers for them as they work through this difficult time

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rosemary Briggs (Buchanan), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Darlene Lattimore Cartwright ’87

Oct. 12, 2020

Darlene Elaine Lattimore, 55, was born on July 13, 1965, in Portsmouth, Ohio to the late Dexter and Sandra Kay Lattimore. She had the unique experience of being the only girl amongst her four brothers Dexter, Doug, Darrel, and Derrick. She departed this earthly life at the age of 55 on October 12, 2020 at the Hospice Care Center in Ashland, Kentucky. Darlene was the proud mother of three children Danielle, Lydia, and David Jr., and readily told everyone that she met about them.

At a young age, Darlene accepted Christ and was baptized into the House of God, Inc. where she remained a faithful member until her health deteriorated. Her health started to decline in what we consider to be early adulthood but grew increasingly worse over the years. Nonetheless, no matter the hardship, Darlene never forgot that she was a child of GOD. Even until her last days, the song “Whose Report Will You Believe” was close to her heart. She graduated from Portsmouth High School and went on to attend Berea College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. She went on to further her education at The University of Dayton where she graduated with a Master of Science in Teaching.

It was at the House of God, Inc. that Darlene was licensed to evangelize the gospel and faithfully served as the co-pastor and worship leader of the Lighthouse House of God, Inc. in Huntington, West Virginia. Darlene’s love for Christ and family manifested in everything she touched and loved and never missed an opportunity of witnessing God’s presence, goodness, and blessings. She loved the Lord and taught anyone and everyone that knew her the realization of Christ’s existence in our lives. She was a true prayer warrior and hero of the Faith.

Music was a part of Darlene’s being from birth. To all who may not have known her, you would meet her by her commanding singing voice which was just as powerful as her presence. Darlene had a beautiful soprano voice, and often sang solos, as well as singing in small groups and with her family. While attending Berea College Darlene joined the Berea College Chapel Choir and was also a driving force of the Black Music Ensemble during her time at Berea College. When you meet Darlene Lattimore in heaven, she will definitely be singing in the heavenly choir.

Darlene was a dark-skinned woman making moves at a time when it was not a thing. She was a trailblazer, becoming the first black woman to own a business in downtown Portsmouth. Darlene was the visionary and CEO, of the Close to the Heart Daycare and the Student Aspect Preparatory School. Darlene was a sought after grant writer which took her across the country providing seminars, educating others on how to write and submit grant proposals. She used her knowledge about writing grant proposals to apply for a multi-million dollar grant, which led to the funding of the Student Aspect Preparatory School and an after school program.

Darlene devoted many years to her three callings God, Music, and Education her work in these areas has not gone unrecognized.

Darlene loved her children dearly! She was very supportive of their education and other life adventures. Danielle recently completed her associate’s degree and is currently working on her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Lydia graduated from Marshall University with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology as well as a Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management. David followed after his mom’s call to music and became a musician. Darlene taught her son how to war in the spirit while he plays, the importance of sensitivity and flow, and to “always be ready to work!” Because of her teachings, he has gone on to play for gospel artists Kurt Carr and Darwin Hobbs as well as playing for Bishop TD Jakes.

Darlene Lattimore was as strong as an oak and solid as a rock. Her ability to listen and analyze what was said allowed her to give sound advice to any situation. She was funny and articulate. She was intelligent and well-spoken. Her memory will be cherished by her three children, Danielle Cartwright, Lydia Shaw (Alvie), and David Cartwright (Lolita); as well as five grandchildren, Michol David, Abigail, Ava, Maxwell, and Jaxton; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving friends. She was loved by her family and friends and will be missed

A Celebration of Life, Homegoing and Memorial Service will be held Sunday October 18, 2020 at 2:30 pm at the Abundant Grace of the Living God Church located at 4444 Lake Centre Dr. Trotwood, Ohio 45426. Keeping with her wishes she was cremated. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made on Venmo @darlenesLegacy and Cards and Condolences to the family should be sent the Church.

Friends may call upon the family one hour prior to services at the church.

Her Children have entrusted her care to the  Smith &Smith Funeral Home in Lexington, Kentucky with Cooperation from the Taylor Brown Family of Brown Funeral Chapel of Burlington, Ohio.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Darlene Elaine Lattimore, please visit our floral store.

Tina Denise Hawke ’89

March 17, 2019

Tina D. Hensley, 53, of Springfield, passed away on March 17, 2019 in her home. She was born on March 6, 1966, in Springfield the daughter of the late James W. Hawke and Eldean (Hay) McDaniel. She enlisted in 1986 in the United States Air Force served our country for 26 years from the Air National Guard 178th Wing, at the rank of Master Sergeant. During her service she worked closely with the pilot training program and served a combat tour in Qatar. Tina loved spending time with her family and friends, cooking, gardening, and big gatherings at her home. She is survived by four children: Brad Conley, Marvin (Brandy) Summers, Jillian (Bill) Purtee, and Peter (Tracey) Conley; four siblings: Jim (Ann) Hawke, Joe Hawke, Tony Hawke and Patti (Charlie) Lloyd; grandchildren: Aaron, Emily, Lydia, Tanner, Abby, Kate, Ethan, Chloe, Isaac, Daniel and Isabelle; step mother, Linda Hawke and several nieces and nephews and many special friends. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Monday, March 25, 2019 from 5-8:00 p.m. in the LITTLETON u0026 RUE FUNERAL HOME where services will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Charlie Wertz officiating. Burial will follow in the Dayton National Cemetery.

Kendrah Lea Mills ’89

Nov. 28, 2019

Kendrah Lea Carter, 52, of Clinton, Tennessee, passed away on Thursday (Thanksgiving Day) November 28, 2019, after a battle with a short unexpected illness. Kendrah was born in Bell County, Kentucky on March 20, 1967. She graduated from Thomas Walker High School in Ewing, Virginia and continued to receive a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Berea College in 1989. Kendrah is preceded in death by her mother Wanda Mills and her father Kennith Mills of Ewing, VA.

Kendrah was married to Ken Carter on October 24, 1992; they were happily married 27 years and love of each other’s life.
Kendrah worked as an Elementary School Teacher for the Union County Board of Education for 4 years. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, and being everyone’s friend. She was a member of the Talbott First Church of God in Talbott, TN and involved in helping seniors at the Anderson County Office on Aging & Senior Center. Kendrah was a very special person with a giving spirit and was simply everyone’s friend who knew her. A true saint of God with a magnetizing spirit that drew you in and captivated you in her presence.

Kendrah is survived by her loving husband, Ken Carter and her son, Noah Carter of Clinton, TN, her step-mother Shirley Mills of Ewing, VA, her brother Daniel Mills of Mount Vernon, KY, her sister Kristina Hudson and brother-in-law Eric Hudson of Middlesboro, KY, her brother-in-law Ron Carter and sister-in-law Meme Carter of Knoxville, TN and a large number of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins and other family and friends.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in the Creech Funeral Home Chapel in Middlesboro, Kentucky. Brothers Steven Dyke and Christopher Hayes of Talbott First Church of God in Talbott, TN will be officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday, December 5, 2019 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at Creech Funeral Home. Graveside services will be in the Wilder Cemetery, Calvin, KY on Friday, December 6, 2019 at 12 noon. Family and friends will meet at the cemetery. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Creech Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (nationalmssociety.org) to help combat the disease Kendrah fought daily. The family of Ken Carter wishes to thank the staff of Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee for the exceptional care that they provided to Kendrah during her illness.

Online Register Book and condolences are available at www.creechfh.com

Creech Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

Teresa Paulina Ramey ’89

Dec. 26, 2020

Teresa Paulina Ramey, age 54, of Olympia, passed away Saturday, December 26. She was born on May 13, 1966 in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky to the late Glen Thomas Ramey and Melissa Vanover Ramey. Teresa graduated Bath County in 1984. She studied music education at Berea College where she graduated with a BA in 1989. She later received her Masters from Eastern Kentucky University in 1996. She was a former teacher in Powell County from 1997 2010. Teresa taught at Fleming County schools from August 2010 until present. She was a person whose talent spanned decades of students and students’ children, impacting their lives and providing much needed solace and comfort, in sometimes troubled times using music as a tool to import love of the arts. Her kids were her life to the end. She was well loved and will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her. A light has dimmed and faded away but her memory will forever be in our hearts. RIP Sissy. She is survived by four brothers, Henry Williams, Fred Williams (Charlotte), John Ramey (Lee Ann), and Edward Ramey; two sisters, Mary Anne Curd and Dorothy Manning (Danny). In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother in law, Billy J. Curd. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Richardson Funeral Home is caring for all arrangements.

Yvonne McDowell Christiansen ’91

Jan. 17, 2021

Yvonne Elizabeth Christiansen, 54, of Sanford, passed suddenly at her home Sunday (01/17/21).

Born in West Virginia, she was the daughter of Clinton and DeWanda King McDowell. After high school graduation, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Berea College in Kentucky.

Yvonne moved to New York in the late 1980s where she met Bob Christiansen. The two married Oct. 30, 1993, and relocated to Sanford in 2002. Yvonne worked for Grace Church preschool and the Childcare Network in 2014.

Yvonne is predeceased by her husband Bob Christiansen. In addition to her parents, Yvonne is survived by her sons Matthew and John Christiansen and her daughters Kaitlyn, Ashley and Mikayla Christiansen. She was the sister of Brent and Michelle Reedy and Steven Motch.

A graveside service is 3 p.m. Sunday at Buffalo Cemetery, at the corner of Carthage Street and Fire Tower Road in Sanford.

Online condolences can be made at www.millerboles.com

Cathy Sue Maggard ’96

Sept. 26, 2020

Cathy Sue McCarty Maggard, 69, of Berea died at her residence on Saturday, September 26, 2020 following an illness. She was a Michigan City, Indiana native born September 9, 1951, daughter of the late Dorsey Claxton and Beatrice Carrier McCarty, homemaker and resident of Berea since 1980, coming to Berea from Magoffin County. Mrs. Maggard was an artist, author, loved her flowers and member of Berea Church of Christ. Survivors include her loving husband, Darrell Maggard; children, Garen Maggard, Autumn Maggard; siblings, Wanda Cox (Russell), Netta Bailey (Dewayne), James McCarty (Regina), Allen McCarty (Paula), Danny McCarty, Edison McCarty (Kathileen), Kevin McCarty (Sharon); as well as numerous relatives and friends. She will be sadly missed by family, friends and all who knew her. In accordance with her wishes, Mrs. Maggard was cremated and a Memorial Service will be held at a later date in Magoffin County with the day, time and location to be announced. Reppert Funeral Home and Cremation Service entrusted with arrangements. Leave condolences for the family, share a memory, light a memorial candle, or plant a tree in her memory at reppertfuneralhome.com

Paula R. Wilson ’05

July 3, 2020

Paula Rachelle Montgomery, 38, Harrodsburg, wife of Adam Montgomery, died Friday, July 3, 2020.  Born February 10, 1982, in Ashland, KY, she was the daughter of Timothy Wray and Linda Kay Carter Wilson of Adams, KY. She was a Teacher at Mercer County Middle School, a member of the KY Teacher’s Association and a member of Shakertown Baptist Church.

Other survivors include: two daughters, Claudia Faith and Meredith Paige Montgomery; one brother, Brad (Debra) Wilson of Crittenden, KY.

Memorial services will be 5 PM, Saturday, July 11, 2020, with a visitation beginning at

1 PM, at Shakertown Baptist Church, By Joe Smith.

Memorials are suggested to the Claudia & Meredith Montgomery Education Fund, C/O Shakertown Baptist Church, 2825 Lexington Rd., Harrodsburg, KY 40330.

Arrangements by Ransdell Funeral Chapel, where expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.ransdellfuneralchapel.com.

COVID-19 GUIDELINES – If you have recently experienced a fever or flu-like symptoms, please avoid attending. Face masks are encouraged. Please practice social distancing and refrain from personal contact with others.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Paula Montgomery, please visit Tribute Store

Austin Dunn ’21
March 21, 2021

Austin Philip Dunn, age 21, of Clear Creek Road in Irvine completed his course and won the battle on Sunday, March 21, 2021, at the University of Kentucky Medical Center. He was born September 21, 1999 in Madison County and was the son of Charles Philip Dunn and Kimberly Abshear Dunn. He was a graduate of Berea College and a member of the Estill County Golf Club. He attended the Irvine First Church of God and the Irvine First Baptist Church. Survivors in addition to his father and mother include: His sister: Holli (Trenton) Reynolds – Alabama His grandparents: Kenny & Cheryl Abshear – Estill Co. Viola Dunn – Fayette Co. Visitation for the public will be held Wednesday, March 24, from 6 to 9 PM and Thursday from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Irvine First Church of God on Broadway. Private funeral services will be conducted by Bro. Eric Patrick, Bro. Tony Horn and Bro. Bill VanWinkle with burial at the West Irvine Cemetery. There will be a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, March 27, at 12 Noon at the Estill County High School Baseball Field. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the UK Dance Blue Pediatric Hematology & Oncology at 800 Rose Street, 4th floor, Lexington, KY 40536 or the Estill County Golf Club, Inc. at P O Box 372, Irvine, KY 40336To plant a tree in memory of Austin Philip Dunn, please visit our Tribute Store.