Passages: Spring 2020

Donald Eugene Bewley

Superintendent of Utilities

Nov. 9, 2019

JULY 10, 1931 – NOVEMBER 9, 2019

Donald Eugene Bewley, 88, of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2019. He was born on Friday, July 10, 1931 in Christian County, MO to Gladis I. Poyner and John T. Bewley.

Don served his country during Korea as a member of the U.S. Air Force. He retired from Berea College after 27 years as the Superintendent of utilities for the college and the city of Berea, KY. Don attended the Jacks Beach Christian Church and loved to travel, fish and work on his yard.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, his wife Eleanor, one son Stephen, three brothers John, Delbert and James and two sisters Irene Farrar and Margie Young.

Don is survived by his companion of 14 years Pauline Campbell, one son David L. Bewley (wife Laura) of Jacksonville, FL, two grandsons, one great-grandson and numerous nieces, nephews friends and family. A visitation will take place form 1-2 PM on Sunday, November 17, 2019 at the Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at Rivermonte, 4500 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield, MO 65804 with funeral services to follow at 2 PM. Full military honors for Don will be conducted at the Eastlawn Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in his name to the charity of your choice. Online condolences can be made here.

Janie Wyatt Horn

Laundry (1956-2004)

Oct. 14, 2019

Janie Wyatt Horn, 83, of Berea died suddenly Monday, October 14, 2019 at her residence. She was a life-long resident of Berea, born Tuesday, April 21, 1936, daughter of the late Bradley and Cora Gabbard Wyatt. Janie loved her family, enjoyed looking after the neighborhood children, and taking care of her flowers. She was a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church and also attended Galilee Baptist Church. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by 4 siblings, Johnny Wyatt, Frances Wyatt, Dorothy Wyatt and Hiram Wyatt. She is survived by numerous relatives, friends and church family. Funeral Service 2:30 PM, Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at Reppert Funeral Home with Bro. Lee Abney officiating. Burial will follow in Silver Creek Cemetery. Visitation 1:00 PM until service time. Pallbearers will be Ryan Reed, Kevin Jones, Brian Fryer, Larry Collins, Dallas Spires, A. D. Rose. Honorary Pallbearers will be William Cruse, Woody Gabbard, Robert Jones, Leonard Bratcher. In lieu of flowers, donations suggested to the funeral home to help with the funeral expense. Reppert Funeral Home and Cremation Service entrusted with arrangements.

Dr. Carol Gesner

Professor of English Literature (ret. 1998)

Oct. 1, 2019

Carol Gesner passed away October 1, 2019 at the age of 97.

Born in Panama to Elsie and Ralph Gesner, she earned her BA from New Jersey City University in 1944, her Masters from the University of New Hampshire and her Ph.D. in English from Louisiana State University in 1956.

Carol’s world was the classics.  As a Professor of English literature at Berea College in Berea Kentucky, she shared her love of Shakespeare, Chaucer and many other literary topics with her students.  She also wrote Shakespeare & the Greek Romance (1970), Plymouth (1976) and Plymouth and The Palimpsest: A View From Berea Ridge (2002) and many scholarly papers.

After retiring from Berea College in 1998, Carol moved to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida to be closer to her family.  Always the academic, she gave lectures at her church on the New Testament and was deeply connected to her church community.

Carol is survived by her sister Lilian Elaine Rieur, nephews Paul and Renan Rieur, niece Ellen Rieur Kolarik and 5 assorted grandnieces and grandnephews.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carol E. Gesner, Ph.D., please visit our floral store.

Mr. Victor Clay Isaacs 1908

Obituary Unavailable

Pearl Kimsey

            Wife of George G. Kimsey 1918

Obituary Unavailable

Ms. Virginia Ruth Woods ‘25

Obituary Unavailable

Anna Virginia Copeland ‘32

Jan. 25, 1999

Anna Virginia Copeland – age 89, resident of NHC Athens Health Care, formerly of 1147 Hwy. 39E, Englewood, passed away 8:30 a.m. Monday, January 25, 1999 at NHC Athens Health Care.

Daughter of the late Eugene Walter, Sr. and Mamie Boone Copeland.

Born in McMinn County on April 22, 1909, but has lived most of her life in other parts of The U.S. and foreign countries. Graduate of Berea College in Kentucky. Retired Civil Service employee after 33 years. Member of Daughters of the American Revolution.

Preceded in death by sister, Katherine Copeland Smith; brother, Jack Ferguson Copeland; one nephew.

Survivors: brother, Gene Copeland of Englewood; sister-in-law, Bertha H. Copeland of Madisonville; two nieces; one nephew.

Graveside service and interment 3:00 p.m. Wednesday at Green Hill Cemetery, Rev. Clarence McCall officiating. Family will receive friends 1:30-2:00 p.m. Wednesday at Biereley-Hale Funeral Home, Madisonville.

Rev. Kern Eutsler ‘40

Jan. 2, 2020

Bishop R. Kern Eutsler,100, a retired bishop of the United Methodist Church, died January 2, 2020 in Mechanicsville, VA.  The son of the late Rev. Robert Lee Eutsler and Mrs. Lillian Zepp Eutsler, he was born in Bridgewater, VA.  In 1945, he and Eva Rebecca Vines were married in Greenville, VA.  She died in 2014, after almost 69 years of marriage.

 He received the Bachelor of Arts degree from Berea College, Berea, KY in 1940, and the degree of Master of Divinity (Cum Laude) from Union Theological Seminary in New York City in 1943.  At the request of his seminary professor and senior thesis advisor Dr. Reinhold Niebuhr, who was also serving as Editor of Christianity and Society, a chapter of Eutsler’s thesis was published in the Summer 1944 issue of that publication.  Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, VA, conferred on him the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity in 1963.  He was named a Distinguished Alumnus of Berea College in 1985.

Bishop Eutsler was received into the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church in 1941 and ordained an Elder in 1944.  He served the following pastorates in Virginia:  Greenville-Mint Spring, Elkton, Luray, South Roanoke, Ginter Park in Richmond, Washington Street Alexandria, and Reveille in Richmond.  In addition to these pastoral appointments, he served as Executive Director of Virginia United Methodist Homes, District Superintendent of the Alexandria District, and Director of the Virginia Conference Council on Ministries.  He was elected a delegate to the General Conferences of the church 1964-84.  In the ecumenical area he was active in the Virginia Council of Churches, of which he served a term as president, and was founder and first president of the Virginia Association of Homes for the Aging.  He served on the Board of Trustees of Randolph-Macon Woman’s College (now Randolph College). 

Elected a bishop of the United Methodist Church at the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference in 1984, he was assigned to administer the Holston Conference with headquarters in Knoxville, TN.  He served on many boards and agencies of the denomination as a whole.  After his retirement, he served part-time as Director of Interpretation and Promotion of United Methodist Volunteers in Mission of the Southeastern Jurisdiction.

He is survived by two daughters Ann Coulter (William) of Lynchburg, VA, and Mary Margaret Abramson (Raymond) of Holly Grove and Little Rock, AR, four grandchildren,  

and one great-grandchild.  In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by eight siblings, several of whom were also graduates of Berea.

Kern Eutsler’s colleagues, parishioners, friends, and family appreciated his gifts of preaching, pastoral care, and leadership.  All cherished his personal warmth and ready sense of humor.  He was a loving, devoted, caring, and faithful son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle.  He leaves his family an example of great faith and service.

Arvel C. Rector, Acad ‘41

Jan. 30, 2019

Obituary Unavailable

Vivian R. Frazier Leffler, Acad ‘43, ‘42

Sept. 26, 2019

Vivian Rose Leffler June 9, 1924 September 26, 2019 MIDWEST CITY Born June 9, 1924, Vivian “Vicki” Frazier Leffler, left this world surrounded by her family on September 26, 2019 after a lengthy illness. Born in Berea, Kentucky to Sol and Jeannette Frazier who preceded her in death as well as her son, Gary Leffler and brother Jack Slaughter. Surviving Vicki are her daughters, Tracy Carrell and Kim Rossacci, son-in-law Joe Rossacci; grand-sons Jonathan Smith, Jason Leffler and granddaughter Laura Newman. She is also survived by four great- granddaughters; Molly, Sidney, Mikayla, Jessica and two great grandsons Hunter and Tanner and one great great grandson, Levi. Vicki graduated from Berea College Academy and attended Berea College and was proud of her “old Kentucky home”, hosting several Kentucky Derby parties. She worked at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio where she met and married Larry Leffler, the father of her children. In addition to raising three children she volunteered with the Symphony Society and was residential chairman of the United Way in Midwest City. She also co-chaired the Tinker Air Force Base Box Office; selling tickets to Air Force personnel for charity horse shows and symphony programs. Vicki was a “Bellmon Belle” working for the election of Henry Bellmon for US Senate and served as the last president of Verbena Garden Club in Midwest City. She had a lifelong love of dancing especially ballroom, swing and country music. She was an employee of the City of Midwest City for 25 years, the last 15 working as executive secretary to the City Manager. Vicki loved watching sports; golf, tennis, horse racing and was a huge fan of all OU sporting events often traveling to out of town games to support her Sooners. Her greatest love was always her children and her heart was broken with the loss of her precious son, Gary, in 2004. She was a member of Wickline United Methodist Church. The family requests donations in her name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Kathleen Propps Jenkins ‘43

Dec. 21, 2019

DELAND – Surrounded by loved ones, Kathleen P. “Kay” Jenkins, 98, died peacefully at home on Dec. 21, 2019. Per Kay’s wishes, there will be no formal service. The family will celebrate her life privately on the St. Johns River, where she and her husband, George, spent many happy hours.
Kay was born in Fayetteville, West Virginia, the eighth of nine children, to Henry D. and Tacy C. Propps.
She earned a biology degree at Berea College in Berea, Kentucky, and it was there she met her future husband, George.
George and Kay married in 1944 and moved to DeLand in 1948, so George could pioneer and nurture a physics department at Stetson University.
The couple had two children and, in 1951, moved to Lexington, Kentucky, where George earned a doctorate in nuclear physics.
In 1953, the family moved back to DeLand, where George continued building Stetson’s physics department while Kay raised the children.
During these child-rearing years, Kay sewed the children’s clothing, was a Girl Scout troop leader, and took continuing-education classes as diverse as painting, physics and ceramics at Stetson.
In 1961, Kay began teaching seventh-grade science at what was then DeLand Junior High School. She continued teaching life-science classes at DeLand schools until her retirement in 1984. Many who grew up in DeLand will remember Mrs. Jenkins’ science class.
After her retirement from Volusia schools, Kay, a lifelong learner, studied Spanish, mastered the computer, researched and documented her and George’s genealogy, tutored Spanish speakers at the library and at local schools, taught line dancing, delivered meals on wheels, volunteered at First Presbyterian Church of DeLand, and traveled.
Her grandchildren, who called her “KK,” remember her instilling in them an appreciation for and love of nature and satirical comedy (Saturday Night Live, Wayne’s World, etc.).
Kay was preceded in death in 1980 by her husband, George L. Jenkins. She is survived by daughter Carolee Kent of DeLand; son George Jenkins Jr. (Ann) of DeLand; grandchildren Stephen Kent of Longwood, Meredith Ken of Deltona, Leila Jenkins of Jacksonville Beach, and Gideon Jenkins (Theresa) of Jacksonville Beach; great-grandchildren Hudson Jenkins, Bryce Jenkins and Mila Jenkins, all of Jacksonville Beach; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial donations may be made to Berea College, CPO 2216, Berea, KY 40404.

Published in The West Volusia Beacon from Dec. 27, 2019 to Jan. 4, 2020

Dr. Richard Lindquist, Navy V-12 ‘44

Sept. 10, 2019

March 16, 1924 Sept. 10, 2019 Dr. Richard Harmon Lindquist was born in Sioux Falls, S.D., to parents, Ollie and George Lindquist. When Richard was two, he moved with his parents and older brother, Loren, to Minneapolis, Minn., where he graduated from Southwest High School. During high school he participated on competitive sports teams and attained the rank of Eagle Scout Following high school, Richard attended Carleton College in Northfield, Minn. Per the suggestion of the college dean, Richard enlisted in the Navy in 1942 and was shortly thereafter assigned to Berea College in Kentucky to begin naval training. Richard went on to study medicine at The University of South Dakota Medical School and graduated from the University of Louisville Medical School in 1947. During his time at University of South Dakota, Richard met his wife Marjorie Lindquist (Erickson), and they married Oct. 4, 1947. Following medical school, Richard worked as a country doctor in Canova, S.D., where he served and treated a variety of patients from 1949 to 1951. After his medical practice in Canova, Richard was called to serve in the Korean War, serving as a naval flight surgeon and pilot stationed in Southern Japan in 1952. Following his service in the Navy, Richard returned to his family in Rochester, Minn., where he began a surgical residency program at the Mayo Clinic from 1954 to 1958. Following the completion of his residency, Richard moved his family to Portland were he started a long and fulfilling medical career as a general surgeon, 10 years of solo practice and 35 years at a medical clinic in S.W. Portland. Richard and Marjorie resided in the Eastmoreland area for over 60 years where he was a beloved member of the community. He was active as a volunteer for The Boy Scouts of America, The American Cancer Society , The American Red Cross and All Saints Episcopal Church. Beyond time in Portland, Richard and Marjorie enjoyed regular trips to their cabin at Black Butte Ranch. With a persistently sharp and ever-curious mind, Richard took endless trips to the Multnomah County Library, checking out a diversity of books and CD’s to fulfill his interest in reading and music. He was a talented classical and jazz pianist and enjoyed playing at family gatherings. Always immensely proud of his family, one role Richard especially relished was that of “Papa” to his six grandchildren, providing love and support for all of their endeavors Dr. Richard Lindquist was loved and admired for his kind spirit, quick wit, and accomplished career; he will be deeply missed. He passed away Sept. 10, 2019, from congestive heart failure, at the age of 95He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Marjorie; four children and their spouses, Grant (Gail), Mark, Jane and John (Trang); and grandchildren, Lindsay, Jack, Maddie, Mark, Leif and Andrew A private service, with military recognition, will be held at Willamette National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The Nature Conservancy of Oregon or the Salvation Army. Please sign the online guest book.

Eleanor Bent Plank, Kh ‘44

May 26, 2013

“Eleanor Bent Plank, 86, a long-time resident of Storrs, died May 26, 2013 in Mitchellville, MD. She earned degrees from Oberlin College and Teachers College – Columbia University. While volunteering for the American Friends Service Committee in Mexico she met her husband, John Plank, and together they led an AFSC development project in El Salvador in 1953-54. She worked as an elementary school teacher until her children were born. She was a member of the Mansfield Public Schools Board of Education from 1979 -1985, and served as President of the Board for much of that time. She was an active member of Storrs Friends Meeting for 40 years. She is survived by her brothers Wilson H. (Tony) and George R. Bent, children David, Margaret, and Geoffrey, and many loving grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. Contributions in her memory can be made to the American Friends Service Committee, 1501 Cherry St, Philadelphia, PA. 19102-1403.”

Avis Jarrell Triplett, Acad ‘44

Dec. 16, 2019

Avis Jarrell Shaffer Triplett left this world for her heavenly home on December 16, 2019. Avis was born at home in Van, West Virginia, county of Boone, in 1926, delivered by Dr. McDonald. She was the first child of Howard and Iril (Jones) Jarrell. Her elementary school years began in Van and Gordon West Virginia. When she was ready for High School, she was sent to the Foundation School of Berea College in Kentucky where she finished 12th grade in three and a half years. During her years at Berea, she worked in the School’s weaving industry. Avis spent the next two years at Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago completing a course in Dental Hygiene, then spent two years working as a hygienist in Panama City, Florida. The next two years she worked for the State Health Department of West Virginia where she met and married Mr. Tom Shaffer, a schoolteacher from Tucker County, West Virginia. They moved to Delaware in 1954, resumed their careers along with raising two boys and two girls. Mr. Shaffer died in 1977 at which time Avis went to work as a technical consultant for the L.D. Caulk Company, Division of Dentsply, an international maker of dental materials. The Caulk Research Department had just developed a new light cured dental material which swept the dental world as it allowed the dentist to sculpt perfectly beautiful teeth and cure them permanently with a light. This was a completely new type of dentistry not taught in dental schools and Avis was charged with setting up seminars across the United States and along with three working dentists, teaching the composite use to dentists. In addition to the seminars Avis answered thousands of letters from dentists and took over 35,000 technique calls during her years with the Caulk Company. She retired in 2001 on her 65th birthday. Avis loved teaching, reading, photography and travel and spent much of her time at those endeavors. She loved her Lord, Jesus Christ and combined her talents traveling to mission fields worldwide bringing the stories back to churches. Her travels included Egypt, D.R. Congo, South Africa, the Middle East (five trips to Israel), India, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Mexico, and the U.S.A. When she was 72 years of age she connected with a man from her childhood at a Van High School Reunion. Gary Joe Triplett had been delivered by Dr. McDonald a day after he had delivered Avis. Gary Joe and Avis married after a two-year courtship. They lived in Charleston, had a wonderful marriage and enjoyed a very active social life. Gary Joe passed away in 2005. After Gary Joe’s death Avis served a three-year term as chairwoman of Missions for the region of West Virginia American Baptist Women before returning to Delaware to be with her four children. “And I know whom I have believed and I am certain that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day” 11 Timothy 1:12 Avis was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Iril Jarrell of Madison WV, her brother Don Edmund Jarrell, and her sister Emily Ann Sowers and husband Joe Sowers. She is survived Thomas Claude Shaffer and wife Debbie, Melissa Iril Shaffer McKewen and husband Michael, Sarah Ann Nelson, Timothy Donald Shaffer and wife Kathryn, Martha Triplett and husband Dave Strollo of Connecticut, and Grace Triplett Pushkin of New York City. Seven grandchildren called her “grandma” and five little one called her “GG” for great grandma. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday December 27, 2019, 12 Noon at First Baptist Church of Dover. Friends may call beginning at 10 am. Private interment at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to American Baptist Women’s Ministries, 1075 First Ave STE C-210, King of Prussia, PA 19406. (Make checks payable to AB Women’s Ministries, with a notation that your gift is in memory of Avis Triplett.)

L. Kenneth Mavity ‘45

May 5, 2015

Leonard Kenneth Mavity, of LaFayette, died Tuesday, May 5, 2015, after a long illness. He was 91. Dr. Mavity was born Aug. 10, 1923, in Waterville, Ga. He considered education to be extremely important and spent his life learning. He graduated from LaFayette High School in 1940. He served in the Army Air Corps in World War II and completed the Counter Intelligence Corps training in 1946. He obtained his bachelor’s degree of arts at Mississippi College in 1947, master’s degree of religious education from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1949 and bachelor’s degree of divinity (religious education) at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1957. He received his ministerial ordination from the First Baptist Church, LaFayette, GA in 1957. He received a diploma in spoken and cultural Spanish from the University of Salamanca, Spain in 1967. He also earned a master’s degree of education from Georgia College at Milledgeville in 1968, and master’s degree of divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1973. He received an honorary doctorate from American Bible Institute in 1991 and earned his doctorate’s degree of theology from St. Paul Theological College in 2003 at the age of 79. Dr. Mavity served as president of the Baptist Seminary in Tlalpan, Mexico from 1957 to 1961, then moved back to LaFayette and taught at LaFayette High School until 1984. He taught Spanish as well as photography, psychology, science and Bible studies and was much beloved by his many students. He truly loved and cared about all his students and kept in touch with many of them. He was selected as star teacher several times and made a difference in many people’s lives. After his retirement he worked as an interim pastor for many churches in the area. He was an excellent woodworker and refinisher of antique furniture. He loved clocks and collecting and repairing them and was a superb craftsman. He was a wonderful musician with a wonderful voice, was a gifted pianist and organist and passed the love of music to his children. He was preceded in death by his father, William Leonard Mavity and mother, Muncie Eaves Mavity; four brothers, Donald, James, Harold and Joseph Mavity and two sisters, Inez Jennings and Betty Roberts. Survivors include: His beloved wife of almost 67 years, Margaret Porter Mavity; daughters, Cleta Mavity Gibson, Julia (Eddy) Mavity-Hudson, Celeste (Clay) Matthews and Erika (Mitchell Crump) Mavity; six grandchildren, Emily (Clyde) Gibson-Roberson, Zachariah (Shauna) Gibson, James Matthews, Holly Matthews, Gregory (Breanna) Mavity and Jesse Crump; two great-grandchildren, Jeremiah Skinner and Oliver Roberson, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews and innumerable friends. Visitation: Friday, May 8, from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral service: Saturday, May 9, at 2 p.m. at LaFayette First Baptist Church. Pallbearers: Grandchildren. Burial: LaFayette Cemetery. Arrangements: Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette

Jack D. Simmons, Navy V-12, ‘45

March 25, 2018

Jack D. Simmons 92 of Harrisburg passed away 1:00 PM Sunday, March 25, 2018 in the Linda E. White Hospice Center in Evansville, IN. He was born November 12, 1925 in Golconda, IL the son of the late C.T. Cochran and Gladys Simmons. He was married to the former Jane Capel and she survives. Jack was a W.W.II Navy Veteran. He started his teaching career at Rosiclare where he became Superintendant. He came to Harrisburg in 1966 where he became the Superintendant of Harrisburg School District, retiring in 1984. He then continued to work with the Regional Superintendants office and was the school treasurer until 2011. Jack was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Harrisburg.
Surviving are his wife Jane, a daughter Jane and David Rudy of Johnson City, TN, 2 stepsons, Brandon and Deanna Henshaw and Kenneth & Val Henshaw all of Harrisburg. A half sister Pat (Joe) Baker of Lincoln, IL and daughter in law Pixie Simmons of Carterville, IL. 8 grandchildren, Shawn Dugan and Anna Trodglen of Atlanta, GA, Brandon and Julie Simmons of Mt. Vernon, IL, Hannah and Luke Chapman of Carterville, IL, Lindsey and Neil Atkins, Hannah and Travis Dixon, Capel Henshaw, Connor Henshaw and Derek and Connie Henshaw all of Harrisburg. 12 great grandchildren, Atalie, Kenley and Alayna Simmons, Laci and Hayden Chapman, Dylan and Ally Henshaw, Lila, Vivian and Mara Atkins and Nova and Nolan Dixon.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Joe Simmons and a brother John Brandt.
Funeral mass will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Harrisburg with Fr. Abraham Adejoh with burial in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at St. Mary’s Catholic Church from 5 to 8 PM Tuesday, March 27, 2018. For those who wish, memorials may be made in his memory to the Harrisburg High School Athletics Dept. The J. M . Weirauch Funeral Home in Harrisburg is in charge of arrangements.

To plant a tree in memory of Jack D. Simmons, please visit our Tribute Store.

Richard Fowler

            Husband of Anna Lee Flower ‘46

Obituary Unavailable

Albert J. Riehle Navy V-12 ‘46

Sept. 10, 2019

Milford – Albert J. Riehle, age 92. Husband of Celeste G. (nee Foppe). Married 66 years. Children Jonathan (Angela Bohmann), Fred (Laura), Joanna Robinson (Don), Paul (Mary Ann), Teresa Whetzel (Dale), Mary Pajor (Tom), Mike (Toinette) and Barb Nye (Tom). Brother of Mary (Bebe) Broerman, Brother in law of Martha Riehle. Also survived by 17 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He was Navy veteran of WWII and Army veteran of the Korean War. Passed away on Sept. 10, 2019. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Andrew Church, Milford, OH at 10 AM on Saturday, Sept. 14th. Visitation starting at 9 AM at church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Vincent DePaul society, St. Andrew Church. www.evansfuneralhome.com

Mary Lou Keener Finlayson, Acad ’43, ‘47

Dec. 14, 2019

MaryLou Keener Finlayson, 94, of Garden Spot Village, New Holland, PA died on Saturday, December 14, 2019, while her three daughters sang her home.

MaryLou was the wife of the late Kier M. Finlayson. She grew up in Berea, KY, the daughter of the late Orrin L. Keener and Mary A. Wiles Keener. She was a 1947 graduate of Berea College with a B.S. in Biology and received her M.A. in Physical Education from the University of Iowa.

Before she was married, MaryLou taught in her chosen field of Physical Education at the University of North Dakota (Grand Forks), the University of Missouri (Columbia), and Upsala College (E. Orange, NJ). She met Kier Finlayson, a Boston native doing research at the University of Missouri. Kier and MaryLou were married at First United Methodist Church in Lancaster, PA on August 9, 1952, before settling in Horseheads, NY. Kier worked at Corning Glass Works and MaryLou focused on raising four daughters with stints as a Girl Scout Leader and water safety instructor. The family spent three years in Columbus, OH before settling in Lancaster, PA in 1968 as Kier took a job with RCA.

MaryLou’s passion was playing her cello in quartets and orchestras in every city she lived in. Kier and MaryLou were enthusiastic square dancers and bridge players. MaryLou was an avid student. She attended classes at the Lancaster Theological Seminary and then graduated from the Willow Street VoTech as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She worked as an LPN for several years at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lancaster. She left nursing in 1986, but kept busy working as a teller at Dauphin Deposit Bank and teaching swimming at Golden Meadows Swim Club. She retired in 1992.

MaryLou was a member of Highland Presbyterian Church and had been active in youth work in other churches in the area. Kier and MaryLou moved to Garden Spot Village in 2000. MaryLou served on the Residents’ Council, headed up a Red Hat women’s group and enjoyed playing bridge and Mah Jongg.

MaryLou is survived by three daughters: Jeanne, wife of Ted Finlayson-Schueler (Syracuse, NY); Janet, wife of the late Thomas Cates (Newark, DE); and Nora, wife of James Mearns (Villanova, PA); as well as nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, her older sister Carolyn Howard (Sunbury, OH), and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Kier (2015); her oldest daughter, Cherry (1992); her brother Curtis Keener (2005, Mt. Vernon, OH) and her younger sister Marjorie Nelson (2014, Seattle, WA).

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, December 21 at 11am in the chapel at Garden Spot Village, 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland, PA 17557 with the family receiving friends and relatives afterwards. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Berea College (Berea, KY), Alice Lloyd College (Pippa Passes, KY), or Hospice and Community Care (Lancaster, PA). To send an online condolence to the family, visit the Groff-High-Eckenroth Funeral Home website. Arrangements by the Groff High Funeral Home, New Holland, PA.

Norma York Stock ‘47

Jan. 21, 2020

Norma York Stock passed away on January 21, 2020 of natural causes in Chapel Hill. She was born Norma Aline York on 25 August 1924 to the late D.D. York and Ethel Kuykendall York in Haywood County, North Carolina. Norma grew up in the North Carolina mountains with three sisters and two brothers during the Great Depression. After graduating from Bethel High Schoolin 1941, she attended Berea College in Berea, Kentucky where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics in 1947. She worked as a home economics teacher at Leaksville High School in what is now Eden, NC and also as the superintendent of the school lunchroom program for the Rockingham County Schools. While she was living there, she met her future husband, the late Rudolph (Rudy) Arthur Stock, an installer for the Automatic Electric Company. They married on August 21,1954. They had two children, Cynthia and Gregory, and moved frequently because of Rudy’s job. Eventually they settled in Durham, NC in 1966 until the late 1980s when they retired in Haywood County. Because of health issues, they moved to Chapel Hill in 2006 to be near their daughter and son-in-law. Rudy passed away in 2009 from complications of Parkinson’s disease. Norma moved into a memory care facility in 2016.

Norma’s religious faith was a central fact of her life. Wherever she lived, she became an active member in the local Southern Baptist Church. She was a member of Yates Baptist Church while she lived in Durham, and after moving back to the mountains, attended the First Baptist Church of Waynesville.

Norma is survived by her daughter Cynthia Waszak Geary (married to Ronald Geary), her son Gregory Neal Stock (married to Jennifer Waaler Stock) her granddaughter Emily Morgan Waszak (daughter of Cynthia and first husband John Waszak and married to Aonghus Cheevers) and grandson, Maxwell Bartholomew Waszak (daughter of Cynthia and married to Deva Kirin Kaur) and a great-grand-daughter, Daisy Starlight Hewett Waszak (daughter of Maxwell). Norma is pre-deceased by her husband Rudolph Arthur Stock, her parents Ethel and D. D.York, her sisters Edith Teague, Dorothy Calhoun, and Delores Shamsedin and her brothers Lenoir and Lamar York.

Norma’s family would like to thank all the many people who have helped care for her during her extended experience of dementia, most recently Joyce Loebsack of Triangle Senior Services, the loving staff at Chatham Ridge Assisted Living, her care team from Transitions LifeCare and members of Yates Baptist Church.

Funeral arrangements are being made through Walker Funeral Home in Chapel Hill, NC. A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 26 at 1:30pm with a graveside service at the Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery following at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts be made to Berea College.

Elizabeth Anne Churchill ‘48

Oct. 26, 2019

88, died peacefully under home hospice care with her daughter Jennifer on Saturday, October 26 (& just 3 weeks after a fun family reunion). She is now free from the confusion & anxiety that Alzheimer’s caused her to suffer, especially the past 3 years. Born in 1931 to Gertrude & Charles Churchill in Berea, KY, Betsy graduated from Oberlin College in 1952 with a B.S. in biology & received an M.A. in counseling & guidance from the University of Kentucky in 1972. She is survived by her daughters Karen (Jeff) Crossen, Jennifer Crossen, & Julie (Mark) Crossen, her grandson David (Ashley) Crossen, her great-grandsons Sawyer & Maddox Crossen, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, & one great, great-niece & one great, great-nephew. Betsy was preceded in death by her sisters Mitzi Curtis & Peggy Strong, her daughter Katie Crossen, & her daughter-in-law Joan Callahan. Betsy moved with her young family to Lexington in June of 1960 & was a wonderfully loving & supportive mother to her 4 daughters. She taught them by example to always work for the greater good, volunteering with the Lexington Philharmonic & the League of Women Voters. She also helped start Lexington’s first recycling center. She was a member of the Good Foods Co-Op from its very beginning & also served on its board. Betsy was a civil rights activist & tireless servant of & fundraiser for the fledgling Unitarian Universalist Church of Lexington from its early days & original location to the large, vibrant church & community it is today. She volunteered in every possible capacity over all the decades at church. As a girl, Betsy worked in her family’s Churchill Weavers business in Berea, KY. When her children were in school, she involved herself in all their PTA’s. She later taught science for 14 years at Winburn Junior High School. Betsy opened her home to U.K. graduate students and Bosnian & Iraqi refugees, helping them get established in their new community, & also taught ESL classes. She volunteered for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), attending court proceedings & helping determine the best placement for at-risk children. Betsy enjoyed preparing big holiday meals for family & friends, playing the piano & singing in the choir, & knitting countless beautiful blankets that were auctioned off as fundraisers for the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lexington. She was a voracious reader & loved doing jigsaw puzzles & playing Scrabble & Bananagrams. Betsy also loved listening to National Public Radio & watching programs on PBS. She was quietly kind & generous to all & very much appreciated great senses of humor. Betsy donated her brain to Alzheimer’s research at U.K. after volunteering for decades in a U.K. Alzheimer’s study. She had a green burial on Jennifer’s farm on October 27. A Celebration of Betsy’s Life will be held on December 8 at 5 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lexington.

Frances Barnes Crabtree ‘48

Dec. 9, 2019

Obituary of Frances Crabtree Hilton: Mary Frances Barnes Crabtree passed away on Monday, December 9, 2019, at the age of 92.  She was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Mary Spurrier Barnes; 2 husbands, Charles Hoy Crabtree and Gordon Crabtree; her sister, Anna Jane Carr; and her brother, James Dolan Barnes. She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Sherry and Mark Miles of Rochester, NY, and two granddaughters, Abbey (Joe) Baldwin and Ashley Miles; a great-granddaughter, Macklyn Baldwin; sisters, Jean Huddleston of Livingston, TN, Genevieve Rice of Bethpage, TN, Sue Moss of Glasgow, KY, Joyce Fields of Berea, KY, Sharon Sparks of Berea, KY, and Wanda Krack of Livingston, TN; her brothers, William Seymour Barnes of Cookeville, TN and John Allen Barnes of Greshem, SC.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Frances grew up in Linvingston, TN on Mountain Home Farm with her parents and siblings.  She was the oldest of eleven children and learned to be a caregiver at an early age.  In her autobiography entitled, “Growing Up In An Appalachian Family,” she tells about the challenges of growing up during the Depression, the shortage of food at times, and the hard work that was necessary to maintain life.  She writes that though they had few material things, she and her siblings enjoyed a happy childhood.  Her favorite happy memories included gathering around the fireplace listening to her mother read and sitting, with her siblings, in her daddy’s lap in the big old rocking chair while he sang to them. Education was of primary importance in Frances’ family.  She started school at Fredonia School, a one room schoolhouse in TN, where she later became a teacher.  She attended high school at Livingston Academy, attended Berea College in Berea, KY, received a B.S. Degree from Tennessee Tech in Cookeville, TN and a Master’s Degree from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN.  She taught for over 30 years in the Kingsport City School District in Kingsport, TN.  She retired from teaching in 1989. In 1999, Frances moved to Rochester, NY to be with her daughter, son-in-law and her two granddaughters.  She said the satisfaction that she felt knowing that her family was nearby more than compensated for the cold weather and snow. Frances loved God and was a devout Christian.  As a child, she attended Fredonia Church in Livingston, TN.  She was a long-standing member of First Broad Street United Methodist Church in Kingsport, TN.  After moving to Rochester, she joined Aldersgate United Methodist Church and said that she felt this was the church she had been searching for her entire life. Material things were not important to Frances.  She spent her life giving to others without expecting anything in return.  She only hoped that those she helped would, in turn, help someone else.  She lived by example and made the world a better place. Family and friends are invited to attend her Memorial Service on Saturday, December 21, 2019 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church at 10 AM, with refreshments following in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 4115 Dewey Avenue, Rochester, NY 14616 in her memory.  Interment will be at the convenience of the family in Tennessee. Arrangements entrusted to Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Hilton, NY.

Alene Ray Jarrett ‘48

Jan. 4, 2020

Alene Ray Jarrett, 92, passed away January 4, 2020, following a short illness. She was born in Arden, NC on December 28, 1927. Her parents were the late Elihu Jackson Ray and Pearl Miranda Case Ray. She was the last of her immediate family that included brothers Elbert, Lloyd, Raymond, Gordon, and sister Azalee.

She met her husband, Forrest Jarrett while they were students at Berea, Kentucky and they were married in 1950. They have sons, Owen and Greg.

She is also survived by in-laws Olin and Evelyn Jarrett; children, Tim and Esta; grandchildren, Anna and Michael; nieces, Carolyn Butler and Nellie Brevard and families; special friends, Suzie Wheeler and daughter Amy; as well as other nieces and nephews too numerous to mention.

She graduated from Leicester High School and Berea College, where she participated in the WWII Navy V-12 Nursing Program. She received her RN and worked in numerous hospitals while following Forrest’s odyssey across the Norfolk-Southern railway system. They returned to the family farm for retirement in 1991. She was an active member of Newfound Baptist Church, Leicester, NC.

Funeral services will be held at the Madison County Funeral Home in Marshall, NC on January 7, 2020 with visitation at 2 PM and the service at 3:00 PM. Interment will follow in the Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the music department of Newfound Baptist Church, 2606 New Leicester Highway, Leicester NC 28748; or Berea College, 101 Chestnut Street, Berea, Kentucky 40404.

Madison Funeral Services, Marshall, NC

To send flowers to the family of Alene Ray Jarrett, please visit Tribute Store.

John Myers Ptacek ‘48

Obituary Unavailable

Eleanor Weekes Gruman, Acad ’44, ‘49

Nov. 3, 2019

June 23, 1926 – November 3, 2019
Eleanor (Ellie) Weekes Gruman died in Bellingham, WA on November 3, 2019. Born and raised in Berea, Kentucky to parents who met in China as Christian missionaries, Ellie was a selfless wife, sister, and mother who always had time to listen, a kind word of encouragement to give, and a gentle touch; married to Larry, a Congregational minister, she drew on these attributes to provide unconditional support to countless church and community members. She once sold her blood every month for a year to buy a kit to make a winter coat for a child who couldn’t afford one.
Ellie attended Carleton College and received masters degrees from Union Theological Seminary and the University of Oregon. For her master’s thesis in the early 1950s she lugged a 25 lb. paper tape recorder around Appalachia to record music and songs that were passed on only by word of mouth, often by people who had never traveled outside their local holler or even seen a car. This work was a perfect way to unify her formal music training with her life as a small-town Kentucky girl.
In between raising four children, leading bell and vocal choirs at church, teaching piano, weaving, bread-baking and playing the organ at church services in and around Eugene, Ellie was an active travel and arts organizer. Concerned about the cost of indulging these two great loves – music and travel – she organized busloads of fellow arts-lovers for dozens of trips to Ashland and to the operas in Portland and Seattle, and helped Larry lead annual tour groups all over the world. She was thus able to lower her cost per activity to levels even an Appalachian child of the depression could abide.
Ellie was a strong tennis player, learning to play as a child from her beloved sister Alice during summers spent at Crystal Lake, Michigan. She loved a quiet evening of cards or a good book by the fire, a potluck dinner or a hike in the mountains, a piano recital or a trip to the coast, a hearty laugh over tea or a casual bike trip around town. With a twinkle in her eye, she was a steady, thoughtful, generous and fun-loving presence to friends in Berea, Bronxville, Missoula, Madison, and Eugene.
Ellie was pre-deceased by her daughter, Jessie, and husband Larry. She is survived by sons Lowell, of Traverse City, Michigan; Paul, of Bellevue, Washington; Peter, of Bellingham, Washington; son-in-law Richard Sloan of New York City; and eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Please sign the guest book at the Eugene Register-Guard website.

Published in Eugene Register-Guard from Nov. 15 to Nov. 17, 2019

William H. Hogsten ‘49

July 6, 2019

Sterling-Ashton-Schwab-Witzke Funeral Home of Catonsville, Inc. Obituary

William was born on August 14, 1924 and passed away on Saturday, July 6, 2019. William was a resident of Maryland at the time of passing. A private graveside services will be held at Crownsville Veteran Cemetery.

Linzee Wells Packard, Acad ’45, ‘49

July 24, 2012

PACKARD: Linzee Packard, a long¡time resident of Silver City, passed away in his home Tuesday, July 24, 2012, surrounded by family. He was born in Iran, a son of missionary parents. He met and married Mary Brownlee of Silver City in Colorado Springs at Colorado College. Together they had four sons and two daughters. He served his country after World War II in the Army of Occupation in Germany. Mr. Packard made a career of teaching, and helped many a student overcome their fear of math. He served in Scouting leadership for many years as Scoutmaster and trainer of Scoutmasters. He was granted the Silver Beaver award. He hiked over the trails of the Gila Wilderness numerous times with the young men of Grant County. He loved the out-of-doors, especially fishing at his favorite lake where he spent many memorable weekends with his family as a master fisherman. Mr. Packard was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and served his church, First Presbyterian, as elder and deacon and by singing in the choir. He loved beauty and enjoyed gardening, photography, art and music. He had a keen mind and had wide interests from history to science. Mr. Packard was a man of great integrity and honor, and he will be greatly missed by many. He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers and one sister, the last of his generation to pass away. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary; their children, Norman and wife, Grazia Peduzzi, of San Francisco, Lance of Moriarty, Paul and wife, Marisol Tapia, of Portland, Bruce and wife, Karen, of Trinidad, Jean Humphrey, married to Eddie, of the Mimbres and Cynthia Bohorquez, married to Daniel, of Hous¡ton; 11 grandchildren, Daniele, Chiara, Jessica, Daniel, Logan, Rebecca (Dan Hazen), John (Jeannie Osuna), Amber (Derek Leger), Benjamin, Nicole and Brian; and two great-grandchildren, Jesse and James. Everyone is invited to celebrate Mr. PackardÆs life at a me¡morial service held Saturday, Aug. 4, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church on 1915 N. Swan St. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the First Presbyterian Memorial Fund at 1915 N. Swan, Silver City, NM 88061, or the Boy Scouts of America – scholarships for Silver City boys to go to camp. Send to Yucca Council, 7601 Lockheed Dr., El Paso, Texas 79925. Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory. ôTrusted care for the ones you love.’

Dr. Eugene Q. Parr ‘49

Nov. 19, 2019

Eugene Quincy Parr, M.D., went peacefully to his heavenly home on November 19 at Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. Dr. Parr was born on August 4, 1925, in Erlanger, Kentucky to Sally and Franklin Parr. He met his beloved wife, Joan, at Berea College. They were married 65 years before her death in 2015. In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Blaine Parr and Lucille Parr, a daughter-in-law Lucia Boland Parr, and a granddaughter, Bethany Parr. He is survived by his three children and their spouses, Eugene Q. Parr, Jr. (Dee Lisa), Jeffrey W. Parr (Peggy), and Valerie Parr Hill (Will). Five grandchildren survive him: Jenny Robbins (Chris), Christy Byrum (Brad), Gene Hill, Jeffrey Hill, and Christopher Parr. Six great-grandchildren and a very special niece, Kimberly Rich Evans (Chris), also survive as well as other nieces, nephews and cousins. Dr. Parr attended Berea College and then went on to the University of Louisville Medical School, receiving his medical degree in 1951. He practiced in Berea as a family physician before moving to Rochester, Minnesota. There he completed a residency in orthopaedic surgery at the Mayo Clinic. The family moved to Lexington, Kentucky where he began the practice of orthopaedic surgery with the Lexington Clinic from 1960-1965. Dr. Parr entered private practice with Dr. Samuel Hodges in 1965 and solo private practice in 1968. His son, Jeffrey W. Parr, M.D., joined him in 1987, and they practiced together until Dr. Eugene Parr retired in 1995. In 1970 as the Billy Graham Advance Team was preparing for a Crusade in Lexington, Gene was asked to serve on the Executive Committee. This experience had a profound spiritual impact on Gene and Joan and their family, and they maintained a close association to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association the remainder of their lives. Subsequent to this, they became members of Immanuel Baptist Church. The pastor, Dr. Ted Sisk, his wife Ginny, the Parr’s and another couple traveled to Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church for several days of training in Evangelism Explosion (EE) by Dr. D. James Kennedy. They began training others in Lexington and served in EE for ten years as their faith in Christ and the faith of others continued to grow. Dr. Parr was the first physician member to serve on the Board of Central Baptist Hospital. In addition, he served on the Board of Trustees at Berea College from 1966 to 1972. The Eugene Q. and Joan Parr Healing Garden was dedicated on October 13, 2016, and is located near the entrance of Baptist Health Lexington Cancer Center (formerly Central Baptist Hospital). In retirement, Gene thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his cherished wife until her death in 2015. He also took great pleasure in his entire extended family and the art of woodworking. He produced over 100 pieces of furniture, helping to decorate the homes of his children and grandchildren. His was a life well lived for Christ. Visitation will take place Saturday, November 23, at Immanuel Baptist Church in The Worship Center (Sanctuary) from 10:00 AM – 12:00 noon with the funeral following immediately at 12 noon. Betts & West Funeral Home is honored to serve Dr. Parr and his family. Online guestbook

Dorothy Brannan Hackley ‘50

Jan. 4, 2020

Dorothy Hackley, 92, of Stanford, passed away Saturday, January 4th, at The Rockcastle County Hospital in Mount Vernon. She was the widow of Charles E. Hackley who preceded her in death on October 14, 2008. Dorothy was born on February 4, 1927 in Rutledge, Grainger County, Tennessee. She was a daughter of the late Isaac Walter u0026 Mary Judith (Talbot) Brannan. Dorothy graduated from White Pine High School in 1945 and was also a 1951 graduate of Berea College where she obtained her teaching degree. She began her teaching career at Waynesburg High School in 1953. In 1956 she began teaching English and Literature at the Crab Orchard High School. She became a Junior and Senior sponsor and also enjoyed directing various plays during her 18 years of service at Crab Orchard. In 1974 she transferred to the Lincoln County High School and retired in 1987 from the Lincoln County Board of Education. She enjoyed gardening, canning, quilting and loved her animals she frequently rescued. Ms. Hackley is survived by her three children, James Robert Hackley of Lexington, Joan Elaine Hackley of Stanford and John Elliott Hackley of Stanford. She is also survived by four grandchildren, John Talbot Hackley, Sarah Rose Hackley, Emily Kay Garcia and Randolph Scott Cobb In addition to her parents and husband, Dorothy was preceded in death by a Grandson, David Michael Cobb; Seven Brothers, John, Hal, Robert, Lawrence, Charles, Ray u0026 Major; Three Sisters, Mary Jane Brown, Lula Skeen u0026 Ellen Brannan; and a Daughter-In-Law, Linda Hackley Pallbearers Include: Jonah Pfeifer, George Pleasants, Jesse Bowling, Paul u0026 Christian Wyler u0026 Ricky Spoonamore Funeral Service: 11:00 am, Wednesday, January 8, 2020 Place of Service: Hebron Lakeside Church Officiating: Bro. Robert Camenisch Place of Burial: Buffalo Springs Cemetery Visitation will be from 4 until 9:00 pm on Tuesday, January 7th at McKnight Funeral Home Chapel and after 10 am on Wednesday at the Hebron Lakeside Church. Memorial Contributions can be made to the Hebron Lakeside Church at 27 Boone Road, Stanford, Kentucky 40484.

Edith Adkins Goodman, Acad ’47, ‘50

Oct. 14, 2019

FLAT ROCK, NC- Edith Adkins Goodman, 95, of Flat Rock, NC passed away peacefully and went to be with her lord on Monday morning, October 14, 2019. Edith was preceded in death by her husband, James Robert Goodman in 1988.
Edith grew up in the 1920’s in the coal country of Wise County, Virginia. She was the daughter of Toy Adkins and Alma Yates of Dickenson County, Va. Edith’s father and mother passed away when she was young and she was raised by a community of friends and family. She had four siblings all of which have preceded her in death.
Edith attended Berea College in Berea, Kentucky and graduated in 1950 with a degree in nursing. After graduating she moved to Johnson City, Tennessee and began working at the VA hospital. While in Johnson City Edith was involved in church and in a Community Club where she met her future husband James Goodman. James was a widower with eight children from his first marriage. Edith and James were married on December on 5, 1953. They soon expanded the Goodman clan with the arrival of three more children of their own. Edith was a dedicated and loving mother to her sons with James and to her step-children. Her stepdaughter-in-law, Lucille Goodman became a great help to her in her new life as a mother and stepmother to 11 children.
Edith and James moved from Johnson City to Sullivan Gardens, TN near Kingsport in 1958. In Kingsport Edith was involved in church and continued nursing in the community.
Edith moved to Flat Rock, NC in 1972 when her husband retired. There Edith’s youngest children finished their education and Edith became a member of East Flat Rock First Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school for many years. She enjoyed crafts, crochet, sewing and quilting.
Edith is survived by five children, Steve Goodman of Raleigh, NC, Darryl Goodman of Flat Rock, NC, Dallas Goodman of Marshall, NC; and stepchildren, Ruby Clark of Johnson City, TN and Edna Crawford of Kingsport, TN; grandchildren, Michael, David, Courtenay, Chelsea and Randy Goodman; and Cory Cox; numerous great-grandchildren and great, great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at Jackson Funeral Service Wednesday, October 16th from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. There will be a private graveside service.
Flowers are great or memorial donations may be made to Berea College, CPO 2216, Berea, KY 40404 or online at Berea.edu.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at the Jackson Funeral Service website or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

Published in The Times-News from Oct. 15 to Oct. 16, 2019

Nancy Stevenson Hodge ‘50

Oct. 13, 2019

Nancy was born on September 16, 1928 and passed away on Monday, October 14, 2019. She graduated from Berea College located in Berea, Kentucky, where she earned a teaching degree. Visitation will be held Wednesday October 16th, 2019 from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at the home of Nancy, 4781 McKendree Church Road Tarboro, NC 27886. Funeral services will be held on Thursday October 17th, 2019 beginning at 11:00am at Edgecombe Memorial Park in the mausoleum with the Reverend Nathan Wittman of St. James United Methodist Church of Tarboro officiating. In lieu of flowers please donate to Berea College at 101 Chestnut Street, Berea, KY 40404.

Mary Bowling Hurst, Acad ’46, ‘50

Oct. 22, 2019

Born November 1, 1925 in Manchester, KY to Chester and Mattie (Allen) Bowling. Passed away October 22, 2019 at the age of 93. Mary attended Berea College in Kentucky. She moved to Indiana, got married, had her children, and ran her in-home daycare business for over 50 years. She was an active, longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Greenwood. Preceded in death by her husband, Clofis Hurst; parent; five brothers, Burchell Bowling, T.G. Bowling, Jarve Bowling, Clyde Bowling, and Roy Bowling; sister, Rheba Rice; and grandson, Corey Hurst. Survived by daughters, Phyllis (Tom) Shelton and Ruth Anne (Gary) Wright; son, Michael (Brenda) Hurst; grandsons, Ryan (Jennifer) Shelton and Christopher (Jennifer) Hurst; two great-granddaughters, Madeline Shelton and Rosie Hurst; brother, Jason Bowling; and sister, Doris Kleine-Ray. Visitation will be Monday, October 28, from 11am 2pm at the First Baptist Church of Greenwood, located at 99 W. Main Street. The funeral will immediately follow at 2pm. Officiating will be Reverend Sean Holloway with burial at Greenwood Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory, Greenwood Chapel.

Mitsuto Nakamura

            Husband of Joline Nakamura ‘50

Feb. 3, 2020

Mitsuto Nakamura

June 4, 1920 – February 3, 2020

Mitsuto Nakamura, 90, of Flatwoods, Ky., passed away on Monday, February 3, 2020.

He was born June 4, 1929, in Kapaa, Hawaii, to the late Seisho and Matsuko Nakamura.

He grew up working on a pineapple farm and graduated from Kapaa High School. He was a veteran, serving in the United States Army during the Korean War. He retired from the Xerox Corporation after 28 years where he earned numerous awards for customer technical service and admiration for his bow tie collection lovingly created by his wife Joline. He served in many roles at the Wildwood Church of God in Ashland, Ky., for over 50 years and spent hundreds of hours as part of the volunteer crew helping in the original construction of the facility.

Mr. Nakamura is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Joline Nakamura of Flatwoods; five children, Vicki Wray (Jim) of Winchester, Ky., Mitsue Ferguson of Raceland, Alan Nakamura (Cathy) of Crestwood, Ky., Joy Rivers (Andy) of Crofton, Md., and Glenn Nakamura (Lisa) of Lakeland, Fla.; a brother, Sadamu Nakamura of Honolulu, HI; twelve grandchildren; and one great-grandchild; and a wonderful network of church family and community friends.

He was preceded in death by his ever-caring son-in-law, James Ferguson, and nine brothers and sisters.

A celebratory memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 10, 2020, at Wildwood Church of God in Ashland, Ky., with Pastor Steve Harris officiating. Visitation will be held beginning at 10 a.m. that day at the church. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to may donate either to a favorite charity or to the Wildwood Church Roof Fund. Mitsuto can’t be on the ladder anymore, but he would love to help repair the church he helped to build.

Published on February 6, 2020

Doyle R. Rogers ‘50

Jan. 9, 2020

Doyle Ray Rogers, 93, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at Tri-State Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Doyle was a long-time resident of Speedwell, Tennessee. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree from Berea College in Berea, Kentucky, and he received his Master’s Degree from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. Doyle retired from the Campbell County School System, having taught at Jacksboro Elementary School in Jacksboro, Tennessee for over thirty years. Doyle was a life-time member of Cawood United Methodist Church in Speedwell, Tennessee. He was an avid Tennessee football and basketball fan, and as long as his health permitted, he loved having a big garden and being outdoors. Doyle was preceded in death by his parents, French and Jenness Rogers, his son Brian Todd Rogers, his sister, Nancy Leach, and his brother, French Rogers, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Rose Rogers; his son, Randall Rogers; his daughter Judy Coleman (Jim); his granddaughter, Shannon Coleman Egle (Brian); his great-granddaughters, Ava Caroline Egle and Amelia Rose Egle; his brother, J.C. Rogers (Norma); his sister, Virginia Meadows; brotherand sisters-in-law, Thomas Moyers, Lois Mooneyhan (Denver), Hazel Moyers and Lucille Moyers. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Tri-State Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Avalon Hospice and Ted and Dianne Madon. The family will receive friends Monday, January 13, 2020, from 12:00 noon until 1:00pm at Arnett & Steel Valley Chapel in Harrogate, Tennessee, with funeral services to follow at 1:00pm, with Pastor Kelly Reed officiating. Interment will follow in the Carr Cemetery in Speedwell, Tennessee. The Arnett & Steele Valley Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Doyle Rogers.

Pablo Stone ‘50

Nov. 14, 2019

L. Pablo Stone,91, of Black Mountain went to be with Jesus on Thursday, November 14, 2019. Pablo, born January 3, 1928 in Hartford, Conn., was the son of the late Ruby and Perry Stone (Mr. Sourwood). He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Stone, and second wife, Jenean Stone, and by his sister, Anne Eyer. Pablo is survived by his three daughters, Rebecca Stone, Elena Stone Torres, and Anita Stone Lovejoy; his brother, Barton Stone (Constance) of Sebastopol, CA; his five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Pablo lived over 30 years in Latin America working as a missionary and in food and agriculture development organizations. He retired in Black Mountain where he continued pursuing various peace initiatives. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is now safe home with his Lord.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00PM on Saturday, November 23, in the First Christian Church of Black Mountain. Rev. Bill Moore will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Pablo’s name to Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministries, (SVCM) P.O. Box 235, Black Mountain, NC 28711. Penland Family Funeral Home is honored to be caring for the Stone Family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of L. Pablo Stone, please visit our floral store.

Gene E. Logan ‘51

Oct. 5, 2019

Gene Edward Logan Union, SC Beloved Father, Brother, Grandfather and Great-grandfather, Mr. Gene Edward Logan, age 90, of 513 Peach Orchard Rd., Union, widower of Gay Tippen Logan passed away Saturday, October 5, 2019 at Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home. Mr. Logan was born January 25, 1929 in Rutherfordton, NC., a son of the late Fred R. Logan and Etta Towery Logan. He was a graduate of Mt. Vernon High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in science at Berea College. Mr. Logan was a veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Korean War. He retired from Milliken and Company and was a member of First Baptist Church of Union where he served as a deacon. Mr. Logan also volunteered at the Union County Historical Museum and built many display cases and worked as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels. Surviving are two daughters, Bonnie L. Will and husband Denny and Tracey L. Chisholm all of Greer; a son, Jeff A. Logan and wife Susan of Prosperity; a brother, Ernest Logan and wife, Myrtle of Forest City, NC; five grandchildren, Reggie and wife, Meagan Duncan of Florence, Trey Duncan of Prosperity, Philip Carter of Newport Beach, CA., Wells and wife, Bethany Logan of Dacula, GA and Kate Logan of Atlanta, GA; four great grandchildren, Bella Duncan and Jake Duncan both of Prosperity and Hannah Logan and Maddie Logan both of Dacula, GA.; numerous nieces and nephews; and good friend, Mickey Wingo of Union He was predeceased by a son, Todd E. Logan, sister, Frances Riddle and brother, Fred Logan, Jr. Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 PM Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at the S.R. Holcombe Chapel, 310 West South St., Union, SC 29379. Graveside Services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, October 11, 2019 at Mount Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery in Forest City NC, conducted by the Dr. Jim Whitlow. Memorials may be made to Union County Museum, 127 West Main St., Union, SC 29379. Family is at their respective homes.

Betty Jean Abernathy Tuck ‘51

Nov. 12, 2019

CHAMPAIGN — Betty Jean Tuck, 90, of Champaign, died on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019.

Betty was born in Drexel, N.C. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Berea College in Berea, Ky., she earned a Master’s Degree from the Carver School of Social Work in Louisville, Ky.

Betty married A.F. Tuck in 1951. She taught elementary school, including almost 20 years as a first-grade teacher at Thomas Paine Elementary School in Urbana. She took graduate-level courses at the University of Illinois (U of I) College of Education.

She is survived by two daughters, Janice (Mark) Turner and Cynthia Tuck, who both graduated from the U of I and now reside in California.

A private graveside service was held Nov. 15, 2019, at Mount Hope Cemetery in Champaign. Condolences may be offered at morganmemorialhome.com.

Memorial contributions may be be made to:

1) Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, 415 Crossways Park Drive, Suite D, Woodbury, NY 11797, or online at lustgarten.org; or

2) Berea College, CPO 2216, Berea, KY 40404, or online at the Berea College website.

Ivadean Roberts Wilson, FD ‘51

Sept. 19, 2019

Ivadean “Dean” Rubarts Wilson, born in Dunnville, KY passed away September 19, 2019 in Franklin, TN at the age of 86. Dean was the daughter of the late Carl and Fern Coffey Rubarts of Casey County, KY. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, James Craig Wilson and her brother Willard Eugene Rubarts of Lexington, KY. Dean is survived by her daughters Marcia Kay Wilson of Nashville, TN and Wendy Wilson Cox (Larry) of Franklin, Tn. She is also survived by her grandchildren Taylor Kronn Walker (Matthew) of Seattle, WA, Meredith Kronn Veazey (Foster) of Mobile. AL, Katherine Diane Cox (Reed Neff) of Franklin, TN, James Fletcher Cox of Chattanooga, TN, and Jessica Dean Cox of Austin, TX. Two great grandsons, Jett Beckham Moyer and Louis Kronn Veazey and a great granddaughter, Cora June Casy . Her sister Lillie Mae Rubarts Franklin, step mother Rena Lou Rubarts, sister in law, Katherine Stafford Rubarts and nieces, K. Michelle Rubarts and Carol R. Christ. Dean left home at 14 to attend the Foundation School at Berea College in Berea, KY. She furthered her education at Eastern Kentucky State College (now Eastern Kentucky University) earning a bachelors and master’s degree in education. While at Eastern Dean was an associate editor of the school newspaper and basketball queen. Upon graduation, Dean moved to Cincinnati, Ohio to begin her teaching career in the Cincinnati public school system. Dean and Jim were married on December 23, 1956 in the chapel at Berea College. Marcia and Wendy were born in Cincinnati while Jim and Dean were both educators. The family moved to Jim’s hometown of Warsaw, KY in 1964 and made it their lifelong home. Dean continued her teaching career in Gallatin and Carroll County schools until her retirement from teaching in 1982. Upon retiring from teaching Dean served as secretary of Wilson Lumber and Hardware, Jim’s business that had been in his family for 3 generations. Dean served on the board of the Farmers State Bank, Warsaw Women’s Club, and Warsaw Cemetery Board. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, honorary education society and The First Christian Church of Warsaw. She loved gardening, collecting antiques, and the family farm. She and Jim were season ticket holders for the University of Louisville Cardinals men’s basketball team. If you wanted to find them during basketball season or the NCAA tournament, you just had to find out where the “Cards” were playing and that’s where they were. She enjoyed filling out her March Madness bracket every year. As a lifelong Kentuckian, Dean loved the Kentucky Derby and had fond memories of attending with Governor Wallace and First Lady Martha Wilkinson. A Celebration of Life service will be held for Dean on Saturday, October 19, 2019, with family visitation from 10-11 and service at 11AM at The First Christian Church, Warsaw, KY. The family will host a reception at the Riverside Bed & Breakfast, Warsaw following the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or The First Christian Church, P O Box 925, Warsaw, KY 41095.

Ursula Boehm Dickinson, Fd ‘48, ‘52

Nov. 15, 2019

Ursula Helen Boehm Caddell Dickinson was born December 16, 1928, in Berlin, Germany, to Paul Fredrick Boehm and Helene Schutzendubel Boehm, joining brother Karlheinz Boehm. On November 15, 2019, she passed away in her home in Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by her family. For the first 7 years of her life, Ursula lived in Frankfurt, Germany, fleeing first to Vienna, Austria, with her family then to Klosters, Switzerland, in 1938, when the fear of Hitler in Austria became too much. In 1939, Ursula and her family immigrated to the United States. The family lived in Queens, New York, then Greenwich, Connecticut, before Ursula became a US citizen at age 18 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Ursula met her first husband, Howard Caddell, in 1948 while attending Berea College in Kentucky. They married in July 1950, and moved frequently around Kentucky, Tennessee, and Florida. After the couple divorced in 1963, Ursula raised their 5 children on her own in Colorado, where she worked at various automotive dealerships (among them, Arnold Brothers Ford) and retired from Boulder Toyota in 1993. Ursula met Tom Dickinson, the love of her life, in September 1971, and the couple married on October 16, 1977, at Peaceful Valley Lodge in Colorado in the chapel built in memorial to her father. Together, Ursula and Tom were avid supporters of the arts through the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra, Central City Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera Live shows at local movie theatres. In marriage, they showed that becoming one does not mean losing yourself as an individual. Ursula will be remembered always for her strength of will, love of family, pride in her heritage, and her unapologetically honest and straight-forward approach to life. Ursula was preceded in death by her husband Tom Dickinson, ex-husband Howard Caddell, her parents, and her brother Karl Boehm of Peaceful Valley. She is survived by her five children: Lynda Caddell, Tom (Janice) Caddell, David (Diane) Caddell, Andie (Ed) Smith, Jennifer (Brian) Rootham; six grandchildren: Chris (Linda) Caddell, Amber (Gil) Johnson, Jared Caddell, Jon (Patricia) Caddell, Cory Smith, Brandon Smith; two great-granddaughters: Abigayl Johnson, Gracelyn Johnson; and two nephews and seven nieces. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra at 1600 Range Street, Suite 200, Boulder, Colorado, 80301 or their website at https://boulderphil.org. A service will be at Faith Community Lutheran Church in Longmont on December 11, 2019 at 10:30am. Per her wishes, her ashes will be divided and interred at Mountain View Cemetery in Longmont, Colorado, and Union Church Memorial Garden in Berea, Kentucky. Share condolences at the Ahlberg Funeral Chapel website.

Published in The Daily Camera on Dec. 1, 2019

Walter W. Jacobs, Fd ’48, ‘52

Oct. 31, 2019

Walter W. Jacobs

1932 – 2019

Walter W. Jacobs Greenville – Walter Jacobs, 87, husband of Jean Brooks Jacobs, died Thursday, October 31, 2019. Born in Louisville, KY on Mother’s Day, May 8, 1932, he was the son of the late Walter Jacobs, Sr. of St. Petersburg, FL and Dolla Mae Carter of Louisville, KY. Walter graduated from Berea College in Kentucky, celebrating his 65th college reunion two years ago. He also graduated from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kentucky with a Master of Religious Education degree in 1955. Walter served seven churches in Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina for forty years as Minister of Music and/or Education. He was president of the Southeastern Religious Education Association and an officer of the Conventions RE Associations. Walter was a member of several committees of the SC Baptist Convention and contributed articles through the years to many publications of the Baptist Sunday School Board. He led conferences at Ridgecrest Baptist Assembly and Growth Conferences in churches throughout the Southern Baptist Convention. Upon his retirement at Edwards Road Baptist Church in Greenville, Walter had a second career as an Independent Insurance Broker, making hundreds of new friends in Individual and Group Insurance and with fellow agents as a member and officer in the local NAHU Chapter. He attended Earle Street Baptist Church in Greenville, SC. Walter was a Rotarian and a Paul Harris Fellow along with several family members. He had 28 years of perfect attendance in the Greenville Rotary Club, was President of the Greenville East Rotary 1996-1997, and was Rotarian of the Year in 1998. Walter was also a fifty year plus mason, a proud Kentucky Colonel, and a member of the Palmetto Executive Toastmasters Club. Walter was an avid tennis player, pickleball player, hunter, and fisherman. He was on several Pebble Creek Country Club UPTA teams that won League Championships, and he and his partners were No. 2 in SC 1997-1998 in 4.0 Doubles. He was also captain of a 70s tennis team that won a national championship. Walter was also in the “Happy Strummers” Ukelele Group. In addition to his loving wife of 61 years, he is survived by his children, Alicia Hill and her husband Jeff, Rita Martin and her husband Jeffrey, and Patricia Cannady; six grandchildren, Delaney Payne and her husband Brian, Alexandria Hill, Jacob Hill, Annalise Hill, Joshua Martin, and Janna Martin; three great grandchildren, Ember Mangus, Bryson Payne, and Baron Payne; a half-sister, Iris Carter; a sister-in-law, Brenda Carter; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Walter was preceded in death by a daughter, Emily Mangus; a sister, Helena Mink; and a half-brother, Boyce “Buddy” Carter. Visitation will be held Monday, November 4, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown. His “Going Home” celebration will be held Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown. Honorary pallbearers will be Rotarians, members of tennis teams with whom he played or captained, fellow Pickleball players, and fellow players in the “Happy Strummers” Ukelele Group. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Helena Jacobs Mink Scholarship Fund at Berea College, 101 Chestnut St., Berea, KY 40403. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting the Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes website.

Published in The Greenville News from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, 2019.

Reynard Conley Shrewsberry ‘52

Jan. 27, 2020

Obituary for Reynard C. Shrewsberry

Reynard C. Shrewsberry, age 90, of Paducah, Kentucky passed away at 12:25 p.m. Monday, January 27, 2020 at Superior Care Home. Reynard was a native of Basin, West Virginia and was a graduate of Berea College where he received a B.S. Degree and later a Master’s Degree from Southern Illinois University. Rey was a veteran of the U.S. Army and retired from Martin Marietta where he worked as a chemist. Rey’s hobbies included his “ROMEO” group (retired old men eating out) and his Baptist Health Cardiac Rehab Group that met regularly. He had a keen interest in photography for many years, gardening and watching University of Kentucky Basketball with his wife, Eva.

Survivors include three sons, Gary Michael (Carol) Shrewsberry of Cortez, Colorado, Stephen Lawrence (Diane) Shrewsberry of Paducah and Byron Ray Shrewsberry of Pea Ridge, Arkansas; six sisters, Alma Lusk of Herndon, West Virginia, Reva Shrewsberry of Ghent, West Virginia, Imarie Zambrana of St. Louis, Missouri, Karen (Jim) Marsh of Arlington, Virginia, Zelma Greathouse of St. Louis, Missouri and Ferrel (Jim) Goes of Bourbon, Missouri; three grandchildren, Stacey (Kenny) Blankenship of Paducah, Tessa L. (Randy) Whitledge of Murray, and Dawn Boatman of Paducah; four great-grandchildren, Jacob Blankenship, Justin Blankenship, Kailen Boatman and Jaeden Boatman; many nieces and nephews.

Preceding in death was his wife of 65 years, Eva Franklin Shrewsberry; parents, Lawrence Blackburn Shrewsberry & Gladys Basham Shrewsberry; three sisters, Fern Dame, Nola Shrewsberry and Eva Dian Shrewsberry; one brother, Reynold Connie Shrewsberry.

Nancy Renkenberger Woolsey ‘52

Obituary Unavailable

Frances Dillingham Price ‘53

Nov. 21, 2019

Frances Dillingham Price, 88, died Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019. She was born in Buncombe County, in a little mountain town called Democrat. She attended Berea College in Kentucky, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics. Frances worked with Carolina Power and Light Company for many years as home economist demonstrating the use of new electrical kitchen appliances. She soon found the love of her life, a young CPA named Allen Price, and they were happily married for 51 years until his death in 2008. Frances became an active homemaker, wife and mother. She stayed busy with her community and church activities, where she was a member of First Baptist Church in Whiteville. Among countless responsibilities, she served as Sunday school teacher, drama director, Muppet Minstrels director and Bible club teacher. In her later years, she was honored to serve as deacon. Frances also assisted Allen as part-time secretary at his accounting office and served as volunteer chaplain and interim chaplain for Columbus County Hospital. Frances exhibited unselfish love for all people and used her cooking talents to bless many. She baked and decorated countless wedding, birthday and special occasion cakes, donating all she earned to church missions. She would deliver homemade bread, food and desserts to many who were experiencing sickness, grief or pain. She was constantly working to serve her family and to help others in need. Frances loved music and played piano since a teenager. After the death of her husband, Frances returned to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice and LifeCare Center to play piano and volunteer. She has ministered to countless grieving and hurting people through the playing of old church hymns and her words of encouragement and hope. She was an advocate for Community CPR and the Boys and Girls Home of N.C. She loved the Lord and lived her life in service and in love. Frances especially enjoyed getting together with family and friends, laughing and eating together. When she talked about her children, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren you would always see a sparkle in her eyes. Frances leaves behind a legacy of honesty, integrity, love and Christian example to all with whom she came in contact. A service of worship in celebration of her life is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 16 at First Baptist Church. Visitation will follow in the church parlor. Officiating will be the Rev. Fred Senter with Revs. Dan Deaton and Ryan Clore assisting. Frances was preceded in death by her husband Allen E. Price. She is survived by her two sons, Allen Jr. and wife, Lucy, of Chappell Hill, Texas and Rev. Charles Lee and wife, Betty Ann, of Erwin; three grandchildren, Wendy Vollmering and husband, Justin, of Brookshire, Texas and Joseph Lloyd Price and Sarah Louise Price, both of Erwin; and her great-grandchildren, Colton Ray Gibson and Colby Allen Gibson, both of Brookshire, Texas. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 412 North Madison Street, Whiteville, N.C. 28472 or to Lower Cape Fear Hospice and LifeCare Center, 206 Warrior Trail, Whiteville, N.C. 28472. 

Stella Ramsey Burleson ‘54      

Sept. 24, 2019

Stella Louise Burleson, 88, passed away on September 24, 2019. The daughter of Carl and Cora (Davis) Ramsey, she was born and raised in Asheville, NC. She earned a BA degree from Berea College in Kentucky and a MA at Jacksonville University in Florida. Her first career was as a social worker, certifying foster homes. Later she transitioned to teaching and retired as a Lead Teacher from the Georgia School System in 1980. She remained busy in her retirement years traveling and volunteering with AARP. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband of 60 years, Vernie Burleson, Jr. She is survived by her children, Linda Burleson, Chuck Burleson and his wife, Lisa, Paula Burleson and her husband, Barry Harris, and Carolyn Burleson-Webb and her husband, Kevin as well as her three grandchildren, Allen and his wife, Jenny, Matthew and Jeff. She also leaves behind her sister, Mary Helen Jones and brother, Frank and his wife Jane. The family will host a celebration of her life in November as they return Stella and Vernie to their roots in Asheville.

Leroy D. Soper

            Husband of Imogen Soper ‘54

Nov. 12, 2019

The Rev. Leroy D. Soper was born Oct. 30, 1921, in Brownsville Texas to Leroy D. Soper and Valentine E. Johnson Soper. He died Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019, in Southern Pines.

He graduated from Orlando High School, Orlando, Fla., in 1939 and from The Citadel, Charleston, S.C., in 1943.

He served in the infantry in the United States Army in Europe during World War II.

He returned to school to graduate from The School of Theology, The University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn., in 1959.

Ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church in 1959, Mr. Soper served parishes in Orlando and Sanford in Florida. During his years at Holy Cross Church in Sanford, Bram Towers, a ministry to elderly people with limited incomes, was built and the Sanford Area Christian Sharing Center was established to minister to hungry, homeless, and needy people.

He also served in Madison, Ga., Ocean View, and Honolulu, Hawaii. Coming to Colorado Springs in 1996, he served briefly in Monument, and then at The Church of the Ascension, in Pueblo, and St. Michael the Archangel, in Colorado Springs. For several years, he served Grace Church in Colorado Springs as chaplain to the hospitals before he retired at the end of 2004.

He also served as chaplain on cruise ships for Cunard and Norwegian Cruise Lines. His last assignment was as chaplain for The Voyage of Discovery cruise around the world on The Queen Elizabeth II.

Mr. Soper is survived by his wife Imogene; children, David E. Soper (Susan), Joy E. Nielson (Tim); stepdaughters, Rebecca Smith (Andrew) and Mary M. Singer; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and his brother, Robert E. Soper.

A memorial service will be held Dec. 6, at 2 p.m. at Penick Village Chapel, with a reception to follow.

Memorial gifts mat be made to The Penick Village Foundation or FirstHealth Hospice.

The family is being assisted by Reeves Funeral Home of Hope Mills.

Dr. Jesse Leroy Bobbitt ‘55

Oct. 22, 2019

Jesse L. Bobbitt (“Lee”) was born September 18, 1933 in Yellow Springs, Ohio. He died October 22, 2019. His Parents were Howard E. and Marie (Burton) Bobbitt. He grew up in Xenia Township of Greene County, Ohio, graduating from Xenia Central High School in 1951. He earned his B.A. at Berea College, Berea, Kentucky in 1955. After a year of graduate study at the University of Wisconsin he volunteered to be drafted in the U.S. Army where he was assigned to the U.S. Army Medical Research Laboratory at Fort Knox, Kentucky. After his Army duty, Lee taught science and math in the Louisville Public Schools while continuing his graduate studies in chemistry and education. He received a fellowship for studying biochemistry at the School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Kentucky, and earned his Ph.D. in 1964. He returned briefly to Fort Knox as a civilian scientist before joining Eli Lilly and Co., Indianapolis, IN, in 1966. At Lilly, Dr. Bobbitt specialized in protein biochemistry, including purification and the physical, functional, and biological characterization of peptides and proteins for use as therapeutic agents or as the targets of therapeutic agents. He worked with proteins from natural tissue sources and from mammalian cells and bacteria modified by recombinant gene technology. He retired from Eli Lilly and Co. in 1993 and became an active volunteer with the Executive Service Corps in in its youth education programs. He served on the Board of Directors for the Science and Engineering Foundation of Indiana and was a member of the Board of Visitors for the Jordan College of Fine Arts at Butler University. Lee is survived by his wife, partner, and best friend, Carolynne Fincher Bobbitt, whom he married in 1956. Also surviving are sisters, Jean Andreas Joyce, Cleveland, OH, Deborah Achor, Troy, OH, and brother David B., Batesburg, SC. Brothers, James F. and Donald Eugene, and sisters, Lois Hall and Barbara Hook, both of Xenia, OH preceded him in death. Lee and Carolynne had no children, but rejoice in a large, extended family of aunts, uncles, siblings, and cousins from both sides. A memorial service will be held Monday 11:00am at the Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N Meridian St Indianapolis, IN 46260, with visitation beginning at 10:00am. Memorial contributions may be made to the JCFA Student/Faculty Development Fund, Butler University and the Marquette Manor Foundation. 

Joyce Reynolds Koostra ‘55

Jan. 4, 2020

MISSOULA – Joyce Koostra, age 87, passed away peacefully at her home in Missoula on Jan. 4, 2020. Joyce was born Amy Joyce Reynolds on Nov. 1, 1932, in Surgoinsville, Tennessee, to James and Catherine (Kittie) Reynolds. She was the eldest of three sisters and attended grade school and high school in that small town in the Appalachian Mountains. She told many stories of her early life, of long walks to school and the many chores required by farm life. In 1951 she attended Berea College in Berea, Kentucky, where she studied elementary education. It was there that she met Walter Lee Koostra, whom she married in 1954, at Danforth Chapel on the campus. The couple eventually moved to Vermillion, South Dakota, where Walt earned a Ph.D. in microbiology. Then in 1968, with three children in tow and another on the way, the family moved to Missoula where Walt joined the University of Montana’s Department of Microbiology. In 1972, Joyce became Missoula’s first-ever Missoula Parking Commission director, responsible for the growing downtown area of the city. She was well respected by her coworkers and community leaders for her fine work in that role. After the very sudden passing of her husband Walter in 1988, she found years of companionship with Bill Fischer of Missoula; they met through the Missoula Kiwanis Club. After his passing, she went online and found Paul Driesbach of Corvallis with whom she enjoyed his final years playing cards, appreciating the arts and sharing laughter. Joyce loved watercolor painting and frequently attended workshops, and she occasionally took part in gallery shows around town. The walls of her home are filled with examples of her talent. Joyce is survived by her daughter Barbara (David Morgenroth) of Missoula and two sons, Robert (Janet) of Great Falls and Benjamin of Seattle and two granddaughters, Zoie and Molly Koostra as well as sister-in-law Rosemary King of Worthington, Minnesota. She was preceded in death by her husband Walter, her daughter Karen, her sisters Jimmie and Mary and her parents. The family sincerely thanks the family of Bill Fischer, and Joyce’s many dear friends along with her loyal caregivers Kim and Diane for their warmth and companionship. Donation’s in Joyce’s honor can made to the Missoula Food Bank & Community Center. A private service will take place next spring at a location in Missoula to be announced later. To plant a tree in memory of Joyce Koostra as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.

Hugh A. Bailey ‘56

Jan. 7, 2020

Hugh Adair BaileyKnoxville Hugh Adair Bailey, age 85, passed away on Tuesday January 7, 2020. Born September 13, 1934 in Bristol, VA, he is preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Ellen Arlene Bailey as well as by his father and mother, John and Marilyde Bailey and brother, John Bailey Jr. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Benjamin and Dawn Bailey, Amy and Sebastien Galtier, Bonnie and Christopher Bowers, and Timothy Bailey, as well as grandchildren Sean, Hunter, Liam, Bailey, Ellen, and Alex. Hugh received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Berea College and a Master of Fine Arts in ceramics from Indiana University. He worked for 41 years as a graphic designer for the University of Tennessee Publications Service Bureau. After retirement, he devoted himself full-time to his art; he is well-known locally for his whimsical watercolors and pottery which often depicted fanciful animals. Hugh said that nothing teaches humility and patience as much as learning to throw pots on a potter’s wheel, an activity he enjoyed for the past 65 years. Hugh’s life reflects this statement; he was humble, kind, and generous in words and deed. Hugh was very active in the arts communities in Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Asheville and Chattanooga and was a past President of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and the Knoxville Watercolor Society. He was also a member of the Art Market Gallery, the Appalachian Arts Craft Center, and the Foothills Craft Guild. He was dedicated to keeping traditional Appalachian crafts alive and did annual demonstrations of pottery at the Museum of Appalachia. Hugh regularly donated his artwork to charitable organizations such as the Humane Society of Anderson County, Peninsula Hospital’s Art for Mental Health auction, and the Art of Healing Gallery at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. Hugh taught ceramics classes at Berea College, Indiana University, the Appalachian Arts Craft Center, the Oak Ridge Art Center and others where he introduced several generations of students to the wonders of working with clay, passing along his love of art and his enthusiasm for getting his hands messy in order to create something beautiful. He inspired countless people of all ages to create art. Hugh was a devoted sports fan, sharing the thrills and tribulations of rooting for the University of Tennessee Volunteers, Indiana University Hoosiers, and San Francisco Giants. He loved classical music and regularly answered the music quiz on public radio station WUOT; his collection of WUOT mugs goes back more than 20 years. He was a life-long learner and avid reader who read the newspaper cover-to-cover every day. Hugh was especially kind to animals and children. He would buy hamburgers for himself and his dogs then go to the park to enjoy them together. When he demonstrated pottery-making, children would flock around him, touching and pinching the pots he had already made. He never got upset; he would just let them get on the potter’s wheel to try for themselves. Looking back, Hugh’s life was a beautiful piece of art, sometimes messy in creation, full of humor, wit, and interesting stories, always kind and generous, and absolutely unique. A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 Saturday at the Berry Highland Memorial Funeral Home, 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Details of a post-memorial gathering will be announced at the service. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to the Humane Society of Anderson County (969 Oak Ridge Turnpike, PMB 366, Oak Ridge, TN 37830), WUOT 91.9 FM public radio (209 Communications Building, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0322), or to an art organization of your choice.

Lois Potter Grissom ‘56

Nov. 7, 2019

Lois was born on February 5, 1935 and passed away on Thursday, November 7, 2019.

Lois was a resident of Rock Island, Tennessee at the time of passing.

Marvel Fielden

            Husband of Erma Fielden ‘56

Sept. 28, 2019

FIELDEN, Marvel Lawrence, age 96, of Henrico, passed away surrounded by his family on September 28, 2019. Marvel was born December 16, 1922, in New Market, Tennessee, to Henry and Kate Fielden. He was predeceased by his first wife, Rhoda Lockhart Fielden; his son-in-law, Keith Fielden; and his siblings, Gladys Davis, Pauline Ballinger, Clyde Fielden, Eula Fielden and Robert Fielden. He is survived by his wife, Erma Jo Fielden; his daughter, Rebecca Fielden; and his son, Joseph T. Fielden (Suzanne). He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Taylor Early (D’Anne), Elizabeth Casto, Katherine Sutton (Brian), Sarah Smith (Brian) and Abigail Marshall (Chris); great-grandchildren, Dane Moore, Celia Marsh-Delk, Grace Early and Harper Marshall; daughter-in-law, Georgie Fielden; stepsons, Billy and Steve Lane and their families; plus a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Marvel was part of the Greatest Generation, having served as an Army medic in the Pacific during World War II. After the war, he obtained a degree in chemistry from Carson-Newman College (now University) in Jefferson City, Tennessee. He worked in the pharmaceutical field for his entire career, first in Bristol, Tennessee, then in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and finally in Richmond, where he retired from A. H. Robins in 1986. He was a charter member and a deacon at Derbyshire Baptist Church. Marvel was a longtime resident of Lakewood, where he played and taught bridge for many years. He was also an amateur genealogist and, in 1991, published “The Fielden Stream” tracing the history of the Fieldens of East Tennessee. He organized a number of Fielden reunions and kept in touch with a multitude of relatives. Marvel’s funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 1, at Derbyshire Baptist Church, 8800 Derbyshire Road, with a reception at the Church immediately following the service. Family and friends will gather at 10am on Thursday, October 3, at Nance’s Grove Baptist Church in New Market, Tennessee. Graveside to follow at 11am in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Derbyshire Baptist Church, Lakewood Manor, or Carson-Newman University.

Emma Bradley McKinle Mehl ‘56

Dec. 24, 2018

MEHL, Emma B. Age 88, of Hamilton, OH, passed away Monday, December 24, 2018 at Garden Manor. She was born in Mt. Vernon, Kentucky on November 15, 1930 to the late Archie and Hazel (Shearer) Price. She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, John O. Mehl, Jr.Emma is survived by her three sons, John (Cyndi) Mehl, James Mehl, Lewis (Barbara) Mehl – Madrona; two daughters, Cathi Mehl, Sonya (Mark) Smith; fourteen grandchildren, Sorrel, Yarrow, Cody, Richard, Harlan, Sarah, Samantha, Abby, Rebecca, Alexis, John, Connor, Dustin, Morgan; five great grandchildren, Nicholas, Aiden, Catherine, Christian, Nathan and long time friend, Myron Fugate. Visitation will be held Friday, December 28, 2018 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Breitenbach Anderson Funeral Home 517 South Sutphin Street Middletown, OH. Funeral services are at 1:00 pm. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to P.A.W.S, National Audubon Society or American Heart Association. Please visit the Anderson Funeral Homes website to send an online condolence.

Kathleen Gibson Bailey ‘57

Nov. 18, 2019

Kathy Bailey of Lancaster, went to be with her Lord and Savior on November 18, 2019 at the Pickering House. She was born on November 15, 1935 to William and Donna Belle Gibson in Evarts KY. While attending Berea College she met the love of her life, Dempsey Bailey. They were married on December 18, 1954. Kathy was a retired teacher from Lancaster City Schools. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, playing dominoes, BINGO, camping, square dancing and her flower gardens. She was a member of Fairfield Christian Church, Olivedale Senior Citizens Center and Retired Teachers’ Association. She had many friends and enjoyed the time and laughter she shared with them.She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Dempsey Bailey; children Mindy (Aaron) Nelson of Lancaster, Audrea (Tony) Saucedo of San Antonio TX, and Chris (Kathy) Bailey of Lancaster; grandchildren Miranda (Robert Adams) Nelson, Alexis Nelson, Cassady Allen, Anthony Saucedo, Jake Saucedo, Jordan (Maranda) Bailey, Tyler (Kelly) Bailey; 7 great grandchildren; and sister-in-law Lucille Smith .She is preceded in death by her parents and 9 siblings. By her request, Caring Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2019 in the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL, 405 N. Columbus St., Lancaster OH, 43130 at 12:00 PM. Friends may visit 2 hours prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers you may donate to the charity of your choice in Kathy’s memory. To send an online condolence, and sign the guest book, please visit the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home website.

Jill Wolfe Brown ‘57

Feb. 2, 2020

Jill Brown, formerly Clara Nelle Wolfe, a longtime resident of Maysville, died February 5, 2020 at Wesley Village in Wilmore. She was 84. She was born October 25, 1935, to Amy Alice (Felton) Wolfe and Karl Leslie Wolfe. She grew up among extended family on the Felton farm in Tucker County, West Virginia, where she was a 1953 graduate of Parsons High School. She was a 1957 graduate of Berea College, and completed her education in 1958 with the Registered Dietitian certification through the program at Oklahoma State University. In 1958, she married (Hollis) Bradley Brown, fellow Berea graduate and native of Pulaski County, who preceded her in death in 2018. They lived in Maysville from 1969 to 2015, where Jill was a devoted homemaker and mother to their two children. At Central United Methodist Church, she taught youth and adult Sunday school classes, directed Vacation Bible School, held leadership positions such as chair of Pastor-Parish Relations, and sang in the choir. She held district leadership positions in United Methodist Women. In the 1960’s, she was on the home economics faculty at Campbellsville College. In the 1970’s and 1980’s, she taught Nutrition as part of the Nursing curriculum at Maysville Community College. She was clinical dietitian and dietetic consultant to Hayswood Hospital and multiple skilled nursing facilities in the area around Maysville. She was Director of Food Service at Meadowview Hospital, the position from which she retired. Survivors include daughter Jayne Brown Zimmerman (Jeff) of Deerfield, Illinois, John Bradley Brown (Jennifer) of Lexington, and four grandchildren: Kelsey Rose Brown, Kurtis Bradley Brown, Anna Zimmerman and Ellen Zimmerman. Also sister Juanita Nestor and brother Theodore Wolfe of St. George and Clarksburg, West Virginia. She was preceded in death by sister Dorcas Saunders. A service of remembrance will be held Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church in Maysville, followed by a time of shared food and remembrance in the fellowship hall. All are welcome. Interment at Woodstock Cemetery in Pulaski County will be private. Memorial gifts may be sent to Central United Methodist Church, 912 E 2nd St, Maysville, KY 41056. Barnett, Demrow & Friend Funeral Home, Waynesburg, Kentucky, is entrusted with Jill’s arrangements. Guest Book at the Friend Funeral Homes website.

Bernice E. Dick ‘57

May 3, 2018

Bernice Eula Dick was born July 25, 1931 in the Big Sinking community of Wayne County, the daughter of the late Isaac and Ottie Morrow Dick. She passed away Thursday, May 3, 2018 at the Wayne County Hospital. She is survived by her sister Wilma Dick; and brothers Floyd Dick and Lawrence Dick. Also surviving are her nieces Kathy Vickery, Martha Ballou and Renee Kieras; and nephews Bro. Bill Dick, Paul, David, Gary, Wade, Phillip and Tim Dick and Bill Daniel. She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings Zollie Dick, Dorothy Roberts, Mary Daniel, Ellis, Lloyd and Cecil Dick. She was a devoted member of the Big Sinking Baptist Church and spent many years as a Sunday School and Bible School Teacher. She retired from teaching after 33 years in the Wayne County School System. She had no children of her own but she loved her nieces and nephews dearly and did what she could to contribute to their lives. She enjoyed preparing meals for her family and friends and they gave her great compliments on her cooking. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 6, 2018 at Big Sinking Baptist Church with Bro. Rayburn Sweet, Bro. Bill Dick, Bro. Kenneth Dick and Bro. Charles E. Dick officiating. Burial was in the Dick Family Cemetery. Hickey and Son Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Vera McKinney Hyman ‘57

Oct. 10, 2019

Vera Lorraine McKinney Hyman, age 84, of Farragut, Tennessee was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday evening, October 10, 2019. Vera was born February 26, 1935 in Harriman, Tennessee to Joe Gilbert McKinney and Florence Smith McKinney Hicks. At the age of 8, she and her family moved from Harriman to Oak Ridge where her parents were working in the \”secret city\”. She graduated from Oak Ridge High School as an honor student in 1953. After high school, Vera attended Berea College on a scholarship, where she was baptized into the Church of Christ. After attending Berea for two years she left to work at ORNL as a stenographer. There she met her future husband, Marshall L. Hyman, now deceased. After their marriage they moved from Oak Ridge to Rochester, New York and then on to Pittsford, New York where they raised their three children. Vera dedicated her life to her children and being a homemaker. She was extremely talented in the hobbies she enjoyed. Sewing, gardening, needlework and doll making of which she is a master artisan. She won blue ribbons for some of her dolls. She is preceded in death by her mother; Florence nee Smith McKinney Hicks; father, Joe Gilbert McKinney; beloved grandmother, Emily Dayton Smith Campbell; paternal grandmother, Bettie Cofer McKinney and her grandfathers who died in the 1918 influenza epidemic. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Roger and Elsa Hyman of Powell; daughters, Helen Bethencourt and Janet Hyman both of Farragut; grandchildren, Anne Bethencourt of Nashville, Laura (Tyrone) Bethencourt Serrao of Miami, Florida, Cristina Hyman of Tacoma, Washington, James Hyman and Julia Hyman both of Powell; great grandson, Joshua Serrao of Miami; brother and sister-in-law, Vance and Nancy McKinney of Oak Ridge; beloved cousins, Gale Brewer, Thomas Brewer, Gary Brewer and Henson Atkins; dear sister-in-law, Betty J. Hyman; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 20th at the Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 21st at West End Church of Christ with Jeremy Weekley officiating. Family and friends will gather at 2 p.m. on Monday at Oak Ridge Memorial Park for graveside services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Vera\u0027s honor to Knoxville Christian School or to the Church Mission trips at West End Church of Christ.

Celia Parker Lawrence ‘57

Oct. 18, 2019

Obituary of Celia Noble Lawrence One of the world’s most avid birders is now flying high with the creatures she so dearly loved. Celia Noble Parker Lawrence, living the last few years of her life in Lawrenceburg, KY, passed away in the early hours of October 18th, 2019 at the age of 86 after a nearly 30-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Celia was born September 9th, 1933 in East Prairie Missouri, the daughter of Charles Richard Parker and Hazel Elizabeth Clark. She had two siblings, Clifton “Cliffy” Roach and Barbara Seifried, who preceded her in death. A farming family, Celia grew up working on the farm and in cotton fields, with her eye on going to college. She majored in Biology at Berea College, and throughout her life fondly shared memories of her experiences there. She was introduced to Robert (Bob) Nicholas Lawrence, a dental student at the University of Louisville. The two married in 1960 and made their home in Louisville. Celia was Mom to four cherished children Stephanie Lawrence Turner (Kevin) of Lawrenceburg, Melissa Lawrence of Louisville, Jonathan Lawrence (deceased), and Jeremy Lawrence (Kristi) of Albuquerque, New Mexico. When Jonathan passed away from Leukemia at age 5, it was the most devastating loss of her life. She devoted herself to raising her other children, teaching them all of the things she loved. Because of her, all three are experienced birders, talented cooks, and lovers of animals and classical music. Even as she raised her family, Celia pursued her passions with fervor and a sense of independence and adventure uncommon for many women of her generation. She has gone birding all over the globe, seeing some of the world’s rarest birds. She was a long time and devoted member of Beckham Bird Club holding board positions within the Club. She has rafted and camped along the Amazon River and the Colorado River. She studied art in Europe, and spent a lifetime creating beautiful paintings that would easily be worthy of display in a gallery. She also studied French and enjoyed her travels to France. In her later years, Celia moved to Albuquerque to be near her son Jeremy, and beloved grandchildren Jonathan Lawrence (Amanda Fanning) and Catherine Lawrence (Evan Rochford.) She eventually returned to her homeland in Kentucky, with her final residence at Heritage Hall. Her great-granddaughter, Lucy, was a special source of joy to her in her final years. Celia is loved and will be missed by all who knew her. The family takes comfort in knowing that her suffering has ended. We are honoring Celia’s request that there be no public viewing. If anyone is so inclined, they can honor her by making a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research To the family of Celia Lawrence, please visit Tribute Store 

E. Harold Smith ‘57

Sept. 13, 2019

Obituary Unavailable

Dorothy Vanhorn Wharton ‘57

Sept. 8, 2019

Dorothy Sue Vanhorn Wharton, 84, Lexington, Ky, formerly of Lawrence County

Dorothy Sue Vanhorn Wharton died on September 8, 2019.

She was born at home in rural Lawrence County, Kentucky, to Pearl and Rosa Layne Vanhorn on August 22, 1935. She grew up on the family farm, graduated from Louisa High School, and received a degree in Home Economics from Berea College. Following graduation in 1957, she moved to Pineville, Kentucky, where she worked as a Home Demonstration Agent for Bell County in the Extension Department of the University of Kentucky until January 1961. During this time, she was granted a scholarship for a special extension program and studied at Cornell University during the summer of 1958.

She married William Baxter Wharton, D.M.D. on July 27, 1960. The couple relocated to Barbourville, Kentucky in early 1961 where she continued to work as a Home Demonstration Agent until April 1962. At that time the couple moved to Washington, D.C. after her husband enlisted in the US Air Force and was stationed at Andrew’s Air Force Base. Upon discharge from the service in April 1964, the couple moved briefly to Frankfort, Kentucky, then relocated permanently in Lexington, Kentucky.

Dorothy joined first the Frankfort Woman’s Club in 1964, then transferred her membership to the Lexington Woman’s Club in 1965, and has remained an active member since that time. She participated in both the Garden and Fine Arts Departments activities for 54 years. She very much enjoyed working with the underprivileged children at the Clothing Center over the years, and worked with fundraisers for the Clothing Center in years past. Dorothy was also active in then Bluegrass Dental Auxiliary and was a past president of this organization. She was a member of Second Presbyterian Church and served as a Deacon there in the past. Dorothy very much enjoyed playing bridge and has been an active member of several bridge groups for the last 40 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Clifford Vanhorn, and her husband, William B. Wharton, D.M.D. She is survived by her daughter, Robin E. Wharton, D.V.M., and her beloved cat, Princess, as well as a sister in law, Garnet Vanhorn, and two nieces, Rosanna (Ken) Fitts and Michelle (Stan) Baird. She is also survived by numerous wonderful and caring cousins through marriage who have provided love and support for many, many years.

Services will be held at Kerr Brothers on Main Street on Wednesday, September 11, at 12PM, with visitation preceding from 10 am to 12 pm.

Donations in her memory may be made to: LWC Clothe-A-Child, and mailed to Kate Hook, 4030 Tates Creek Road, #4600, Lexington, KY 40517.

Dr. James S. Burton ‘58

Jan. 21, 2020

James Samuel Burton, native of Richmond, Kentucky, was born August 1, 1936, to the late Albert and Callie Burton. He departed this life on January 21, 2020. He was the oldest of two children.

James graduated from Richmond High School in 1954; Berea College, Berea, Kentucky in 1958 with a B.S. in Physical Chemistry; Howard University, Washington, D.C., with an M.S. and Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry in 1962 and 1964, respectively.

In 1959, James began a 60-year marriage to the love of his life, Ophelia Weaver. Their partnership was blessed with one daughter, Traci Michelle Burton, two granddaughters, Nia Atrian Roberson Levy, Maia Roberson (Jacob Green) and two great-grandchildren, Avery Roberson Green and Wyatt James Emerson Levy. Their careers kept them in Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia, where he worked in various private industries, and as a senior executive in the Federal Government, Department of Interior where he retired from the US Geological Survey in 2001. While in Virginia, James was a member of the United Christian Parish for over 45 years, where he was active in various capacities, most notably as a member of the Parish Board. James and his wife built their final home and moved to Huntsville, AL in January, 2015. They joined the Asbury United Methodist Church, where he later sang in the choir.

James valued three things: his family, pursuit of knowledge, and travel. He wanted enough grandchildren and great-grandchildren to slide down banisters and swing from chandeliers, and was delighted to spend his final holidays surrounded by all his family. His love of learning drew him into continuing education courses virtually every year of his life after his professional degrees were completed. A scientist to the end, when he wasn’t traversing the globe, he could be found drafting proposals for curbing and converting CO2 emissions and the sustainable desalination of our oceanic water resources. And he certainly traveled extensively abroad, including: London, Paris, the Mediterranean, South Africa, China, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South Korea – as a Black Belt in Tai Kwon Do. He also visited Hawaii, Alaska, and almost all of the contiguous United States.

James is survived by his wife, Ophelia, his daughter Traci, his two granddaughters, his two great-grandchildren, his sister Ruth Burton Gaylord of Lexington, KY, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Published on February 11, 2020

F. Carol Meade ‘58

Oct. 16, 2019

She was born May 17, 1935 in Berea, Kentucky, to her late parents, Robert G. and Wilma Anne Meade. Her early schooling was in Kentucky. Her father was a teacher and later joined the Boy Scouts of America in West Virginia so Carol had schooling in West Virginia. Carol later went to Berea College where she and her sister, Frieda graduated. She taught at several elementary schools in the Columbus area for a number of years. Carol went to the University of Kentucky for graduate studies. She was a faithful member and worker at the Upper Arlington Lutheran Church. She leaves a loving sister, one aunt, a great number of cousins, a host of friends, and many fellow teachers.” Visitation for Carol will be at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Rd. Columbus, OH on Thursday, October 24, from 12 p.m. until time of her funeral service at 1 p.m. with interment to follow at Sunset Cemetery in Galloway, OH. To share a special memory of Carol, please visit the Schoedinger Funeral & Cremation Service website. Upcoming Events Visitation Oct 24. 12:00 PM 1:00 PM (EDT) Schoedinger Northwest Chapel 1740 Zollinger Road Columbus, OH, 43221 

John D. Potts ‘58

Oct. 13, 2019

Age 83 passed away peacefully Sunday, October 13, 2019 into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, while surrounded by his family. John was a humble man, born in Clay City, Kentucky in the eastern part of the state. He graduated from Berea College where he met his loving wife of 60 years, Velda May Sparks. They shared a life of adventure with John graduating with his law degree from Tulane University and later proudly serving his country in the United States Army.  John and Velda were married in New Orleans in November 1958 and enjoyed the early days of their marriage in Texas, but most of all enjoyed settling into Columbus, Ohio as their home for over 50 years. Over the years, John and Velda have made many life-long friends locally and in other parts of the country. Once a friend of John and Velda, always a friend.

While making his home in Columbus, John became the Administrative Magistrate for the Franklin County Juvenile Court where he retired in 1998 after serving more than 28 years. He served his community by helping to find solutions for the youth that came before him in the justice system.

John and Velda believed in their family, their church and their community. John was calm, collected and used his legal training to help others. No one can ever recall John needing to shout, swear or use profanity. Rather, he spoke to others in a patient, caring voice. His family enjoyed his love of Ohio State football and the University of Kentucky basketball. More than anything they enjoyed his zest for living a healthy lifestyle. He was well known for putting on his hat, sunglasses and gloves to protect himself from the sun. He was a role model for his family of living a life of principles, values and integrity. He only knew one way – the right way – the John Potts way.  John enjoyed spending time with his immediate family as well as his extended family. He was a fixture at family reunions including many times helping as a host at Velda’s family farm outside Sandy Hook, Kentucky.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Oris Walter Potts and Thelma Gertrude (“Tude”) Highley and his siblings, Frank, Angie Faye, Bill, Danny, Opal Lavaughn and Stanley.  He is survived by his beloved wife Velda and his sisters, Thelma Henley of Springboro, Ohio, and Rena Toole of Redington Beach, Florida. John was proud of the success of his children and the lives they have chosen. He is survived by his children, Tawnya Darlington (Rick Stover) of Dayton, Ohio; Deidre Kuck (Todd) and Judd Potts (Erin), all of Worthington, Ohio; and his grandchildren, Chelsea Darlington Umphrey (Andrew), David Darlington (Cristen), Gracyn Potts, Tyler Kuck, Delaney Kuck and Slone Potts. John and Velda were also blessed with several great grandchildren, Davin, Sienna, and Elet Darlington. John is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service celebrating the life of John Potts will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at Bethel International United Methodist Church, 1220 Bethel Rd. Columbus, Ohio  43220, with visitation for family and friends beginning at 2 pm followed by the memorial service at 3:30 pm. The family wishes to thank the loving care that John received from the Ohio Living Westminster Thurber Community, Comfort Keepers, Ohio Living Health & Hospice and the Bethel UMC community. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to the Bethel International United Methodist Church memorial fund.

David Mead Brodrick ‘59

Nov. 1, 2019

David M. Brodrick, age 82, of Martin, died Friday, Nov. 1, 2019, at Baptist Hospital East, Memphis. Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Martin Church of Christ with Murphy Funeral Home of Martin in charge of the arrangements. Burial followed at East Side Cemetery in Martin. Brodrick graduated from Berea College and received his masters from the University of Tennessee at Martin, was retired from UTM Food Services and was a member of Martin Church of Christ. He is survived by his wife, Doris Rochelle Brodrick of Martin; a daughter, Deanne (Ricky) Saltzman of Madison, Mississippi; a son, David Mead Brodrick Jr. of Martin; three grandchildren, Ryker Lackey, David Maddox Saltzman, and Stone Saltzman; a sister, Joanne Brodrick of Sewell, New Jersey; and four brothers, Lynn (Nellie) Brodrick of Johnson City, Ron (Evelyn) Brodrick of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, Alex (Mary) Brodrick of Novi, Michigan, and Joel Brodrick of Watkinsville, Georgia. Brodrick was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Franklin Brodrick Jr. and Josephine Kerr Brodrick. Online tributes may be left at Murphy Funeral Home website.

David Brodrick

John Bruce Midkiff ‘59

Jan. 8, 2016

Obituary Mr. John Bruce Midkiff, age 78, of Stuart passed away Friday, Jan. 8, 2016 at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. He was born on Aug. 8, 1937 in Patrick County to the late Lee Midkiff and Priscilla Hylton Midkiff. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Nicholas Bruce Howard. Mr. Midkiff was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary for many years and was awarded the AUXOP pin. He had taught at Critz School and was a Principal at Meadows of Dan School and also in Spotsylvania County for several years. He was a longtime member of Sycamore Baptist Church. Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Mary Lou Hall Midkiff of the home; two daughters and sons-in-law, Melba and Doug Howard of Lebanon, Amy and Douglas Grinnan of Fredericksburg; two grandchildren, Chad Howard, John Grinnan; one great grandchild, Jace Howard; a brother and sister-in-law, Blanco and Nancy Midkiff of Stuart; a special nephew and niece, David and Virginia Midkiff; and two special great nieces, Kelly Midkiff, and Sarah Bristol and husband, Andy. Funeral services will be held Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016 at 3:00 PM at Sycamore Baptist Church with Rev. Gerald Melton officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be made to Sycamore Baptist Church c/o Nancy Midkiff, 171 Sycamore Church Lane, Stuart, VA 24171. Online condolences may be sent to the Moody Funeral Services website.

Arthur Smith, Jr. ‘59

Oct. 11, 2019

Arthur Smith Jr. passed away on Friday, October 11, 2019 at Northwest Hospital. He was the son of the late Arthur Smith Sr. and Emma Beasley Smith. He is predeceased by sisters Shirley Ann, Anna Rose and by brother James. Arthur received his high school diploma from Carver Senior High School in Spartanburg, SC. He then received his bachelor degree from Berea College in Berea, Kentucky. He also served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged. After he moved to Maryland, he worked mostly in financial services and eventually began working for the State of Maryland, initially as an accountant. He would rise up the ranks of the organization to become lead auditor and hold the position until his retirement. Arthur was an avid golfer and played locally on a regular basis. He also played in amateur tournaments along the East Coast, often placing in the top five or the top ten of them. In his spare time, he enjoyed watching movies and sporting events, especially football and golf. Arthur also mentored young people in different subjects and participated in after-school events designed to provide additional instruction and tutoring in science and mathematics. Having strong math skills, he felt it was his responsibility to impart his knowledge in the area to others to help prepare them for life when they graduated from school. He took pride in having a strong work ethic and helped to instill the trait in those that worked with him and to others as well. He gave freely to many charities and tried to support those in need whenever he could. He believed in leading by example and that if you wanted something in life, you should always put forth your best effort. Arthur was a true friend to those who knew him best and a devoted family man throughout his entire life. He will be sincerely missed by everyone who knew him. Arthur is survived by his wife Bernette, two sons Derek and Michael, sisters Barbara Ann and Catherine, brother Willie, nieces, nephews and other relatives. Cemetery Details Loudon Park Cemetery 3801 Frederick Ave Baltimore, MD, 21229

W. E. Batson ‘60

Dec. 18, 2018

William E. “Bill” Batson

Asheville – William E. “Bill” Batson went home to be with his Lord on December 18, 2018 in Asheville, NC after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Bill was born in Brevard, NC on August 9, 1938 to the late UG and Marie Batson.

Bill graduated from Brevard High School in 1956 and went on to study Business Administration at Berea College, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in 1960. After college, he enlisted in the US Army Reserves where if called, he was ready to serve.

Following this time, Bill moved to Raleigh, NC where he met the love of his life, Claudette Quinn. They were married in June of 1968 and were very active young business leaders in the Triad area. It was in Raleigh, NC where Bill’s professional career began. Bill was employed by Carolina Power and Light Company where he had many roles through the years. The longest of which was as manager of the Skyland branch office. Bill was a dedicated employee for over 40 years. CP&L took Bill and Claudette to the towns of Henderson, NC and Goldsboro, NC before moving to the mountains of Western North Carolina. Bill and Claudette were proud to call Asheville home and to raise their family in such a strong community.

Bill had a strong faith and a true servant’s heart. A dedicated member of Biltmore Baptist Church for over 40 years, Bill lovingly gave of his time and energy in any way he knew how. He had a passion for the outreach ministry, served as a deacon, worked within numerous committees, and used his God given voice singing in the choir. He loved the music ministry at Biltmore Baptist Church, and especially loved participating in the Christmas Cantata every year. He even spoke of this during his last days on earth. Many did not know, but Bill was an incredible piano player and could play most anything by ear. This was a fond memory for his daughters growing up and they will remember the music that often filled their childhood home.

Bill was very involved in his community. Whether he was volunteering in local schools where his girls attended, helping with youth league sports, or going the extra mile for the employees of CP&L under his leadership, Bill cared deeply for others and was always there to lend a helping hand. Bill dedicated many years to the South Buncombe Kiwanis Club, where he was elected Lieutenant Governor for a term in the late 1980s. He was committed to all the Kiwanis encompassed and lived out its mission through his daily life.

His dry sense of humor and wit were truly unique and brought joy to all that knew him. Even in the midst of the many struggles of Parkinson’s, Bill could almost always find a way to shine light on any situation. He was insightful and meticulous in the many details of life. He cherished the mountains of WNC and loved to explore its beauty on foot through the many trails of our local forests. He could also be found on the tennis courts or “just piddling” in his yard. His perfectionism was easily reflected in his immaculate yard and ultra neat garage.

Bill was an enthusiastic and loyal Tarheel basketball fan. He could be known to pout for days over a loss, but would also boast for days over a big win. He made sure all those around him knew of these victories – especially Duke fans.

Bill is preceded in death in 1996 by his loving wife Claudette after 28 years of marriage. He is also preceded in death by his parents UG and Marie Batson. He is survived by a sister, Doris Houck of Pisgah Forest, NC.

We know Bill will forever watch over his loving family – daughters Cindy Barker (Franklin, TN) and Kelly Hemphill (Arden, NC) and their devoted husbands, Chris Barker and Mark Hemphill. He was blessed with 7 grandchildren; Cameron (20) and Coleman(17) Barker; Caroline (18), Ben (15), Brooks (10), Anna Claire (8), and his “sweet thing,” Elizabeth Mae (1) Hemphill. Each witnessed his loving and courageous spirit and were proud to call him “Papa.” They are sure to carry on his legacy, each in their own special way.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff of Wood Assisted Living at Givens Estate, and to the team of Four Seasons Hospice, who cared so compassionately for Bill throughout this process. You have made your mark on our lives and we will forever be grateful.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Friday in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian. Interment will follow in Calvary Episcopal Churchyard. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service on Friday.

Elizabeth Tester Davis ‘60

Oct. 19, 2019

Liz was born Sarah Elizabeth Tester in November 29th in a cabin in a valley in Upper East Tennessee which was flooded by Watauga Lake when she was only three. Her parents were Claude Davis Tester and Hazel Isabel Cannon Tester. They lived in what was Old Butler, Tennessee. They moved to Johnson City, TN in 1944, where Elizabeth graduated with honors from Science Hill High School in 1956. She won the Local and Regional Good Citizenship Awards and was in the top ten internationally. Elizabeth attended Berea College Berea, Ky on a nursing scholarship. At Berea classmates renamed her LIZ. Her class of 1960 was the first to receive the Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Berea. During her time as a nursing student, she was a student at the University of Cincinnati Hospital 1958-59 as well as a student nurse for the Frontier Nursing Service in Wray County, KY for the spring semester in 1960. Upon graduation in June 1960 she was hired by Berea College as an instructor in Medical/ Surgical Nursing. She was married to Vance Penley Davis of Swannanoa, NC in August 1960. They met as classmates at Berea. In May 1961 she gave birth to her first son at Berea College Hospital. She took a position on the faculty of Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in Winston Salem, NC in August 1961 while Vance was a medical student. December 1962 she gave up the position to travel with Vance, who had joined the Navy, for the next six years. This took her to Okinawa, Japan for 33 months where she taught English to Okinawan Nurses at the Red Cross Hospital, Naha, Okinawa for over two years. She gave birth to her second son in the US Army Hospital on Okinawa October 1st, 1965. Back in the USA She gave birth to her third son in the Navy Hospital in Charleston, SC on the13th of July 1967. They left the Navy August 1968 and Vance entered Seminary in Louisville, KY 1968-1971.

Liz was the seminary health clinic RN 1969-1971. She later was part-time charge RN in Med/Surg nursing in the Baptist Hospital, Nashville,TN for one year (1971-72) while Vance was doing a residency in Chaplaincy. Upon returning to Louisville in 1972, she took a position as Public Health Nurse Supervisor where she ran three clinics in the inner city of Louisville 1972-1974. The family moved to Jackson, TN August 1974 where she spent one year in the mental health clinic and one year as Nurse Consultant for the State of TN in West Tennessee, surveying hospitals and nursing homes for medicare/medicaid. The family moved again to Knoxville where Liz Vance took positions at Eastern State Psychiatric Hospital in August 1976. At ESPH Liz was program director for a 350 bed long term program for psychiatric patients, chosen for deinstitutionalization. When that was completed the next position was head RN for the Substance Abuse program at (re-named) Lakeshore Mental Health Institute. That program closed down in 1981 and Liz did 2 years at the local Veteran’s Affairs Outpatient Clinic, then three years in substance abuse at St. Mary’s Hospital in Knoxville, until the entire staff moved the program to University of Tennessee Hospital in 1986. Liz served there as she finished her certification and was licensed by Tennessee Association of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counselors as well as the National Association of Drug and Alcohol Counselors Level II. While serving in the Knoxville area Liz also was a CPR instructor for the American Red Cross for about 20 years. She was also Nurse Peer Assistant Advocate for nurses who were in recovery from addiction to alcohol or drugs. And she was Preceptor for newly graduated RN’s who were beginning substance abuse service. And she was vice president for Region 5 Tennessee Nurses Association for 5 years before she retired in 2001.

In August 1993 Liz and Vance moved again for positions at the VA Medical Center in Johnson City, TN. Liz split her time between the psychiatric and substance abuse units at the VAMC and with Indian Path Hospital in Kingsport working in their Indian Path Pavilion for psychiatry and substance abuse treatment. She also was involved in setting up and opening a new Alzheimer’s unit at Indian Path Hospital as well. She was

a member of a team at the VA Medical Center who won a grant to work with veterans with bipolar disorder and PTSD. Liz retired in 2001 while working in that program.

During all her life Liz was active in church activities. Notable was her designation as a missionary, having the Elizabeth Davis Circle named after her by the Pinecrest Baptist Church in Johnson City for her work on Okinawa, while she was working with the nurses and being co- Minister of Youth for the Central Baptist Church in Okinawa. She was elected Elder of Hopwood Christian Church at Milligan College Johnson City, TN. And using her Contralto voice she sang in choirs and quartets and as a soloist from her youth until about 2005, when she began her bout with Vascular Dementia and Alzheimer’s. She practiced her wedding vows “Whither thou goest I will go.”

Liz did community education in substance abuse, giving programs in local churches and in clinical training programs for clergy at Lakeshore and the VA Medical Center in Johnson City. She also served as a marriage enrichment workshop presenter with her husband Vance during their time in Knoxville. So from 1960, when she began teaching at Berea College, Liz served many people in many settings as a teacher, a public health RN, a psychiatric RN and a substance abuse counselor, and speaker at Professional meetings in her fields of psychiatry and substance abuse.Her life was full! Liz was a good listener, often being stopped by strangers who wanted to talk.

Liz is survived by her Husband of 59 years, Vance Davis; her sister, Frankie Anne Tester of Naples. FL. and her three sons, Jeffery, Gregory and Thadd; two daughters-in-law Billie Davis and Kelley Davis, five grandchildren; Sarah Caitlin Rueff, William Penley Davis, Darius Fragopoulos Davis, ‘Hristina Belle Davis, and Evelyn Isabel Davis; and a great granddaughter, Aya La Clair Vanlandingham

A celebration of the life Liz lived will be held in Johnson City at Hopwood Christian Church on November 9th @ 11:00 AM ; and in Knoxville at West Hills Baptist Church on November 10th @ 3:00 PM. Since Liz wished to be cremated, there will be no visitation or graveside service. The family will have a private service for the cremains.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to your local Alzheimer’s Association or to Smoky Mountain Hospice 7051 Strawberry Plains Pike, Knoxville, TN 37914, or to the Sarah Elizabeth Tester Davis Scholarship Fund for nursing students Berea College, . 101 Chestnut Street Berea, KY 40404

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Sarah Elizabeth Davis please visit our Sympathy Store.

Joseph W. Richen ‘60

Sept. 27, 2019

Joseph W. Jay’ Richen November 6, 1937 – September 27, 2019 San Diego Joseph, 81, born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, obtained degrees from Berea College and Ohio University, and thereafter taught two years at SUNY Albany in New Your State. He continued his education at the University of Minnesota while teaching at Augsburg College. In 1965, Jay moved to San Diego. From 1966 to 1996 he taught at Grossmont Community College. During that time, he was the Acting Dean of Arts and Sciences, Department Chair, Vice President of the Faculty Senate and Director of the Center for Critical Thinking. His duties included being Director of Forensics (Speech and Competitions) including winning several local, regional, and state competitions. There was also a National Championship in the Lincoln-Douglas Debate competition. After retirement, Jay continued to be active in the First Unitarian-Universalist Church and volunteer work for Special Delivery (food delivery for PWAs.) He was a strong supporter of local Theatre and Musical organizations. Jay is survived by longtime partner, Tien Vo; nephew, James Mangold, and family, and many friends. Memorial Service will be held at the First Unitarian-Universalist Church on October 27, 2019 at 3pm. Memorials may be made to the church.

Published in The San Diego Union Tribune on Oct. 20, 2019

Gail Coleman Olin Mays ‘61

Jan. 4, 2000

Obituary Unavailable

Ambrose C. McDow ‘61

Jan. 4, 2020

1939 2020 Mr. Ambrose C. McDow, age 80, of Athens, Georgia passed away on January 4, 2020.Ambrose was born on October 7, 1939 to the late George McDow and Oteel Higginbotham in Adairsville, GA. After graduating from Summerhill High School, he attended Berea College in Berea, Kentucky and received his AB in Chemistry. He also attended the University of Georgia and earned his Masters and Specialist degrees in Science Education. Ambrose taught 31 years in the Clarke County School System. After retiring from teaching, he worked for 10 years as a Job Trainer for the Job Club, a collaboration effect among ACTION Inc, the Athens-Clarke Department of Family and Children Services, and the Georgia Department of Labor. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary; his son, Marcus, his daughter Monique(Jermaine) Whipple, three sisters, Miriam Henderson, Beverly Johnson, and Brenda (Charles) Canty, one aunt, Joan Curtis, three cousins, Retiblist Curtis, Elihue (Hilda) Curtis, and Kim (Cedric) McCartherens, two sisters-in-law, Sarah (Henry) Tate and Betty (Freddie ) Smith , four grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and family and friends. The funeral services will be held on Monday, January 13, 2020, at First AME Church at 11 am. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park.Viewing will be held from 2:00 7:00, with a family visitation from 6:00 7:00 Sunday, January 12, 2020 at the funeral home. Gardenview Funeral Chapel of Athens, Ga is in charge of arrangements .

Barbara C. Parks

            Wife of Dr. James E. Parks ‘61

Nov. 26, 2019

Catron Parks, age 78, of Oak Ridge, TN, passed away November 26, 2019, at her residence surrounded by her family after battling Parkinson’s disease for more than 20 years. She was born in Knoxville, TN, and moved with her parents, Bert Gillis Catron and Helen Donaldson Catron, and brother, Donald, to Oak Ridge in early 1944. The family first lived in a “flat top” on Alger Road. When an “A” house became available, they moved to Kentucky Avenue and then to a “C’ house on Kingsley Road where her sister, Carol, joined the family.Barbara entered first grade at Cedar Hill Elementary School. She attended Jefferson Junior High School and graduated with the class of 1959 from Oak Ridge High School. She graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Home Economics in 1963. While at UT, she met and married James Edgar Parks.While caring for their four children, Barbara earned her M.S. degree in Human Ecology from Western Kentucky University. She taught nursery school as well and enjoyed community activities such as being a Cub Scout den leader, room mother, and Sunday school teacher. She developed an interest in storytelling and using puppets to illustrate the story. This led to a small craft business of making puppets and selling them at local craft festivals. The family returned to Oak Ridge where all four children graduated from Oak Ridge High School. Barbara taught childcare at Oak Ridge High School for 10 years and co-authored three books with her sister, Carol, on storytelling with young children. She spent the last of her 20-year professional career directing a TRiO program for first generation college students. In retirement, she devoted much of her free time to her grandchildren and spent over 10 years tracing the genealogy of the Parks and Catron families. She loved hiking and was a member of First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge since the early days at the Ridge Theater.She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, James Edgar Parks, daughter Sharon Peake (Graham) of Purcellville, VA, sons James Parks II (Cheryl) and Kermit Parks (Susan) of Knoxville, TN, and daughter Christine Cheney (Jason) of Oak Ridge, TN. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren: Samuel, Georgia, and Benjamin Peake; Emily and Natalie Parks; Andrew and Rachel Parks; and Carinne and Jacob Cheney, as well as her mother Helen Catron and sister Carol Catron.She is preceded in death by her father Bert Catron and brother Donald Catron.The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 30, 2019 from 11 AM 1:00 PM at First United Methodist Church in Oak Ridge. The funeral service will begin at 1 PM with Rev. Jenny Caughman officiating and burial will follow at Oak Ridge Memorial Park. Weatherford Mortuary is in charge of all arrangements. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Barbara’s life may do so with gifts to the First United Methodist Church, Oak Ridge pastoral visitation endowment. An online guest book can be signed at the Weatherford Mortuary website.

Dr. Ray Allen Gibson ‘62

Dec. 16, 2019

Dr. Ray Allen Gibson, 78, Cave City, passed away Monday, December 16, 2019 at his residence.   A native of Webster County, he was the son of the late Curtis Ray Gibson and Mildred Allen Gibson Caton.

Dr. Gibson graduated Berea College, followed by the University of Louisville School of Medicine, where he also served his residency in Ob/Gyn. He served in the U S Army where he attained the rank of major.  He was the first Ob/Gyn in Barren County, when he came to Glasgow in 1974 and began practicing at the Howard Clinic.  He continued to practice in Glasgow until his retirement in 2018. He was well loved and respected throughout the area.

Dr. Gibson has had a lifelong involvement in agriculture; he loved farming and his horses.  He was a mason and a member of the Scottish Rite.  He was a member of the Glasgow Baptist Church where he also served for a long time as Sunday School teacher and Deacon.  He was now Deacon emeritus.  Dr. Gibson had a talent of being a great storyteller and came to be known by many as the “Goodnight Weatherman”.

Survivors include his wife Nancy; one daughter, Rachel Muhlenkamp and her husband Chad of Glasgow; two grandchildren: Whit and Micah Muhlenkamp; two step-sisters: Rebecca Luzio of Newburg, IN and Kim Denton of Corydon, KY.

Funeral services will be held 12 noon Friday at the Glasgow Baptist Church with burial in the Glasgow Municipal Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 3 to 8 pm Thursday at the Hatcher & Saddler Funeral Home and after 10 am Friday at the church.  Alternate expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the American Heart Association or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Dr. Gary Thomas Lane ‘63

Dec. 11, 2019

Gary Thomas Lane 11/08/1941 12/11/2019 Visitation: after 3 pm, Sunday, December 15, 2019 at Indian Hills Christian Church in Danville Funeral: 1 pm, Monday, December 16, 2019 at Indian Hills Christian Church in Danville Burial: Bellevue Cemetery (8)Gary Lane Gary Thomas Lane, 78, died December 11, 2019 at the UK Medical Center in Lexington. Born November 8, 1941 in Glasgow, he was the son of the late Glen Wilson and Trixie McCandless Lane. Gary graduated from Greensburg High school, earned an Associate Degree at Lindsey Wilson College, earned his Bachelor of Science Degree at Berea College, and earned both his Masters and PhD at Purdue University. He began his career as a Professor at Texas A&M University in the Animal Science Department and then came to the University of Kentucky to join the Animal Science Department there. He began work at Burkmann Feeds as an Animal Nutritionist in 1986 and retired in 2006. Gary was a member of the American Dairy Science Association, the American Society of Animal Science, the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists, the Kentucky Dairy Development Council, and an Officer of the Lindsey Wilson College Alumni Board. He was an Elder, Trustee, and faithful member of Indian Hills Christian Church. An avid fisherman, gardener, golfer, and photographer; he shared his hobbies, his love of UK sports, and his strong faith with his family and many friends. He is predeceased by a sister, Charlotte Turner, and two brothers, Ronald Wilson Lane and Mark Brown Lane. He is survived by his wife, Doris Jean McKinney Lane; three daughters, Marsha Dawn Lane, Valerie Susan Lane (Ben) Bloom, Amy Lou (Rusty) Chaney all of Danville; four grandchildren, Sarah (Jordan) Dean, Brandon (Kenna) Thompson, Abigail Thompson, Ava Lane Bloom; great-grandson, Thomas Lane Dean and step-grandson, Cameron Chaney; a brother, Teddy (Carolyn) Lane of Glasgow and a brother-in-law, Jimmy Turner of Russell Springs. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and in-laws. The celebration of life will be 1 p.m., Monday, December 16, 2019 at Indian Hills Christian Church. Reverend Jim Cooper will officiate. Burial will follow in Bellevue Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Brandon Thompson, Mike Lane, Ben Bloom, Rusty Chaney, Jordan Dean, and John Edd Tucker. Honorary pallbearers will be The Barnabas Sunday School Class. Visitation will be after 3 p.m., Sunday, December 15, 2019 at Indian Hills Christian Church and after 11 a.m. on Monday prior to the 1 p.m. service. Memorial donations are suggested to Indian Hills Christian Church.

Dr. James Charles Mills, III ’63

January 7, 2020

J. Mills

Coloring Outside the Lines

Good grief!… With more health issues than you can shake a stick at, I finished my earth journey on January 7^th. Contrary to what some may believe, I did not die on purpose to avoid the IRS, the mafia, or old girl friends. Known around these parts as “Jay” (or Dr. Mills), I was always partial to “J.C.”, my boyhood name. I was born in a W. VA. coal camp to parents who could not read or write. When I was 8 years old, on Christmas day, my grandma Barker “took me in”. She simply handed me a paper shopping bag and said: “J.C., put your stuff in this poke. You can go home with me.” The rest of my youth was spent in Vinton, VA where the only book in the house was an old, dusty, unread bible. School was tough! I flunked second grade.

In high school, I graduated next to last and was voted “class clown”. Grandpa Barker used to tell me I was too hard-headed to ever amount to anything. And then there was my high school guidance counselor who laughed out loud when I said: “I’ve been studyin’ on it a rite smart, and I’m a good mind to go to college.” She thought I was a moron. It made my hopin’ mad. I told my best friend: “You know, a diamond ain’t nothin’ but a lump of coal that got hard. I’m goin’ to go to college!”

After high school I served short hitches in the army and the Marine Corps… until I figured out that I didn’t much care for being bossed around. Lookin’ back on it, I should have joined the Peace Corps instead. Despite my hardscrabble background, I earned degrees from Spartanburg Methodist College, Berea College, Oberlin College and Kansas University.

For some 30 odd years I pretended to be an art professor at East Tennessee State University. ETSU was like a big department store and I got to work play in the toy dept. A student wrote on a teacher evaluation form: “The worst thing about Dr. Mills class was that he wandered off subject a lot. … On the other hand, the best thing about Dr. Mills class was that he wandered off subject a lot”.

There are a number of things I regret. … But most of all, I regret the times I let others define me as a person, a teacher, and as an artist. I wish I would have had the courage to say: “No thank you. I can chew my own food”.

The tales told here are mostly true. A whole bunch of stuff was left out to protect some of my cronies. A final request … try to leave my favorite planet a little bit better off than you found it. Amen – so be it – … J.C.

My survivors include a son Jason Mills, daughter Megan Mills Herndon and granddaughter Rowan Mills. I hope they will always choose to dance with the rhythms of this marvelous, magical, mysterious thing called life.

This is a 6^th draft. It’s still all wrong … but getting better.

Trying to learn how to tie my spiritual shoes

Come to my ‘Good grief’ shindig on Feb 8, 4:00 pm, at New Zion Faith Center. Casual dress is required. Take home a piece of my art. There will be music, dancin’, story tellin’, jokin’, good food … and all sorts of carrying on. for more information www.goodgrief-jcmills.com

Be There or Be Square

Dr. Vader “Buddy” Shelton ‘63

Dec. 19, 2019

Dr. Vader “Buddy” Shelton Jr.

FEBRUARY 23, 1941 – DECEMBER 19, 2019

Dr. Vader “Buddy” Shelton, II., of Drexel, passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2019 at the age of 78. Buddy is preceded in death by his parents, Vader and Sylvene Shelton, formerly of Marshall. Buddy is survived by two sons, Cecil Shelton of Hickory and Greg Shelton of Morganton; a granddaughter, Cara Shelton; and a sister, Carol Davis Gibson of Charlotte. Buddy was born in Marshall, NC on February 23, 1941. He graduated from Marshall High School in 1959 and from Berea College in 1963. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery Degree from Emory University in 1967. Buddy had been a practicing dentist for 52 years with offices first in Drexel and then later in Lenoir where he had just retired in July of 2019. Buddy earned his pilot license shortly after graduating dental school and immediately began looking for opportunities to help people in need. As a volunteer with The Flying Dentists Association, he assisted patients through the Area Medical Volunteer Corp that provided free health and dental care to people in remote areas in the U.S. Beginning in 1987, Buddy volunteered for Angel Flight, an organization that flies patients to and from cancer treatment centers free of charge. Buddy flew 150 Angel Flights before he retired. In 2011, Mercy Flight Southeast honored him for coordinating free air transportation for children and adults with medical or compelling humanitarian needs. A special “Thank You” to his cherished pilot friends at the Foothills Regional Airport, Silver Creek and Carbon City airstrips who probably knew him better than anyone and was considered family. Buddy’s greatest achievements were the ones his family only heard from others, a legacy of quite kindness and private charity that touched an untold number of lives. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, January 5, 2020 at the First Baptist Church of Drexel. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Rd. Valdese, NC 28690. Kirksey Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Morganton has the honor of serving the family.

Linda Frey Belcher ‘65

Nov. 17, 2019

Belcher, Linda L. 5/1/1942 – 11/17/2019 Flushing, MI Linda L. Belcher, age 77, of Flushing went home to her eternal rest with her Lord Jesus Christ on November 17, 2019. She was born in Detroit, Michigan May 1, 1942 and raised by Rev. Russell Frey and Amber Frey of Mt. Morris. She married Max Belcher from East Lynn, WV August 8, 1964. She was a graduate of Flushing High School, Emmanuel College (AA), Mott Community College (AASN), Jewish Hospital School of Nursing (CETN), and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (BS). She also studied at Berea College, Havenwyck Psychiatric Hospital, and Pontiac State Hospital. Linda was a Michigan Registered Nurse from 1975 and a certified enterostomal therapist and Licensed Bachelor Social Worker. She substitute taught in Flint and Clio Schools and was a nursing educator and cardiac nurse at Flint Osteopathic Hospital. She was BCLS and ACLS certified. She also taught at Beecher and New Lothrop Adult Eds and was a psychiatric nurse at McLaren Hospital and Genesee County Community Mental Health. She completed her nursing career as supervisory nurse at Friends Who Care home health services in Montrose. She visited several states and foreign countries and was especially fond of Costa Rica. She completed a medical missionary trip to Venezeula and volunteered with the Christian Application Project in eastern Kentucky. She enjoyed her art and coloring classes and her dear friends at the Flushing Senior Center. She was a horsewoman for many years and loved her life on the farm she and her husband shared in Montrose Township. She is survived by her loving and beloved husband Max Belcher, four sons Kipling (Maureen), Traverse City; Andrew (Noel), Thonottosassa, Florida; Raleigh (Beth), West Bloomfield; Perry, Mt. Morris; one daughter Babbette (Chuck) Robbins, Genesee; one brother Russell Frey, East Lansing; several grandchildren Aaron, Miranda, Josh, Jake, Jack, Alex, Kate, Holly, Autumn, Sydnee, and Devan; one great grandson Forrest. She was preceded in death by both her natural and adoptive parents. Funeral services will be held at Reigle Funeral Home, Sunset Chapel, 5501 W. Pierson Rd., Pierson Rd, Flushing at 11 am, Wednesday, November 20, Pastor Dennis Tanner Jr. officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm on Tuesday, November 19 and one hour prior to services. Special thanks to McLaren Hospice social worker Lindsey Atwell and staff and the McLaren Hospital nursing staff for their gift of compassionate care. Memorial gifts may be given to Trinity Baptist Church, Flushing and New Life Assembly, Flushing.

Published in Flint Journal on Nov. 19, 2019

Scottie J. Butler

            Husband of Gwenda Sue Butler ‘65

Nov. 21, 2019

Rejoice and be glad for the life of Scottie James Butler.

Scottie served as General Counsel for the Florida Farm Bureau Federation and its affiliate companies for over 40 years. He received numerous awards and recognitions during his career (Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame inductee). He served on the AvMed and Santa Fe Health Care Board of Directors until November 2019; and SunTrust Bank of North Central Florida Board of Directors until November 2018. He was a member of Southwest United Methodist Church where he served on various committees and as Bulletin Editor. He was a member of the University Kiwanis Club of Gainesville; a member of the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity; and a 50-year member of the Florida Bar; Alachua County Farm Bureau; and the Alachua County Cattlemen’s Association. Scottie attended the University of Florida, where he majored in agriculture and received his Juris Doctorate as well. He was born in Albany, GA; grew up in Winter Haven, and Lake Wales, FL, but had been a resident of Gainesville since 1965.

He is survived by his wife, Gwenda S. Butler, daughter, Jennifer Butler (Marc Harris), Tallahassee; a sister, Priscilla Jeter, Jacksonville; brother-in-law Dean Witten (Joan); and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, god children; god grandchildren; extended family and wonderful friends.

He was predeceased by his father, Thomas Howard Butler, and his mother, Mamie Sue Butler.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, November 25, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Southwest United Methodist Church, 2400 SW Williston Rd. with Pastor Shane McIntosh officiating. A reception will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606 or Southwest United Methodist Church.

Please visit his memorial page at the Williams-Thomas Funeral Home website.

Sylvia P. Carter ‘65

Oct. 2, 2019

CARTER, Sylvia P. Age 93 of Dayton, Ohio passed away on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at Hospice of Dayton. She earned degrees and graduated from Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, North Carolina and Berea College in Kentucky. Sylvia retired as a third-grade teacher in the Mad River Twp. Schools and has been a faithful member of Corinth Presbyterian Church since 1957. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star (Belmont 555) and the American Legion Auxiliary. She was preceded in death by her parents, Creed & Martha (Thompson) Carter; sisters, Alice Robbins, Bonnie Harnish, Sandra Scott; and brothers, Ralph Carter, Bruce Carter and Glen Carter. Sylvia is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as by many beloved friends. She especially enjoyed her time spent with her book club friends. A visitation will be held Monday, October 7, 2019 at 12:00 P.M. at Corinth Presbyterian Church, 4269 Corinth Blvd., Dayton, Ohio 45410. Sylvia’s funeral service will be held at the church immediately following the visitation at 1:00 P.M. Sylvia’s final resting place will be in Valley View Memorial Gardens. Arrangements have been entrusted to TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME-BELMONT CHAPEL. Condolences may be expressed online at the Tobias Funeral Home website.

Jimmy Lou Jackson ‘65

Oct. 30, 2019

Jimmy Lou Jackson, 75, passed away Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at the Compassionate Care Center in Richmond. She was born July 25, 1943 to the late Charles “Buck” and Mary Lee Henderson Jackson. She was a business woman and a glass artist owning and operating Hot Flash Beads for many years, she was a lifetime member of the Kentucky Guild of Artist and Craftsmen, and a winner of the Frost award. Ms. Jackson never married and didn’t regret it, never had children but nurtured many. She was a big woman with a big laugh and a wicked sense of humor. She saved lives and stomped out disease for 35 years screening for cancer cells. Ms. Jackson was a member and elder of First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Berea.

Other than her parents she was preceded in death by one nephew, Breck Allen Tyree.

Mrs. Jackson is survived by her sisters; Dinah Tyree and her husband Pepper and Belle Jackson both of Berea. One nephew Michael Tyree and his wife Terri of North Ft. Myers, Florida.

A celebration of Jimmy Lou’s life will be 2:00 pm Saturday, November 2nd, at the First Christian Church with Pastors Mark and Lisa Caldwell-Reiss officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 am until the service.

Please wear your hot flash beads and earrings along with the scarfs and neckties she made to the service if you desire.

In lieu of flowers contributions suggested to the Building Fund of First Christian Church, 206 Chestnut Street Berea, KY 40403.

Davis & Powell Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Richmond Register obituary

Published on October 30, 2019

R. Frank Kebbell, Jr.

            Husband of Ms. Sharon Lea Stumbo ‘66

June 6, 2019

Rupert Franklin Kebbell,, Jr. Funeral Time: Tuesday, June 18th at 3:00PM KEBBELL, Rupert Franklin, Jr., 82, husband of Sharon Stumbo Kebbell, died June 6, 2019 at Baptist Health Lexington. Born Oct. 17, 1936 in Louisville, KY, he was the son of the late Rupert F. Kebbell, Sr. and Velma V. Ferry Kebbell. Mr. Kebbell was a retired salesman for Central School Supply Company and a member of Christ Church Cathedral. Survivors other than his wife include four children: daughters, Cindy Kebbell, Tammy (Rick) Brothers, Kim (Dave) Taylor; son, Robert (Keri) Kebbell; six grandchildren, Candice (Sam) Kirtley, Nathan (Sarah) Brothers, Danny (Samantha) Sharp, Steven Sharp, Jack Kebbell, and Ian Kebbell; six great grandchildren, Sydney, Kate, Kasen, Isabella, Zander and Ellie Ray; one brother, Jerome (Georgianne) Kebbell; and many loving nieces, nephews, and dear friends. A Memorial Service will be held 3 pm Tues., June 18 at Christ Church Cathedral, 166 Market St., Lexington, KY 40507 by The Rev. Brent Owen and Deacon Paula Ott. Visitation will be 1-3 pm Tues. at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to Christ Church Cathedral, the Alzheimer’s Association, 6100 Dutchman’s Lane, Suite 401, Louisville, KY 40205 or the UK Sanders Brown Center on Aging, 800 South Limestone St., Lexington, KY 40356-0230. Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, Harrodsburg Rd. handling arrangements. 

Sharon Dailey Bartley ‘67

Feb. 12, 2020

Sharon “Sherri” Bartley, 74, of Carrollton, Kentucky, died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020, at her home.

She was born Feb. 23, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, to Everett Dailey and Cordella Dowell Dailey Williams. After high school graduation, she attended Berea College and the University of Louisville. After moving to Carrollton, she owned a dress shop and served as a partner and broker of Bartley Real Estate & Associates LLC. She loved to play piano and served as organist for several years as the Carrollton Christian Church, where she was a member. She also had been church treasurer, a church trustee and finance chairperson and had been active in the church choir for many years. She also was a member of the Carrollton Women’s Club and Girl Scouts of America.

She is survived by her husband, Frank Bartley of Carrollton; one daughter Katrina Baute of Carrollton, and two grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Dixie Wood.

Funeral Services will be Friday, Feb. 21, 2020, at 11 a.m. at the Carrollton Christian Church. Visitation will be Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Carrollton Christian Church and from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday at the church. Burial will be in Merritt Cemetery in Mount Vernon, Kentucky.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the Carrollton Christian Church Memorial Fund through Tandy-Eckler-Riley Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

Mitchell G. Romans ‘67

Jan. 5, 2020

Mitchell Gaines Romans, age 68, husband of 49 years to Bobbie Joyce Gibbs Romans passed away Sunday, January 5th, 2020 at the Terrace Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was born August 17, 1951 in Richmond, KY to the late John William and Bessie Watson Romans. Mr. Romans was an inventory production specialist at Hyster for many years. He was of the Christian faith and attended the Berea Church of God. Mr. Romans was an avid fisherman, loved to bowl, trade guns and collected Case Knives. He was a founder and former board member of the Berea Youth Football and Basketball Leagues and a former member of the Kingston Masonic Lodge #315 F. u0026 A.M. Other than his parents he was preceded in death by his brother and sister, Charles “Bill” Romans and Joyce R. Clark. Mr. Romans is survived by his wife, Bobbie Joyce Romans, his two children, Kimberly Renee Romans Smith and her husband Richard of Berea, and Jonathan Robert Romans and his wife Lindsey of Waco, KY. Three grandchildren, Jared Austin Long, Heather Renee Smith and Jonathan Riley Romans along with two nieces and a nephew that are like sisters and a brother, Kathy Clark Bryant and her husband Merle, Cindy Clark Dau and Ken Clark also survive, along with a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and friends. Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Thursday, January 9th, 2020 at the Davis u0026 Powell Funeral Home with Bro. Stephen Hobbs officiating. Burial will follow in the Berea Cemetery, pallbearers will be, Jared Long, Jeff Baugh, Mark Howard, Merle Bryant, Jan I Stevens and Jeff Stevens. Honorary pallbearers are, Jan Stevens, Gary Shivel, Tommy Gadd, Richard Smith, and Jon Riley Romans. Visitation will be 5-9 pm Wednesday at the funeral home.

Ed Shytle ‘67

Nov. 17, 2019

Clyde Edward (Ed) Shytle, Jr., of Ashland, Ky., woke up to new life November 7, 2019. Ed was born in Spindale, N.C. on June 2, 1945, to the late Clyde Edward and Cleo Daniel Shytle. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother Olyn Daniel Shytle and his sister Mary Ellen Yearwood. Ed is survived by his wife of 52 years, Louise Curry Shytle; his sons and their spouses, Steven Edward and Joy Gehringer Shytle and Jonathan Leigh and Kelli Parker Shytle of Ashland, Ky.; four grandchildren, Daniel Edward, Sara Davis, Jacob Richard, and Molly Catherine Shytle. Ed was a 1967 graduate of Berea College, followed by an MBA from Morehead State University. After college he served 3 years in the Army, 30 years in retail, and 3 years as the Director of the United Methodist Mountain Mission. He was a member of First United Methodist Church where he served as Chairman of the Finance Committee. His ministry service also includes serving as a lay pastor; local, state, regional and national leadership with the United Methodist Church; and serving as a delegate to the United Methodist Church’s World and General Conferences. He has served in local, regional, and international roles with Kiwanis. His ministry passion was the United Methodist men, serving ultimately as National Treasurer of the United Methodist Men, President of the United Methodist Men foundation, and is a recipient of the Dale Waymire Leadership Award. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 11, 2019, at Steen Funeral Home-Central Avenue Chapel at 11 a.m. and will be officiated by Reverend Jeff Brammel. Burial will follow in Ashland Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Sunday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. Donations may be made to the Hillcrest-Bruce Mission in lieu of flowers. Online condolences may be made to the Steen Funeral Home website.

Ann Roberts Simpson, Fd ‘63, ‘67

Nov. 20, 2012

HENRIETTA Kara Simpson, 67, of Buffalo Springs, Texas, died on Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012 in Bowie. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Friday in the Hope Cemetery in Henrietta. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis Funeral Home. Mrs. Simpson was a customer support representative for Harcort-Brace Educational Software Company. Survivors include husband Alan Simpson of Buffalo Springs, Texas; son Nathan Simpson and daughter Sharon Davenport of Louisville, Ky.

Judith Irvine Dickey ‘68

Jan. 28, 2020

Judith Irvine Dickey, 74, of Danville passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2020.  Born December 4, 1945 in Danville, KY, she was the daughter of the late John and Helen White Irvine. 

Judith was a graduate of Eubank High School (Class of “64).  She received a degree in English with a teaching certificate from Berea College (Class of 1968).  She taught honors English for 30 years at Ithaca High School and Danville High School.  She was an active member of Centenary United Methodist Church in Danville, KY. 

Judith loved the theater and baking.  She was in productions at the West T. Hill Community Theater, and every year she tried to bake her Christmas bread for the whole church.  She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Kenneth Dickey, DVM; sons, Aaron (Viani) Dickey of St. Louis and Dr. Adam (Katie) Dickey of Atlanta; sister, Jackie (Lewis) Barron of Georgetown; and four grandchildren:  Alejandra, Luca, Isaac, and Charlotte Dickey.

A Celebration of Life Service will be at 11AM, March 7, 2020 at Centenary United Methodist Church by Rev. Sean Ryan, Rev. Dr. Quentin Scholtz, and Rev. Chris Morgan.  Visitation will be held immediately prior from 9:30 to 11AM.

Memorial Contributions suggested to Volunteers in Mission (VIM) at Centenary United Methodist Church, 1441 Perryville Road, Danville, KY 40422. Guestbook available at the W.L. Pruitt Funeral Home website.

Dennis P. Wooton ‘68

Dec. 10, 2019

Dennis Patrick “Pat” Wooton passed away peacefully on December 10, 2019 at home in his beloved Buckhorn, KY at the age of 74. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Gene Wooton (Bill) Campbell and Eileen W. Sandlin Ingram (S.G. Sandlin, James Ingram); and brother Clyde D. (Jean) Wooton, D.O. Pat was born on October 3, 1945, the fourth child of the late Dennis and Alta (York) Wooton in Buckhorn, KY. He graduated from Berea College in 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies, earned his master’s degree with Rank I, Secondary Education in 1976 from Morehead State University, and also achieved a professional certification in school administration and supervision with many endorsements. Pat bravely served in the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War for which he was awarded several medals for his valiant effort, including the honorable Bronze Star. Upon returning home, Pat was a teacher, baseball coach, and basketball coach at Buckhorn High School, where he also became one of the most beloved principals in the history of the institution, having served this role for 14 years. In 2007, he was elected to the Kentucky High School Baseball Coach Hall of Fame. With great honor and respect, he served the people of Perry County as elected sheriff from 2003-2006. In April 2013, Pat retired as Eastern Kentucky Field Representative for U.S. Representative Hal Rogers. And with great pride, Pat served as the mayor of his beloved community of Buckhorn. His heart for service reached into all areas of Perry County including training the Buckhorn Volunteer Fire Department, serving on the Governor’s Smart Growth Task Force, the ARH Family Health Service and Community Advisory Boards, the Hazard Community and Technical College Board of Directors, and many more It would be virtually impossible to recount all the many ways Pat has touched the lives and community within Perry County and beyond. One could not visit the community of Buckhorn or perhaps happen upon Pat Wooton, but once, to gain a friend. With his infectious smile, gentle sense of humor, and warm heart he went through his life with the drive to leave this world a better place Or at least the friends he encountered in a better way. Pat was not one to miss a chance to give encouragement or invite a new friend into his home. Pat’s unwavering commitment to the youth of Perry County cannot be unseen as the many students, past and present, speak of his words of encouragement, gentle guidance, and helping hands. Pat helped to provide the youth of our community with needed resources by creating programs for long-distance interactive learning, partnerships with colleges and universities, special needs programs within the schools This list as well as could continue on. To see the true scope of his ever reaching love, you have only to ask those with the privilege of encountering Pat Wooton. Pat leaves behind a great legacy of love, devotion, and community service. Yet, one of his greatest accomplishments and greatest joys, was love for his family. Pat took no greater pride than in his role as husband, father, and pappy. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Veda (Combs) Wooton; his daughter, Cindy Ra Wooton; his son, Dennis Patrick Wooton II; special daughter-in-law Miranda Susanne King; beloved granddaughters, Mikka (Derek) Hall, Kelsey Ra Fields, and Andi Reagyn Wooton; 3 great-grandchildren, Jaiden Patrick Fields, Adyson Hall, and Paislee Hall; Two Special Nieces, Kathryn S. Burns and Leila S. Smith; Also a host of other relatives and friends survive. Funeral Services for Mr. Dennis Patrick Wooton will be conducted on Saturday December 14, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at the Buckhorn High School Gymnasium with Pastors Tom & Gayle Burns officiating. The Interment will follow in the York-Wooton Cemetery located at Buckhorn, Kentucky. The Visitation will be at the Buckhorn High School Gymnasium on Friday evening from 6-9 P.M. Military Rites will be performed by Hazard-Perry County D.A.V. Chapter #64. There will be an additional Eulogy on Friday evening given by Brandon Smith. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Buckhorn Lake Area Presbyterian Church.

K. Dean Whitaker ‘71

Oct. 4, 2019

Obituary for Karl Dean Whitaker Karl Dean Whitaker 1949 – 2019 Karl Dean Whitaker, 70 of Rush, KY, went to be with his Lord on Friday, October 4, 2019 at Kings Daughters Medical Center. Mr. Whitaker was born July 11, 1949 in Ashland, KY, a son of the late Karl R. Whitaker and Vivian Young Whitaker Hogan. He was also preceded in death by brother-in-law David Foster Fannin. He was a 1967 graduate of Boyd County High School and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture from Berea College, Berea, KY. Dean was a self-employed truck driver for 48 years, a founding member, former board member, and past Assistant Chief of the East Fork Volunteer Fire Department. His hobbies include fishing, camping, and Bluegrass music. He was a member of Blue Ribbon Bluegrass Fox Hunters Lodge, Blue Grass Bass Players, Sound Engineer, and life-long East Fork United Methodist Church member. Dean is survived by his adoring wife of 46 years, Pamela Corinne Hinds Whitaker, sons, Mark Allen Terry of Marysville, OH and Jason Todd Whitaker, his wife Amy Lynn, of Rush, KY; grand children, Robert (Sasha) Whitaker of Catlettsburg, KY, Brianna Corinne Whitaker of Catlettsburg, Karl Dillon Whitaker of Rush, KY, and Jesse Raylan Whitaker, of Rush; great grandchildren, Robert Cole Whitaker, Adalee Corinne Whitaker, and Carson Blaine Whitaker. Also surviving are a brother, James David Whitaker (Sue) of Rush, KY, sisters, Joyce Fannin of Catlettsburg, and Jane Stufflebam (Brad) of Centralia, IL, along with a host of close family, friends, and neighbors, including the Boyd County Class of ’67, and “the Bluegrass pickers and singers encountered over the decades”. Funeral Service for Mr. Whitaker will be at 3:00pm Thursday, October 10, 2019 at East Fork United Methodist Church, 201100 KY-3, Rush, KY 41168. Rev. Richie Gindlesperger will officiate. Visiting hours are 6pm until 8pm Wednesday evening at the East Fork United Methodist Church Family Life Center. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Mr. Whitaker’s memory at East Fork UMC or Sarah Conley’s Pink Out Cancer fund at East Fork UMC.

Novena F. Trimble ‘72

Dec. 14, 2019

Novena Faye Trimble of Hazard, Kentucky January 23, 1949 December 14, 2019 Novena Kaye Trimble born January 23, 1949 departed this life on Saturday December, 14, 2019 at the Hazard A.R.H. Medical Center being 70-years old. Novena was born in Johnson County to the late Garth Trimble and the late Lida Fitch Trimble. Other than her parents, Novena was also preceded in death by his Sister, Gwendolyn Jones; Grandmother, Hazel Trimble; Grandparents, Albert Fitch & Leona. Novena retired from the Perry County School Board where she was a teacher for 30-years. Novena Kaye Trimble leaves the following relatives to cherish her memory: Brother, Wendell Trimble & Deborah of Berea; Two Nieces, Alisha Hughes & Harold of Hazard, and Caitriona Trimble of Berea; Two Great Nieces, Kimberly Hughes of Hazard, and Kynlee Hughes of Hazard; Two Great Nephews, Anthony Hughes of Hazard, and Austin Hughes of Hazard. A host of other relatives and friends survive. Funeral Services for Novena Faye Trimble will be conducted on Saturday December 21, 2019 at 1:00 P.M. at the Engle-Bowling Funeral Home with Merril David Collins officiating. The Interment will follow in the Creek Side Cemetery located in Hazard, Kentucky. The Visitation will be at the Engle-Bowling Funeral Home on Friday evening from 6 till 9 P.M.

Ernest Hubert Hunt ‘73

Jan. 11, 2020

Ernie Hunt age 69, husband of Sue Hunt, passed away suddenly Saturday Jan. 11, 2020 at St Joseph Berea Hospital. Ernie was a graduate of Berea College class of 1973, and retired from Motorwheel Corp. in 2008; he was also a long time member of the Berea Country Club where he enjoyed playing golf but also volunteered his services for many years. Ernie was born in Richlands, Virginia to the late Herman and Mildred Horn Hunt, and he was preceded in death by two brothers Charlie and Bobby Hunt.

Ernie is survived by his wife of 40 years Sue Henkle Hunt, his children: Thomas (Linda) Wendt, and Tami (Allen) Pickett, special family member Ajay (Pam) Nanda, his brother Roy (Nancy) Hunt, his sisters: Sandy (Dennis) Murphy, Betty (Charles) Royal, his grandchildren: Sarah and Devan Horn, Natasha Wendt, Joanna Pickett, and Connlee Pickett, and his great-grandchildren: Abby Short, and Karson Wendt, as well as many nieces, nephews and close friends.

Funeral services for Ernie will be Thursday Jan. 16, 2020 at 11 am at Lakes Funeral Home with Rev. Kenny Davis officiating. Burial will be in the Berea Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bill Flannery, Carl Broaddus, Gary Rose, Mike Combs, Roy Basham, and Howard Belcher, honorary pallbearers will be Devan Horn, Connlee Pickett, Karson Wendt, David Dickerson, Glyndon Reed, Jerry Owens, Mason Anglin, Larry Combs, and Mac McClanahan. Visitation will be Wednesday Jan. 15, 2020 from 5-8 pm at Lakes Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ernest ‘Ernie’ Hubert Hunt, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Mary Labus ‘78

Oct. 16, 2019

Mary Labus, age 63, a 40-year employee of Berea College, passed away on October 16, 2019. Mary was born in West Hamlin, West Virginia to the late Michael Peter and Charline Meadows Labus. Mary was a graduate of Berea College Class of 1978. She worked in the Alumni and College Relations office in the Advancement Services department at Berea College as Manager of Data and Analytics. Mary was a bright light on campus and in the Berea Community; she was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all. Mary is survived by her siblings: Clara (Anthony) Chapman, Eddy Labus, Alice (Geoff) Richardson, Priscilla (John) Wright, Bonnie (Mike) Perry, Lester (Benita) Labus, Eric (Myra) Labus, her special niece Whitney Chapman, and her nieces and nephews: John Michael (Alrena) Labus and their sons: Zeke and Miles, Don (Whitney) Wright, Rachel Wright, Amanda (Tim) Rennix and their son Marshall, Andrea Labus, Ada Labus, Mary Jacquelyn (Lee) Hash and their daughter Evelyn, and Brian Labus. Visitation for Mary will be Saturday Oct. 19, 2019 from 3-6 pm at Lakes Funeral Home, the family will have a private funeral service. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Berea College in memory of Mary, and please dress in bright colors for the visitation to honor Mary’s style. Online condolences can be made at the Lakes Funeral Home website.

James Thindwa ‘78

Jan. 19, 2020

James Thindwa, lover of justice.

My dearest James Thindwa died yesterday January 19, 2020 after a courageous fight against cancer. His passionate commitment to fighting for social justice and his belief in the power of ordinary people to change their lives, and our world, will live on in the rich legacy he imparted to so many. Born in Harare Zimbabwe in 1955, James later moved with his family to Blantyre Malawi. In what ended up as a permanent move to the United States, James left for Berea College in Kentucky in 1974. There he began his commitment, as an African immigrant, toward identifying and forging solidarity with African American struggles. Upon earning an MA in Political Science from Miami University, and briefly considering a career in academia—and wisely rejecting it—James began his beloved work as a community organizer. Spanning issues from climate justice, to racial justice and the right of workers to unionize, James’ incredible skills at organizing and fighting for social justice touched countless people and communities. From 1985 to 1992 he was staff director of Citizen Action Coalition of Indiana and Ohio Citizen Action. He spent nine years as lead organizer in Chicago with Metro Seniors in Action organizing for national health insurance and mass transit. He served for many years as executive director of Jobs With Justice in Chicago, where he fought in numerous local campaigns, most memorably in the fight for a municipal living wage ordinance. His work with JwJ was featured on a Bill Moyers show in 2009, of which James was very proud.

He spent his last years working for the American Federation of Teachers, initially in making unprecedented strides in organizing charter school teachers in Chicago and then in the union’s efforts nationally to strengthen relationships with parents and community organizations. A lifelong activist and champion of human rights, James fought in numerous struggles including the anti-apartheid movement, immigrant rights movement, antiwar movement and many campaigns for racial justice. James was a firm believer in the responsibility of government to tax the rich, defend the rights of workers, provide free health care for all and robust support for the elderly. He refused the lure of cynicism and despair his whole life. He instilled in so many young organizers a fervent belief in the power of personal and social transformation. He served on many boards over the years, including the Illinois Labor History Society and In These Times Magazine, for which he also occasionally wrote.  James loved music, especially Jazz, Soul, Blues, (and Rock and Country!) and a wide variety of the Afro-beat. He occasionally played guitar and drums in beloved South Side clubs and neighborhood bands. James cherished a wide circle of friends in Chicago and across the country and the world. He is survived by his comrade-spouse Martha Biondi, twin brother Jeff in Vienna VA and his wife Lucy; brother Robert in Harare and his wife Rosemary; sister Faith in Blantyre; his aunt, Joyce Kajama in Harare, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements are private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to the Crossroads Fund in Chicago, a public foundation supporting the kinds of social justice organizing to which James devoted his life. An ongoing initiative will be created in his honor.

Thomas L. Smith ‘79

Jan. 21, 2020

Thomas L. Smith passed away peacefully in his home on January 21, 2020. He was born on July 3, 1957. Thomas was very proud to be a congressional intern with the United States Congress at the young age of 17. He went on to work for the US Treasury as the examiner in charge for the second largest bank in the world. He was a five-time best-selling author due to his expertise in leadership. Of all his accomplishments, he was most proud of his thirty years of service as a Rotarian where he served as assistant governor in Palm Springs, CA. He also served on the board of governors for Desert Regional Hospital. Thomas accomplished more in his short 62 years than most do in a lifetime and left a lasting impression both professionally and personally to all that had the honor of knowing him. He left a beautiful to message to the world; one of service, of leadership, and most importantly, of love. Thomas leaves behind his partner of 22 years, Joshua Smith. Thomas and Joshua shared three daughters and eight grandchildren; a family that Thomas loved as his own. The code of honor in which Thomas and all Rotarians share are: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Thomas we love you, may you rest in peace.

To send flowers to the family of Thomas L Smith, please visit Tribute Store.

Georgia Kay Njagu

            Wife of Paul Njagu ‘83’

Dec. 29, 2019

Georgia Kay Birdwell Njagu, age 59, passed away on Sunday, December 29th 2019 at ConeHealth Alamance Regional Medical Center. She was born October 29th, 1960, the eldest daughter of William Henry Allen Birdwell Sr. and Margaret Isabelle Birdwell, and was raised in Bristol, Virginia, along with her 3 siblings William Jr. (Bill), Teresa, and Charles (CC). She was a proud Virginia High School graduate, Class of 1979. After graduating high school, she went on to attend Berea College, in Lexington, Kentucky, where she met her forever love, Paul Josiah Munesu Njagu. Georgia and Paul married and have spent the last 40 years together, creating their legacyto include 3 children and 2 grandchildren. Georgia was dedicated to her family and she treasured her husband and children. She especially loved her role as ‘GiGi’ to her grandchildren. Georgia always valued education and established a foundation of lifelong learning, which was embodied by all of her children. With her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Georgia served over 26 years on staff for the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. Her caring heart, commitment, and impact on the experiences of the students, staff, and faculty will forever be remembered. She was affectionately known as ‘Momma’ by many, and “straight shooter” by all. She championed the values of joyfulness, resilience, and dedication in her children, ‘adoptive’ children and all of the students she worked with over the years. Georgia’s untimely passing has affected many, as she touched so many lives over the years. She had a vivacious personality and always made people around her laugh. She made friends everywhere she went, and her boisterous laughter and elaborate story telling are just a few of her most memorable traits. She was extremely passionate about the pursuit of knowledge, the study of history, and social/political engagement. She thoroughly enjoyed travelling to visit with her family and friends, and her hobbies included crocheting and cooking (especially her world-renowned fried fish). She is preceded in death by her mother and father Margaret and William Birdwell Sr., father-in-law, Josiah Njagu, and niece Adrian Scott. Georgia leaves behind her devoted husband Paul J.M. Njagu; childrenBrandan Michael Munesu Njagu, Ravyn Sierra Tendai Njagu, Taryrn Tinasha Chemwandoita Brown (son-in-law, Randy Brown Jr.); 2 grandchildrenDorian Alexander Munesu and Harper Grace Chemwandoita Brown; sistersTeresa McNeal and Ellen Dicampli; brothersWilliam Birdwell Jr., Charles Birdwell, and Rick Birdwell; mother-in-law Violet Njagu; sister-in-law Jean Njagu; and brothers-in-law Taylor Njagu and Kudzai Njagu. Several nieces and nephews: Leslie Freeman, Desha Scott, Clark (Eli) Whitsett, Nathaniel Joe, Kaydence Scott-McCoo, Trayvion McCoo, Rome Morrow Jr., Tendekai Morrow, Sharne Morrow, Tadiwa Njagu, Munyaradzi Njagu, Vimbai Njagu and a host of additional family, friends, and loved ones.

Curtis Tyrone Mills ‘85

Aug. 15, 2019

Obituary of Curtis Mills

Curt Mills was born in Brooklyn on May 22, 1962 to Janet Foman and the late William Mills. Curt was raised in Asheville, North Carolina as one of three children.

He graduated from Berea College in 1986 with a Bachelors of Arts in French and German Literature and continued his studies at Indiana University where he received a Master’s degree in Literature. After completing his education, Curt moved to the New York area. While working there he volunteered at the Rectory of St. Veronica’s where St. Teresa of Calcutta opened Gift of Love, a hospice for terminally ill AIDS patients. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Johanne Lemoine. They married in August 1998 and were a loving and devoted couple for 22 years. They were blessed with two daughters, Claire and Marguerite Mills.

Curt was a life-long teacher.  Using his gifts as an educator, he mentored and taught countless  adults in his role as an instructor first at Highbridge Community Life Center for more than fifteen years and then at the Door until his passing.  Many of the graduates of his high school equivalency diploma program have continued to remain in touch with him throughout the years, to share their progress and of course to rave about the baked goods that his wife would send to celebrate the end of each semester.

Curt loved travel from an early age and as a young man in his 20’s conducted trips for the Outward Bound expedition group. He shared this love with his family, who had many enjoyable trips together through the years.

The foundation of Curt’s life was his devotion to the Catholic faith and his belief that all things happened according to God’s will. He was an active member of his church as a catechist for the Saint Barnabas Religious Education Program, an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion and a member of the Parish Council. Even in sickness, his generous spirit, his love of God and his determination were evident in his resilience and his spiritual resolve to fulfill his life as God had planned. As summed up in his favorite prayer, the Magnificat, “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…”

On the morning of August 15, 2019, Curt passed away. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife and daughters, Johanne Mills, Claire and Marguerite Mills; his mother Janet Foman; brother Derek Mills; sister Tamara Cooper; nephews Derek and Janick Allen; niece Brandi Cooper; and a host of family, colleagues, neighbors, fellow parishioners and dear friends.

Memorial gathering will take place on Tuesday August 20, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. in St. Barnabas High School Chapel.

The Funeral Mass will follow immediately at 12:00 P.M. in St. Barnabas High School Chapel.

A repast will be held following the mass in the High School cafeteria.

Mark Isham

            Husband of Kimberly Ilene Isham ‘87

Aug. 12, 2018

Mark Woodson Isham, 53, of Elizabethtown, passed away Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018.He was born Jan. 6, 1965, in Chelsea, Massachusetts to James Albert and Christine Isham.He was a 1983 graduate of Elizabethtown High School. He attended Elizabethtown Community and Technical College and completed his bachelor in Broadcasting and Masters in Psychology at Eastern Kentucky University.Mark worked successfully in several professions throughout his life. His first job was as an on-air radio personality for WIEL. He would continue to be a disc jockey at various stations in central and eastern Kentucky, including and most notably WQXE, clear Channel and iHeartRadio in Somerset, and most recently T-107 WCTT and 99.5 KD Country in Corbin. He also served as a counselor at Communicare in Elizabethtown. However, it was when he procured a full-time psychology professorship at Somerset Community College, that he really found his niche. In this position, students and staff loved his passion, intelligence, sense of humor and ability to relate to so many individuals on so many levels. Recently, Mark began a side profession as an audio book narrator. He was especially excited and honored to read one of his heroes books, Stephen Hawkings “A Brief History of Time.”From middle school through adulthood, Mark had a passion for participating in the performing arts. He began this solid career in acting by playing Professor Harold Hill in “The Music Man” at Youth Theater of Hardin County, and after that he never looked back. Considered by his peers to be a gifted performer with a signature deep, resonant voice, he starred and directed in a number of plays and films produced by SCC Theater and Film Department.Having a passion for books and reading, he also served as a member of the Pulaski County Library Board.Mark is survived by his two children, Gillian Isham and Knox Isham, both of Elizabethtown, to whom he was a proud and devoted father to; the love of his life, Kelly Ballard Graham of Elizabethtown; two sisters, Samantha (Robert) Norgran and Karen Anita “Kerry” Isham, both of Louisville; a brother, Matt Isham of Tacoma, Washington; and a niece, Julia Agan.A celebration of life is from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, at the Elizabethtown Knights of Columbus Hall, 1851 Leitchfield Road, Elizabethtown, where there will be a service at 6 p.m.Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, 306 West Dixie, Elizabethtown, KY 42701.

Dr. John Russell Burch ‘90

Oct. 25, 2019

Dr. John Russell Burch Jr., age 51, of Martin, formerly of Campbellsville, Kentucky, passed away Friday, Oct. 25, 2019 at his home in the arms of his wife. There will be a memorial reception at the Paul Meek Library on the University of Tennessee at Martin campus from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Nov. 14. John was born Friday, March 22, 1968 in Peoria, Illinois, to John Sr. and Idalia Burch, both of whom preceded him in death. He was an author, educator and visionary, but first and foremost a husband and father. He received his bachelor’s degree from Berea College; went on to obtain two masters degrees, one in library science, the other in history and a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Kentucky; and was most recently employed by the University of Tennessee at Martin as the library directory. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Samantha; daughters, Morgan Melvin (Daniel) of Amelia, Ohio, Alexandra Burch of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Kayleigh Burch of Martin; a son, Christopher Burch of Lexington, Kentucky; grandsons, Samson and Callum Melvin; sister, Stacy O’Malley (Sean) of New Canaan, Connecticut, and many other family and friends. 

Jerry Lee Finley ‘94

Jerry Lee Finley April 08, 1972 October 26, 2019 Memorial Donation Jerry Lee Finley, age 47, passed away at his home early Saturday October 26, 2019. Jerry was born April 8, 1972 at Pleasant Valley Hospital in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. He attended schools in Point graduating from Point Pleasant High School Class of 1990. He attended collage at Berea in Kentucky getting an undergraduate degree and  the University of Kentucky earning a Master’s degree and an ABD. He was in the process of obtaining a research doctorate in sports medicine from UK when he left and moved to Ohio taking a job with the city of Kettering. Jerry was a man well-liked by all of those who knew him. He loves sports and was very fluent and knowledgably about teams, their players, and stats and such. Jerry had the ability to reach folk in a deep and positive way. He will be sorely missed by his family and many friends. Jerry is survived by his wife Kristina (Villars) Finley. Also, he is survived by a stepdaughter Mizouri Villars, a stepson Kaleb Wears, and his baby girl LilyAnn Juniata Finley who made him happiest ever in his lifetime. He is also survived by his sister Allyson (Finley) and Christopher Ey, and nephew Wilson Perry Ey. Too, Jerry is survived by parents Ozzie and Harriette Finley, his Aunt and Uncle Roger and Addie Hopson, his Aunt Catherine Huffman…and Cousin Jamie (Huffman) Nolan. Jerry enjoyed the more simple things in life a good ball game, fishing and hunting, but most importantly was quality time with his daughter LilyAnn Finly. He is well loved and will be missed by many especially his family. Rest in peace, Jerry, in the cradle of pradise with open arms we will be there soon. ” He is and always will be my hero.” LilyAnn There will be a memorial service for Jerry on Sunday November 3, 2019 at The Belle Meade United Methodist Church at 2:00. In Lieu of Flowers: Please consider making a donation in Jerry’s Memory to the ASPCA. Family and friends may express condolences online.

Kenan G. Stotts ‘19

Oct. 19, 2019

Kenan Gunn Stotts, 22, passed away October 19, 2019.

Kenan was loved dearly and will be remembered with joy and sorrow by many, including his parents, Craig and Molly Stotts; his six siblings, Annie (Jeff), Winnie (Will), Caleb (Sherri), Isaac (Kayla), Eliza (Nick), and Petra; eleven beloved nieces and nephews who only knew his playful spirit; his uncles, John (Phyllis), Doug (Marcy), Mark (Shirley), and aunt, Mary; and many cousins.

Kenan was a kind and gentle soul who wore his heart on his sleeve and who never thought twice about helping a friend in need.

A private memorial of his life will be held.

The family requests donations be made in Kenan’s honor to Achieving Recovery Together, in lieu of flowers. Mail checks to PO Box 4827, Winchester, KY 40392 or donate through their Facebook page.