Passages: Summer 2020

Rev. J. Randolph Osborne ’95

Founding Director Campus Christian Center (1965-2011)
April 2, 2020

John Randolph (Randy) Osborne, age 83, husband of Melissa Smith Osborne, passed away Thursday, April 2, 2020 at the Saint Joseph Berea Hospital. He was born on July 15, 1936 in Rose Hill, Lee County, Virginia to the late Roy Olin and Ressie Oaks Osborne.

Mr. Osborne was an Old Testament and Biblical Archaeology scholar, receiving his education from the following institutions: Milligan College (TN), 1956, A.B., Religion; Christian Theological Seminary (IN), 1961, B.D., Semitic Languages; Butler University (IN), 1965, M.A., Semitic Languages; Earlham College-I.U. Extension, 1961-1963, Special Education; Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Cincinnati and Jerusalem 1966-1973, ABD, double major in Bible and Archaeology. He was an Area Supervisor with Tell Gezer Excavations from 1966-1970; and a Field Archaeologist, Senior Staff, Gezer, 1971-1973.

In 1956, Mr. Osborne was ordained at Mt. Olivet Church of Christ (Disciples of Christ) in Virginia. He served as minister to churches in Virginia, Tennessee, Indiana and Kentucky: Youth Minister, Big Stone Gap, VA, 1954; Minister, Limestone Cove Christian Church (TN), 1954-1956; Minister, Onward Christian Church (IN), 1956-1959; Minister, Milton Christian Church (IN), 1959-1965; Minister, Mt. Zion Christian Church (KY), 1966-1977 and 1982-2003; Interim Minister, White’s Memorial Presbyterian Church (KY), 1982-1983.

In 1965 Mr. Osborne came to Berea and began his Berea College career as Instructor of Philosophy and Religion (1965-66). He also served in the following positions: Acting Director, Guidance and Testing 1966-1967; Dean of Men, Foundation School 1967-1968; Campus Minister and Assistant Professor 1968-1978; Special Assistant to the President and Assistant Professor 1978-1988; Founding Director of the Campus Christian Center, College Chaplain, and Assistant Professor 1988-1999; Consulting Chaplain/Adviser to the Campus Christian Center 1999-2002; Director of the Campus Christian Center and College Chaplain 2002-2003; Consulting Chaplain/Adviser to the Campus Christian Center 2003-2011.

Mr. Osborne was a Chaplain (Capt.) in U.S. Army Reserve Infantry Units in Indiana and Kentucky 1958-1968. He also served as the Administrator of Special Education at Eastern State Hospital, Richmond, IN 1961-1963.

Community service in the City of Berea was a big part of Mr. Osborne’s life: Police Judge, 1969-1971; Chaplain, Fire Department, 1966-1972; Chaplain, Police Department, 1988-2020; member, Berea Board of Education 1974-1982; member, Berea City Council, 1984-1988; Co-founder and Chair, Madison County International Committee, 1989-2009; President, American Committee for KEEP, Chicago 2003-2009; Board of Directors, Berea Country Club; President, Optimist Club; Chair, hospital fund drive; Governor’s Task Force on Education; Special Task Force, National School Boards Association; Advisory Committee for Citizenship and Law-Related Education, State of Kentucky; and as a member of the Educational Innovations Incentives Fund.

Special honors and awards include the Berea College Service Award, a Ford Foundation Fellowship, Danforth Foundation Grant, Hebrew Union College Fellowship; recognition by International Who’s Who in Education, Outstanding Americans in the South, Who’s Who in Religion, Who’s Who in Kentucky, and Who’s Who in the South. Mr. Osborne was given the Berea, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year Award (1997), and the Berea College Elizabeth Perry Miles Award for Community Service (1998). He was also an Honorary Alumnus of Berea College.

Other than his parents, Mr. Osborne was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Jane Osborne, brother, Sonny Osborne, brother-in-law, George Garrett and stepdaughter, Cara Roecker.

Other than his wife, Mr. Osborne is survived by his children, Roger Osborne (Gretchen) of Murfreesboro, TN, Sarah Bugg (Steve) of Berea, KY, sister, Jo Marie Garrett of Lakeland, FL, and grandsons, Riley Olin Osborne and Reese Gerald Osborne.

Due to the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic all services will be private. Everyone is welcome to join the family through our live feed at 2:00 PM EST, Saturday, April 4, 2020 on the Davis & Powell Funeral Home website: www.davisandpowellfuneralhome.com.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Campus Christian Center of Berea College, CPO 2165, Berea, KY 40404, Mt. Zion Christian Church, 830 Battlefield Memorial Highway, Richmond, KY 40475, or Hospice Care Plus, 208 Kidd Drive, Berea, KY 40403.

Rev. J. Randolph Osborne ’95 obituary

Betty Sue Bicknell Gooding

Talent Search (1994-2002)
April 13, 2020

Betty Sue Bicknell Gooding age 79, wife of Patrick Gooding died Monday April 13, 2020 from injuries sustained in a car accident. Betty was a former Berea College employee working with the Upward Bound program and also worked at Okonite Manufacturing, and she was a member of the St Clare Catholic Church in Berea. Betty was the daughter of the late Albert and Melinda Lainhart Bicknell, and she was preceded in death by her siblings: Bobby Bicknell and Bula Williams.

Betty is survived by her husband Patrick James Gooding, her son Timothy Malcolm Gooding, her brothers, James and Junior Bicknell, and sisters: Imogene Powell, Bernice Smith, Francis Guinn, and Eula Mathers, and her grandchildren: Malcolm Xavier Gooding, Zoe Astrid Gooding, and Jemma Nicole Gooding.

Due to the current restrictions mandated by the Commonwealth of Kentucky for the Corona Virus services will be private for the family. Burial will be in the Berea Cemetery. Online condolences at www.lakesfuneralhome.com. Lakes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Betty Sue Bicknell Gooding obituary

Richard Cyril Duble ‘44

Obituary Unavailable

Elizabeth Stafford Johnston ‘45

Feb. 22, 2020

Elizabeth Stafford (Bunny) Johnston, 94, of Pearisburg, VA, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at her home. Mrs. Johnston was born on February 5, 1926 in Narrows, VA and was a daughter of the late Irvin Johnston Stafford and Anna McGinley Johnston. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Hurley Caudill Johnston.

Mrs. Johnston was a 1942 graduate of Eggleston High School and a 1945 graduate of Berea College. She was a retired teacher at Macy McClaugherty Elementary School with forty years of service.

As per Mrs. Johnston’s wishes, there will be no service. Online condolences can be sent to the family at givensfuneralhome.com.

Elizabeth Stafford Johnston ’45 obituary

Sarah Harr Woodford ‘46

Feb. 26, 2019

Obituary of Sarah Woodford Sarah Elizabeth (Harr) Woodford, 94, born on July 30th, 1924, formerly of Philippi, WV, she was the daughter of the late Ole & Pauline (Harper) Harr, passed away on Tuesday, February 26, 2019. Beloved wife of the late Lester D. Woodford. Loving mother of Susan (Louis) Rocchini of Oakmont, PA, Melinda “Mendy” Scholl of Littlestown, PA, Son-in-Law Philip Scholl of Hanover, PA, and the late the late Nancy (Woodford) Williams. Mrs. Woodford was blessed with 5 grandchildren, Lou (Allison) Rocchini, Anne (Christian) Gocke, Kristen (Ryan) Willett, Stephanie (Jonathon) Gordon, and Nicholas Scholl. She is also survived by two step grandchildren, Blake (Amy) Williams and Adam (Michelle) Williams and 9 Great-Grandchildren Ben, Clare, Finn, Sophia, Hannah, Sawyer, Addison, James, and Lily. Sarah was preceded in death by her 3 brothers Bayard, Wayne and Pete Harr. Mrs. Woodford was raised in Davis, WV; graduated from Warwood High School, Wheeling, WV and was a graduate of Berea College. Though she started her career as a Registered Nurse in several local hospitals, she served Philippi Elementary School as their School Nurse and as a volunteer for 35 years. The children, faculty and staff were always a true joy in her life. Sarah was a member and former elder of The Philippi Presbyterian Church, Philippi Garden Club, and The Eastern Star of Clarksburg, WV. She was an avid reader, loved music & to sing, and was the ultimate Jeopardy & Game Show Network fan. Funeral Services will be held on Monday March 4, 2019 in the Philippi Presbyterian Church 26 Bosworth St. at 10:30 am with Rev. Dr. Danny Franke officiating. Interment will in Mary’s Chapel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Philippi Public Library, 91 S. Main St. Philippi, WV 26416.

Juanita Noland Coldiron ‘47

Feb. 16, 2020

Juanita Noland Query Coldiron, age 93, passed away peacefully, at home, on February 16, 2020.

Juanita was born May 8th, 1926 at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina to John Cordell Noland and Leora Downs Noland. One of nine children, Juanita and her siblings grew up together on a working farm with loving and hard-working parents. After graduating from high school at age 16, Juanita entered Berea College in 1943. Her four years there introduced her to many life-long friendships, a future career in counseling youth, confirmation (while working in the college bakery) that she would probably not be a professional baker, and the joy of playing on the Berea girls’ basketball that tied the UK girls’ team (as she may have mentioned to her UK friends). After graduation from Berea College in 1947 Juanita was employed by the NC Board of Juvenile Correction and Schools to work in five schools for juvenile delinquents. She met with hundreds of students, providing psychological testing and guidance, and eventually remained full time at Stonewall Jackson School in Concord. With the opening of Central Cabarrus High School in 1966, she transitioned to the role of teacher and then guidance counselor while also completing her masters at Appalachian State University. She served as President of NC School Counselor Association, was recognized as NC School Counselor of the Year, implemented the foreign exchange program at Central Cabarrus, took groups of students for study and travel to Europe, sponsored a competitive clogging club for high school students, was an active member of Central United Methodist Church, and quietly influenced the lives of many students. In 1991 she retired to a home she built at Lake Junaluska and enjoyed gardening, swimming, yoga, family time at Carolina Beach, volunteering with the Great Smokey Mountains Park service (maintaining park trails), living near her brothers & sisters, worshiping and serving at Maple Grove United Methodist Church, and travelling with Jack Coldiron. 

She was preceded in death by her husband James Lardner Query, father of their two children Devon and Mary, after 23 years of marriage and also by her second husband, Henry Clay “Jack” Coldiron after 34 years of marriage. 

She is survived by, daughters, Mary Noland Query {Richard} Welch of Colfax, Devon Harriet Query {Mark Krause} of Carolina Beach, NC; stepdaughter, Debi Coldiron, stepson, Mike Coldiron; grandsons, Zachary {Bethany} Welch, Landon Coldiron; granddaughter, Ali Daniel; sisters, Joann Noland, Phyllis Demour, brothers, Bill Noland and Mack Noland.

A service of memory and celebration will be held Saturday February 22nd 1:00 pm at Back Creek Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, NC, followed by a visitation time with family and friends. Pastor David Childers will be officiating.   

Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be made to: 
Berea College
CPO 2216
Berea, KY 40404

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is serving the Coldiron family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Juanita Query (Noland) Coldiron, please visit our floral store.

Genevieve Graham Gleis, Acad ‘45, ‘49

March 12, 2020

Mildred Genevieve Gleis Louisville Gini Gleis, age 91, of Louisville KY returned to her Heavenly Father on March 12, 2020 at the home of her son surrounded by family. Gini was born in Berea KY on June 11, 1928, the second child of the late Berea College professor Charles Graham, PhD and Ethel Kiser Graham. Gini graduated from Berea College with a degree in education. Following graduation, Gini relocated to the Louisville area in 1949 accepting a teaching position. In 1950, she married her husband, Eric Henry Gleis, of Riverdale, MD whom she had met while they both attended Berea College. Preceding her in death were Eric Henry Gleis, her husband of 55 years who passed in 2005 and their daughter Linda Ann Gleis Crawford who passed in 1999. Also preceding her in death were siblings Margaret Graham Moore and Carl Graham. Gini was civic minded and of service to her family, friends and the community at large. She was a longtime member of Meadowview Presbyterian Church in Hikes Point. After raising her children, Gini worked for many years as a tax preparer for H&R Block. She shared her time as a volunteer in vision screening for the school system. She was recognized by the IRS and AARP for her 25 years of volunteer service focused on tax counseling for the elderly. She was recognized by Dept of Health and Human Services for Project Head Start, JCPS Board of Education for Ormsby Village and the National Assn to Prevent Blindness for her time devoted to vision screening. In her earlier years she was active with the Scouts and worked at the voting polls. Gini and her husband spent much of their time supporting the activities of their children and grandchildren providing innumerable hours of transportation, cheering at events, assisting with school projects and overall lending their support and encouragement. They provided transportation to their friends who were unable to drive. Attending Berea College alumni reunions were also treasured. Left to cherish her memory are her two sons Dr Gregory Gleis (Linda) of Louisville and Paul Gleis (Kim) of Alpharetta GA along with seven grandchildren; Eric R. Gleis (Carmel), Matthew Gleis (Christina), Kevin Gleis, Anna Gleis Bottom (David) all of Louisville. Stephanie Gleis Murphy (Chris) and Karen Gleis Lowell (Evan) of the Atlanta area and David Crawford of Queens NY. There are seven great grandchildren; Mary Quin Gleis, Hank Gleis, Caroline Gleis, Carter Gleis, Samuel Murphy and Graham Murphy. Many thanks to the dedicated and caring staff at the Atria Senior Living residence on S. Hubbards Lane and Hosparus of Louisville. There will be a private family burial at Cave Hill Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to Berea College, 101 Chestnut St, Berea KY 40404 or charity of your choice.

William Dale Oyler Fd ’49

March 29, 2020

On March 29, 2020, after many years of declining health, William D. Oyler (87), died as peacefully as he lived, with his family by his side. Bill and Irene who were married in London, England almost 66 years ago-had recently relocated to Easthampton to be near their children. Bill was a gentle and brilliant man, whose family cannot recall him ever getting angry or raising his voice. He was a numbers whiz, and worked as a U.S. civil servant in budget analysis and planning (Department of Health and Welfare, and then Department of Interior) and later as a budget officer for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Bill also used his numerical skills to count cards, and never turned down a chance to play poker; he almost always won. He had a deeply competitive streak: never handing his children or grandchildren a courtesy win in Monopoly or ping pong. Bill spent his life moving, first as a child and then with his wife Irene and daughters Celia (Easthampton, MA), Claire Ryder (Denver CO), and Carole (Easthampton). Bill was born in Chicago; and lived in Kentucky; Arkansas; Virginia; London, England; Ohio; Washington DC; Maryland; Georgia; New Jersey; on the island of Saipan in the Marianas Islands; and in Rome, Italy. He graduated summa cum laude from The Ohio State University, which he attended on the G.I. bill. Billy Dale, as he was known as a child, spent his summers working on his uncle’s farm and then at the age of 14 began to follow the wheat harvest by riding the rails, hoping on and off freight trains and cooking his food over open fires. Bill was a confident and humble man who had a great sense of humor, including the ability to laugh at himself; his favorite saying was, “Often wrong, never in doubt.” He loved to travel, and no matter where in the world he was, he could communicate successfully with everyone. We will remember Bill for his extreme devotion: to his family, to his job, to his various church choirs in which he sang alto. Memories of Bill’s kind and loving approach to life are also held by his five grandchildren (Megan Williams and William Rivera Oyler of Denver; Kyana Otero, Elly Perez, and Naizejha Perez of Easthampton) and his great grandchild Arlo (of Denver). According to his wishes, no services will be held. The family asks that to remember him, you extend gentleness and grace to the people around you. Should you wish to make a donation in his memory, Bill supported Doctors Without Borders, and St Jude’s Hospital. New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC, 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA has been entrusted with the arrangements. www.nefcc.net

Mary Shultz Kessinger ‘50

April 12, 2020

Obituary Unavailable

Phyllis Pennington Simpson ‘50

April 9, 2020

PHYLLIS ANN PENNINGTON SIMPSON, 90, of Louisa, Ky., widow of Robert Kenneth Simpson, died April 9 in Riverview Medical Center, Prestonsburg, Ky. She retired from Humana Hospital of Louisa as a Laboratory Manager. Burial will be in Vaughn Family Cemetery, Louisa, Ky.; a memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to First United Methodist Church of Louisa. Young Funeral Home, Louisa, Ky., is in charge of arrangements.

Published in The Herald-Dispatch on Apr. 11, 2020

Christine Chadwell Vensel ‘50

March 10, 2020

Christine Chadwell Vensel, 90, beloved wife of the late Lee H. Vensel, M.D., died March 10, 2020. She was born in Tazewell, TN. As a direct descendent of Revolutionary War patriot Captain David Chadwell (who is buried in Tazewell) and Brooks’ pioneers on her mother’s side, she and her brother grew up with families of “cousins by the dozen.” Surviving are: son Lee III (Sherri) of Guam; grandsons Lee IV and Adam, Tallahassee, FL; daughter Elizabeth Langston (Jim, M.D.), Eugene, OR; niece Patsy Chadwell Reed (Bill), formerly of Green Valley; great-nephew Brian Reed, Seattle, WA; great-niece Laurel Rosch (Dave) and children Collins and Elie, Savoy, IL; and nephews Dennis Chadwell (Michele), Belle Vernon, PA, and John Chadwell, Tazewell, TN. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother A.J. “Jack” Chadwell. A graduate of Berea College, Kentucky, she worked as a home economist for Westinghouse in Louisville, where she met her husband, Lee. Volunteering in later years included fundraising for PBS stations KOZK, Springfield, MO and KGTF, Guam. Travelers always, the Vensels saw much of the world. After the children were grown, Dr. Vensel left 25 years of private practice in Springfield, MO, and accepted an offer from the U.S. Navy. He separated from active duty on his 67th birthday with the rank of captain. Favorite duty stations were Guam and Hawaii. Memberships included Green Valley Community Church (United Methodist) and Green Valley Republican clubs. As a resident of La Posada, she served on the resident advisory group of La Posada Foundation and as a member of the Holiday Gift Fund. Philanthropy at La Posada includes the Vensel Treasure Shoppe and the La Hacienda rehabilitation pool. Services were private. Any remembrances may be directed to the La Posada Foundation, 350 E. Morningside Road, Green Valley, AZ 85614. To plant a tree in memory of CHRISTINE VENSEL as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.

Dr. Betty Pingley McCartney ‘51

Dec. 9, 2018

April 20, 1929-December 9, 2018 Dr. Betty Pingley McCartney, 89, formerly of Morgantown, West Virginia, passed away following a short illness on Sunday, December 9, 2018 at Bethany House in Auburn, Alabama with her family by her side. Betty Jewel Pingley was born on April 20, 1929 in Elkins, West Virginia the youngest daughter of the late John Nelson and Margaret Elizabeth (Caplinger) Pingley. On September 22, 1954, she was united in marriage to Charles “Jack” Crickard. Several years after Mr. Crickard’s death, she married Dr. Hunter Pell McCartney on November 21, 1998. She is survived by her daughter Jenny and son-in-law Emery Tschetter of Auburn, Alabama, and granddaughter Hailey Betty, who was named for her. Betty moved from Morgantown to Auburn to be near her family. She is survived by stepson Jim (Meg) McCartney of Morgantown, WV; and stepdaughter Debby McCartney of Morgantown, WV. She is also survived by one sister-in-law, Phyllis Pingley of Elkins, WV. Surviving nieces include Brenda Anderson, Pacific Palisades, CA, Jo Ellen Toothman, Charlestown, WV, Nancy Fouts and husband Arnold, Mt. Perry, OH. Surviving nephews include Wayne Kennedy, Elkins, WV and Waldo Abbot of Greenwich, CT. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Hunter; three brothers, Robert (Thelma) Pingley and Owen (Phyllis) Pingley, both of Elkins, Austin (Lenore) of Woodbridge, VA; and by two sisters, Neva (Waldo) Abbott of Rockville, MD, Cleo (“Brownie”) Kennedy of Elkins, WV; one niece, Margaret Combo and one nephew, Bobby Pingley. Betty graduated from Berea College in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics and Dietetics. She earned a Master of Education in Human Development from the University of Maryland in 1955; and a Ph.D in Educational Administration from Walden University in 1974; with additional studies at West Virginia University, Colorado State University, Marshall University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture graduate school. She worked for West Virginia University Extension for 39 years. Betty served as an Extension 4-H agent and home economics agent in Randolph, Upshur and Cabell Counties. At state level, she led Extension Home Economics and 4-H programs. Upon retirement, she was designated a West Virginia University Professor Emeritus of Extension. She authored numerous publications and manuscripts related to Leadership Development, Management and Appalachian Culture and Values. During her career, she directed the Mountain Heritage program of the West Virginia Extension Service. It was recognized in 1974 as the top cultural education program of all land grant universities in the nation. Betty served on the West Virginia 4-H Club Foundation Board, National 4-H Advisory Committee, and Dorsey Resource Center 4-H Advisory Committee. She served on the National Task Force on World Hunger, the W.K. Kellogg Committee for Food, Health and Agriculture, the West Virginia Volunteerism Steering Committee, and was appointed to the West Virginia Governor’s Task Force on Families. She chaired the Northeast Regional Administrators of Home Economics, and served on the Mountain State Art and Crafts Board of Directors. She was honored as a National 4-H Fellow, was a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award and selected as a National Fellow of the National Association of Home Economists. Professional memberships include Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society of Agriculture, and Epsilon Sigma Phi. For more than two decades following her retirement, she was active in the Morgantown Meals on Wheels, serving as a volunteer, board member and president. She was an active member of the Presbyterian Church in Morgantown, WV, and served as an elder, and member of the Westminister Foundation Board for the Presbyterian Campus Ministry. She co-chaired the Presbyterian Church Congregational Building Fund Campaign, chaired the Church Personnel Committee, and served on the Institutional Ministry Committee of the Presbytery of West Virginia. Betty served as president of the Monongahela Garden Club, and the Present Day Club. She helped establish and taught classes for Appalachian Lifelong Learners. An avid traveler, Betty and Hunter participated in Elderhostel programs in China, England, Scotland, Ireland, Switzerland, Canada, Mexico, and Italy. Her spare moments were filled with games of bridge, friends and antiques. Memorial services will be announced at a later date. www.jeffcoattrant.com

Ruben D. Recio, Sr. ‘51

March 12, 2020

Obituary Unavailable

Wilda Eskew Brown ‘52

April 1, 2020

Wilda Eskew Brown, age 89, of the North Cove Township of McDowell County, North Carolina passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 of natural causes. Wilda was born to the late Elbert Burton (EB) and Pearl Hylbert Eskew on January 17, 1931 in Fayetteville, Fayette County, West Virginia.

Both Wilda’s parents were educators who devoted their life to teaching others. Wilda’s great passion was music. She turned that passion into a lifetime of teaching music.

Wilda graduated from Berea College in 1952 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and Piano. She started her career teaching private piano lessons out of her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, while also raising her five children and supporting her husband’s career as a university professor. Wilda became a certified public school music teacher and taught for the Wake County Public School system in the 1970’s in addition to continuing to teach her private students. Wilda was a member of the Raleigh Piano Teachers Association, the North Carolina Music Teachers Association, and the Music Teachers National Association. Wilda was involved in the Young Artist Audition competitions throughout the years where she served as panel judge and had many of her private students compete. Wilda taught private piano students for over 60 years.

While living in Raleigh, Wilda attended Highland United Methodist Church. At Highland, she was a member of the chancel choir and served as director of the primary and youth choirs.  A lifelong learner, Wilda earned her Masters of Arts in Piano and Pedagogy from Meredith College in Raleigh and taught piano to Meredith College students as a member of the faculty for a number of years before moving with her husband to live full-time at their farm in North Cove. After moving to North Cove in the early 2000’s, Wilda joined Concord United Methodist Church and became their pianist. She was a faithful member of Concord and continued to play for church services up until her death. Wilda’s great love of music, particularly church and classical music, and her dedication to teaching touched and inspired many people.

In addition to her love of music, Wilda was an advocate for her son David and others with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She was a long time member of the Mental Retardation Association of North Carolina, an organization supporting the families and residents of North Carolina’s Developmental Centers. Wilda served as president of the organization for more than 10 years.

Wilda was also a devoted mother, wife, and friend. She greatly enjoyed having her children, grandchildren, and friends visit her at her home in North Cove. Through the years she enjoyed spending time on her front porch watching her grandchildren playing in the yard or bringing her large family together for meals and holidays.

Wilda was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Henry S. Brown of North Cove, NC. She is survived by her children, David R. Brown of Morganton, NC, John M. Brown and his wife Katie of Charlotte, NC, H. Burt Brown and his wife Kathryn of High Point, NC, Laurie B. Miles and her husband Blair of North Cove, NC, and Shelley B. Lenckus and her husband Harold of Clayton, NC and her 10 grandchildren.

The family will hold a memorial service for Wilda at a later date when family and friends can come together and celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Concord United Methodist Church at 8806 Linville Road, Marion, NC, 28752 or the Assure the Future organization, at 300 Enola Road, Morganton, NC, 28655, for J. Iverson Riddle’s Mimosa cottage.

Wilda Brown ’52 obituary

William Gordon Bryson ‘52

March 28, 2020

William Gordon Bryson, 90, died peacefully March 28, 2020, at the Sentara Windermere long term care facility in Virginia Beach. He was born Oct. 10, 1929, in Draper to General W. and Electra Bryson.

He graduated from Draper High School in 1947 and received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Berea College, Berea, Kentucky, in 1952. It is there he met his beautiful and loving wife, Peggy Brown Bryson. They were married for 56 years until her death in July 2009.

He is survived by his daughter, Rebecca B. Proaps, currently living in Virginia Beach; and two grandchildren, Alexandra Bryson Proaps, currently living in Norfolk, and Michael Gordon Proaps, currently living in Chicago, Illinois. He was the last of eight brothers.

Mr. Bryson was a master Mason for more than 60 years in the Snowville Lodge and received his 32 degree and entered the Khedive Shrine in the 1960s.

He went to work with Tidewater Construction Corporation in 1960 as corporate safety director. This was the beginning of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel project. While with TCC for 25 years, he wrote articles that were published in many state and national magazines. One publication, Prestressed Concrete Yard Operations, received the second highest national award for technical papers in the U.S. This publication became a National Safety Council Data Sheet and was distributed over the world by the Prestressed Concrete Institute and the Portland Cement Association.

Mr. Bryson was a certified safety professional and a member of the American Society of Safety Engineers for more than 50 years and one of the charter members of the Greater Tidewater Chapter of ASSE. He served for 17 years on the State Safety Health Codes Board under four state governors and was chairman of this board for 13 years.

The family expresses thanks to the staff of Sentara Windermere for their dedication to his well being.

Mr. Bryson will be laid to rest in a private service with arrangements handled by Hollomon-Brown, Great Neck Chapel.

To share a memory or message of condolences, please visit the family’s Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, we want to support first responders and healthcare workers who are working the front lines to save lives every day. Memorial donations may be made to Direct Relief.

Corban Goble, KH ’48, Fd ’48, ‘52

March 28, 2020

Corban is now at peace, joining his wife Harriet in Heaven today. The kids were by his side. Martha in person and Bob and Jane virtually on the apartment camera. All the Grandkids and inlaws had a chance to say goodbye over the last 48 hours. Pastors, present and past, spoke and prayed with him. Hospice came in 48 hours ago with continuous nursing support. He was not in pain and our family was so thankful he was able to remain in his home.

We will plan Celebrations of Life in Cincinnati and Bowling Green when the Nation resumes normal functioning. Internment of ashes will be later in Fitchburg MA.

Jean M. Mitchell ‘53

Dec. 1, 2019

Jean M. Mitchell, 99, passed away Sunday, December 1, 2019. Jean was born in Livermore, Kentucky on June 17, 1920 to the late Scott and Lula (Perkins) McClure.

Jean obtained her Master’s Degree and was a special education teacher before her retirement. She was also a past member of Crestwood Christian Church, National Education Association, AA4W, and the Lexington Homemakers.

In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by her twin brothers, Marvin and Wilford Mitchell. She is survived by her nieces, Elaine Croake and Vicki Jarvis; nephew, Rick Mitchell, and great-nephew, Dan Croake.

Family will receive friends for visitation from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Saturday, December 7th at Milward – Southland located at 391 Southland Drive, Lexington with funeral service following at 1:00 pm. Interment will be in Hazel Green Cemetery on Monday, December 9th at 10:00 am.

To share a remembrance of Jean or offer condolences to her family, please visit milwardfuneral.com.

Paul C. Stallard ‘53

April 23, 2020

Paul Clay Stallard, age 90, passed away on April 23, 2020 in Pass Christian, MS.

He was born on September 19, 1929 in Jeff, Kentucky to Harvey Watson Stallard and Carma Banks Stallard Malone. He was preceded in death by his son, Phillip; his parents; two sisters, Vivian and Beulah; and other friends and loved ones.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Rosa; his daughters and sons-in-law, Amy and Bob Ramsak; Paula and Craig Whitehead, and Heather and David Anderson; grandchildren, Melissa Davidson and husband, Justin; Katie Anderson and fiancée, Brent Charles Alexander; Carrie, Landrum, and Brendan Anderson; his brother and sisters; step-grandchildren and their spouses, Rob, Ronda, Derek, Rachel, Seth, Kelly, Matt and Wendy Ramsak and Megan and Shane Dickerson; several step great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; Stallard and Israel family members; and other extended family and friends; special “adopted” sons Robert Steele and Steve Rowland.

After graduating from Whitesburg, KY High school, Paul attended Berea College, where he met the love of his life, Rosa Lee Israel Stallard. He also held a master’s in geology from the University of Kentucky. Paul served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955 and worked for Texaco for almost 30 years as a geophysicist. Paul had many adventures and interests. He visited all 50 states and was a fan of the University of Kentucky Wildcats. He loved to read, especially books about the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln, and had an extensive collection of Lincoln memorabilia. He collected rocks, walking sticks, caps and mugs and liked to take pictures, especially of his family. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, giving them the precious gifts of his time, love and attention. He attended many Boy Scout activities, piano and dance recitals, church events, school programs, parties, reunions, and graduations. He had a dry sense of humor and especially enjoyed visiting and talking over a cup of tea or coffee.

The family wishes to thank his caregivers for their compassion and loving care. Due to current circumstances, services will be planned for a later time. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a library or literacy charity of your choice.

RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 9113 Kiln DeLisle Road, Pass Christian, is serving the family.

An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com

Winton E. Bakke

Husband of Blanche Allison Bakke ‘54

May 4, 2017

On May 4, 2017, Winton Elmer Bakke of Severna Park, Maryland passed away peacefully at Hospice of the Chesapeake. He was 90 years old. Born on a farm near Kensal, ND, 1926 to Elmer and Nanna Jacobson Bakke, Winton lived on 6 different farms before he was 8 years old due to depression, drought, and plagues of farming in ND in the 20’s and 30’s.

He graduated from Kensal high School in 1943 and as he was only 16, too young to enter service in WWII at that time, he worked for an oil exploration company in California and Texas for the next year and a half. He then joined the U.S. Navy in 1944, but due to a leg injury, received an Honorable Medical discharge from the service. Winton then joined the U.S. Merchant Marines, sailed the Pacific for the next year and a half to the Philippines and New Guinea, including one trip with a load of ammunition. After the war ended, he entered college in 1946 at Wahpeton College in ND. After one year, he transferred to the University of North Dakota, majoring in Chemical Engineering.

After two years at UND, financial problems forced him to drop out of school. He then worked for the Alaskan Section, U.S. Geological Service for a year and a half in their San Francisco office and in Alaska before returning to UND, graduating in 1952 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. After graduating, he was hired by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. in Akron, Ohio, where he spent the next three years in a training program and as a production supervisor. He left Goodyear in 1955 and went to work for the General Electric Co., Laminated products division, in Coshocton, Ohio, as an engineering and manufacturing manager. In Ohio, he met his wife, Blanche, and they were married in 1955. They had two daughters, Constance, born in 1957, and Susan, born in 1958. Winton kept his parental farm in North Dakota after his parents passed, and since retiring, rents out his farm and spends part of his summers in ND, as well as his time in his MD home and his Bethany Beach, DE home. Planting thousands of trees on his farm and going no-till for crops has been his contribution to Greening over the past 20 years.

In addition to his wife, Blanche V. Bakke and his two daughters, he is survived by four grandchildren. Josh, Lauren, and Emily Noble are Connie and George Noble’s children; and John Wesley (Wes) Hughes is Susan and Ron Hughes’s son. Winton is also survived by a granddaughter-in-law, Kaylan Noble, and grandson-in-law Nicholas Grasso, and expected in August, his first great granddaughter. Hobbies included antique cars and tractors; as well as Civil War history. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels for many years. He was a member of the Church of Larger Fellowship, and the Unitarian-Universalist Church, both of Boston, Mass for over 50 years.

Family and friends may visit on Saturday, May 20, 2017 from 11am to 1pm at the Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Hwy. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Bakke’s memory to Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland, Development Office, 515 South Haven Street, Baltimore, MD 21224.

Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com

Jack E. Earley ‘54

Jan. 26, 2020

Jack Ernest Earley, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away at the age of 87 on Jan. 26, 2020 in Marshall, North Carolina. Jack was born on August 16, 1932 in Polk County, North Carolina, the son of Charlie E. Earley and Odessa Searcy Earley. He retired as N.C. Cooperative Extension chairman for Cherokee and Clay counties, as the first chairman in the state to serve two counties simultaneously. He graduated Mill Spring High School in 1949 and Spartanburg Junior College in 1952. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from Berea College in 1954 and served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956, stationed in Alaska. Jack loved God, his family, his friends, and his community. He was a teller of stories with heart, humor and purpose. He found joy in singing and playing guitar and mandolin, fishing, reading, and growing and sharing his apples, peaches, blueberries, vegetable gardens, Christmas trees and shrubbery. He was a retired Murphy Rotary Club member and past club president, with special ties to club Christmas tree sales. He and wife Maxine were Paul Harris Fellows. He was a member of Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church and also attended Marshall Presbyterian Church. Jack was blessed with two loving marriages, to Maxine Randolph Earley for 59 years before her death in 2014, and to his best friend Nan Earley, who survives him. He also is survived by sons Douglas and Gary (fiancé, Elizabeth Griffis); daughter Lynn Roberson (Glenn); grandson Connor Roberson; granddaughter Katie Moser (Drew) and great-grandson Chase; stepdaughters Faith Ashe and Maria Wise and their families; sisters-in-law Kaye Earley and Reba Earley, and a number of cousins, nieces and nephews. His parents and his brothers William “Bill” and Charles preceded him in death. A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church with Dr. Chester Jones and Rev. Noah Crowe officiating and military honors conducted by the Murphy American Legion Post 96, Hayesville VFW Post 6812, and Hayesville American Legion Post 532. Honorary pallbearers will be Fred Carson, Jim Lunsford, Roy Gilbert, Fred Lockaby, Rick Ramsey, Franklin Barnett, Scott Freel, J.B. Reeves, and Tommy McGuire. The family will receive friends from 11:00 11:50 a.m. Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church, 1650 NC Highway 141, Murphy, North Carolina prior to the services. Memorials may be made to Industrial Opportunities, Inc., P.O. Box 1649, Andrews, NC 28901. Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of arrangements.

Frank Dickerson ‘56

March 6, 2020

Obituary Unavailable

Dewitt F. Van Arsdale ’57

May 27, 2020

Dewitt F. VanArsdale, 80, a native of Powell County, Ky., passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at the Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital in South Boston, Va., after a brief battle with lung cancer.
Dewitt met his wife, Virginia, in Berea, Ky., where they both attended high school and college. He spent most of his married life in Greensboro, N.C., where he worked as an IT manager with Burlington Industries for 38 years. After retiring in 2003, he and his wife enjoyed retirement living at Kerr Lake in Clarksville, Va. Dewitt was an avid fisherman and enjoyed all things lake-related.
Dewitt is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Virginia G. VanArsdale, and his parents Dewitt French and Captolia VanArsdale. Dewitt is survived by his son, James D. VanArsdale (Nolan) of Belmont, N.C.; daughter, Kelly A. Longacre (Brad) of Chesterfield, Va.; grandchildren, Carson B. Longacre, Brody D. Longacre, and Hayden C. Longacre, also of Chesterfield, Va.; his sisters, Jane VanArsdale of Florence, Ky., and Elizabeth A. Cornett (Aaron) of Stanton, Ky.; and his companion, Edna Neese of Clarksville, Va. He is also survived by four nieces, and four great nieces and great nephews.
Graveside services were held June 1 in Oakhurst Cemetery with the Reverend Joey Tucker officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to Berea College, CPO 2216, Berea, KY 40404 (www.berea.edu/give).

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at http://www.wclfh.com.

Dr. James Edward Colvard ‘58

March 10, 2020

James Edward Colvard, Ph. D March 16, 1932 March 10, 2020 U.S. Veteran Visitation will be Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 3pm to 5pm at Storke Funeral Home, King George Chapel. Burial will be private. James “Jim” Edward Colvard, Ph.D., 87, of King George, VA died at home on March 10, 2020. He was born on March 16, 1932 in the hills of Robbinsville, North Carolina to the late Thomas Jefferson Colvard and Martha Evelyn Ellis Colvard. He often joked with his family that his obituary should just be “Jim died.” But because we loved him very much, we’re going to add a few more words. After growing up dirt poor, he attended Berea College where he met his wife Joy. He took a leave of absence from college to serve with the US Navy in the Korean War. His life was defined by service to his country, first in active duty then as a civil servant. He worked for the US Navy from coast to coast, from his first job at Naval Weapons Center, China Lake, CA to his favorite job as Technical Director at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren, VA. He is survived by his faithful wife of 63 years, Joy Helen Colvard; his loving daughter Belinda Marie Cameron (Douglas); grandchildren Sarah French (Andrew) and Bryan Cameron (Selah); great-grandchildren Catherine French and Theodore French; siblings Donald Colvard and Evelyn Flores. His family loved him dearly and wishes that he was still here. They would like you to know that your life is valuable. If you are currently experiencing depression, please don’t be afraid to let the people who love you help you. Visitation will be Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 3pm to 5pm at Storke Funeral Home, King George Chapel. Burial will be private. Memorial donations may be made to Dahlgren Heritage Museum, P.O. Box 816, Dahlgren, VA 22448. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.storkefuneralhome.com.

Donald F. Fox ‘59

Obituary Unavailable

Phyllis Rose Fox ‘61

Obituary Unavailable

Larry George Owen, Fd ’53, ‘61

Dec. 23, 2019

Larry Owen of Pittsboro died Monday, December 23 after a prolonged illness. He was a long-time resident Cary, NC before retiring to Fearrington Village. Born in the Eastern Kentucky town of Hazard, he led a life rich in experience and accomplishment. After losing his Mother at a young age, he lived with family members in Kentucky and Ohio, always playing sports at the various schools he attended. Eventually, he attended high school at the Berea Foundation School. He then moved West, working at a cattle ranch in Eastern Oregon, driving trucks, construction jobs and at Mt. McKinley National Park in Alaska. He then served a three-year enlistment in the Army Transportation Corps, most of it in post-war Germany. He returned home to graduate from Berea College and go on to complete his Master’s degree at the University of Michigan and work for the Kentucky state government. Thereafter, he became a North Carolinian for life, working in the university administration at UNC-Charlotte during its formative years, the first Jim Hunt administration and then a long career at the UNC Center for Public Television in Chapel Hill. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Cary, NC. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years Betty Vonne Combs Owen. He is survived by his son Geoff Owen of Pleasanton, California, son Rob Owen of Cary, North Carolina, sister Marion Townsend of Clayton, NC, four grand-children and many dear friends in Fearrington Village. The family will receive friends at 1pm, Saturday, December 28 at Donaldson Funeral Home in Pittsboro, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Larry’s name to the North Carolina Methodist Home for Children at mhfc.org. Donaldson Funeral Home & Cremation is honored to serve the Owen family.

Published in Lexington Herald-Leader on Dec. 27, 2019

Alan David Cruse ‘64

Oct. 26, 2017

Cruse-Mr. Alan David Cruse, 77 of Green Cove Springs, passed away Thursday, October 26, 2017. Arrangements by Helm-Gallagher Funeral Home & Cremation Services. 904-284-9696

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Alan David Cruse please visit our Sympathy Store.

Phyllis M. Haynes ‘65

Aug. 21, 2019

Phyllis Magalene Haynes, age 77, passed away Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at Heritage Hall Nursing Home. She was a lifelong resident of Dickenson County and of the Christian faith. She taught in the Dickenson County School System for over 30 years. She was preceded in death by her father, Tilden Haynes and her sister, Versie Haynes; and a nephew, Darren Haynes.

Survivors Include:

Her Mother: Beulah Haynes

Brother: Vincen Haynes and wife, Audrey

Brother: Ellis Haynes of Duncan, Oklahoma

Niece: Portia McFall and her husband, Phillip

Great Nieces: Hannah Balthis, Rachael McFall, Julia McFall, and Mallory Haynes

The family will receive friends Friday, August 23, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at Mullins Funeral Home Chapel with services to follow at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, August 24, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Mullins Funeral Home Chapel with Lester Mullins officiating. Burial will follow in the Phipps Cemetery, Clintwood, Virginia.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Mullins Funeral Home and Staff are serving the Haynes Family.

Online condolences may be made at www.mullinsfuneralhome.net.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Phyllis Magalene Haynes please visit our Sympathy Store.

Robert C. Johnson

Husband of Roslea Johnston Johnson ‘65
March 12, 2020

Robert C. Johnson

Des Moines – Robert C. Johnson, 90, passed away on March 12, 2020 in Des Moines. He was born April 2, 1929, in Little Cedar, Iowa to Peter and Dorothy (Shrode) Johnson.

Bob graduated from Iowa State University and Colorado State University with degrees in agricultural education. He also attended Union Theological Seminary in New York. For 12 years he was the 4H extension agent in Kossuth County where he formed many lasting friendships.

Bob lived in the north part of Des Moines and farmed near Peru, IA, raising Angus cattle. Before retiring to renovate an old quarry to pasture his cattle, Bob held various jobs. He taught agricultural business at DMACC, was director of Bidwell Riverside Center, a Methodist mission in SE Des Moines, and was a registered stock broker. Bob was a member of Ankeny First United Methodist Church, and was active in Peru Methodist Church. He was a member of the Iowa and National Angus Association. Bob was very proud of his work in the 1960’s War on poverty in eastern Kentucky. As director of a Community Action Program, he started one of the first community based credit unions, Adult education/GED programs and some of the first early childhood programs in eastern Kentucky.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Roslea; brothers, Dale and Keith (Sharon) Johnson; nieces and nephews, Janice, Douglas, Roger (Lori), Jennifer (John), James (J.B.), Michelle (Ned) and Darrin (Kim); and sisters-in-law, Betty and Dottie.

Bob was preceded in death by his siblings, Carroll and Merle; sister-in-law, Sandra; and his parents.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, April 3, 2020 at Ankeny Frist United Methodist Church-Faith Chapel, 7384 NW 16th St., Ankeny. A celebration of life with pie and ice cream (per Bob’s request) will be held later this summer at Peru.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Ankeny First United Methodist Church, Peru Methodist Church, the DMACC scholarship for Peru students, or the charity of your choice in memory of Bob.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Published in Des Moines Register from Mar. 13 to Mar. 15, 2020

Margaret Green Morrow ‘65

April 11, 2020

Peggy Green Morrow, age 76, wife of Chester Morrow, passed away Saturday April 11, 2020 at St. Joseph Berea Hospital in Berea, KY. Mrs. Morrow was born August 9, 1943 in Berea, KY to Elsie Welch Green and the late Franklin Crooke Green. Her and Chester married in October of 1963 at the Danforth Chapel on Berea College Campus, the Morrow’s made their home in Sidney, Ohio from that time until 2005 when they returned to Berea. Mrs. Morrow was a member of the Board of Directors for BUURR. Spent many years of volunteer work with charitable organizations such as, “FISH”, Friends In Service to Humanity, from 1981-2005, as Director 1985-2005, Berea Food Bank 2005-Present. Mrs. Morrow was unassuming but industrious, quiet competency, devoted to being helpful, friend of many and foe to none. Other than her husband and mother, Mrs. Morrow is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth (Beth) Lonn and her husband Tommy of Columbus, OH, Katherine (Kate) Morrow of Berea, KY, one sister, Sara Green of Southern Pines, N.C., one grandchild, Sarah Lonn of Nashville, TN, and special friends Marilyn DeWitt, Martha Price Davidson, Donna Powell, Alice Hicks, and June Cain. Due to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic, a memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to BUURR, 108 Parkway Ave. Berea, KY 40403. www.davisandpowellfuneralhome.com

James M. Heck

Husband of Mary Cribbs Heck ‘69
April 1, 2020

James Melvin Heck 73, of Spotsylvania passed away on April 1, 2020 at the Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center. Born on May 26, 1946 in Long Beach CA, graduated high school in Santa Fe NM and stationed at Fort Myer VA in the U.S Army. He worked for the telephone company for 30 years before retiring. He loved his wife and family, enjoyed camping with friends or trips west for visits with family and friends. He had a sense of humor that not everyone got or could handle and had a passion for Sudoku puzzles. He was preceded in death by his sister Beverly, and his parents Melvin and Maxine. He is survived by his loving wife Mary, and children Steve Heck (RaeLyn), Kara Carter (Jason), Greg Sotzing (Suzie), Teresa Cottom (Brent), Jeff Sotzing (Jamie), and Christy Henriksson (Kristoffer). He is also survived by his brother Richard (Stella) of Arizona and 14 grandchildren. Also considered as a daughter Cindy Michael with her 2 children and 2 grandchildren. Online condolences at vacremationservice.com. A memorial service will be scheduled later. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Peace United Methodist Church, 801 Maple Grove Drive, Fredericksburg VA 22407 or the Alzheimers Association. To plant a tree in memory of James Heck as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.

Teresa Hensley Burgett ‘70

March 1, 2020

Teresa Lynn Burgett

Funeral Time: Wednesday, March 4th at 11:30AM

BURGETT, Teresa Lynn, 71, wife of James Edward Burgett, died Mar. 1, 2020 at the University of Kentucky Hospital. Born Apr. 8, 1948 in Belfry, KY, she was the daughter of the late Grover and Gertrude Newman Hensley. Mrs. Burgett loved reading and retired as a librarian for the University of Kentucky. Survivors other than her husband of 50 years include two godsons; one goddaughter; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and good friends. Funeral services will be held 11:30 am Wed., Mar. 4, at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, Harrodsburg Rd. Burial will follow in Lexington Cemetery. Visitation will be 10:30 am Wed. until the service time at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to Bluegrass Hospice Care, 2312 Alexandria Dr., Lexington, KY 40504.

Bobby W. Kendrick ‘70

July 16, 2018

Bobby Wayne Kendrick 71 of Pikeville, KY passed away Monday, July 16, 2018 at the Pikeville Medical Center. He was born January 12, 1947 in Pikeville, KY to the late Monroe & Rettie “Thacker” Kendrick. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers, Roger Dale, Paul Dean & Clifford Kendrick. Bobby is survived by his loving family, three brothers, his twin brother Jesse James Kendrick & his wife, Kathy of Pikeville, KY, Johnny Gene Kendrick of Edmonton, KY, Jackie James, his wife Brenda of Hardy, KY, four sisters, Ruby Lynn Perrine, her husband Bob of Pikeville, Joyce Robinson of Pikeville, Susie Coleman, her husband Larry of Raccoon, KY, & Annette Kendrick of Elkhorn City, KY, his ex-wife Brenda Coleman, his adoring nieces & nephews & cousins. Our family are all “Special” to us whether they are from Kentucky, Ohio or Michigan & Bobby loved all his church family. He worked over thirty years at Pauley Building Center in Pikeville. Bobby accepted the Lord in 1999 and was a loyal member, as well as a preacher of the Island Creek FWB Church. He adored his family & they loved him dearly. Bobby will be sadly missed by all who knew and treasured him. The family will accept friends at the Thacker Memorial Chapel, Wednesday 6PM on July 18, 2018 with a service at 7:00 P.M. Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Thursday July 19, 2018 with Donnie Harris, Marion Wright & others officiating. Burial will follow at the Kendrick Cemetery at Pikeville, KY.

Donald Paul Slatkin ‘70

July 7, 2019

Obituary Unavailable

Lester L. Hill ‘75

March 13, 2020

Lester Hill, class of 1975, died at his home in Woodruff Place in Indianapolis, Indiana March 13. He is survived by his partner, David Begley, class of 1976, his twin sister, and three brothers.

Carole Hillard Schenkenfelder ‘82

March 6, 2020

Carole Hillard Schenkenfelder

November 27, 1960 – March 6, 2020

Carole Hillard Schenkenfelder was born on November 27, 1960 in Laurel County, Kentucky.  She is the daughter of the late Byron Hillard and Laura Dale Hays Hillard.  She was united in marriage to Joseph L. Schenkenfelder who survives of London, Kentucky.  She is also survived by two children, Reece Schenkenfelder and wife Elizabeth of Lexington, Kentucky; and Haley Mills and husband Jamie of Mt. Washington, Kentucky; four siblings, Tish Hillard of London; Ernest Hillard and wife Rita of Berea, Kentucky; Susie Hillard of Lexington; and Margaret Zoellers and husband Charles of London; two grandchildren, Harrison and Rory Mills, an expected granddaughter, Sophia Schenkenfelder plus a host of other relatives and friends to mourn her passing.

Carole graduated from Berea College with a bachelor’s degree in business.  She was retired from Software Information Systems where she was a senior client service representative.  She was also a member of The Creek Church in London, Kentucky.

Carole Hillard Schenkenfelder departed this life on Friday, March 6, 2020 being 59 years, 3 months and 9 days of age.

Pallbearers: Mark McCowan, Jackson Zoellers, Chase Bullock, Matthew Hillard, Mike Schenkenfelder, Mark Deignan, Jerome Lynch and Dan Schenkenfelder.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorial donations be made to The Creek Youth Programs, 75 Capital Drive, London, Kentucky 40741.

Patricia E. Murillo Bell ‘83

April 4, 2020

Patricia (Patty) Eileen Murillo Bell, 66, died April 4, 2020 of cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) in her Swannanoa, NC home. Patty’s husband, Christopher Bell, and her sister, Christa Sumner, of Casper, WY, were at Patty’s bedside as she departed to join her sister Cheryl Lynne Wolfe, mother Eileen Joyce Tabor LeBell, and maternal grandparents Ada Cole and James Cody Tabor.

Patty was born in Huntington, WV, and spent most of her early years in Huntington, Nitro, St. Albans, and Hurricane, WV. Patty was the youngest of three daughters. Her father disappeared from her life when she was five months old and her mother died of encephalitis when she was six. Patty was raised by her Aunt Barbara Tabor Shriver and Uncle Cliff Tabor, Aunt Pamela and Uncle Cole Tabor, and her Granny Ada Tabor. She is a graduate of Hurricane High School, earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Berea College, her Masters in Urban Education from Florida International University, and, at age 59, her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Western Carolina University. Patty was licensed to teach Elementary Education, Middle Grades Language Arts, and Art.

Patty began her career while a college student: one of her work-study jobs required driving up creek beds into the hollers outside Hazzard, KY to tutor adults learning to read. Patty was proud that she spent one summer while in college working as a tobacco puller, the first woman in Richmond, KY ever to do so. Patty’s first significant full time professional position was in the Miami-Dade County school system, where she taught art in Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood for seven years and second grade in Miami’s Liberty City neighborhood for three years. While teaching in Little Haiti, she sent more of her students to the Miami-Dade County’s magnet art school than any other teacher in the system.

Patty taught at WD Williams Elementary in Swannanoa for 19 years, where she ran with the Fit Girls, danced with the Salsa Club, and was famed for being able to do “the splits” well into her sixties. Patty was recognized by her students, colleagues, and the NC State Legislature as an outstanding teacher, winning multiple awards in recognition of her students’ performance.

In addition to her husband, surviving sister, aunts, Uncle Cole, multiple cousins, nieces, and nephews, Patty is survived by her son Daniel Kreinen of Old Fort, NC, and her stepdaughters, Elizabeth (Kenzie) Bell and Gaven Bell, of Asheville, NC.

A Celebration of Patty’s Life will be held in the WD Williams Elementary School Auditorium in Swannanoa, NC when it becomes possible to do so. Contact DrMurilloCelebration@gmail.com with your name and email address to be added to Patty’s celebration notification list.

Published in the Asheville Citizen-Times from Apr. 10 to Apr. 12, 2020

Robert Edward Crone, Jr. ‘88

Feb. 20, 2020

Robert “Bobby” E. Crone, Jr. of Mountville, Pennsylvania passed away suddenly at home on February 20, 2020 at the age of 53.

Bobby was born in Fairfax, Virginia on July 25, 1966.  He grew up in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia where he graduated from Hinton High School.  He received a Bachelor’s Degree from Berea College which began his career in retail management.  

Bobby had a gift for writing.  He loved to travel to places both new and old.  He was an ardent philosopher with a great passion for friendship and he never met a stranger.

Bobby is survived by his sister, Rebecca A. Crone (Rick) of Bumpass, VA; his two brothers, Gregory A. Crone (Penny) of Mechanicsville, VA and Jody L. Crone (Sharon) of Gloucester, VA and many nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Deborah J. Wingenroth, his sister, Lisa D. Price and his father, Robert E. Crone. 

A Celebration of Bobby’s life will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at Pivont Funeral Home, 100 Park Avenue, Hinton, WV with Pastor Jeff Canterbury officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until time of services on Saturday at the funeral home.

The family of Bobby Crone would like to “Thank you for being a friend”.

Rev. J. Randolph Osborne ’95

April 2, 2020

John Randolph (Randy) Osborne, age 83, husband of Melissa Smith Osborne, passed away Thursday, April 2, 2020 at the Saint Joseph Berea Hospital. He was born on July 15, 1936 in Rose Hill, Lee County, Virginia to the late Roy Olin and Ressie Oaks Osborne.

Mr. Osborne was an Old Testament and Biblical Archaeology scholar, receiving his education from the following institutions: Milligan College (TN), 1956, A.B., Religion; Christian Theological Seminary (IN), 1961, B.D., Semitic Languages; Butler University (IN), 1965, M.A., Semitic Languages; Earlham College-I.U. Extension, 1961-1963, Special Education; Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Cincinnati and Jerusalem 1966-1973, ABD, double major in Bible and Archaeology. He was an Area Supervisor with Tell Gezer Excavations from 1966-1970; and a Field Archaeologist, Senior Staff, Gezer, 1971-1973.

In 1956, Mr. Osborne was ordained at Mt. Olivet Church of Christ (Disciples of Christ) in Virginia. He served as minister to churches in Virginia, Tennessee, Indiana and Kentucky: Youth Minister, Big Stone Gap, VA, 1954; Minister, Limestone Cove Christian Church (TN), 1954-1956; Minister, Onward Christian Church (IN), 1956-1959; Minister, Milton Christian Church (IN), 1959-1965; Minister, Mt. Zion Christian Church (KY), 1966-1977 and 1982-2003; Interim Minister, White’s Memorial Presbyterian Church (KY), 1982-1983.

In 1965 Mr. Osborne came to Berea and began his Berea College career as Instructor of Philosophy and Religion (1965-66). He also served in the following positions: Acting Director, Guidance and Testing 1966-1967; Dean of Men, Foundation School 1967-1968; Campus Minister and Assistant Professor 1968-1978; Special Assistant to the President and Assistant Professor 1978-1988; Founding Director of the Campus Christian Center, College Chaplain, and Assistant Professor 1988-1999; Consulting Chaplain/Adviser to the Campus Christian Center 1999-2002; Director of the Campus Christian Center and College Chaplain 2002-2003; Consulting Chaplain/Adviser to the Campus Christian Center 2003-2011.

Mr. Osborne was a Chaplain (Capt.) in U.S. Army Reserve Infantry Units in Indiana and Kentucky 1958-1968. He also served as the Administrator of Special Education at Eastern State Hospital, Richmond, IN 1961-1963.

Community service in the City of Berea was a big part of Mr. Osborne’s life: Police Judge, 1969-1971; Chaplain, Fire Department, 1966-1972; Chaplain, Police Department, 1988-2020; member, Berea Board of Education 1974-1982; member, Berea City Council, 1984-1988; Co-founder and Chair, Madison County International Committee, 1989-2009; President, American Committee for KEEP, Chicago 2003-2009; Board of Directors, Berea Country Club; President, Optimist Club; Chair, hospital fund drive; Governor’s Task Force on Education; Special Task Force, National School Boards Association; Advisory Committee for Citizenship and Law-Related Education, State of Kentucky; and as a member of the Educational Innovations Incentives Fund.

Special honors and awards include the Berea College Service Award, a Ford Foundation Fellowship, Danforth Foundation Grant, Hebrew Union College Fellowship; recognition by International Who’s Who in Education, Outstanding Americans in the South, Who’s Who in Religion, Who’s Who in Kentucky, and Who’s Who in the South. Mr. Osborne was given the Berea, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year Award (1997), and the Berea College Elizabeth Perry Miles Award for Community Service (1998). He was also an Honorary Alumnus of Berea College.

Other than his parents, Mr. Osborne was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Jane Osborne, brother, Sonny Osborne, brother-in-law, George Garrett and stepdaughter, Cara Roecker.

Other than his wife, Mr. Osborne is survived by his children, Roger Osborne (Gretchen) of Murfreesboro, TN, Sarah Bugg (Steve) of Berea, KY, sister, Jo Marie Garrett of Lakeland, FL, and grandsons, Riley Olin Osborne and Reese Gerald Osborne.

Due to the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic all services will be private. Everyone is welcome to join the family through our live feed at 2:00 PM EST, Saturday, April 4, 2020 on the Davis & Powell Funeral Home website: www.davisandpowellfuneralhome.com.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Campus Christian Center of Berea College, CPO 2165, Berea, KY 40404, Mt. Zion Christian Church, 830 Battlefield Memorial Highway, Richmond, KY 40475, or Hospice Care Plus, 208 Kidd Drive, Berea, KY 40403.

Rev. J. Randolph Osborne obituary

Gary Keith Thacker ‘96

March 2, 2020

Gary Keith Thacker, 47 of Winchester, KY passed away Monday March 2, 2020 at Jewish Hospital, Louisville, KY. Gary was born February 14, 1973 in Pikeville, KY to the late Johnnie Thacker & Ella Faye Kiser Thacker. Gary is survived by his wife, Jennifer Rae Murphy Thacker; two daughters, Whitney Danielle Rowe & Allison Faith Rowe all of Winchester, KY. Gary is also survived by two brothers, Johnny Thacker of St. Mary’s, GA and Stonie Thacker of Raccoon, KY. Visitation will be after 6PM Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6, 2020 at the Berea Bible Church, Phyllis, KY. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 1PM from the church with Frank Crum officiating. Burial will follow at the Keene Family Cemetery, Phyllis, KY.

Caleb Bannister ‘19

April 3, 2020

Bannister, Caleb A., 24, of Park Hills Ky. passed away on April 3, 2020 at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Covington. Caleb is survived by his Parents; William and Danielle Bannister, Brother; Zalil Bannister Sisters; Gionna Bannister Kamari Bannister, Xaiya Bannister Services will be at the convenience of the family. Don Catchen & Son Funeral Home, Elsmere assisting the family.