Faculty and Staff
Mary E. Anders, of Valparaiso, Indiana, passed away March 27, 2015. She was a music instructor at Berea College from 1945-1956. Having already earned a bachelor’s degree in music from DePauw University prior to teaching at Berea, Mary left to study at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois where she earned a master’s degree in music. After earning her advanced degree, she returned to teaching at Wartburg College where she was an instructor in piano. In 1959, Mary joined the faculty of the Iowa Wesleyan College’s music department where she remained until her retirement in 1972. She is survived by her brother, Robert, four nieces, three nephews, 10 great- and seven great-great nieces and nephews.
Stacia Ann Saylor Berry, ’78, of Berea, Kentucky, passed away February 15, 2015. After graduating from Broadhead High School in 1950, she attended Eastern Kentucky University for two years and later taught at Hurricane School on Brindle Ridge. Stacia was employed at Berea College in 1958 as a file clerk, but had planned to take a teaching position in the fall of that year. However, President Francis Hutchins convinced her to continue working at the college fulltime and was eventually promoted to director of development and special assistant to the president. During her 43 years at the college, Stacia earned a nursing degree and graduated in 1978, the same year as her son, Mark. She is survived by her husband, Wayne, her children, Mike Berry, Mark Berry, ’78, and Elizabeth Berry, ’85, three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson, three siblings, and several nieces and nephews.
Dr. Ilmars Birznieks of West Columbia, South Carolina, passed away January 31, 2015. He taught German at Berea College for 20 years and was, at his retirement in 1995, the chair of the foreign languages department. Ilmars was diagnosed with kidney cancer two years ago but lived well past the six months doctors predicted he had left to live. He was a native of Latvia and also was a professor at Tulane University. During his academic career, he was the author of several scholarly articles as well as numerous book reviews for World Literature Today. Ilmars also published five novels after he retired. He is survived by his wife, Faith, a grandson, and a son-in-law.
Wanda Jean Fish of Mt. Vernon, Kentucky, passed away April 8, 2015. She worked in the development office at Berea College and was of the Baptist faith. Wanda is survived by her husband, Marshal, two sons, four daughters, two sisters, 17 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren.
Jack Thomas Kelly, of Berea, Kentucky, passed away February 14, 2015. He was preceded in death by his wife, Berta Kelly, ’48. Jack worked for many years at the Berea College Bookstore, from where he retired. After his retirement, he and his wife owned and operated NuWay Cleaners for many years. Jack was a WWII Navy veteran and a member for more than 65 years of the Kingston Masonic Lodge #315 F&AM. He enjoyed gardening, traveling with his wife, and watching his grandchildren participate in sports. Jack is survived by his daughter, Linda, a brother, three stepchildren, one granddaughter, four step-grandchildren, and five great-step-grandchildren.
Walter Malone, of Mt. Vernon, Kentucky, passed away January 30, 2015. He worked at Berea College for 30 years, was a WWII Marine veteran, and was a member and president of Woodmen of the World, Berea Lodge. Considered a jack-of-all-trades, Walter also was an avid farmer, gardener, carpenter, cook, and a helper to those in need. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Margie, his daughter, five siblings, three grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
Frederick Darrell Musick of Berea, Kentucky, passed away January 11, 2015. He served as an Education Talent Search counselor at Berea College where he worked with middle and high school students from south central Kentucky counties. He encouraged hundreds of young people to believe in themselves and go to college. Darrell previously was an English professor at Sue Bennett College in London, Kentucky and was an associate English professor at the London campus of Somerset Community College. There, he served on the Honors Night team, the English Department’s Arnow Conference team, and was faculty sponsor of the SCC student newspaper. Darrell was a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) where he served as an elder, choir member, and leader of the Singing Disciples group. He is survived by his wife, Debra, a daughter, and a stepdaughter.
Bernice Robertson, Acad ’35, ’39, of Berea, Kentucky, passed away January 22, 2015. She studied at Syracuse University, University of London (England), and earned a master’s degree from the University of Wyoming. A lifelong educator, Bernice taught at Berea College Knapp Hall, in Heidelberg, Germany, and in Boston, Massachusetts. She was an administrator in Syracuse City Schools for 15 years and also was a consultant for the New York State Department of Education. She later taught at the University of Liberia and led Christian education workshops in Sierra Leone. Bernice was a member of Union Church and several civic organizations. She is survived by two sons, Don Robertson and Bruce Robertson, ‘64, five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, two brothers, and one sister.
Jeanette Lambeth Tarkington Stokely, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away January 14, 2015. She was the widow of Alfred Jehu Stokely, former member of the Berea College Board of Trustees. Jeannette was a graduate of Orchard Country Day School and Shortridge High School. She then attended Rockford College in Rockford, Illinois. Jeanette worked for her father at Tarkington Aviation at the Indianapolis Airport where she learned to fly. She offered many years in volunteer work and spent some of her happiest years with her husband, Alfred, traveling, gardening, and riding their horses around their Foxlair Farm in Whitestown, Indiana. Jeanette is survived by her children, Linda, William, and Martha, her step-children, Alfred, Randolph, and Barbara, a sister, fourteen grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren.
Dr. Klara Schmude Welsh, of Berea, Kentucky, passed away March 18, 2015. She was a professor of French at Berea College and a long-time member of Union Church.
1930s
Esther Weller Burkhard of Liberty, Kentucky, passed away August 9, 2014. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred. J. Burkhard, ’35. Esther is survived by two children, Elanor and John, four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Dr. Edwin P. Adkins, Acad ’31, ’37, of Audubon, Pennsylvania, passed away August 13, 2014. During WWII, he served in the Navy and was part of the first wave of the D-Day invasion on Omaha Beach in France. Dr. Adkins earned his doctorate in history at Ohio State University and was a lifelong educator both in the classroom and administration. For 16 years, he was the vice president of research and development at Temple University in Philadelphia. During his retirement, Dr. Adkins travelled extensively and also was a member of the Shannondell Travel Billiards Team. He is survived by his beloved friend, Alice Blake Simonson, two children, five grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
Marjorie Hollandsworth of Huntington, West Virginia, passed away February 2, 2015. She was the widow of James “Pop” G. Hollandsworth, ’37. Marjorie graduated from James Madison University where she was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma. She was a seventh-grade teacher, worked for the Red Cross, and managed a Sears catalog store. Marjorie was heavily involved in garden clubs, promoted environmental education through her work, and served on the National Council of Flower Show Judges. She also was a supporter of human care and animal rescue organizations. Marjorie is survived by two children, Emma and Kel, two grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, three nieces, and one nephew.
Eugene Mitchell Taulbee, Acad ’33, ’37, of Logan, Ohio, passed away April 6, 2015. After graduating, he maintained a lifelong connection with Berea College and was elected president of The President’s Club. Eugene served in the Coast Guard during WWII as a first lieutenant and attended officer’s candidate school. He was a recent grand marshal of the Hocking County Veterans Day Parade and was the oldest living veteran in attendance. After the war, Eugene worked as a district sales manager for Jewell Tea Co. which led to him owning and operating a retail store in Columbus, Ohio. He returned to Hocking County where he farmed more than 100 acres and became a middle school teacher, coached junior high basketball, and became principal at Rockbridge School. Eugene was instrumental in forming the Logan-Hocking Alternative School, as well as the Scenic Hills Senior Center. He was inducted into the LHS Educator’s Hall of Fame and was involved in many civic and service organizations. He is survived by his daughter, Connie, a sister, a stepson, two grandchildren, several step-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
Bernice Robertson, Acad ’35, ’39, of Berea, Kentucky, passed away January 22, 2015. She studied at Syracuse University, University of London (England), and earned a master’s degree from the University of Wyoming. A lifelong educator, Bernice taught at Berea College Knapp Hall, in Heidelberg, Germany, and in Boston, Massachusetts. She was an administrator in Syracuse City Schools for 15 years and also was a consultant for the New York State Department of Education. She later taught at the University of Liberia and led Christian education workshops in Sierra Leone. Bernice was a member of Union Church and several civic organizations. She is survived by two sons, Don Robertson and Bruce Robertson, ‘64, five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, two brothers, and one sister.
1940s
Elizabeth Earle Wood Gibbs, ’40, of Marietta, Georgia, passed away March 24, 2015. She was the widow of Kenneth MacFarlane Gibbs, ’39, whom she married November 1941 in Danforth Chapel. Elizabeth graduated from Asheville High School. After graduating from Berea, she completed graduate work at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Kansas City and was a former x-ray technician for Dr. G.W. Murphy in Asheville, North Carolina, and at Moore Army General Hospital in Swannanoa, North Carolina during WWII. She also was a special education teacher at the Lake Cumberland School for Handicapped Children. Elizabeth was a member of the Somerset chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a Cub Scout den mother, a Girl Scout leader, and an American Red Cross-certified lifeguard. She is survived by three children,
Terry Allen Gibbs, ’70, Dr. Kenneth Wood Gibbs, Elizabeth Gibbs McClendon, three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two nephews, one niece, and two sisters-in-law.
Effie Martin Cox, ’41, of Hamilton, Ohio, passed away December 28, 2014. She attended Hindman Settlement School before attending Berea College and then Eastern Kentucky University, where she earned a teaching degree. Effie began her teaching career in a two-room school house on Lotts Creek in Cordia, Kentucky. She later taught 7th and 8th grade English at Seven Mile Middle School in Ohio and retired after 40 years of teaching. Effie is survived by her son, George, a granddaughter, and three great-grandchildren.
Dr. Leon A. Lackey, ’41, of Martinsville, Virginia, passed away January 27, 2015. He was a graduate of Welch High School, West Virginia, and then graduated from Berea with degrees in chemistry and biology. Dr. Lackey earned a full-tuition scholarship to Columbia University and graduated in three years with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. At Columbia he met Sylvia Halladay, who preceded him in death shortly before their 60th wedding anniversary. After graduation, Dr. Lackey joined the Navy and married Sylvia at his first duty station in Norfolk, Virginia. He practiced dentistry, mostly in Martinsville, for 49 years. Dr. Lackey is survived by four children, Leon Jr., Elizabeth, Janet, and Charles, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
Helen Mary Enright Maggard, of Arlington, Virginia, passed away May 25, 2014. She was preceded in death by her husband, Captain Talmadge Patrick Maggard, Acad ’38, ’42. She and the captain were married for 59 years until his death in 2007. Helen was a loving wife and mother, and traveled extensively with her husband until his retirement, after which they made their home in Arlington for more than 33 years. She was a member of the St. Agnes Catholic Church. Helen is survived by her nephews, David and Earl Thornton and their children, her stepdaughter, and many friends.
Anna Schorman of Crossville, Tennessee, passed away December 6, 2013. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. William R. Schorman, ’42. Together, Anna and her husband served communities in Tennessee, Kentucky, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Ohio. She is survived by three children, Eric, John, and Vivian, a son-in-law, two daughters-in-law, seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Alma C. (Selby) Hann, Acad ’43, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away February 24, 2015. After attending Berea, she moved to Newport News, Virginia during WWII to work in the shipyards. After the war, Alma attended Charles’ Beauty School where she met her first husband, Charles. They moved to Albuquerque and she worked as a cosmetologist while her husband attended business school. In 1985, Alma married James H. Hann and they owned and managed several rental properties. She enjoyed tending her garden and playing with a neighborhood bridge group. Alma is survived by two children, Lynda and Kenneth, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Gabriel “Gay” Becker, Navy V-12 ’43-’44, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away March 15, 2014. He attended St. Columba School in Louisville where he met Mary Earle Klein (Becker), his wife of 67 years who survives him. Later, Gay attended St. Xavier High School and was accepted into the Navy V-12 program at Berea College. After WWII, he graduated from the University of Louisville and earned a master’s degree in economics. Gay retired after 33 years from Abbott Laboratories. He and Mary belonged to the Christian Family Movement for 25 years and were active members of their parish councils and parent-teacher associations. In addition to his wife, Gay also is survived by five children, 14 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Evelyn Eleanor Barr Goad, ’44, of Greenville, South Carolina, passed away January 17, 2015. After graduating from Berea, she earned a Master of Arts in library science from East Tennessee State University. During her career, Evelyn served as a librarian in several public schools and eventually became supervisor of libraries for Sullivan County Schools in Tennessee. She loved playing the piano, violin, and organ, which she played while a student at Berea. Evelyn was proud to have visited every state (except Hawaii and Alaska) with Earl, her husband of 63 years who preceded her in death. She is survived by her children, Betty, Carolyn, and Bob, four siblings, three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
John Arthur Meader, Navy V-12 ’43-’44, of Jackson, Missouri, passed away March 6, 2015. He graduated from Portsmouth High School and attended the University of New Hampshire. After completing the Navy V-12 program at Berea, John finished officer candidate school at the University of Notre Dame and earned a commission as ensign. He served as the sonar officer aboard the destroyer escort USS Daniel. After WWII, John graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in architecture. He was a manager of contracts and assistant secretary at Commonwealth Associates, Inc. and served on several boards and committees in his community. John also provided architectural services for several projects, including Parkside High School in Jackson. He is survived by his brother, Richard, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jessie Perl Lilly Tipper, ’44, of MacArthur, West Virginia, passed away March 4, 2015. She graduated from Glen Rogers High School, attended Berea College, and continued her art education through Bluefield State, Concord College, and West Virginia University. Jessie worked in the offices of Koppers Coal Company and worked for the U.S. Postal Service for more 18 years. She was a founding member of the Beckley Art Group and worked to establish the Cynthia Bickey Art Center. She enthusiastically embraced life and loved her family, her work, her faith, traveling, reading, and music. Jessie is survived by six children, Karen, John, Annette, Karla, David, and Christy, 10 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
Hubert Bourne, Navy V-5 ’44-’45, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away February 2, 2015. He graduated from Lancaster High School in 1944 and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy V-12 program at Berea College. He also trained at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center and Central Michigan University. After WWII, Hubert attended the University of Kentucky where he was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity. He served as a division manager for the General Cinema Corporation where he worked for 26 years. He retired in 1990 and was recognized by the Will Rogers Motion Picture Institute as a pioneer of American cinema. Hubert is survived by his wife of 66 years, Delores, and three children.
Frederic Lamar Dupree, Navy V-12 ’44-’45, of Lexington, Kentucky, passed away April 18, 2015. He served on the Berea College Board of Trustees from 1992-2004. After graduating from Columbia Military Academy in Columbia, Tennessee, Frederic studied at Berea College and Central Michigan University under the Navy V-12 wartime officers training program. Afterward he enrolled in the NROTC program at the University of Michigan, but was discharged at the conclusion of WWII. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering from the University of Kentucky. Frederic’s professional life was multi-faceted, and included a job as an engineer trainee and later a foreman for Clover Darby Coal Co., his family’s company. In 1957, he became manager and part-owner of London Gas Co. The following year, he and his brother Tom started London Community TV. In the early 70s, Frederic started in financial services at Dupree & Company, the business his father started in Harlan in 1941. His work included bond issues for Rupp Arena, the Blue Grass Airport, and for the University of Kentucky. Frederic is survived by his children, Mary and Frederic, seven grandchildren, and two brothers.
Frances Haverstick Myers, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away February 24, 2015. She is survived by her husband, Richard Monier Myers, ’45. Frances graduated from Dormont High School in Pittsburgh and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the Pennsylvania College for Women (now Chatham University) in 1947. She married Richard in 1950 and moved to Raleigh where he had a job at North Carolina State University. In addition to being a homemaker, Frances was a Girl Scout leader and a bookstore manager at the North Carolina Museum of Art where she assembled a collection of rare finds. In addition to her husband, she is survived by three daughters, sisters- and brothers-in-law, cousins, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bette Allison Todd, ’45, of Newark, Delaware, passed away January 4, 2015. She attended Mars Hill College and completed her undergraduate studies at Berea. She went on to earn a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Bette moved to Delaware in 1956 to accept a teaching position at the University of Delaware. She instructed classes on home economics, apparel design and fashion until 1985, when she retired to spend more time with her family. She was a member of the Newark United Methodist Church for almost 50 years, the United Methodist Women, UofD faculty affairs, and a devoted fan of UofD football. Bette is survived by her husband of 57 years, John, a son, two grandchildren, and a nephew.
Dr. Lucia S. Burrell, ’46, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, passed away December 11, 2014. After attending Berea College, she graduated from Northern Illinois College of Optometry. She and her husband, the late Dr. Paul Digby Burrell, Jr., moved to Spartanburg after they married and established Burrell Optometrists. Lucia was a lifelong member of the South Carolina Optometric Association, an active member of the Spartanburg Business & Professional Women’s Club, and the Order of the Eastern Star. She is survived by her daughters, Holly and Laura, a daughter-in-law, seven grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and three step-great-grandchildren.
Mary Anne Rynerson of Chicago, Illinois, passed away August 13, 2014. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Lillard Rynerson, ’46. Mary was the supervising psychologist for the Institute for Juvenile Research for the state of Illinois. She is survived by 13 nieces and nephews.
Ruth Slusher, ’46, of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, passed away December 5, 2014. After earning a degree in biology from Berea, she moved with her family to Knoxville. Ruth was hired for a position in the Y-12 Biology Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. She later transferred to the ORNL Reactor Chemistry Division. When that division was dissolved in 1973, she transferred to the Computer Sciences Division where she remained until her retirement in 1982. Ruth and her husband, Grimes Slaughter, hiked the Cumberland Trail and spent many hours helping build and maintain the Tennessee portion of the trail. In addition to her husband, she is survived by many nieces and nephews.
Max Kenneth Hughes, of Burnsville, North Carolina, passed away June 18, 2013. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Louise Proffitt Hughes, ’47. Max was a retired employee of the North Carolina Department of Transportation, a member, elder, Sunday school superintendent, and clerk of session for Micaville Presbyterian Church for more than 55 years. He is survived by two sons, Ken and Gary, two granddaughters, three sisters, five brothers, and several nieces and nephews.
Mary Elizabeth Pierce Turner, ’47, of Monticello, Kentucky, passed away November 7, 2014. She was valedictorian of her class at Mill Springs High School and after completing her degree at Berea, she was an educator at Wayne County High School. Mary also was a longstanding member of Grove Baptist Church. She is survived by one stepdaughter, Barbara, one sister, several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and –nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.
Jack L. Adams, ’48, of Westport, Connecticut, passed away January 7, 2015. He was an Army veteran of WWII and after leaving Berea, he earned a master’s degree at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Jack moved to Westport in 1964 and was a band director in the Westport Public School system for 28 years. He also taught private trumpet lessons, led his own band, and played in the Norwalk Symphony. Jack is survived by two sons, John and William, a grandson, and a brother.
Martha Williams Brookshire, ’48, of Candler, North Carolina, passed away January 27, 2015. After graduating from Lee H. Edwards High School in 1945, she attended Berea College and studied to be a medical technologist in Louisville. Martha returned to her hometown of Asheville, North Carolina where she worked in a physician’s office. In 1949, she married Cotton Bishop and together they opened B&B Pharmacy, which is still in operation today. She enjoyed researching her genealogy, bridge, needlepoint, weaving, and music. She is survived by her sons, David and Larry, four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and her sister.
Albert Lee Richardson, Navy V-12 ’43-’44, ’48, of Bradenton, Florida, passed away March 23, 2015. He was brought up on a subsistence farm in West Virginia and wrote a memoir, “Hill Country Youngun,” in which he described growing up in a loving extended family who prepared him for life with strong values, kindness, and a loving heart. Albert was part of the Navy V-12 program and served his country during WWII and later graduated from Berea. In 1950, he earned a master’s degree in geology from the University of Wyoming and helped open the West to oil production as a member of the “Pioneers of Oil in the West.” Albert was a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and continued to lecture on geology related subjects during his retirement. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edwina Chiles Richardson, ’49, and is survived by his children, Margaret and Albert, a sister, three grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, and nieces and nephews.
Dr. Peter Stelos, ’48, of Fairfield, Connecticut, passed away February 19, 2015. He was a WWII Army veteran who served as a staff sergeant in the Corps of Engineering. During his service, he won several awards, including the Good Conduct Medal, the Victory Medal, the European African Medal and the Eastern Theater campaign ribbon, Asia Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one service star. After returning from war, Peter majored in chemistry at Berea College and then earned his master’s and doctorate degrees in microbiology from the University of Chicago. He worked and taught in cancer research at the University of Chicago, Yale in New Haven, Roswell Park in Buffalo, Hannemann Medical in Philadelphia, and Harvard Medical School in Boston. Peter is survived by his sister, Margarita, as well as many nieces and nephews.
William B. Welsh, ’49, of Falls Church, Virginia, passed away March 24, 2015. While a sophomore at Berea, he volunteered for the Army and served as a communications sergeant. In 1946, he re-enrolled at Berea to study history and political science. In 1948, he married fellow Berea College student Alice “Jean” Justice (Welsh), ’48. William earned a master’s degree from the University of Kentucky and then worked on the staff of U.S. Senator Herbert Lehman until 1956. In 1957, he became research director for the Democratic National Committee and then served as administrative assistant to U.S. Senator Philip Hart from 1959 to 1966. William then served as chief of staff for former Vice President Hubert Humphrey from 1966 through his presidential bid in 1968. Afterwards, William was executive director of the DNC until 1971. After a stint in the private sector as governmental affairs director for the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees., he returned to public service to work for the first black woman to serve in the U.S. Cabinet, Patricia Roberts Harris, during the administration of President Jimmy Carter. He worked with Harris at the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Health and Human Services until Carter left office. From 1981 to 1983, William was staff director of the U.S. House of Representatives Post Office and Civil Service Committee. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, and two grandsons.
John Garland Thayer, ’49, of Gray, Tennessee, passed away March 30, 2015. After graduating from Berea, he earned degrees at East Tennessee State University and the Boston University School of Theology. John also studied at Temple University and earned a Doctor of Divinity degree from the American Holistic Institute. He served as a dean at the Washington College Academy from 1968-1982 and then was an administrator and teacher in Washington County Public Schools in Tennessee until his retirement in 1994. John also pastored several churches until his death. He was the cofounder and executive director of the Progressive Community Club (now People Inc.), the first rural community action agency east of the Mississippi authorized to expend federal funds under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. He is survived by his wife, Jean, four children, seven grandchildren, three siblings, and numerous nieces and nephews.
1950s
Foster Burgess, Acad ’46, ’50, of Freeport, Florida, passed away January 27, 2015. He grew up during the Great Depression on a farm in Crossville, Tennessee, and was the first in his family to go to college. At Berea, he majored in physics and met his first wife, Thelma Worley, ’51, where they were members of a touring folk dance team. Foster enjoyed making and inventing things. During high school he built a printing press and built his own home by age 28. He later invented a device for walking on water, one for correcting drop foot, and a better mouse trap. During his career with the Aerospace Directorate at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, Foster led a group of physicists who tracked early satellites, produced space weapon trajectory studies, designed projectiles, parafoils, and computed ballistic data for guns, rockets, and vertical probes. After retirement he was an amateur winemaker and tested new Muscadine varieties for the University of Florida. He also was an organic gardener who raised enough produce to feed his three daughters and sell at a roadside stand. Although he never learned how Foster Burgess Pond (in Walton County, Florida) got its name, he hiked there once to see it.
Charles Richard Flowers, ’50, of Watsonville, California, passed away March 6, 2015. He attended Berea and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree at Hofstra University in New York. He served as a computer expert in the Air Force during the Korean War. Following his military service, Charles worked many years as a financial consultant and as an award-winning salesman at Nordstrom. He also was an award-winning member of Toastmasters International. Charles is survived by his wife of 35 years, Karen, two children, one brother, one nephew, and 12 grandchildren.
Dorothy Helen Mullinix, ’50, of Cookeville, Tennessee, passed away February 1, 2015. She graduated from Clinton County High School in Albany, Kentucky, attended Berea College, and then earned her bachelor’s degree in history from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro. She later retired from the Bank of Putnam County, was a member of Cookeville First Baptist Church, and attended the Friendship Sunday School class. She is survived by her son, Mark, three brothers and sisters-in-law, a nephew, and a great-nephew.
Jewell Phillip Powers, ’50, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away March 15, 2015. After graduating from Berea, she earned a master’s degree from Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky. For 22 years she taught high school senior English, creative writing, and served as a senior sponsor. Jewell was then appointed head librarian at Campbell County High School and retired after 39 years. She was a member of LaFollette United Methodist Church for more than 50 years and was church librarian for more than 20. Jewell was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma sorority, the National Audubon Society, the LaFollette Business and Women’s Club, and the National and International Poetry Society. She also was a published and award-winning poet. Jewell is survived by a son, William, three grandchildren, a sister, and dear friends.
Jesse Edwin Wooten, ’50, of Eagle River, Alaska, passed away November 13, 2013. His wife, Nella Wooten, Acad ’42, preceded him in death.
Marie Day Butler, ’51, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away January 28, 2015. She left her studies at Berea, got married to Robin Butler, and had two children, Larry and Nicki, who survive her. She then finished her art degree at Lakeland College in Howards Grove, Wisconsin. Marie became an art teacher, was an award-winning painter, and opened her own studio in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
B. Jean Carrithers Cornett, Acad ’51, of Georgetown, Kentucky, passed away February 6, 2015. She met her husband, Bob Cornett, ’51, while a student at Berea College. She helped create the Great Crossing Water District in Georgetown and in 1985, she and Bob purchased a former county park and developed the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Suwannee County, Florida. Jean cultivated her skills in woodworking, stained glass, and architecture while surrounded by a community of folks who shared her love for the outdoors, music, and each other. Jean was proud of her nearly 50 children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and was considered a role model, an inspiration, and an ally. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sisters, five sons, 22 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.
Josephine W. Baird, Fd ’48, ’52, of Morganton, North Carolina, passed away April 15, 2015. She immigrated to the United States in 1947 from Guatemala, attended Foundation School at Berea College, and continued on to earn a degree in economics. Jo then earned a master’s degree in rehabilitative psychology from Appalachian State University and retired after 34 years as an employee of Vocational Rehabilitation at Broughton Hospital. She spoke her mind, believed in hard work, and loved to travel. Jo is survived by her children, Bobbie, Sandy, and Bruce, six grandchildren, and close friends.
Marilyn L. Hubbard, ’52, of Sebring, Ohio, passed away March 25, 2015. After graduating from Berea, she earned her master’s degree from the University of Montana. Marilyn was a business school teacher at Painesville Riverside High School and retired after 21 years of service. She was a member of the United Church in Geneva. She is survived by her three stepsisters, Rosemary, Joan, and Jane, two nieces, and two nephews.
Ella Mae Peters Warren, ’52, of Staunton, Virginia, passed away September 6, 2014. Ella retired as a presser from Genesco and was a member of the Annex United Methodist Church. She enjoyed walking at Augusta Health and Fitness Center with her friends, spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, and crafts. Ella is survived by three children, Charles, Lois, and Alice, five sisters, eight grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and a number of nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law.
Judge Terry Calton, Jr., ’53, of Kingsport, Tennessee, passed away December 10, 2014. After graduating from Berea with a degree in psychology, Judge was among the first graduates of Columbia University to earn a degree in administrative medicine. During his 32 years in health care, he served as an administrator of the Appalachian Regional Hospital in Wise, Virginia, director of the University of Kentucky Medical Center, and president of the Methodist Hospital of Memphis. He was a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and served on the boards of numerous health-related and community organizations. In 1987, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Tennessee Hospital Association. He also was recognized with a joint resolution by the Tennessee legislature for his contributions to health care in Tennessee. Judge is survived by his two sons, Michael and Anthony, two sisters, five grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Frances Austin Day, ’53, of Whitesburg, Kentucky, passed away March 11, 2015. She graduated from Spartanburg Junior College in 1951, Berea College in 1953, and later earned a master’s degree from Morehead State University. While a student at Berea, she met R.C. Day, ’54, and they married in 1953. The couple briefly lived in Chicago during R.C.’s military service and then settled in Whitesburg where Frances taught elementary school for 40 years. She was chosen by President Richard Nixon to serve on the White House Conference for Children in 1970. In addition to her husband, Frances is survived by her sons, Scott and Stephen, one sister, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Beverly Jean Pierson Marion, ’53, of Ames, Iowa, passed away March 1, 2015. She attended North Park College before attending Berea, where she met and married her husband of 61 years, William “Bill” Walter Marion, ’53. She worked as a home economist while Bill attended school and later settled in Ames to raise a family of four daughters. Beverly loved reading, music, and poetry. She excelled in cooking and numerous hand skills, including sewing, knitting, and textiles. She will always be remembered for her letter writing, walks in the rain, and winter picnics. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her four daughters, Karen, Rene, Melita Biela, and Nancy, two sisters, and two grandchildren.
Effie Boggs Creamer, ’54, of Hilltop Lakes, Texas, passed away March 13, 2015. After graduating from Berea, she taught high school home economics in Naselle, Washington. She earned her master’s and doctorate degrees from Texas Women’s University in Denton, Texas. She then returned to Kentucky and was a professor at Eastern Kentucky University where she taught nutrition and dietetics from 1966 to 1990. After she retired from EKU, Effie founded Creamer Associates, a nutrition consulting, tutoring, and teaching company. During her retirement in Hilltop Lakes, she and her husband, Glynn, were recognized as Hilltop Lakes Citizens of the Year for their service to the community. Effie is survived by four children, Douglas, Rebecca, Fred, and Philip, 11 grandchildren, and sisters Marion Mace, Unabelle Boggs, ’52, and Gail Popp.
Wanda Littleton Hamilton, of Roanoke, Virginia, passed away July 1, 2013. She is survived by her husband, Gordon Hamilton, ’54. Wanda attended Big Creek High School in War, West Virginia, and graduated from Crichton High School in Quinwood, West Virginia. She went on to graduate from Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee and earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Virginia. She served as a reading specialist in several Roanoke County schools. In addition to her husband, she is survived by one sister.
Bruce D. DeBruhl, ’55, of Swannanoa, North Carolina, passed away March 3, 2015. He served as a college professor and dean at several universities. Bruce was an avid gardener who enjoyed yard work and was very involved in civic activities in the Swannanoa Valley. His philanthropic gestures touched many lives in Buncombe County. Bruce is survived by one aunt, Beatrice, and remembered by many close friends, neighbors, and members of the Swannanoa Valley community.
Ferne Garrett, ’55, of Auburn, Alabama, passed away January 19, 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband, Nevil McClure Garrett, ’56, whom she married in Danforth Chapel at Berea College in 1955. After graduating from Berea, Ferne earned a Master of Education from Butler University and a doctorate in early childhood education from the University of Illinois. She was a lifelong educator whose career spanned from teaching to serving as a principal, curriculum coordinator, and assistant superintendent. She finished her career working on the state of Alabama’s “No Child Left Behind” program. Ferne is survived by her brother, Jim, two daughters, five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, a sister-in-law, a brother-in-law, and several nieces and nephews.
Betty J. Reeder, ’55, of West Milton, Ohio, passed away February 17, 2015. She was an educator at Milton-Union Schools for 30 years and formerly worked at McDonalds. She was an active member and Sunday school teacher at West Milton Church of the Brethren, was a member of the Council of Churches, and was a volunteer for the Diabetes Association. Betty is survived by her husband of 55 years, Norman, four children, eight grandchildren, one grand-dog, and two sisters.
Glenna S. Valentine, ’55, of Butler, Kentucky, passed away September 5, 2014. She earned an education degree at Berea and went on to teach in the Pendleton County School system for 33 years. Glenna was a member of the Fairlane Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth Valentine, ’53, two sons, two siblings, four grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Gay Wise Franklin, ’56, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away August 7, 2014. She is survived by her daughters, Joy and Starr, her siblings, Leota Coffey, ’58, and Thomas Michael Wise, Fd ’64, and her grandchildren, Ben, Megan, and Dalton. She was preceded in death by her husband, Buford, daughter Dawn, and brother, Dr. Milton B. Wise, ’51.
Mary Jane Hennessee Horrell, ’57, of Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away April 10, 2015. She graduated from Parkersburg High School in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Mary Jane graduated from Berea College with a degree in nursing and then worked as a private duty nurse from 1977 to 1985 at New Hanover Memorial Hospital, Cape Fear Memorial Hospital, and in private homes. She is survived by three children, Cathy, Caroline, and Rex, four grandchildren, two great-grandsons, and two brothers.
Dr. William Denver Jones, ’58, of Tampa, Florida, passed away March 15, 2015. After graduating from Berea, he earned a doctorate degree from Vanderbilt University. He worked at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oakridge, Tennessee and taught physics at the University of South Florida until retirement. William is survived by two children, Mark and Gail, and four siblings.
Lois Faye Morris, ’58, of Hurricane, West Virginia, passed away December 28, 2014. After attending Berea College, Lois worked for the state of West Virginia until her retirement. She attended Kanawha City Baptist Church and later attended Hurricane Baptist Church. Lois especially loved her family and cherished many memories throughout her life that she would reminisce about in her final days. She is survived by her children, Mike and Debbie, four grandchildren, a great-grandson, and five siblings.
Ruth Ann Rucker Wilson, ’58, of Bonita Springs, Florida, passed away December 18, 2014. She graduated from Our Lady of the Mountain Academy in Paintsville, Kentucky before attending Berea College. After leaving Berea, Ruth Ann worked at the NCR Corporation and the Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Bob, two sons, two grandchildren, three siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Ellis Harvey Lamb, Fd ’59, of Kingsport, Tennessee, passed away June 12, 2014. He was retired from Parker Hannifin Corporation and was the assistant pastor at Bethel Full Gospel Church. Ellis loved to preach, sing, and talk about Jesus. He is survived by three children, Rebecca, Terry, and Brandon, three grandchildren, three siblings, and several nieces and nephews.
1960s
David Milton Brumagen, ’60, of Morehead, Kentucky, passed away January 2, 2015. He graduated from Athens High School and after leaving Berea, earned a doctorate degree in biological science from the University of Kentucky in 1965. At UK, David met his wife, Janice, and married her in November 1958. He accepted a position as professor of biology at Morehead State University and Janice was an assistant professor of nursing. David served as department chair of the MSU biology department, held a visiting professorship at the University of California-Berkley, and was chair of the MSU Faculty Senate. In 1987, he was appointed by Governor Martha Layne Collins as advisor to the national task force responsible for the clean-up of the Maxey Flats nuclear waste disposal site in Fleming County. David is survived by his wife, two sisters, an aunt, a sister-in-law, three children, nine grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Newton Combs, ’60, of Hazard, Kentucky, passed away January 1, 2014. He was a retired school teacher for the Perry County Board of Education, where he taught at M.C. Napier High School. Newton is survived by one daughter, Kim, two step-daughters, one brother, eight grandchildren, two aunts, and a host of great-grandchildren, family, and friends.
Elemer A. Briss, ’61, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away April 2, 2015. After graduating from Berea, he earned his master’s degree at Ohio State University. Elemer taught at the Presbyterian Mission School in Tehran, Iran, and later worked at Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio. He was a member of the Bethel Presbyterian Church and the Upper Arlington Senior Center. Elemer is survived by his wife, Dorothy, two children, and five grandchildren.
Patricia Anne Robinson, ’61, of Hancock County, Tennessee, passed away September 23, 2014. She was a retired teacher who taught for 32 years.
Alice Joy Glazier Simons, ’61, of Ashland, Kentucky, passed away March 21, 2015. She was a graduate of Paul G. Blazer High School and studied industrial technology management at Berea. Alice was an educator with the Ashland Independent School District for 34 years. Her favorite classes to teach were drafting and shop. Alice retired from teaching, but decided the life of retirement was not for her, and worked as a parent liaison for five years at Boyd County Schools. In 2001, she and her daughter, Jo Aline, bought and ran a franchise of the UPS store in Ashland. In addition to her daughter, she is survived by her son, John, a granddaughter, and a brother. She was preceded in death by her twin sister, Catherine Newton, ’60.
Emma Lois Flanery Pigman, ’62, of Mallie, Kentucky, passed away January 27, 2015. She is survived by her husband, Alger, two daughters, seven siblings, five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
Edna Hudson Crawford, Acad ’39, ’63, of Berea, Kentucky, passed away April 7, 2015. She grew up in Berea and started at Berea College when her oldest daughter, Laura Crawford, Fd ’58, ’62, was still a student there. Edna completed her master’s degree at Eastern Kentucky University and taught at Silver Creek Elementary School and Foley Middle School in Berea. In addition to Laura, Edna is survived by daughter, Janet Dean, Fd ’60, ’64, five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two daughters, Linda Sue Crawford and Nina Clara Crawford Eirich, Fd ’64, and seven siblings, including Clara Abney, Acad ’28, ’32.
Judy Kay Hurt, ’63, of Eubank, Kentucky, passed away March 10, 2015. She was a teacher’s aide for Eubank Elementary School and a dairy farmer. Judy Kay was a resilient woman, complete with a great sense of humor and deep love for family. Her outlook on life was contagious; her work ethic and determination were an inspiration to her family and all who knew her. She is survived by her husband, Norman, five children, William Hurt, Chris Hurt, Scott
Hurt, Anita Caron, ’84, and Amy Haste, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Jack Bender, ’64, of Pleasant Grove, Alabama, passed away December 2, 2011. He was a member of the Church of Christ and was born in Stanford, Kentucky. Jack is survived by his wife, Aileen Bender, ’66, a daughter, a brother, two sisters, and three grandchildren.
Barbara Newsome Henegar, ’64, of Versailles, Kentucky, passed away November 30, 2013. She is survived by three children, Beth, Kristi, and James, five siblings, Judith Newsome, ’66, Kathy Gower, ’79, Priscilla McCoy, Lonnie Newsome, ’68, and Tom Newsome, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Dr. Alan D. Honaker, ’64, of Shelbyville, Kentucky, passed away February 9, 2015. He graduated from Belfry High School in 1960, studied chemistry at Berea College, and then entered the University of Kentucky Medical School after three years of undergraduate study. After graduation, Alan completed his internship in Mobile, Alabama, and his residency at St. Joe’s Hospital in Louisville. His residency was interrupted when he served as a flight surgeon during the Vietnam War. After returning from war, he worked to establish the emergency room unit at Suburban Hospital in Louisville. Alan settled in Shelbyville and worked in private practice for the remainder of his career. He also served as medical director at Taylorsville Nursing Home and director of Hospice for several years. Alan is survived by his wife of 50 years, Martina, four children, and 11 grandchildren.
Betty Jean Cundiff Hisle, ’65, of Lexington, Kentucky, passed away February 8, 2015. She graduated from Ward-Belmont School in Nashville, Tennessee and attended Centre College in Danville, where she met her husband of 65 years, Wendell. Betty Jean later earned a degree from Berea College and a master’s degree in English from the University of Kentucky. She taught at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Union College in Barbourville, Bell County High School, St. Francis School in Louisville, and founded the Tabuk International School in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Betty Jean was a supporter of the arts and culture and served as a docent at the Huntington Museum of Art, the University of Kentucky Art Museum, and the Kentucky Horse Park. She loved to travel and personally led tours to major U.S. cities and Europe for her friends and students. Betty Jean is survived by her husband, her children, Dr. W. Lee Hisle, Fd ’67, ’71, Candace Jean Hopperton, Karen Jo Cocke, and Kim Cundiff Deaton, nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, her sister, and three nieces.
Robert Cordell Asher, Fd ’66, of Hyden, Kentucky, passed away February 22, 2015. After attending Berea’s Foundation School, he graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Bobby worked as a Kentucky state tax auditor and had been a Navy communications officer in London, England. He was a bluegrass musician who played bass and mandolin, a genealogist, and the president of the Asher Family Reunion. Bobby is survived by three daughters, Suzanne, Lauren, and Whitney, three siblings, five grandchildren, two nieces, four nephews, two great-nieces, and two great-nephews.
John Capps, Jr., ’66, of Asheville, North Carolina, passed away December 6, 2014. He was an agriculture major at Berea College and retired from the U.S. Forest Service as a land surveyor. John is survived by his sons, Kevin and Jesse, a sister, a brother, and several nieces and nephews.
Robert Allen Carter, ’66, of Juneau, Wisconsin, passed away February 11, 2014. Born in Pikeville, Kentucky, he graduated from Pikeville High School in 1962. After graduating from Berea in 1966, Bob joined the Peace Corps and served for two years in Nigeria, Africa. In 1968, he married Deborah and moved to Mineral Point, Wisconsin where they had three children. The family owned and operated Merry Christmas Photo which specialized in photography for weddings, high school seniors, families, and newsworthy events. Bob later worked for Wisconsin Power and Light (now Alliant Energy) and bought a farm in Mineral Point where he lived with his second wife, Susan, and also grew Christmas trees. He is survived by his children, Abigail, Benjamin, and Tyler, a brother, three grandchildren, two nephews, a grand-nephew, and a grand-niece.
Douglas Casteel, ’66, of Miamisburg, Ohio, passed away January 30, 2015. While a student at Berea, he majored in history and political science and went on to teach history for 10 years. Pursuing his passion for law, Doug attended Salmon P. Chase College of Law and practiced law in Miamisburg for 40 years. He was a past Master of Minerva Masonic Lodge of Dayton, Ohio, OH #98, Free and Accepted Mason, a member of Antioch Shrine of Dayton, and the American Bar Association. He also was an avid Ohio State fan, cherished his life-long relationships with family and friends, and was a John Wayne enthusiast. He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Sandra, his stepdaughter, his sisters, his nieces and nephews, great-nieces and –nephews, and numerous great-great-nieces and –nephews, and cousins.
Wanda A. Timpson, ’66, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away February 16, 2015. After graduating from Berea with a degree in chemistry, she pursued a career at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, from where she retired as head of the endocrinology department. Wanda enjoyed her home, working in her garden, and doing crafts for children. Wanda is survived by eight siblings, Elbert, Wayne, Frank, Larry, Johnny, Calvin, Bernice and Kathy, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.
Elmer Leon Miller, ’68, of Richmond, Kentucky, passed away February 27, 2015. After graduating from Berea, he earned his master’s degree in history at Eastern Kentucky University. Leon was an Army veteran who served his country during the Vietnam War. He enjoyed weekly meetings with other veterans. He retired from Snelling Employment Agency as a recruiter. Leon is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sandra, two children, four grandchildren, three siblings, and several nieces and nephews.
1970s
Warren Ray Berry, ’70, of Mt. Vernon, Kentucky, passed away February 14, 2014. He was a chartered financial consultant and certified life underwriter at Warren Berry & Associates in Somerset, Kentucky until his retirement in 2011. Warren was a member of the Berea United Methodist Church and served as a founding member and elder of Highpoint Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Somerset, Kentucky. He was an Army veteran, a family man, loved to fish, and was a University of Kentucky basketball fan. He is survived by his wife, Linda Smith Berry, ’73, his son, his mother, and three siblings.
Pamela Mattie Joseph, ’72, of Columbia, Maryland, passed away March 7, 2015. She attended Pisgah High School in Canton, North Carolina, and then earned a nursing degree from Berea. During her time at Berea, she became the first Miss Black Student Union and was Berea’s first black cheerleader. After graduation, Pamela worked as a public health nurse and trained to be a nurse practitioner at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In 1974, she was commissioned in the Air Force as a first lieutenant and trained in Malcolm Grove Medical Center and Georgetown University Nurse Midwife Residency Program. In 1977, she earned a master’s degree in health care administration from Central Michigan University and then served as a women’s health care practitioner in the Air Force for nine years. Pamela also earned her private pilot’s license and while at the Brooks Air Force Base School of Aerospace Medicine, she earned an aeronautical rating of Flight Nurse, and was promoted to the rank of major. She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Malcolm, three children, two siblings, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.
Donald Griffith, ’73, of Grayson, Kentucky, passed away January 7, 2015. He was a 1969 graduate of Prichard High School and earned a business degree in accounting from Berea. Don worked for the Deluxe Financial Inc. in Ashland, Kentucky and was a member of the East Size Church of Christ in Grayson. He is survived by four siblings, Chuck, Lavonna, Carol, and his twin sister, Donna, a sister-in-law, 11 nephews, seven nieces, and several great-nieces and –nephews.
Gary E. Johnson, ’73, of Lexington, Kentucky, passed away January 26, 2015. After attending Alice Lloyd College and graduating from Berea College, Gary earned his juris doctorate from the University of Kentucky School of Law. He was a founding member of the UK chapter of the National Lawyers Guild. His mother said Gary wanted to be a criminal defense lawyer since he was a small boy. Although he occasionally worked in a private capacity, he spent most of his life defending the indigent accused of Appalachia – those who could not afford a private lawyer. Gary once risked his life to defend a battered spouse client by shielding her from gunfire and rushing her to the hospital when one of the bullets hit her. He is survived by his sisters, Betty and Dorothy, a niece, and a nephew.
Mark Gerald Middleton, ’75, of Morgantown, West Virginia, passed away January 19, 2015. After earning a bachelor’s in sociology at Berea, he earned a master’s degree in applied sociology from West Virginia University. From 1986 to 2000, Mark served as a planner/grantsman with the Tri County Council for Western Maryland. In 1996, he was awarded the Outstanding GIS Award for his contributions to geographic information systems in Maryland. In 2002, Mark launched Middleton Mouth Bow Harps where he designed and manufactured instruments that were sold worldwide. Beginning in 2005, Mark served as adjunct faculty in the sociology department at Frostburg State University. He also was a graduate research assistant at West Virginia University’s Regional Research Institute and a Ph.D. candidate in human and community development. Mark is survived by his wife, Martha Bird-
Middleton, ’74, a daughter, a stepdaughter, a sister, a stepfather, a stepbrother, and a stepson.
Randy P. Greene, ’77, of Hendersonville, North Carolina, passed away March 25, 2015. He was a kind and loving husband, father, and grandfather, and a true friend to all who knew him. Randy is survived by his wife, Laura, eight children, six sisters, three brothers, and 10 grandchildren.
Stacia Ann Saylor Berry, ’78, of Berea, Kentucky, passed away February 15, 2015. After graduating from Broadhead High School in 1950, she attended Eastern Kentucky University for two years and later taught at Hurricane School on Brindle Ridge. Stacia was employed at Berea College in 1958 as a file clerk, but had planned to take a teaching position in the fall of that year. However, President Francis Hutchins convinced her to continue working at the college fulltime and was eventually promoted to director of development and special assistant to the president. During her 43 years at the college, Stacia earned a nursing degree and graduated in 1978, the same year as her son, Mark. She is survived by her husband, Wayne, her children, Mike Berry, Mark Berry, ’78, and Elizabeth Berry, ’85, three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson, three siblings, and several nieces and nephews.
1980s
Michael E. “Mike” Arrington, ’80, of Quinton, Virginia, passed away December 26, 2014. He is survived by his wife, Vickie Arrington, ’80, his daughter, Jordan, a sister, a brother, a brother-in-law, special friends, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Stephen Parker Dillard, ’81, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away March 13, 2015. A native of Louisville, he graduated from Atherton High School and then returned there after graduating from Berea College. He began his teaching career at the Christian Academy of Louisville and moved on to a position with Jefferson County Public Schools, earning a master’s degree from Spalding University. Steve opened his home to several exchange students from homelands ranging from Norway to Africa and enjoyed the opportunity to learn firsthand about various cultures. He traveled extensively and had visited 47 states. Steve is survived by his sister, Aynn, nephew, Kendall, and Philippe, who was like a son to him.
Ray Jackson Anderson, ’86, of Easley, South Carolina, passed away April 9, 2015. After earning an associate’s degree in forest management from Haywood Technical College, Ray earned an industrial technology management degree from Berea. He was certified by the National Institute for Automobile Service Excellence as a master technician. Ray was an auto technician teacher at Enoree Career Center and enjoyed NASCAR, dirt track racing, nature, hiking, and boating. He is survived by his daughter Jessica, and two brothers.
Debbie D. Collins, of Winston Salem, North Carolina, passed away June 21, 2014. She is survived by her husband, David Matthew Collins, ’88.
1990s
Betty Jean Hartery-Potts, ’95, of Waterbury, Connecticut, passed away December 31, 2014. She earned a psychology degree from Berea. Both Betty Jean and her husband were foster parents for many years and found that was a very fulfilling part of their lives. Betty Jean also was an animal lover who often gave a home to strays or took in animals from the shelter. She is survived by her son, George, two granddaughters, a sister, two nieces, and a nephew.
2010s
Elizabeth Ann Hulsing, ’14, of Nicholasville, Kentucky, passed away December 24, 2014. Her gifts to this world include her ready laugh, her ease of interacting with people of all culture and circumstances, her concern for those in need, her overriding optimism in all things, her love of family and friends, and most of all, a huge heart that truly cared for all people. Elizabeth graduated with honors from Berea with a degree in sociology and was pursuing a doctorate at the University of Miami. She is survived by her parents, Dennis and Lynne, sisters Victoria and Rebekah, brother Matthew, maternal grandmother Vivian, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
