Passages: Summer 2019

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Faculty

Marcia Elise Andre — Professor of French (1976-1995) — March 14, 2019

Elise André passed away peacefully at Telford Terrace in Richmond, KY on March 14. She was born April 26, 1937 in Clarksburg, WV to Oscar J. and Ruby Cox André. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Nancy André Hatton. She is survived by her brother David J. André of Winchester, VA.
Elise attended the public schools in Clarksburg, WV. She graduated from Vassar College in 1959 with a double major in French and Music. While attending Vassar she also studied at The Julliard School of Music. She received a Master of Arts in Teaching from Vanderbilt University in 1961 and a Ph.D in Foreign Language Education from The Ohio State University in 1974.
She had a wide variety of work experiences including as an Exchange Teacher at the Lycée de Jeunes Filles de Reims; Teacher of French at Ridgewood High School, Ridgewood, NJ; Exchange Teacher of English and lecturer for the United States Information Service in Gothenburg, Sweden; Executive Director of the International Center in Albany, NY; Department Head and Director of Master of Arts in Teaching, School for International Training, Brattleboro, VT; and as a French Professor at Berea College from 1976 until her retirement in 1995.
Among her many awards and honors are a French government grant for assistantship in Reims, France; full scholarship for Master’s degree study at Vanderbilt University and Doctoral Internship at The Ohio State University; as the recipient of the Kentucky Council on International Travel Grant; one of four national consultants on restructuring foreign language teacher preparation education for the Commonwealth of Virginia; Guest Lecturer at the University of Gothenburg and the University of Lund, both in Sweden; and recipient of the Aston Magna Academy grant.
She was the author of many publications, papers and presentations dealing with the study of foreign languages.
As an educator and a devout Catholic Elise joined the Sisters of Loretto as a Co-Member in 1997. She participated in many groups dealing with social justice and modernization of the Catholic Church. She also was a member and past president of the local League of Women’s Voters; the initial organizer and past co-chair of the Brushy Fork Water Watch; she was active in her church and frequently played her flute during services.
There will be a wake service at 6:30 pm on March 27 and a funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00am on March 28th both will be held at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of Loretto in Nerinx, KY. Internment will be in the Benedum Cemetery in Bridgeport, WV.
In lieu of flowers, donations to a local animal shelter or the SPCA are suggested.

To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Marcia Elise Andre’, please visit our Tribute Store.

Dr. Janice Orienda Burdette Blythe — Professor of Child and Family Studies (1986-2019) — March 5, 2019

Dr. Janice Burdette Blythe was born on November 3, 1950 in Lancaster, Garrard County. She grew up on the family farm and is the daughter of the late James H. and Anna Margaret Burdette. She was baptized at the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, Boones Creek when she was 8 years old. She was presently a member of the First Baptist Church at Richmond.
Janice completed her undergraduate degree in Administrative Dietetics, with a minor in Business Administration, from Eastern Kentucky University. She completed the one-year Dietetic Internship to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at the V.A. Medical Center and the Chandler Medical Center, University of Kentucky and remained at UK to complete the Masters of Science degree in Clinical Nutrition in the College of Health Sciences.
Janice worked for several years at Good Samaritan and St. Joseph Hospitals as a clinical dietitian; and at the Lexington Clinic as a diabetes specialist. She began her teaching career at EKU and taught for 10 years in the associate, undergraduate, and graduate degree programs of Human Nutrition, Dietetics, and Community Nutrition. Between 1980 and 1987 she also completed the Ph.D. in Animal Science with an emphasis in Nutrition from the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment at the University of Kentucky.
In June 1981, she married Robert R. Blythe. When their marriage ended in 1984, they remained good friends until her death.
In 1986, Janice accepted a position in the Department of Child and Family Studies at Berea College. During her career, she served as Department Chair; Director for the Human Nutrition and Dietetics Program; and as Associate Provost for Advising and Academic Success. She held the rank of Full Professor, was an endowed chair, and served as an academic division chair over four departments. She supervised the Child Development Laboratory, which serves over 100 children and their parents.
Janice was passionate about serving. For more than twenty years, she served as musician for the Mt. Pleasant District Laymen’s Choir. She also served as musician for South Maple Street Baptist Church in Somerset. She regularly taught Vacation Bible School and was a church musician at First Baptist; served as an officer for both the Brassfield Homemakers Club and the Richmond-Madison County Branch of the NAACP; and served on the Berea Human Rights Commission. She was appointed by Governor Steve Beshear to serve as a Board member with the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, headquartered in Louisville.
As part of her teaching, service, and research, she traveled and worked in several countries, including China, Japan, Canada, and the Caribbean. In 2011, she was a member of a mission team who served in a rural community in Haiti. She traveled throughout forty-one of our fifty states; worked throughout rural communities of Appalachia in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia; and studied on the campuses of University of Cincinnati, Florida International University, University of Wisconsin at Madison, College of William and Mary in Virginia, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, University of Charleston, University of Denver, University of Minnesota, Washington and Lee University, and Virginia Military Academy in Lexington, Virginia. She was conducting research on African American Families in Garrard County between the mid-1800s through 1964.
Included among her honors and recognitions, she was a graduate of Leadership Madison County (1988); was recognized by EKU as an Outstanding Alumna in the College of Applied Arts and Technology (1990); received the Paul Hager Award for Excellence in Academic Advising (2004); was inducted into the College of Health Sciences Hall of Fame, University of Kentucky (October 2007); received the HERS Award for Women in Leadership in Higher Education (2008); and received the Seabury Award for Excellence in Teaching at Berea College (May 2009). She served on the boards of several community-based non-profits related to healthcare and health promotion, human services, and historic preservation. Within Madison County she was recognized along with several others in a special publication by the Richmond Register that featured “The Women Leaders of Madison County” (March 2010). She is the recipient of the Lyman T. Johnson Torch of Excellence Award (University of Kentucky Alumni Association Lyman T. Johnson Constituency Group, November 2013) and the “Teacher Who Made a Difference Award”, College of Education (University of Kentucky, April 2014). In January of 2014 she was given the “Spirit of the Ivy Award for the Outstanding Educator, an award commemorating Mrs. Coretta Scott King,” by the Beta Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Inc., Lexington, KY. In Fall 2017, she was honored as a benefactor in Berea College Magazine.
Janice enjoyed reading, writing, gardening, cooking, photography, playing piano, and seeing the country by Amtrak train. She was on a quest to travel to all 50 states.
Janice was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents James D. and Odessa Burdette and Daniel and Hester Overstreet; uncles James Overstreet and Daniel Overstreet Jr.; and aunt Willa Mae (Gaines) Ball. She is survived by uncle Burnace (Nettie) Overstreet; aunts Marian (William) Tucker, Frances (Robert) Wright, Saundra (Dean) Scott, Wilma Jean (Kenneth) Clay; a cousin, Glenn (Barbara) Ball on her father’s side of the family; numerous cousins on her mother’s side of the family; special friend and pastor Robert R. Blythe; and a host of friends, colleagues and students.
Funeral services will be 11:00 am Thursday, March 14th, at First Baptist Church Richmond, KY on Francis street, with Rev. Dr. Robert R. Blythe eulogizing. Visitation will be 4-9 pm Wednesday at Davis & Powell Funeral Home and again Thursday from 9:00 am until service time at the church. Burial will be 12:00 noon Friday at Duncan Town Cemetery in Lancaster, KY.

To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Dr. Janice Orienda Burdette Blythe, please visit our Tribute Store.

Wilma Cooper Chambers ’91 — Child Development Laboratory — 2004-2017) — Feb. 18, 2019

Wilma Cooper Chambers was born on April 16, 1965, and died on February 18, 2019, at the age of 53. She grew up in Owsley County, Kentucky, surrounded by her six siblings and loving parents, Willie and Emma Cooper. Her family taught her to work hard, laugh frequently, and love fiercely. She was the first in her family to go to college, and she enrolled at Berea in 1983. She said Berea College was a special place that changed her life. There she met and married the love of her life, Orlando Chambers, and they had a daughter, Cassie. Wilma graduated with a degree in Child Development in 1991, with her five-year-old daughter by her side in matching cap and gown. She believed in the power of education. She dedicated her life to working with children. She taught at Sunshine Friends and the Berea College Child Development Lab. She had a knack of finding whatever child needed extra support and making sure that child got special attention. She was incredibly kind, infinitely patient, and a wonderful listener. Later, she became Director of the Child Development Lab. Two of her proudest professional moments were helping to get a grant to build a natural playground for the Lab and guiding the Lab to qualify for accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Wilma loved finding ways to support the families and staff she worked with, and she always wanted things to be better for the children. More than anything, she loved her family. She loved to host family gatherings, and she inevitably made too much food. She was at her happiest when her family was together and well fed. She is survived by her husband, Orlando Chambers, daughter Cassie Chambers Armstrong (Bryan), and her first grandchild, set to make his debut into the world this summer. She is also survived by her siblings Ruth Barrett (Sonny), Jolly Cooper (Margie), Freddie Cooper (Nikki), as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and other extended family. The world is full of countless other children and families that she touched. A visitation will be held at Lakes Funeral Home on Saturday Feb. 23, 2019 from 5-7 pm, and online condolences for Chambers’ family may be left here. A celebration of life will be held at Union Church on Sunday, February 24, 2019 at 3:00pm. She always said she wanted a big party to celebrate her life, and everyone is invited to do so at a reception at Union Church following the service. In lieu of flowers, please honor her by making donations to the Berea College Child Development Lab.

Loretta Berry Manley — Accounting Office (1965-2019) — May 26, 2019

Loretta Berry Manley age 88, passed away Sunday May 26, 2019 at the Compassionate Care Center in Richmond. Loretta was born in Greensburg, KY to the late Sam and Vester Milby Berry, and she was retired from Berea College Accounting office. Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jack Manley Sr., and her brother ET Berry.
Loretta survived by her children: Sam (Barbara) Manley, and Jay Manley (Jenny Hall), her granddaughters: Melissa Berry, Jaylena Manley, her step grandchildren: Holly and Emily, Kasi and Katie, her great-grandchildren: Kaitlynn Berry, Gabriel Berry, Sydney Berry, Hunter Miller, Trey Briggs, and Jayden Briggs, and step great-grandchildren: Eva Prothro and Lola Johns.
Funeral services will be Thursday May 30, 2019 at 12:30 pm at Lakes Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Burton officiating, burial will be in the Madison County Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Jay Manley, Tommy Hearn, Nathan Carter, Hunter Manley Miller, Bill Miller, Larry Burton, Jeremy Durham, and Mike Davis. Visitation will also be Thursday beginning at 11 am. Online condolences for Manley’s family may be left here.

To send flowers to the family of Loretta Berry Manley, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Alan Rose — Facilities Management (1994-2016) — Nov. 12, 2018

Alan Rose, age 62, passed away Monday November 12, 2018 at his residence. Mr. Rose was born March 2, 1956 in Madison County, Ky., to the late Orville Rose and Elsie Hurt Rose Alexander. Alan was a retired plumber with Berea College. He loved his work, riding horses, and was a great provider for his family. Alan was of the baptist faith.
Other than his parents Alan was preceded in death by a sister, Phyllis Jean Rose, and a grandchild Baby Sell. He is survived by his wife Loraine Bowman Rose, two sons, David Alan Rose Coffey and his wife Marcia of Mt. Vernon, Christopher Alan Rose of Richmond, three daughters, Heather Nicole Rose of Berea, Jessica Dawn Rose Maupin and her husband Brian of Livingston, Brittany LeeAnn Rose of Berea, two sisters, Teresa Faye Barrett and her husband Donald of Waco, Pamela Joyce Preston and her husband Jimmy of Berea, eight grandchildren, Christian Sell, Dawson Sell, Zachary Coffey, Makayla Coffey, Emily Maupin, Cody Maupin, Kelsey Maupin, and Wesley Maupin.

To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Alan Rose, please visit our Tribute Store.

Carolyn Sparks — Berea College Dining Services (1998-2019) — Feb. 3, 2019

Carolyn Sparks, 76 of Mc Kee, died suddenly Sunday February 3rd, 2019 at her home. A Berea native, Berea High School graduate who attended EKU and worked in food service for Berea College for many years, Carolyn is a daughter of the late Colin and Lucille Neeley Sparks.
Carolyn is survived by three siblings; Verona Cox (Monte), Judy Cummins and Kevin Sparks (Tammy); her niece Rhonda Ricker; nephews, Perry Cox, George Cox, Stacey Cummins, Ashley Cummins, and Nick Sparks.
Carolyn attended Silver Creek Baptist at a young age. Although she was a very private person, there was no doubt Carolyn was a very loving sister. She loved to express her affection for her family and friends by cooking their favorite dishes and delicious deserts. In regards to the love she showed for her family, her research into the family ancestry was of utmost importance to Carolyn. In addition to her passion for genealogical history, Carolyn loved craftwork. Her warm and beautiful afghans expressed her seamstress skills well. Carolyn was a very generous woman to the people in her life. Our family will rest well in knowing there was no better friend than Carolyn Sparks, and, there was no better sister than her.
Graveside funeral service 2:00 PM, Thursday, February 7, 2019 with gathering / visitation from 1:30 PM until the time of service. Pastor Kenny Davis to officiate and deliver the message.
Reppert Funeral Home and Cremation Service entrusted with care and services for the family of Carolyn Sparks.
Online condolences for Sparks’ family may be left here.

To send flowers to the family of Carolyn Sparks, please visit Tribute Store.

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1930s

Ruby Frazier Perry ‘32

Obituary unavailable

Marie Morgan Runyon ‘37 — Oct. 7, 2018

The following article by Sam Roberts was published on Oct. 10, 2018 in The New York Times:

Marie Runyon, a relentless liberal firebrand on many fronts who waged a Forty Years’ War on behalf of fellow tenants facing eviction by Columbia University, died on Sunday in the off-campus Upper Manhattan apartment where she had lived since 1954. She was 103.

Her daughter, Louise, confirmed the death. She said that Ms. Runyon, who was legally blind, had been largely housebound and unable to walk since she fell and fractured her hip in July.

Thoroughly radicalized by her challenge to Columbia’s expansion plans in Harlem and Morningside Heights, Ms. Runyon later campaigned against American involvement in Vietnam, supported the Black Panthers and nuclear disarmament, and continued to get arrested for civil disobedience into her 90s as an indomitable leader of the Granny Peace Brigade, which protested the war in Iraq.

A daughter of the conservative South, Ms. Runyon was working as a membership recruiter for the American Civil Liberties Union in 1961 when she, her neighbors at 130 Morningside Drive and residents of five nearby buildings received notices to vacate their apartments. Read the full New York Times article here.

Carolyn Asher Fromuth, Acad ’38

Obituary unavailable

Wilma Brandenburg Lachmann ’39 — Feb. 27, 2019

Wilma Brandenburg Lachmann passed away from this earth to everlasting life with her God and Savior at age 100 on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at her home at La Vida Llena in Albuquerque. She was a caring, loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was born to Harvey and Laura Brandenburg on May 12, 1918 in their Fish Creek, KY farm home. Wilma was educated in Berea, KY and received her Bachelor’s Degree from Berea College in 1939. She earned her Master’s Degree in Library Science from the University of Michigan in 1950. Wilma started her professional career as a teacher at Berea High School, and in 1941 moved to Washington, DC to work at the Pentagon. In 1946 she moved to Farmington, MI and served as high school librarian. There she met the love of her life, Ken Lachmann. They were married in Danforth Chapel at Berea College on August 9, 1952. They were blessed with a son and two daughters, Peter, Heidi and Karla. In 1967, the family moved to Albuquerque, NM where Wilma served as librarian of Valley High School until her retirement in 1984. Wilma served on the Farmington Township Library Board and was a charter member of the local American Association of University Woman. She was a member of several Lutheran churches where she taught Sunday School, served as librarian, and was active in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. Wilma was an accomplished seamstress, enjoyed crafts, flower arranging, playing cards, especially bridge with the “poker ladies,” and of course, reading. She treasured being in the woods and in any garden. Her greatest joy was caring for her family and everyone else. After retirement, she relished summer living at the family cabin in the Brazos Mountains. She volunteered at Carrie Tingley Hospital, Veterans Medical Center, and for many years, The Storehouse. Upon being diagnosed with dementia, she and her husband moved to La Vida Llena Retirement Community. The family truly appreciate the loving care she received there during her long illness. Wilma is survived by her husband of 66 years, Ken; children, Peter (Lisa) and Heidi; grandsons, PJ and Jeremy; sisters-in-law, Naomi Brandenburg and Marcia (Dan) French; brother-in-law, Paul Lachmann; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and daughter, Karla; siblings, Edith (Eddie) King, Mildred Brandenburg, Lowell (Rose) Brandenburg, Miriam Wann, Glendon Brandenburg, and Hildred Hart; siblings in-law, Doris Lachmann, Wilma (Bernie) Bennink, Gordon Lachmann, and Myrna (Hilmar) Pike. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at La Vida Llena (Carter Hall), 10501 Lagrima de Oro Rd. NE, with Pastor Carol Clark officiating. Wilma will be laid to rest in the Sandia Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Storehouse, 106 Broadway Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102 or Berea College, CPO 2216, Berea, KY 40404.

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1940s

Myrtle Lee Greene Mills ’40 — Dec. 26, 2018

Died on Wednesday, December 26, 2018, at the Colonnades in Charlottesville, Va., where she had lived for more than 15 years. She was born on November 5, 1917 in Knox County, Tenn., the daughter of Oscar DeRieux Greene and Mary Mae Huffaker Greene. She was predeceased by her sister, Anna Mary McNutt; her brother, Oscar DeRieux Greene Jr; and her husband of fifty years, Frank Elston Mills. She graduated Berea College in 1940 with a B. S. and received a M. Ed. From Austin Peay State University in 1976. She worked as a field representative for the U. S. Farm Security Administration during World War II. Later, she taught middle-school science and was a special education teacher in the Robertson County, Tenn. public schools and elsewhere, retiring in 1980. During retirement she was an adult literacy volunteer. She was a lifelong Methodist and served on the Official Board of First Methodist Church in Springfield, Tenn. She is survived by a son, David Elston Mills (Eleanor) of Charlottesville, Va.; a daughter, Mary Linda Mills of Durango, Colo.; grandsons, Andrew Lanford Mills (Dixie) and Jonathan Randolph Mills (Maria), both of Charlottesville, Va.; a granddaughter, Mary Mills Provosty of Denver, Colo.; great-granddaughter, Clara Dabney Mills; and great-grandsons, Watson Fielder Mills, George Vining Mills and Leon Oscar Mills, all of Charlottesville, Va. The family would like to thank caregivers at the Colonnades and Hospice of the Piedmont for their solicitous care. There will be a memorial service at a later date in Springfield, Tenn.

Madeline Hatcher Patton Sale, Acad ’41 — Oct. 26, 2018

Madeline Patton Sale, 94, died on October 26, 2018 at Mission Hospital in Asheville. Madeline was born in Harlan County, Kentucky on February 11, 1924 and lived most of her life in Asheville. She is pre-deceased by her parents, George and Elizabeth Hatcher; and siblings, Georgene Powell and Hudson LeGrand Hatcher; and her first husband, Dr. Charles Patton. She is survived by her husband, Graham Sale, a brother Dr. James Hatcher of Virginia Beach, VA, two children, Charla Gualano of Pearl, MS and Dr. Patrick Patton of Asheville, five grandchildren and ten greatgrandchildren. Madeline was a loving and gracious lady and a friend to all that she met. Her devotion to her family and to her Church was her life. A memorial service will be at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church on Reems Creek Road, Weaverville, NC at a later date. Burial will be in the North Carolina Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain.

Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Madeline Elizabeth Hatcher Sale February 11 1924 October 26 2018 (age 94). Online condolences for Sale’s family may be left here.

David G. Schultz ’41 — Mar. 30, 2019

David G. Schultz age 98 of Knoxville passed away Saturday, March 30, 2019, at NHC Farragut. He was a member Second Presbyterian Church of Knoxville. David graduated from Berea College, Kentucky with a degree in both mathematics and engineering. During WWII he was a part of The Manhattan Project in Oak Ridge. He retired from the Law Department of Union Carbide and then worked at Y-12 Federal Credit Union for several years.
David was preceded in death by his parents Henry D. and Sarah A. Goodspeed Schultz and his wife of 66 years Anna L. Stiner Schultz.
Survivors include several nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will gather at Saturday, April 6th at Berry Highland Memorial Gardens for a 1:00 PM graveside service with Pastor Tim Reynolds officiating.

Published in Knoxville News Sentinel on Apr. 4, 2019. Online condolences for Schultz’s family may be left here.

Thelma Branham Stewart ’43 — Sept. 25, 2018

Thelma Branham Stewart January 15, 1920 – September 25, 2018 Thelma Branham Stewart was born on January 15, 1920 and passed away on September 25, 2018.

Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Thelma Branham Stewart 2018. Online condolences for Stewart’s family may be left here.

Margaret Noss Gibson ’44 — Apr. 9, 2019

96, of Columbus, passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at the Village of East Harbor, Chesterfield Township.
She was born in Tokyo, Japan, May 19, 1922, the daughter of missionaries George and Marie (Geissinger) Noss.
Her marriage to Wallace Gibson was October 28, 1943, in Greenup, Kentucky. Wallace passed away November 25, 2011.
Margaret received her bachelors of science degree in Home Economics from Berea College, and a Master of Library Science from the University of Michigan. She taught in Richmond and L’anse Creuse Public Schools and retired as a media specialist in 1986. She was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church in Richmond. She enjoyed reading, stamp collecting, handwork, gardening, traveling and spending time with the family.
Surviving are six children and their spouses, Norman and Dianne of Richmond, Lawrence and Shirley of Ringgold, Georgia, Daniel and Karen of Hillman, Mark and Ann Marie of Bloomfield Hills, Charles and Cathy of Casco, and Lynn and Chris Weber of Rockford; 16 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law Charles and Ann Noss of Stanton, Kentucky, sister and brother-in-law Martha and Peter Whitis of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, as well as several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her sister Dorothea Wiley, brother-in-law Vincent Wiley, and sister-in-law Toni Noss.
The family honors the memory of Margaret and invite you to visit and share memories Thursday 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Kaatz Funeral Directors, Richmond. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday with 9:00 a.m. visiting. Rev. Sandra Paran, Heart to Heart Hospice chaplain, will officiate. Burial will be in Kittridge Cemetery, Columbus Township. Memorials are suggested to “Wishes of the Family”. For information and Guest Book
kaatzfunerals.com

To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Margaret Gibson, please visit our Tribute Store. Online condolences for Gibson’s family may be left here.

Dr. J. David Smith O’Dea, Navy V-12 ’44 — Feb. 2, 2019

O’DEA, Dr. J. David Smith passed away February 2, 2019. He was born in Ellsworth, Kansas February 17, 1924, graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1942 and received a football scholarship to Fort Hayes College where he was a first team quarterback. David joined the Navy in December, 1942 where he was a gunners mate. After the war, in 1945, he received a special teaching certificate for one year. As well as teaching for one year, he also coached before enrolling at Emporia State where he earned his Master of Science in Psychology. Later, he earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology at Oregon.
For about 25 years after graduating, he was employed with a branch of IBM called Science Research Associates during which time he taught as a visiting professor at University of Notre Dame University, University of Virginia, Oregon State University and University of Miami. In the years to follow, he taught at Florida State.
David was an Eagle Scout. He is listed in “Who’s Who in America”. Living in Florida, he served as Chairman of the Board at Caladesi National Bank in Dunedin, FL and at Clearwater Oaks Bank in Clearwater. David has lived in Dunedin since 1959. He and his wife are active at Our Lady of Lourdes where he was a Eucharistic Minister and other local organizations. Both are in the Dunedin Senior Hall of Fame and were also selected as Mr. and Mrs. Delightful Dunedin. He was a board member of Dunedin Council of Organizations, the Library, and member of advisory counsel for President of Berea College, Kentucky. He was member of VFW, Knights of Columbus, and APA. He was also a charter member of Ye Mystic Krewe of Neptune.
He is survived by his wife, “Teresa” Cordova O’Dea and many relatives and friends. A Mass will be celebrated At Our Lady of Lourdes in Dunedin on February 22 at 11 am. Online condolences for O’Dea’s family may be left here.

June Mortan Perry ’44 — Apr. 2, 2019

June Rosebud Morton Perry went to be with her loving Heavenly Father on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at Hill View Retirement Center. She was born July 21, 1922 in South Shore, KY. She lived her life depending on Christ for her every need.

June was the daughter of the late Dudley W. and Sophia Morton. She is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Alvin Perry. She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Irene Jones, and Virginia Barber; and one brother, Dudley Morton.

June is survived by her loving daughter and son-in-law, Kathi and Tim Cassity. She is also survived by three grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren: Robert Alvin (Ciara) Cassity, and their children Ciauna and Liam; Katherine June (Christopher) Hodge, and their children Grace and Aaron; and Kari Lynn (Joshua) Ward, and their children Judson and Kasen. She is survived by one sister, Pansy Howard and many nieces and nephews. June’s family was always very important to her, and she prayed for them every day. Family members cherished those prayers dearly.

June attended Temple Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Ohio. She loved her church and was very active in her Sunday school and the S.O.S.missionary group. She loved her Savior and was a great prayer warrior. She could always be counted on to help when there was a need.

June worked at Williams Shoe Manufacturing Company. She taught at McKell High School, and retired from Portsmouth City Schools, where she taught at the high school. She also worked as dean of girls at Portsmouth High School. After retiring, she became a member of the Retired Teachers Association.

June was a 63 year member of the Joseph Spencer chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, which was an important part of her life. During this time, she served the DAR as secretary, treasurer, librarian, parliamentarian, vice regent, regent, chaplain, director, and sunshine committee chair.

June believed that people should get the best education possible. She was an honorary alumna to Cedarville University, where she sponsored many scholarships.

June was greatly loved by her family and friends. She will be greatly missed. We can take comfort knowing that she has reached her Heavenly home.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 6th, 2019 at Morton Funeral Home in South Shore, KY., with John Gowdy and Tim Cassity officiating. Interment will follow at Siloam Cemetery. Friends may call Friday, April 5th, 2019 from 5 – 8 PM and one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

Favorite charities are Temple Baptist Church, Joseph Spencer Chapter of DAR and the Community Hospice of Portsmouth, Ohio. Online condolences for Perry’s family may be left here.

Frank T. West, Navy V-12 ’44 — Feb. 2, 2019

Frank T West was taken to be with the Lord early Saturday morning, February 2, 2019. He was born July 20, 1924 in Hopkinsville, Ky. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert Cary West and Clyde Carroll West; three brothers, Henry Thomas West, Robert Carroll West, and Walter Preston West; and a sister, Dorothy Deitrick West. He is survived by his wife of over 68 years, Evelyn Graves West; his daughters, Karen West Bell and her husband Rodney, Elaine West-Watson and her husband, Jeffrey, Margaret Penix, and Patricia Davis. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren, Joshua Bell and wife, Asheley, Alex Penix and wife Heather, William Penix, Claire Penix, Lindsay Davis, Brian Davis, Amelia West-Watson, Noel Land and husband Ryan, and Kyle Watson and his wife, Katelyn. Also surviving him are five great-grandchildren, Emerson Harper Bell, Maddox Parker Bell, Noah Parker Penix, Willow Grace Land, and Elijah Dean Land. As a young man Frank served on the volunteer fire department in Hopkinsville, Ky. He was a graduate of naval programs at Berea College, Miami University, Princeton University, and Columbia University. He attended George Williams College in Chicago and graduated from George Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville with bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He proudly served his country in the Navy from 1943-1946, earning the rank of LT Jg. He participated in Operation Crossroads, the atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands in July 1946 and was exposed to nuclear radiation during that operation and, as a result, is an Atomic Bomb Veteran. He was recalled to service in 1951 and served until 1953, being promoted to rank of LT. He was a member of the Naval Reserve from 1961-1966. Frank moved his young family to Blacksburg in 1954 and established the first industrial arts department in Montgomery County at Blacksburg High School. He taught Industrial Arts and Vocational Drafting as well as being active in school life for 35 years before retiring in 1989. He was a member of the Virginia Education Association, the National Education Association, and Phi Delta Kappa educational fraternity. He sponsored the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA) at BHS from 1973-1989 and was named to the Virginia VICA Hall of Honor. After retiring, he and Evelyn joined the local craft circuit as Chips and Stitches traveling to craft fairs throughout Virginia and North Carolina from 1990-2002. He was an active member of Blacksburg United Methodist Church, serving on various boards and committees, supervising and coordinating the Church Bus Ministry, and coordinating and serving, along with his wife, Evelyn, the usher teams for the early service from 1961-2015. The family will receive visitors at McCoy Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted by the Rev. Ralph Rowley at Blacksburg United Methodist Church on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at 11 a.m. with burial at Roselawn Memorial Garden in Christiansburg following. Friends and family are invited to a reception in the Whisner Building of the Blacksburg United Methodist Church after the graveside service. Memorials in Frank’s honor may be made, in lieu of flowers, to Blacksburg United Methodist Church. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg. Online condolences for West’s family may be left here.

George William Kilbourne, Acad. ’45 — Nov. 28, 2018

Former Resident of the East Bay. George W. Kilbourne passed away peacefully on November 28, 2018 at home in Carmichael, California. Born to John and Maud Kilbourne in Berea, KY on March 29, 1924, he was the fourth of six children. He is predeceased by his parents, third wife, Anne Lavine and his son, Stuart. He is lovingly survived by his brother Harry, son Charles (Dale), granddaughter Lauren, great-granddaughter Kadence, stepdaughters Michelle Gallagher (Bill), Adrienne Sutherland (John), and stepson John Boone (Carolyn).
George served in the United States Marine Corps in the South Pacific during World War II. Upon his return, he married Helen Spooner in 1945 and raised two sons. He received his BS degree in engineering from the University of Michigan. Hired as an engineer by Standard Oil of California in the late 1940’s, his career changed course when he experienced multiple bouts of tuberculosis, requiring hospitalization and long-term recovery. During recovery, he attended University of California, Berkeley’s Boalt Hall and received his Juris Doctorate degree. He practiced law for over 50 years, including an early career experience as a country lawyer in Indiana. His engineering background was the foundation for representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases. He was one of the first attorneys in California to successfully litigate cases against both the asbestos and tobacco industries.
Later in life, he married Carole Boone and raised two stepsons. He was the founding scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 405 in Pleasant Hill and saw his two stepsons attain the rank of Eagle Scout. He was a life-long member of the Republican Party and was strongly committed to his conservative values.
In retirement, he traveled extensively with his third wife Anne, especially enjoying cruising and multiple trips through the Panama Canal. He authored three books recounting growing up on a farm in Kentucky during the Depression, his experiences as a country lawyer in Indiana, and a genealogical history of the Kilbourne family.
No public memorial is planned at this time. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mount Diablo Silverado Council Memorial Fund of the Boy Scouts of America. Online condolences for Kilbourne’s family may be left here.

Fern Goode Porter ’45 — Sept. 17, 2018

Obituary unavailable

Aileen Lewis Schaller ’46 — Jan. 2, 2019

Aileen Hope Lewis Schaller, 94, passed away on January 2, 2019, at The Forest at Duke Retirement Community in Durham, North Carolina. She is the daughter of Eudie Oliver and Mabel Caldwell Lewis. Aileen is survived by her son, William Howard Schaller; her younger sister, Louise Lewis Craft; six nieces, a nephew, and their families.
Aileen was born in Roanoke County, Virginia, on August 21, 1924. She graduated from Berea College in Kentucky, and from Duke University with a Master’s Degree in Economics. She taught at various colleges, was politically active, worked for local governments and the TVA, and during World War II at the Pentagon. Aileen enjoyed local and international travel, including living in Thailand for five years, and after ten years of genealogy research authored the “Lewis Book” together with her sister Louise. Aileen was most dedicated to her family and friends, and enjoyed the many visits from them and family gatherings.
Funeral: 2:00 PM, Saturday, January 5, 2019, at the Riverside Baptist Church, 5057 NC 210 Hwy E., Harrells, NC 28444. Burial: Church Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Berea College, CPO 2216, Berea, KY 40404.
Service by Carter Funeral Home in Garland, NC

Online condolences for Schaller’s family may be left here.

Jessamine Fawbush Wilkinson ’46 — Aug. 9, 2019

Obituary unavailable

Ormand C. Williams ’46 — Dec. 7, 2018

Weaverville – Ormand Carvel Williams, Sr., of Weaverville, passed away Friday, December 7, 2018, five days shy of his 96th birthday. He was born December 12, 1922 to C.D. and Sue Chandler Williams. Ormand was a WWII Army veteran and a Purple Heart recipient. He graduated from Berea College where he met his sweetheart and wife of 71 years, Daphne Miller Williams. Ormand taught vocational agriculture from 1946-1955, prior to beginning his career with USDA Soil Conservation Service from 1955 until his retirement in 1978. After retirement, he and Daphne traveled several times to the Holy Land and went on mission trips to Russia and Equador.
In addition to his parents, Ormand was preceded in death by a daughter, Myra Williams Taft and a son, Ted Williams.
He is survived by his beloved wife Daphne; two daughters, Millaine Milhaupt, of Weaverville, and Annette Potts and husband Joe of Mills River; a son, Carvel Williams of Weaverville; grandchildren, Stephen Kohler (Jeneen), Laura Unnasch (Matthew), Katherine Capps (Tim), Melodie Potts Rosevear (Sam), Jeremy Williams (Jessica Coffelt), James Williams (Delmi), and Amanda Sanders (Jeremy); and 16 great grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 12pm Friday, December 14, 2018, at Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service, in Mars Hill. Reverends Clark Henderson and Wesley Pike will officiate. Burial will follow in West Memorial Park. Graveside rites will be conducted by North Carolina National Guard. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Flowers are appreciated, or donations may be made to Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, c/o Newbridge Baptist Church (memo line: Lottie Moon), 199 Elkwood Avenue, Asheville, NC 28804, or Wounded Warriors Project.
Ormand was a devout Christian, a devoted husband and a loving and caring father. He enjoyed crossword puzzles and telling jokes. He loved his church, Newbridge Baptist Church, and he had a special interest in Bible study and prophecy.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of Ormand’s caregivers through the years, and the staff of Madison Health and Rehabilitation.
Online condolences for Williams’ family may be left here.

LaWanda Curtis Baskette ’47 — Aug. 12, 2018

LaWanda Curtis Baskette, 91, of Kingsport, Tennessee went to her heavenly home on August 12, 2018 in Kingsport at Preston Place Assisted Living Facility.
A native of Greene County, LaWanda was the daughter of the late Hobart and Crissie Baxter Curtis. She was a graduate of Doak High School in Greene County, Tennessee. Education was important to her and valued her entire life. She began college at Berea College in Kentucky, graduated with her undergraduate degree from Tusculum College in education, and received her master’s degree in Library Science at East Tennessee State University. Her career as an educator lead to her teaching in the classroom and/or serving as a librarian at Doak High School in Tusculum, Powell High School in Knoxville, Tennessee and she finished her career at John Sevier Junior High in Kingsport, Tennessee. LaWanda had a big heart and gave much of her time and resources to her church, schools, associations, and family. In addition to her years in several school systems, she was a member of Lovelace Baptist Church in Greene County. There she served as a teacher, librarian, and treasurer. She held offices for several teacher organizations including Alpha Delta Kappa, Kingsport Education Association, and Kingsport Retired Teachers.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter D. Baskette, her sister and husband, Edna C. Purvis and Robert Bird Purvis, and her brother-in-law Rev. J. Garland Thayer.
Survivors include a sister, Jean Curtis Thayer of Gray, TN , sister-in-law Norma Bacon of Fall Branch, TN, a step son and family, Bill Baskette (Melissa) of Fall Branch, TN, grandchildren Carly Johnson (Kirk) of Knoxville, and Will Baskette of New Bern, NC, one great grandchild Cora Johnson, seven nephews and nieces: Dr. Robert Purvis (Theresa) of Rogersville; Ellen Purvis Abernathy (Joe) of Knoxville; Calvin Purvis (Ann) of Kingsport; Trygve Thayer (Tracy) of Dunnville, KY; Travis Thayer (Penny) of Gray; Laura Thayer Evans (Mike) of Johnson City; David Thayer (Valerie) of Knoxville, TN; nine great nephews and nieces: Colston Abernathy, Anne Abernathy, Jennifer Thayer, Michael Thayer, Austin Thayer (Laura), Lindsay Thayer, Brady Thayer, Brooke Thayer, and David Evans; one grandniece Amelia Thayer, and her dear friend Linda Gray of Limestone, TN.
The family wants to send their gratitude to Preston Place Assisted Living, Hospice, and her special caregivers who loved her like their own: Ir-Wauna McCaleb, JiMeecia Kyle, Ammie Williams, Lisa McNeely, Courtney McNeely and Kayla McNeely.
The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 19 at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home in Kingsport, Tennessee. A celebration of life will follow with The Rev. Joe Wall and Rev. Allen Brummett officiating.
Burial will follow at Lovelace Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers are: Bill Baskette, Robert Purvis, Calvin Purvis, Trygve Thayer, Travis Thayer, David Thayer, Michael Thayer, and David Evans. Honorary pallbearers Austin Thayer, Brady Thayer, Mike Evans, Joe Abernathy, Colston Abernathy, and Will Baskette.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for donations to made to Lovelace Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, Kingsport Retired Teachers Scholarship Fund, or Alpha Delta Kappa, Zeta Chapter Scholarship Fund. Online condolences for Baskette’s family may be left here.

Margie Davis Morgan ’47 — Oct. 26, 2018

Margie Davis Morgan, age 94, of Berea, KY passed away peacefully on October 26, 2018 in Salyersville, KY. She was born on December 4, 1923 to Brack and Lela Davis in a small coal mining town in West Virginia. Despite the odds, her parents made sure she and her two sisters and two brothers all attended college. Margie once hitch hiked to get to college. She attended Berea College and was the first woman to graduate from Berea with an agriculture degree. She was predeceased by her husband, Jim Buck Morgan. They had four children, Rod (Vivian), Billy (Janice), James (Imogene), and Pebble (Clark). She has eleven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews that she loved dearly. Margie was a teacher at Paint Lick, Big Hill, and Silver Creek schools, and a guidance counselor at Madison Central High School from 1966 to 1984. She was a hard worker, an incredible seamstress, and a strong woman with a great sense of humor who made us laugh and looked for the positive in all things. She took care of her family and never complained when times were tough. We will always love and miss her. A Memorial Service will be held at the First Christian Church, Berea, KY, at 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 24, 2018. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the First Christian Church, 206 Chestnut Street, Berea, KY, 40403.
To plant a tree in memory of Margie Davis Morgan, please visit Tribute Store.

Rufus Saylor Jr., FD ’47 — Nov. 5, 2018

Rufus Saylor Jr, 92, died November 5, 2018, at the Indiana Masonic Home in Franklin. He was the beloved husband of Verna (Van Winkle) Saylor, with whom he shared 71 years of marriage. He was born in Leslie County, Kentucky, on January 13, 1926, to Rufus and Lottie (Wilson) Saylor. Following the death of his father in 1932, he spent the remainder of his childhood at the Masonic Widows and Orphans Home in Louisville, Kentucky. He was a World War II veteran, having entered the United States Marine Corps in 1943, at age 17. He served proudly in the Pacific Theatre until 1946, when he returned to Kentucky to complete his high school studies at Berea College. While at Berea, he met his future wife, Verna. They were married in 1947. Rufus earned a B.A. from Earlham College in 1952, and later, a Master’s in Education from Ball State Teacher’s College (now Ball State University). He worked in the education field, serving as a teacher and administrator in school districts in Florida, Ohio, and Indiana. He was an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed hiking, fishing, and camping. He loved sharing these activities with his family. He is survived by his wife, a daughter, Janis (Bob) Shuman of Arizona, two sons, Dr. Randel (Joan) Saylor, of Texas, and Valyn (Janice) Saylor of Indiana, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Private burial services followed by military honors will take place at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens. Those wishing may send memorials to the Indiana Masonic Home Foundation, or to a charity of their choice.

Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory-Greenwood Chapel have been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences for Saylor’s family may be left here.

Claire Lockhart Adams ’48 — Oct. 22, 2018

Claire Lockhart Adams, age 90, died July 22, 2018 at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory, North Carolina. She was born November 2, 1927 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina to the late Hobart and Royester Lockhart. She was preceded in death by her husband, T. Harold Adams and three brothers and one sister. Surviving are her two sons, Greg and Doug Adams, brother Clyde Lockhart and his wife Helen Lockhart of North Wilkesboro.
She was an active member of Corinth Reformed Church, having served on the consistory, the spiritual council, circle chairman, and treasurer of the Althouse Sunday school class. She was awarded a life membership by the Women’s Guild of her church. She was also active in community affairs, cub scouts, the Hickory Museum of Art and delivered meals on wheels for several years. She was retired from Lenoir-Rhyne University and had also worked as an interior designer.
A memorial service is at 4:00 pm on Saturday July 28th at Corinth Reformed Church. The family will receive friends before the service starting at 3:00 pm. Memorials may be made to Corinth Reformed Church and Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Bass-Smith Funeral Home & Crematory in Hickory is serving the family of Mrs. Adams. Online condolences for Adams’ family may be left here.

Ruth Shuler Dieter ’48 — April 14, 2019

Mary Ruth Shuler Dieter, 97, was born August 12, 1921 in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, the daughter of George H. and Margaret Shuler.

Ruth grew up in the mountains of Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia, and graduated from high school at Pine Mountain Settlement School, Pine Mountain, Kentucky. Following graduation, she attended Strayer Business College in Washington, D.C., and then returned to Pine Mountain Settlement School as their bookkeeper and English Country Dance Instructor.

She also worked at the Gregory Publishing Company in Cincinnati, Ohio for two years. Ruth then attended Berea College in Berea, Kentucky and graduated from college in 1948. Following graduation, Ruth worked for Berea College and the Council of Southern Mountain Workers in Asheville, North Carolina and then returned to Berea to work for Dr. Donald Dieter, Surgeon, at the college.

In 1948, Ruth moved to Kansas to help Dr. Donald Dieter open up his medical practice in Salina, Kansas.

She was Dr. Dieter’s office manager for several years. She was an accountant for Roy Simmons, C.P.A. and William H. Sears, C.P.A. in Abilene, retiring in 2004.

Ruth married John P. Dieter of Abilene, Kansas, on July 8, 1950 and all of her married life was spent in Abilene. There were no children. Her husband, John, died April 21, 1999.

Ruth was always very active in the Abilene community. She was a member of Chapter JQ, P.E.O, past member of Chapter GY, P.E.O., and a past state president of Kansas State Chapter, P.E.O. Ruth served as a member of the Abilene Public Library Board, Ladies Literary League, Arts Council of Dickinson County, Heritage Homes Association, Eisenhower Foundation Board, Dickinson County Historical Society Board, Great Plains Theatre Board, and Historical Seelye Foundation Board, as well as being very involved in the First Presbyterian and First United Methodist churches and as a volunteer with Memorial Hospital.

For her service to Abilene, she received several recognitions including Volunteer of the Year and Distinguished Citizen of the Year.

For her successful efforts in leading the physical & financial restoration of Pine Mountain School, and for her work in helping the underprivileged young children of the mountains, the state of Kentucky honored Ruth twice as a Kentucky Colonel. Her work as a Pack Horse Librarian, delivering books to children in remote mountain communities by horseback, was recognized as recently as 2018 in a National Public Radio news feature and a Rolling Stone magazine article.

Ruth loved people and especially children. She was exceedingly generous with her time and resources.

Neighbors quickly became her friends and her friends were forever in her heart. Ruth worked tirelessly and was a fierce advocate for the people and causes closest to her heart.

Ruth passed peacefully at the Village Manor in Abilene on April 14, 2019. Several nieces and nephews, and a host of genuine friends survive Ruth. She treasured each one. Her three sisters and one brother preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, April 19 at the First United Methodist Church in Abilene.

Interment will follow in the Abilene Cemetery. It is requested that memorial contributions in Ruth’s name be made to Chapter JQ, P.E.O, to support educational opportunities for women through scholarships and grants. Memorials may be left at or sent in care of the Danner Funeral Home, PO Box 758, Abilene, Kansas 67410. Online condolences for Dieter’s family may be left here.

A. Barbara Goddard ’48 — April 15, 2019

Knoxville Central High School Class of 1944
Berea College Class of 1948
Tulane University – Master’s of Social Work – 1956
Barbara had a long career (over 30 years) with the Girl Scouts of America as a social worker. Her work took her to New York, California and Georgia. She then did fundraising for Berea College. Barbara volunteered building houses for Habitat for Humanity for about 15 years. She lived in the Phoenix, Arizona area, Knoxville and finally Dallas, Texas in her later years. She had a keen mind and was interested in current events, travel, history, Goddard Family genealogy, and active in the Essential Tremor Foundation. Online condolences for Goddard’s family may be left here.

Eleanor Morgan Hunt, Acad. ’44, ’48 — Jan. 29, 2019

Eleanor Margaret Morgan Hunt passed away on January 29, 2019. She was at home in Culpeper, Virginia, surrounded by her family including her son David Morgan Hunt of Denver, NC, her daughters Margaret Muldrow Hunt, with whom she lived in Culpeper, Rebecca Hunt Keane of Atlanta, Sarah Hunt MacDougal of St. Louis. Also at hand were her granddaughters Stephanie Hunt Coxon, Jennifer Hunt, Moira and Olivia MacDougal, her son-in-law A.J. Keane, other extended family, and her steadfast cat companion, Sweetie.
Eleanor and her beloved husband Oliver Raymond Hunt Jr., a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon, resided in Wilmington for more than 40 years, from 1969 until his death in 2010. Born on March 20, 1926, Eleanor had an idyllic childhood growing up on the Berea College campus in Berea, Kentucky. She was the first-born of educators Charles Thomas and Jimmy Norton Morgan, both from North Georgia. Eleanor married Navy Ensign JG Ray Hunt in 1944 prior to his assignment in the Pacific Theater. A gifted pianist who loved Chopin, she graduated from the University of Louisville with degrees in English and music. Eleanor believed deeply in being an anchor for her family and made beautiful homes in many places including Canada and Paraguay. She believed in living a productive life and pursued with depth interests in music, gardening, needlepoint, sailing, travel, homemaking, cooking, and writing. She is the author with her mother of “Save Room for Dessert” (Coastal Carolina Press 2002), and manuscripts for a romantic memoir “The Stars and Heaven Beneath Our Feet” (2014) and “The Mysteries and Adventures of Sweetie” (2015). She also believed in contributing to her community and engaged in leadership of an extraordinary range of organizations, helping to shape the Wilmington area. She co-founded the New Hanover County Arboretum and was first president of its Foundation. She was a trustee of the Cape Fear Hospital Foundation, a fourteen-year board member of the Wilmington Concert Association, and served in many roles including that of president for state, regional, and local entities including the North Carolina Medical Society Alliance, the New Hanover-Pender County Medical Alliance, the North Carolina Medical Society Alliance Health Education Foundation (board chairman), the Cape Fear Garden Club, the North Carolina Azalea Festival Garden Tour, the Garden Club of North Carolina, and as a member of the White House Conference on Legal Drug Abuse, the Governor’s Leadership Conference for Women, his Immunization Task Force, and many more.
We cherished Eleanor for her gentle spirit and serenity, sense of wonder, reserved wit, encouragement, innovation, and her forward-looking optimism. In addition to her four children, four grandchildren, and five great grandchildren, she is survived by her brother William “Bill” Morgan of Knoxville, Tennessee and Jean Morgan Roessler of Grand Junction, Colorado.
She will be buried next to Ray this spring at Arlington National Cemetery. Online condolences for Hunt’s family may be left here.

Nancy Furry Lee ’48

Obituary unavailable

Phyllis Jones Shaffer ’48 — Nov. 21, 2018

Phyllis Jones Shaffer, of Johns Creek, Georgia, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2018. Mrs. Shaffer was born on February 2, 1926 in Gilbert, West Virginia, the daughter of Harold Bradley Jones and Addie Cline Jones. She graduated from Berea College, Kentucky, and taught in the public schools of Bardstown and Louisville, Ky. In 1949, she married her college sweetheart, James H. Shaffer, Jr., and for the next four decades, they raised their family while traveling through Louisville, KY, Manhattan, NY, Birmingham, AL, and Atlanta, GA. The couple moved to Marietta in 1983. Mrs. Shaffer is preceded in death by her parents, and her husband of 67 years. She is survived by her brother, Richard E. Jones (Karen), her two daughters, Carol Jarvis (Larry) and Nancy Hoerter (Sam), her three grandsons, David Jarvis (Carmen), Daniel Jarvis (Lunise), and Joseph Hoerter, and her five great-grandchildren, Joshua, Alyson, Madison, Elena, and Mia Jarvis. Mrs. Shaffer was a member of the Berea Alumni Association. Final arrangements are entrusted to the care of Bill Head Funeral Homes & Crematory Duluth Chapel (770)476-2535. Internment beside her husband will follow at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA. Online condolences for Shaffer’s family may be left here.

Elinor Crawford Sterne ’48 — Aug. 31, 2018

Elinor Crawford Sterne was born on January 30, 1927 in Atmore, Alabama. She died Thursday, August 31, 2018 in Birmingham, Alabama of complications surrounding Alzheimer’s Disease. Elinor was the daughter of a Southern Baptist minister, Charles Jefferson Crawford, and his wife, Vida Sanders Crawford, long-time church organist and piano teacher. She grew up surrounded by music which she loved throughout her life. As a young woman, she was part of a trio called The Trio. She loved it all-classical, opera, Dixieland and was especially proud of her brother, Paul, a professional trombonist in the New Orleans for 50 years, and who traveled and plays with Louis Armstrong and others, and significantly established the Jazz Archives at Tulane University. After graduating from high school, she spent a year at Judson College in Marion, Alabama. Afterwards she transferred to renowned Berea College in Kentucky for low-income students, which became a highlight of her life. After graduating with a degree in English she decided to become a social worker and, so, enrolled for a graduate degree at the Richmond College of Social Work in Richmond, Virginia. As part of her training she took a job with the State of Georgia’s new social work division and moved to Albany, Georgia. In between working with disadvantaged families in rural Georgia she decided to learn to play tennis. While she never did, she went occasionally to Albany’s public tennis courts where she flirted with a young lawyer, Edwin Sterne who, as it happends, was a prolific tennis player. After two months they married and later had two children, Ellin and Pamela. Elinor remained involved with her calling by working with Albany’s first Head Start program. In addition, she and her husband became prominent opponents of segregation and worked hard to stop their culture’s virulent racism. In 1967, she moved with her family to Birmingham where Edwin joined the faculty at the Cumberland School of Law. She became a medical social worker at UAB for a time. Elinor Sterne is preceded in death by her husband, her mother and father, her sister, Mary Foster, her brothers, Carroll, Paul, Charles, and John, sisters-in-law June and Mary, and by her granddaughter, Leigh Anna Jimmerson. She is survived by her children, her sons-in-law, Al Jimmerson and Larry Watts, her grandchildren, Whitney Detwiler, John King and Blair King, her great grandson, Sam Sparrow, her sister-in-law, Dorothy Crawford, and numerous nieces and nephews. As well, her second great grandchild will be born in February 2019. Visitation will be Friday, September 7, 10:00-11:00. Funeral at 11:00 with a reception to follow. Johns-Ridout Valley Chapel, Homewood, AL. Burial Crown Hill Cemetery, Albany, Georgia, Saturday, September 8, 2:00 PM. Online condolences for Sterne’s family may be left here.

Dorothy Amey Williams ’48 — Jan. 23, 2015

Dorothy Amey Williams, 88, of Florence, formerly of Erlanger, KY, passed away on January 23, 2015, at St. Elizabeth Health Care, Florence. She was preceded in death by her parents, David C. and Barbara Cantley Amey and her husband, Harold B. Williams. Dorothy was a much loved and respected high school teacher for 41 years. She was head of the Social Studies Department at Dixie Heights High School for many years. She was a devout member of Erlanger Baptist Church, a Kentucky Colonel, member of Kenton County Retired Teachers, Kentucky Education Association and served on the State Textbook Commission. Surviving are two sons, Steven B. (Lynda) Williams of Longwood, FL, Matthew A. (Martha) Williams of San Antonio, TX, 9 grandchildren, Sasha, Chris, Nick, Derek, Jason, Lucas, Phillip, Lila and Dana Wiggins and a very special friend, Scott (Dee Dee) Harper of Walton and their children, Matthew, Alexander and Meredith Harper. Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon on Friday, January 30, at Erlanger Baptist Church with the service to follow there at 12 Noon. Mr. Jeff Barbour will be officiating. Entombment will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum, Erlanger, KY. Online condolences for Williams’ family may be left here.

Catherine French Stookey ’49 — March 6, 2019

Catherine French Stookey, formerly of Wood River, died on March 6, 2019 at Meadowbrook Health Center in Urbana.  She was 91 years of age.

Born in Clintwood, VA on December 1, 1927, she was the daughter of G. Mark and Bessie (Rush) French.

Catherine graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from Berea College in Berea, KY in 1949.  Berea provides full-tuition scholarships to all of its students, most who come from needy backgrounds in Appalachia.  Catherine was always grateful for the opportunity Berea provided her.

After she graduated from Berea, Catherine was employed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, where she remained until her retirement in 1990. She had roles in all aspects of child welfare and served as head of the Edwardsville District Office of DCFS in the early 1970’s.  Most of her jobs were in East St. Louis, and a colleague remembers that she was “always very focused on the people we served and seemed to work at 100 miles an hour.”

In the early 1950’s, Catherine took a leave of absence to further her education, and in 1953, she earned the Master of Social Work degree from Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School of Social Work.

Also in 1953, she married Warren M. Stookey, who died in 1990.

Catherine was generous to her family and the community, both financially and with her time.  A life-long Methodist, Catherine was a member of the East Alton First United Methodist Church for the past 60 years, where she was recently a member of the CARE Team and the DUO class.  She also served as a volunteer at the Caravan resale shop for Oasis Women’s Center in Alton for more than 20 years and was a faithful participant in exercise classes conducted by Senior Citizens Plus.  In the 1970’s, Catherine served on the Board of the Madison County Economic Opportunity Commission.

Catherine loved to travel during her retirement. She was an adventurous and independent traveler and visited many foreign lands, including Russia, India, China, and Egypt.

Catherine is survived by her sons, Mark (Lisa) Stookey of Chadds Ford, PA, Matthew (Karol) Stookey of Campaign; by five grandchildren, Andrew Stookey of Chadds Ford, Catherine Stookey of Pittsburgh, PA, John Stookey of Chadds Ford, Jennifer Stookey of Nashville, TN, and David (Jessica) Stookey of Overland Park, KS; and a brother, David French of Harvest, AL.

In addition to her parents and husband, Catherine was preceded in death by four brothers, Mark, Jr., Charles, Francis and Calvin; and a sister, Florence.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, March 23 at the East Alton First United Methodist Church, 1001 Third St.  Friends are invited to visit with the family beginning at 9:30 am.

Burial will be at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

The East Alton First United Methodist Church and the Catherine Stookey Scholarship Fund at Berea College, CPO 2216, Berea, KY 40404 are named as memorials.

Marks Mortuary in Wood River is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences for Stookey’s family may be left here.

Carolyn Clifford Wickline ’49 — April 19, 2018

Obituary unavailable

Wanda Sams Winecoff ’49 — Jan. 2, 2019

Wanda Mae Sams Winecoff, 90, passed away on Wednesday, January 2, 2019, after a 14 year fight against Alzheimer’s.

She was born January 10, 1928 in Yancey County to the late Thomas Fuller and Lela Sprinkle Sams and was the wife of the late Reverend George H. Winecoff.  In addition to her parents and husband, Wanda was preceded in death by three brothers, Jacob Sams, Emmett Sams and Thomas Fuller Sams; and one sister, Wiloree Sams.

After graduating from Bald Creek High School, Wanda attended Mars Hill College and Berea College graduating with a BS in Home Economics.  Wanda began her career as a high school Home Economics teacher in Marshall, later becoming a home agent with the North Carolina Extension Services first in Mitchell County and then in Henderson County.

Wanda and George were married for 39 years.  She accepted her responsibilities as a Methodist minister’s wife very seriously as they joyfully served churches and congregations throughout western North Carolina.

Soon after she and her family moved to Haywood County in 1968, she was hired by Haywood Community College as the Director of Arts and Crafts in continuing education.

She traveled around the county visiting classes, taking care of administrative duties, and welcoming class participants.  Her smiling face was easily recognized throughout the county.  Her boundless energy and enthusiasm never wavered as she performed job responsibilities, continued church work, and nurtured her family.  After retiring in 1993, she remained active visiting nursing homes and shut-ins, fulfilling church work, gardening, spending time with friends and caring for her family.  She was a devoted wife, sister, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who will be greatly missed.

Wanda is survived by three daughters, Mary Groh (Larry) of Memphis, Tennessee, Hannah Cabe (Dick) of Maggie Valley, and Elizabeth Enloe (Randy) from Rutherfordton; six grandchildren; Kristen and Katherine Cabe of New York City, Sarah Enloe Howell (Justin) and Rachel Enloe of Raleigh, Rebecca Groh of Fort Collins, Colorado, and George Groh of Nashville, Tennessee, two great grandchildren, Hayden and Paisley Howell of Raleigh; and a godson, Curtis Taylor of Spruce Pine.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 6, 2019 at Clyde Central United Methodist Church where she has been an active member for many years with the Reverend Roy F. Watkins and Reverend Chris Westmoreland officiating.  The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall.

Memorials may be made to Clyde Central United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 8, Clyde, NC   28721 or Haywood Lodge, 251 Shelton Street, Waynesville, NC   28786.

Wanda’s family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Haywood Lodge for the exceptional care and love she received for the past nine months.

The care of Mrs. Winecoff has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes. Online condolences for Winecoff’s family may be left here.

Sarah Hutcherson Wing ’49 — Oct. 30, 2018

Sarah Hutcherson Wing, age 90, of Palm Bay, Florida passed away on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at Riverview Senior Resort Living in Palm Bay.

Sarah was born in 1928 in Lexington, Kentucky to the late William and Sally (Grainger) Hutcherson. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Col. Morgan E. Wing, M.D., Ph.D., who was her partner in life and in most of her adventures traveling the world.

Sarah was always an amazingly positive and adventurous person who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her – especially by her surviving family members including her daughter Sally (Michael); her sons William (Linda), Charles, and Robert (Anita); her granddaughters Shannon (Garth), Megan (Geoff), Nayana, and Syamali; her grandsons Michael (Elisabeth), Sean, and Ryan (Sara); her great granddaughters Mariah, Aubrey, and Ella; her great grandsons Joshua, John, and Thomas; her sister Martha, brother William (Vittie), and their loving families.

Sarah’s Memorial Service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 4, 2018 at Ammen Family Cremation and Funeral Care, 1001 South Hickory Street, Melbourne, FL. Melbourne: (321) 724-2222

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following:

Berea College

American Parkinson Disease Association

Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute

Online condolences for Wing’s family may be left here.

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1950s

Minnie Lea Sanders Abell, Acad. ’50 — Sept. 7, 2017

Abell, Minnie Lea, age 89, formerly of Beavercreek passed away Thursday September 7th, 2017, in Woodbridge, Virginia. She was born February 8, 1928, in Casey Creek, Kentucky. Lea was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph C. Abell, Jr.; son, Joseph A. Abell; parents, Albert and Ruth Sanders; and brothers, Sherwood Sanders (Exzilda), Edsel Sanders, and Jay Sanders (Janet). She is survived by a daughter, Cheryl Michelle Novogradac (Nicholas) of Woodbridge, VA; son, Jeffrey A. Abell (Alice) of Rochester Hills, MI; daughter-in-law Geraldine Abell of Dayton; five grandchildren, Nicholas S. Novogradac (Sharliena), Matthew D. Novogradac (Mandie), Elizabeth I. Abell, Christopher J. Abell, and James A. Abell; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister-in-law’s Alene Wolford, Mary Abell, and Nada Sanders; brother-in-law Allan Thomas Abell (Ann); as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She attended Berea College and Wright State University (B.S., 1978) and then taught at Fairborn High School until retiring in 1999. She was a member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Beavercreek for over 40 years. Lea was a loving and unselfish person who found joy with her family, friends, church and her Savior Jesus Christ.
The family will receive visitors on Friday September 15th from 4-7pm at Westbrock Funeral Home, 1712 Wayne Avenue, Dayton, OH.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00am Saturday September 16 at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Beavercreek. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Dayton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Minnie Lea Abell please visit our Sympathy Store. Online condolences for Abell’s family may be left here.

Shirley Clifford Bulla ’50 — Aug. 5, 2018

Shirley Bulla, long-time resident of Boulder, died of natural causes at her home on August 5, 2018. She was born 89 years ago in Plentywood, Montana, the second daughter of Rev. Earle and Doris Sawtelle Clifford. She spent her younger years in Montana and in Gorham, Maine, then entered Berea College in Kentucky as a student nurse. She soon transferred to the Department of Music, earning a degree in Music Education. She taught briefly in Tulsa, Oklahoma, before moving to Boulder in 1952 with her husband, Bill, newly employed at the National Bureau of Standards. In Boulder Shirley taught private piano and worked part time as a legal secretary and bookkeeper. Her home, family, friends, her UU Church of Boulder, and classical piano music were her joy until her death. Her husband of 61 years predeceased her. She is survived by her three children: Bonnie Browne of West Richland, WA.; Ellen Bulla-Irwin of Bay Point, CA.; and Will Bulla of Boulder ; 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. A memorial service celebrating Shirley’s life will be held on Sunday, September 2, 2018 at 1:00 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Boulder, 5001 Pennsylvania Ave, Boulder. Online condolences for Bulla’s family may be left here.

Dorothy Taylor Chidester ’50 — Jan. 20, 2019

Dorothy (Dot) Simpson Chidester, 90, of Boones Mill, Va., went to be with her Lord on Sunday, January 20, 2019. Dot was born in Asheville, N.C., March 14, 1928. She was preceded in death by her first husband of 49 years, Donval Carl Simpson, PHD; son, D. Carl Simpson Jr.; parents, Clyde Mayo Taylor and Theodocia Ruth Gatlin; sister, Ruth Taylor Reynolds (James). She is survived by two nephews, Rev. David Reynolds (Charlotte) and J. Willam Reynolds (Becky); brother-in-law, Charles Simpson (Mickey). She was preceded in death by her second husband of 10 years, Rev. A. Benjamin Chidester Jr. and daughter, Susan B. Hill (William). She is survived by her daughter, Julia M. Caplick (Jacob); Sons, A. B. “Chip” Chidester, III (Janet), Philip L. Chidester, Thomas B. Chidester and James B. Chidester (Trish). She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Dot attended Greensboro College and Graduated from Berea College and Appalachian State University. She spent 34 years in Fairbanks, Alaska as a biologist for Alaska Fish and Game. Dot was an active member of Boones Mill United Methodist Church and Boones Mill Lions Club. In lieu of flowers, the family requested memorial contributions be made in her name to her beloved church, Boones Mill United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 288, Boones Mill, Va. 24065. A memorial service celebrating her life will be conducted 7 p.m. Friday, January 25, 2019 at Conner-Bowman Funeral Home with Pastors Bryan Ratliff and Jim Rodden officiating. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service beginning at 5 p.m. until service time. Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home and Crematory, 62 VA Market Place Drive (Route 220@ Wirtz Road) Rocky Mount, VA 24151 540-334-5151. Online condolences for Chidester’s family may be left here.

William R. Gosser, FD ’50 — Feb. 25, 2019

William Ruedell (Bill) Gosser died in Bloomington, IN, on February 25, 2019, at the age of 94.
Bill was born May 10, 1924, in a one-room log home on Gosser Ridge in Russell County, Kentucky, fifteen miles from the nearest town of Russell Springs. He walked to a one-room school which was about two miles from home. The school year was 6 months long and ended in early January. School was taught sometimes by teachers who had finished only the eighth grade.
After Bill finished the eighth grade, the nearest high school was fifteen miles away and school buses were unheard of in the county. A few of his teachers had gone to Berea College, which at that time had a division designated as the Foundation School. The Foundation School was devoted to teaching people who did not have access to high school. He applied to the Berea College Foundation School which was a boarding school and accepted students who had no money. Those students had to go on the half-day plan of working four hours a day and going to classes the other half day.
Bill finished high school at Berea and went into the Navy during WWII. After Naval training at Purdue as an electrician’s mate, he served most of his Navy time at Pearl Harbor. Upon discharge from the Navy at the end of WWII, Bill returned to Berea and finished two years of college. He then transferred to Indiana University to complete his college education. Bill earned undergraduate and Master’s degrees from Indiana University and settled in Bloomington.
Bill taught Journalism, Photo-Journalism, and English at Bloomington High School South and retired in 1973 after twenty-two years as a teacher. For many years, he sponsored the school newspaper, (Optimist) and the yearbook (Gothic). In retirement, Bill invested in real estate, spending his energy buying, selling, and maintaining his properties.
Bill loved ballroom dancing, exchanging stories with friends, and made friends wherever he went. He was a member of the Northside Exchange Club, Masonic Lodge, American Legion, and the First United Methodist Church. He continually enjoyed seeing and talking with former BHS graduates.
Bill is survived by his wife of 25 years, Ivey Nall Gosser, and her children Alan Hardy Nall (Lindie Kate Stoll Nall) and Jonathan Nall (Gretchen Louise Holtz Nall). Grandchildren include Benjamin Alan Nall, Mia Kate Nall, Luke Owen Nall, Ruth Louise Nall, and Iris Holtz Nall. Bill’s surviving siblings are Troy Leon Gosser (Lavada Russell Gosser) and Reno J. Gosser and sister in law, Bettie (Miller) Gosser.
Bill is preceded in death by his first wife of 42 years, Ilene Heid Gosser, his father, William McKinley Gosser, and his mother, Lula Murtle Wilson Gosser. Bill’s deceased siblings include: brother William McKinley Gosser, brother Clinton D. Gosser (Ester Saul Gosser),brother Arlo A. Gosser, sister Eula May Gosser Semich (Dr. Robert L. Simich), and J’s deceased wife, Ida Jean Baily Gosser.
Contributions in memory of Bill may be made to the Bloomington Northside Exchange Club, PO Box 1521, Bloomington, IN 47402.
Services will be at 5:00 PM on Friday, March 1, 2019 at The Funeral Chapel of Powell and Deckard, 3000 E Third Street, Bloomington, IN.
Visitation will begin following the funeral services until the Masonic Service begins at 7:30 PM, all at The Funeral Chapel.
On Saturday, visitation will be at Moster Mortuary, 334 N Main St, Rushville, IN from 12:00 PM–1:00 PM with a service at 1:00 PM, with Pastor John Wall presiding. Military Rites will be performed at the Mortuary. Burial to follow at East Hill Cemetery in Rushville, IN.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of William “Bill” Gosser please visit our Sympathy Store. Online condolences for Gosser’s family may be left here.

Patsy B. Hamilton ’50 — Aug. 18, 2018

Patsy Hamilton, age 92, of Somerset, passed away Saturday, August 18, 2018, at the Jean Waddle Hospice Care Center, in Somerset.
Patsy was born on July 8th, 1926, in Somerset. She was the daughter of the late James P. Hamilton and Florida Vaught Hamilton, of Somerset.
She attended the one room school at Campground through the eighth grade and graduated from Eubank High School with honors, in 1944. She went on to graduate from Berea College in 1950, with a degree in education, and obtained her Masters degree soon after, from the University of Kentucky.
Patsy taught in several schools in the Pulaski County School system, and three years in Kingsport, Tennessee, before returning home to teach the remaining 27 years of her career in the Somerset Independent School system, at Hopkins Elementary.
Patsy’s first love was her God and church. She spent many years visiting once or twice a week with the elderly in the hospital and in nursing homes, as well as shut-ins. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, in Somerset, attending and supporting it as long as she was able.
She belonged to and was active in the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Delta Kappa Gamma society for teachers and the Pulaski County Retired Teachers’ Association.
Patsy was honored as Volunteer of the Year in 2015, by the Kentucky Retired Teachers’ Association, and by the University of Kentucky “Teachers Who Made a Difference”, in 2012, for her devotion and influence in the lives of her students.
After retiring, she devoted more time to her visitation mission and traveled to most every state and overseas to China and Hong Kong with the Senior Friends from her church, the Eldred Taylor tours, and later with David Pendley’s groups.
Patsy loved to be with her family, entertain friends with her sister, Peggy, play bridge, attend church socials and have a large garden every year.
Patsy is survived by her twin sister, Peggy Morrison, a nephew, Scott Morrison (Luci), a niece, Jane Brooks (Brad), a great-nephew, Nicholas Bush (Ginny), all of Somerset; a great-niece, Emily Stringer (Cory), of Lexington; a great-nephew, Perry Wesley (Alana), of Louisville; a great-niece, Madison Brooks, five great-great-nieces and nephews, Olivia Bush, Alex Bush, Jeremiah Bush and Annabelle Bush, all of Somerset.
A service celebrating the life of Patsy Hamilton will be held Wednesday, August 22nd, 2018, at 1:00 p.m., at the chapel of Somerset Undertaking Company, with Ministers Dr. French Harmon and Bro. David Pendley officiating. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m., until time for services. Interment will be in Science Hill Cemetery.
The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to the Jean Waddle Hospice Care Center c/o Hospice of Lake Cumberland, 100 Parkway Drive, Somerset, KY 42503.
Online condolences for Hamilton’s family may be left here.
To plant a tree in memory of Patsy Hamilton, please visit Tribute Store.

Bobby L. Hart ’50 — Mar. 16, 2019

Hart Bobby Lee, age 89, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather passed away peacefully on March 16, 2019. Bobby grew up in Berea, KY and absolutely loved his hometown. He graduated from Berea High School and received his BS in History and Business Management from Berea College in 1950. He bravely served our country as First Lieutenant in the United States Army from 1950-1954. Bobby was a hard worker and spent most of his career at Parker Hannfifin, Gibson Greeting Card and the University of Kentucky. He was a member of the Berea Lions Club, Berea Masonic Lodge, American Legion Post 50, an avid UK fan, loved cars and enjoyed every moment spent on Hilton Head Island. Bobby is survived by his wife of 68 years, Louise. They met at Berea College and wed in Asheville, North Carolina on June 11, 1950. He is also survived by his two sons Greg (Edie) & Ken Hart, his grandchildren Melissa (Zach) Creditt & Chris Hart, his great granddaughter Audrina Hart and his niece Elaine Phillips. Bobby was the cherished son of Charlie and Ida Hart. He is preceded in death by his two sisters Maydru (Red) Wilder and Nancy Phillips, as well as his grandson Joel Hart. The Hart family would like to thank Highgrove at Tates Creek, Bluegrass Hospice Care and Baptist Health for their attentive and gracious care of our dear Bobby. A celebration of life will be held on March 22, 2019 from 5:30PM- 8:00PM at Davis& Powell Funeral Home. Online condolences for Bobby may be left here.

Margaret May Ross ’50 — Oct. 26, 2012

Margaret M Ross was born on October 8, 1926 and passed away on October 26, 2012 in Pensacola, FL. Online condolences for Ross’ family may be left here.

Peggy Moon Anderson ’51 — Aug. 26, 2018

Peggy Moon Anderson passed away peacefully, attended by friends and surrounded by the love of her family and the multitude of people she met during her years as an educator and world traveler.
Born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, Peggy went off to the mainland for her education, having already developed a passion to travel and experience the world. She attended Berea College in Kentucky, earned her BA at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, an MA from Duke University, and her teaching certificate from UC Berkely. She married Richard “Dick” Anderson in 1953. They both taught in the Bay Area. Wanting a change from the classroom, Peggy became a school librarian and was hired in that capacity at Sequim High School in 1977. The couple moved here from Orinda, California, after Dick retired from teaching art while continuing as a practicing artist. Dick preceded Peggy in death in 1991. They had no children.
In 1986, Peggy took a sabbatical from her job and traveled the world, crossing the Pacific Ocean four times and the Atlantic twice. She believed it was important not to put traveling off until retirement and said she came back feeling refreshed and with a new perspective.
Peggy took the library from the old card catalog tradition to an Information Center with video and computer equipment. She loved her job, the library and the students who gathered there. She grew the library through two fires and automation, and her gracious upbeat personality attracted many volunteers who donated time and materials. Peg will be remembered for her Thousand Cranes Peace Project, with the red origami cranes made by students throughout the school and hung on the great tree in the library.
After 39 years in education, Peggy retired in 1992 and continued to explore the world with friends and family. She loved the theater and performing arts, attending as many performances as she could all over the country. When at home, Peggy loved playing Bridge and Poker and never tired of meeting new people and entertaining her friends in her beloved home on Sequim Bay.
Peggy was predeceased by her parents and her sister Anne Chung. She is survived by her sister Elinor Najita (Tets) of Kamuela, Hawaii, and ten nieces and nephews and their families.
Peggy chose cremation and asked to have her ashes scattered in the waters of the Pacific Ocean in Hawaii and Sequim Bay. A private celebration of life for friends and family will be scheduled at a future date.

Robert Miller Cornett ’51 — April 11, 2019

Robert Miller Cornett was born to Nora (Huff) and Henry Miller Cornett, in their Sears model home in Hazard, Kentucky on November 11, 1929. He died peacefully in his home in Georgetown, Kentucky, on April 11, 2019. He was 89.
He was a graduate of Berea College, where he met his wife of 64 years Jean (Carrithers) Cornett, and went on to have 6 sons, 17 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren.
Bob was named Budget Director for the State of Kentucky under Governor Bert Combs at the age of 29, and served through the tenure of Governor Edward Breathitt. He went on to serve as director of both the Area Development for the Appalachian Regional Commission, Special Projects for the Council of State Governments in Lexington, and as a Consultant in the Public Service Administration.
Despite many years working in government, Bob was most proud of founding, in partnership with Jean, The Festival of the Bluegrass in Lexington, Kentucky in 1974, and the Kentucky Bluegrass Music Camp. The “Kids Camp” was designed to encourage kids and adults to work together to learn not only the fundamentals of Bluegrass Music, but the very basics of what it means to be part of a community. He was also a co-founder of the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park and Campground in Live Oak, Florida. The vision of both of these ventures endure thanks to the involvement of his kids and grandkids, for which he was most pleased.
Bob spent the last 40 years of his life as a “retired bureaucrat”, and spent decades advocating against the top-down approach of governments, educational institutions, and adults in general. A comprehensive list of Bob’s volunteer work and community impact is impossible, but he was dedicated to organizations including, but not limited to: Old Friends Farm, Quest Farm, The American Chestnut Foundation, the Georgetown Childhood Development Center, and The Kettering Foundation.
Bob was quiet and proud with an infectious passion for life and considered himself to be “no better than average”. He delighted at the site of farm animals (particularly chickens, mules, and donkeys), homegrown fruits and vegetables, groups of people having conversations, and long walks – particularly when these activities involved multiple generations.
He will be remembered as kind, generous, proud, gracious, passionate, active, and for carrying an unfailing belief that the world will be a better place if we all joined together for a common purpose and worked toward improving our world.
Bob is survived by his sisters Elna Mae Rosenberger, Hope Richards, Nancy Jo Cornett, and brother John (Charlene) Cornett, sons Roy, Robert (Linda), John (Barb), James (Robin), Charles (Vicki), and daughter in law, Patty, as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Miller and Nora, his wife, Jean, and his son, Hugh.
Visitation will be Monday, April 15, at 11am at Tucker, Yocum, and Wilson Funeral Home in Georgetown, KY, with a storytelling hour at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider either making a donation to The American Chestnut Foundation, or have a conversation within your community about how to make the world a better place.

To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Robert Miller Cornett, please visit our Tribute Store. Online condolences for Cornett’s family may be left here.

Hazel McCurry Fox ’51 — Sept. 12, 2017

Hazel Ruth McCurry Fox, 87, passed away Tuesday, September 12, 2017. A Celebration of Life will be held at Hope Lutheran Church on Sunday, September 24, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Stephen Flynn officiating. The family of Mrs. Fox will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 24, 2017, at the church.
Mrs. Fox was born in Marion, North Carolina on November 25, 1929, to the late Woodfin and Effie Cannon McCurry. She was united in marriage for 65 years to her childhood sweetheart since the first grade, Fred Fox, who passed away June 28, 2016. Mrs. Fox was a retired school teacher.
In addition to husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Ralph McCurry.
She is survived by her children, Joseph Fox (Brooke) of Lawrenceburg, Teresa Masters and husband Kenneth of Frankfort; a niece, Carol Ann Kelley; and a nephew, Craig Fox. She was blessed with many “furry grandchildren.”
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Hope Lutheran Church, 1251 Louisville Road, Frankfort, KY 40601 or the Franklin County Humane Society, 1041 Kentucky Avenue, Frankfort, KY 40601.
Arrangements are under the direction of Harrod Brothers Funeral Home.

To send a memorial gift to the family of Hazel McCurry Fox please visit our Sympathy Store. Online condolences for Fox’s family may be left here.

Verna Carlson Knott ’51 — Nov. 23, 2018

Verna D. Knott, 91, of Lebanon, passed away Friday, November 23, 2018 at the Avera Oahe Manor in Gettysburg.

Memorial Service was held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, June 23, 2019 at the Lebanon Hall, with burial in the Lebanon Cemetery.

Verna Dorothy Carlson Knott was born on a farm near Columbia, SD, March 11, 1927. The youngest set of three sets of twins, she and her twin sister, Vera, weighed 5 pounds each. Her parents were Frank Henrick Carlson and Anna Josephina Bloomberg who emigrated from Sweden in 1919, coming through Ellis Island. Frank had a cousin in Columbia, and was sponsored by him. He and his local sweetheart, Anna, married in Aberdeen, and had seven children, six of whom were twins!

During High School, Verna, who taught herself baton twirling, twirled all over the state, even giving lessons in Gettysburg. She won a scholarship to Berea, KY College, and then returned to attend Northern State in Aberdeen, where she obtained her teaching, and art degree, her lifelong career and passion. At Berea, she learned the violin and continued to play into her later years. She loved to sing, and sang alto with a quartet, singing the old standards, and taught herself the accordion. Her first school was Daly Corners near Columbia, at the age of 19. She met the love of her life, Johnny Knott, when he came to work for his uncle Connie Hansen, near Columbia. Anna Louise Knott, and Maxine Knott, Johnny’s sisters, played matchmaker as they were around there teaching. It took seven years, because Verna was then only 16, and Johnny was helping his newly widowed mother, Emma Mikkelson Knott, at the farm at Lebanon.

Johnny and Verna married in October 1950, and Verna moved down to Blue Blanket Valley and embraced the community and land surrounding the Knott Family Farm that had been homesteaded in 1888. She taught 2 years at North Canton, a one room schoolhouse, sitting on Hwy 212, near the Tolstoy road corner. One of her 6 first graders that year, in 1958, was Margie Lee, her only child, whom had been born in 1951. Verna and Margie migrated down to the Lebanon Grade School, where Verna taught every grade of the Lebanon “Bulldogs”, served as principal, coached girls’ basketball, spoke around the state on teaching reading, and went out every recess, rain or shine, and played softball with the kids. She always said she never had a kid she didn’t like. She retired in 1990 wanting to spend time with Johnny, and on her art, and poetry.

Verna began writing poetry at the age of 7, and chose the pen name, Carlee Swann, (derived from her father’s name, Carlson, and the original family name, Swenson, which was changed at Ellis Island) publishing her first poem in the Dakota Farmer magazine, in 1934. She published and illustrated four books of verse, won the South Dakota Poet of the Year in 1977, The Grand Prix National Poetry Award in 2001, and sponsored, judged, gave workshops, and won on the state, and national level. People have loved to read her verses with her charming line drawn illustrations about the people, flora and fauna, and life on the beloved prairie.

Art came naturally to her. She taught classes, and became a well-known wildlife painter, selling her work around the country. In the last years she had converted the garage to her art studio.

In 1999, her only grandson, Yuri, was hit by a car and killed on I-94 in MT, and less than 3 years later, in 2002, Johnny was hit and killed by a drunk driver near Cresbard, SD, on Hwy 20. She acquired a broken back, and head injuries, and never was the same person. She lived alone at the ranch for 5 years, and then moved to Fort Worth, TX to live with her daughter Margie, and husband John Fisher, and two granddaughters, Claire, and Grace. She lived with the family for 8 years, returning to summer at the beloved “Hermitage.” In the summer of 2015 she was admitted to the Alzheimer’s wing at the Oahe Manor in Gettysburg, SD where she lived for three and a half years until her death. She passed away on November 23, 2018, at the age of 91, after a courageous battle with the deadly disease.

She is survived by her twin sister, Vera, 91, of Aberdeen, her brother, Stanley, 93, of Columbia, her daughter, Margie Knott Fisher and husband John Fisher and two granddaughters, Claire Christina, 30, and Grace Anna, 28.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Johnny, grandson Yuri, brothers, Herbert, Henry, and Edwin Carlson, and her sister, Lucille Carlson Collins.

Verna Knott was a great lady, one-of-a-kind, a humorist, humanitarian, poet, artist, teacher, and lover of nature and animals. She was beloved by all and will live on in her art, poems, and in our hearts.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Verna’s arrangements. Online condolences for Knott’s family may be left here.

Robert E. Miller, Husband of Rhoda Miller ’51 — Nov. 27, 2018

Robert Eugene Miller, 85, Tipton died Tuesday evening November 27, 2018 at his home.
He was born June 19, 1933 in Millheim, son of the late George Russell and Mary Matilda (Weaver) Miller.
On August 19, 1958, he married Rhoda Allen in Louisville, Kentucky.
Surviving are his wife; two children, Deborah (Wayne) Carroll of Spearsville, Louisiana and David of Tipton; a sister, Doris Hamilton of Anaheim, Calif.; many nieces and nephews; and his four- legged friends, Sandy, Zack and Cheyenne.
Bob was a graduate of Penns Valley High School and attended Lock Haven University for one year, before transferring to Penn State University to complete his education. After college, he served in the US Army and then moved to Tipton with his wife and began his teaching career.
In 1988, he retired as the Industrial Arts teacher at Bellwood-Antis High School after thirty years of service.
He had a marvelous sense of humor and delighted in making people laugh. His focus was on his family, home, garden and his pets. He was both a craftsman with wood and a builder, adding space onto his home over the years. Bob enjoyed movies and recorded over 1000 for family entertainment. He was an athlete and enjoyed many sports during his lifetime.
Bob was very much loved and will be greatly missed.

Friends will be received from 2-4pm Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018 at Jon C. Russin Funeral Home, Inc. Bellwood. A funeral service will be held at 11am Monday, Dec. 3, 2018 at the funeral home, Pastor Ralph Hamer officiating.
Interment at Blair Memorial Park, Antis Township.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations in Bob’s memory be made to Central PA Humane Society, Altoona.

Online condolences for Miller’s family may be left here.

Dr. Dolores Noll, KH ’51 — Jan. 8, 2019

Dolores L. Noll, 88, a pioneer in gay and lesbian issues at Kent State University died Tuesday, January 8, 2019 in Mt. Pleasant, S.C.
Dolores was born August 14, 1930 in Fairfield, Iowa, and raised in Berea, Ky. She was one of two children of the late Waldemere Noll and the late Nell Scovel Noll. She was a member of the United Church of Christ in Cleveland, Ohio.
Dolores and her partner of 37 years Pat Hatfield lived in an assisted living center in South Carolina. Dolores Noll had severe dementia. Pat remembers, and speaks fondly of her partner. To her, Dolores was a compassionate, kind and funny woman with a habit of always needing to be in charge. Dolores Noll was the first Kent State University Diversity Trailblazer Award recipient to Professor Emeritus of English. The award was presented to Dr. Noll by Dr. Lester Lefton and Kent State’s Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Alfreda Brown in 2010.
Dolores Noll was a national pioneer in gay and lesbian issues, Noll was an early contributor to Kent State’s own history of supporting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender studies. That history goes back to 1972, when Noll became the first professor to teach a gay and lesbian issues course at Kent State. She was also a co-founder and adviser to the Kent Gay Liberation Front, now called PRIDE! Kent, one of the oldest gay rights student organizations in the country.
Her sister, Leonore Walters, preceded her in death; Dolores is survived by her partner of 37 years, Pat F. Hatfield of Mount Pleasant, S.C. and brother-in-law, Douglas Walters of Chicago, Ill.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, January 15, 2019 in The Palms of Mt. Pleasant, 937 Bowman Road, Mount Pleasant, S.C. at 2 p.m. Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR, INC. MOUNT PLEASANT CHAPEL.
Memorials may be made to the American Civil Liberties Union of South Carolina, P. O. Box 20998, Charleston, SC 29413.
Online condolences for Noll’s family may be left here.

Betty Redmond Roberts ’51

Obituary unavailable.

Wheeler K. Bell ’52 — Nov. 1, 2018

Wheeler K. Bell, 87, passed away Thursday , November 1, 2018 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Born in Clinchport, Virginia, he was the son of the late Robert and Virgie Bell, preceded in death by his daughter Sharon, brother Ronald and sister Betty Sue. Wheeler is survived by his wife of 66 years, Anne Taylor Bell, son Richard (Elisabeth), daughter Susan Gallagher (Michael), grandchildren Melissa Caballlero (Lenny), Hannah Gallagher, great grandchildren Chloe, Sophia and Nicholas Caballero, along with many loved nieces and nephews.
Wheeler was a graduate of Hiltons High School, VA and Berea College, KY. He was a member of the first graduating class of University of Virginia’s Darden School in 1957. Prior to attending the Darden School, Wheeler served three years as a Communications Officer on the U.S.S. New Jersey. After Darden, Wheeler enjoyed a successful 28-year career as a personnel director at Bell Laboratories in New Jersey. Wheeler was fortunate to retire at age 54 which enabled him to participate in some of his favorite activities such as golf, travel, friends and family.
Visitation will be held Sunday, November 4, 2018 3p.m. – 5 p.m. at Woody Funeral Home Parham Chapel, 1771 N. Parham Road Richmond, Va. A graveside service will be held 10 am, Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at Indian Mound Cemetery in Romney, West Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Henrico Rescue Squad. Online condolences for Bell’s family may be left here.

Dr. Henry S. Brown ’52 — Dec. 30, 2018

Henry Seawell Brown, Phd., age 88, of the North Cove Community, passed away on Sunday, December 30, 2018 at the Memorial Campus of Mission Hospitals in Asheville, NC. Henry was born in the North Cove Community on March 4, 1930 to the late Rom and Phoebe Daniels Brown. He was a long time member of the Concord United Methodist Church and the Mystic Tie Lodge #237 A.F. & A.M.
Left behind to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 67 years, Wilda Eskew Brown of the home; five children, David Romulus Brown of Morganton, John Brown and wife Katie of Charlotte, Henry Burton Brown and wife Kathryn of Greensboro, Laurie Miles and husband Blair of North Cove, and Shelley B. Lenckus and husband Harold of Clayton; a brother, R. Jack Brown and wife Wanda of North Cove; and ten grandchildren.
A visitation will be held on Friday, January 4, 2019 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the chapel of Westmoreland Funeral Home in Marion. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at Concord United Methodist Church in North Cove with Rev. Carroll Miller officiating. A private committal service will follow at the Brown Family Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials maybe be made to Concord United Methodist Church at 8806 Linville Road, Marion, NC, 28752 or Shriners Hospitals for Children at 950 W Faris Rd, Greenville, SC 29605. Westmoreland Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences for Brown’s family may be left here.

Rev. Bert E. Clark ’52 — Nov. 30, 2018

CLARK, REV. BERT E. Of Burton, age 90, died November 30, 2018. Funeral service was held December 3, 2018. Online condolences for Clark’s family may be left here.

S. Eugene Dekich ’52 — May 15, 2018

Dekich, Sherlie Eugene age 88 of Indian Springs, Alabama passed away on May 15, 2018. Mr. Dekich was born in Madison County, AL where he grew up in Harvest. He was a graduate of Auburn University; combat veteran of the Korean War; a Retired LTC in the US Army Reserve and long-time branch manager and CLU for Provident Life Insurance. He is survived by his loving wife, Nina Kelly Dekich; son, Dr. Steven E. Dekich, daughter, Dianne Dekich McGee; grandchildren, Adam Dekich, Captain Lucian Dekich, USAF, Brenna McGee Radin, Colin McGee and Andrew McGee; 8 great-grandchildren. Family will receive friends on Friday, May 18, 2018 at Southern Heritage Funeral Home from 1:00 until 2:00pm. There will be a private burial at the Alabama National Cemetery.

Published in The Birmingham News on May 16, 2018

Online condolences for Dekich’s family may be left here.

Vernon E. Fisher, Husband of Susan Fisher ’52 — Jan. 8, 2018

Staunton – Vernon Everett Fisher, 94, husband of Susan (Wiseman) Fisher of 819 Lammermoor Drive went to be with the Lord on Monday, January 8, 2018.
Mr. Fisher was born on April 11, 1923 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Joseph Emmett and Edna Ruth (Sterchi) Fisher.
Vernon married his wife Susan Wiseman, of McDowell, Virginia in 1954.
After serving in the Navy during World War II, he began his career with NASA working in Cleveland, OH, later in Cape Canaveral, FL, and finally in Cambridge, MA. Leaving NASA, he relocated to Fairfax, VA and worked as a civilian with the United States Department of the Army. Upon retiring from the government, he joined the Church at Northern Virginia Whole Word Fellowship, serving as a Deacon and was also in charge of building maintenance. Mr. Fisher and his wife moved to Staunton in 1994, and became a member of the Calvary Assembly of God and served in the audio department. He was a private pilot, enjoyed model airplanes, electronics, and he was an aviation “buff.”
In addition to his parents, Mr. Fisher was preceded in death by two brothers, Howard “Buzz” Fisher and Marlan Fisher; and two sisters, Gertrude Fisher and Beverly Wolfe.
Mr. Fisher was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Surviving in addition to his wife of sixty-three years, is a son, Douglas S. Fisher and his wife Debra of Woodbridge; a daughter, Diane F. Doggett of Mechanicsville; five grandchildren, Michael Fisher and wife Nicole, Carrie Brune and husband Aaron, Christopher Fisher, Joshua Doggett and Rachel Doggett; three great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of life will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 12, 2018 in the Coffman Funeral Home Chapel by Pastors Kevin Persinger and Gregory Miller.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Burial will follow in Head Waters Cemetery in Highland County, Virginia.
Active pallbearers will be Michael Fisher, Christopher Fisher, Joshua Doggett, Aaron Brune, Les Marvin and Dennis Walters.
Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton, is in charge of his arrangements.

Online condolences for Fisher’s family may be left here.

Margaret S. Haun, FD ’48, ’52

Obituary unavailable

Mary Harber Harris, FD ’53

Obituary unavailable

Pat Johnson Martin ’52 — March 4, 2019

Patricia Johnson Martin of Columbia, MD, age 86, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2019. A native of Polk County North Carolina, her lifelong passions were her family, her career in nursing, her horses, and travel. She was a proud graduate of Berea College in Berea, Kentucky. Surviving are her husband Chreston Martin of Columbia, MD, her son Frank (Nancy) Canada of Grand Rapids MI, her daughter Mary (Marty) Garrison of Goodyear, AZ, grandson Andy (Erin) Garrison of Kansas City, KS, grand- daughters Kelsey Canada of Hyattsville, MD and Jaime Canada of Grand Rapids, MI, and great granddaughter Elise Garrison of Kansas City KS.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James E. and Mary Foster Johnson, three sisters, Valerie London, Ruth Tezza, and Gail Barnes, and three brothers, James Johnson, Chris Johnson, and Dean Johnson.

Visitation will be held on Saturday March 9 from10:30-11:30 am at Petty Funeral Home, 124 North Trade Ave., Landrum, SC, followed by a graveside service at Pacolet Hills Baptist Church Cemetery, 3240 Red Fox Road, Columbus NC. Online condolences for Martin’s family may be left here.

Richard Franklin Duncan ’54 — Dec. 19, 2018

Obituary unavailable

George S. Geyer ’54 — March 22, 2019

George “Bud” S. Geyer, 87, of Hudson, FL passed away peacefully on Friday, March 22nd, 2019. George was born in Renick, West Virginia to Russell and Susie Geyer on October 12th, 1931 and was a Christian by faith.
George graduated from Berea College in Kentucky as an Agriculture major, then joined the Army in 1954, where he served as a Food Inspector while stationed in Germany. After leaving the service, George went on to earn his master’s degree in Public Health at the University of Michigan. He was employed by the Oakland County Health Department as a Sanitarian for many years until his retirement.
George is predeceased by his first wife, Margaret, his parents Russell and Susie (Shisler) Geyer, sisters Mary Pearl Compton and June Hill, and brothers Russell Hill Geyer and Thomas Hill Geyer. Survivors include his loving wife, Shirley Jean Geyer, children Susan Weedall (Michael) of OR, David Geyer (Carrie) of MI, Karen Blaine (David) of MI and Steven Geyer (Ban) of CA, and his sisters Betty Penrod and Patricia Tomlinson, cousins Linda Spencer, Brenda Spencer and Elizabeth Riley, nieces Rosalyn Carper, Debbie Van Pelt ,Dana Pfister, Donna Kreibel and Kimberly Hill, stepchildren Al Watson, Katherine Watson and April Jacobs, and grandchildren Scott, Ryan, Josh and Daniel, and great-grandchildren Tran and Van.
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, March 28th, 2019 at 2:00 PM at Grace Memorial Funeral Home, Hudson FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George’s name to Berea College, CPO 2216, Berea KY 40404 or make a gift online (please check the box to “Dedicate my donation”)

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of George “Bud” S. Geyer please visit our Sympathy Store. Online condolences for Geyer’s family may be made here.

Lloyd Viars, FD ’54 — Nov. 8, 2018

Lloyd P. Viars, age 82, of Berea, passed away Thursday, November 8, 2018 at St. Joseph Berea Hospital.
Lloyd was born in Springfield, Ohio to the late Gertrude Powell Anderkin. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a retired supervisor at Dresser Industries. He loved to farm, was a graduate of Berea Foundation School and was a member of Silver Creek Baptist Church.
In addition to his mother, he was also preceded in death by two brothers, Johnny Viars and George Viars.
He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Lula Mae Burnell Viars and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 1pm, Monday, November 12, 2018 at Lakes Funeral Home with Rev. Jeff Reed officiating. Burial will follow in the Berea Cemetery. Visitation will be 12pm until 1pm on Monday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Jason Burnell, Billy Linville, J.C. “Trig” Burnell, Will Burnell, Kevin Burnell, and William Abner. Honorary bearers are his caregivers, Anna Trent, Linda Hackworth, Lilly Hall, Rebecca Hagar, and Ashley Hackworth.

Online condolences for Viars’ family may be left here.

Dr. Betty M. Burchett ’55 — April 10, 2019

Betty M. Burchett, EdD, age 84, of Demossville, Kentucky, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at St. Elizabeth Hospice in Edgewood, Kentucky.

She was born and raised in Johnson County, Kentucky. She was baptized and taught school in Paintsville, Kentucky. In 1997, she retired, after 42 years of teaching, ending her career at the University of Missouri-Columbia (retiring as Professor Emerita).  Over the years, she was recognized for her dedication and excellence in education and received many awards including the AMOCO Outstanding Teaching Award (1976), College Education Advisor of the Year (1987 & 1990), National Science Teachers Association Distinguished Service Award (1994), and the Council for Elementary Science International Distinguished Service Award (1996).  After retirement, Dr. Burchett enjoyed traveling, reading, needlework, participating in local organizations, and visiting Berea College (where she attended undergraduate school) and eventually moved back to that community.

Her parents, Eddie and Beaunie VanHoose Burchett; brother Eddie Burchett, Jr.; and infant sister, Elda Burchett; all preceded her in death.  She is survived by her niece, Melissa Burchett Basham; great niece, Allison Basham Moss (Tyler); great nephew, Matthew Tyler Basham; great-great nieces, Adalynn Rose, Ellanor Grace and Amelia Jo; and sister-in-law, Janice DePriest Burchett.

A Celebration of Life service was held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 27^th, 2019 in the Jones-Preston Funeral Chapel with James Kelly Caudill officiating. A time of Reflection and Remembrance will begin at 1:00 p.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 27, 2019 at Jones-Preston Funeral Home. Private burial in the Burchett Family Cemetery, Stambaugh, Kentucky.

Hope Cornett Richards ’55

Obituary unavailable

Delores McCellan Anderson, FD ’56 — Dec. 31, 2018

Obituary unavailable

Dr. V. Milton Boyce ’56 — Aug. 29, 2018

Virgil “Milton” Boyce, 83, of Stephens City, VA, passed away peacefully in his sleep, Wednesday, August 29, 2018.
Mr. Boyce was born September 8, 1934 in Renick, WV; the son of the late Virgil and Jessie Fuell Boyce. He served in the US Army. He was a member of the VFW, NARFE, Friends of the Shenandoah River, Knights of Columbus and Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. He was an inductee of the National 4-H Hall of Fame. Milton retired from the Department of Agriculture, Extension Service, in 1989, to return to his country roots at a farm in Stephens City. Milton was loved by many; family, friends, and his “volunteers” from the 4-H club. Generously loving was his recipe for a happy life.
He married Mary Margaret Appelman, April 21, 1961 in Augusta, KY.
Along with his loving and devoted wife Margaret, he leaves behind his son, Craig Boyce and his wife Liz Levinson of Gainesville, VA; daughters, Cindy Boyce of Winchester, VA, Dawn Boyce and her husband Rich Knight of Fairfax, VA, Shirley Boyce and her husband Andri Martoncik of Stephens City; grandchildren, Alexandra Butler and her husband TJ Butler, Quirsten Martoncik, Jonathan and Corey Knight, Joshua and Luke Boyce; and great grandchildren, Carson and Aria Butler.
He is preceded in death by his brother, Nelson Boyce and sister, Sybil Reynolds.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening, September 4, 2018 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Jones Funeral Home in Winchester.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church with Father Lundberg officiating. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Friends of the Shenandoah River or Berea College. Online condolences for Boyce’s family may be left here.

Patricia T. Taylor Lester ’56 — Nov. 22, 2018

Patricia Jean Lester, nee Taylor. Age 83. Born January 9, 1935 in Springfield, WV. Former wife of George Lester. Loving mother of Julia (Julie) Lester, Kay (the late Darryl) Handcock, Brooke (Michelle) Lester and David (Marina Balan) Lester. Devoted grandmother of Max and Joshua Kornfield, Melissa (Kyle) Rhoades, Stephanie Handcock, Andrew Lester and Carina (Andrew Carr) Balan. Great-grandmother of Owen and Hannah Rhoades. Beloved aunt of many nieces and nephews. Dear sister of Jake and Anne. Preceded in death by her parents; Clarence and Inez Taylor, siblings: Eva, Peg, John, Ruth, and Mary Susan. Mrs. Lester received her RN from Berea College, Kentucky (1956) and Masters in Nursing from Roosevelt University (1991). Visitation Monday, Nov. 26, 3-8 p.m., at Ryan-Parke Funeral Home, 120 S. Northwest Hwy. (2 blks. S. of Touhy), Park Ridge. Memorial Service Tuesday, Nov. 27, 11 a.m., at First United Methodist Church of Park Ridge. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, memorials to First United Methodist Church of Park Ridge or Covenant Village Benevolent Fund. Online condolences for Lester’s family may be left here.

Elizabeth Waldroup Masters ’56 — Oct. 16, 2018

Obituary unavailable

Barbara Tinsley Moore ’56 — Nov. 4, 2018

What do you say about someone whose favorite saying was, “I never met a stranger”? Who always had a smile on her face? Who found joy in the smallest of things and lived life in the moment? Who put the feelings of others ahead of her own?
Simple words cannot convey our great sadness as we communicate the passing of Barbara Jo Moore, whose love of family took precedence over all. Mother to Doug and Rick; mother-in-law to Sydnie and Paula; grandmother (G-ma) to Katy, Jimmy, Duncan and Cliff and wife to Bobby – her beloved husband of 63 years whom she lost just nine months ago – she will be forever missed.
From humble beginnings in Gauley Bridge, W. Va. to studies at the highly regarded Berea College, which provides a higher education to kids from Appalachia, Barbara’s southern roots always prevailed in her warm, gracious approach to all. Her college experience was highlighted by the chance encounter on a rainy evening with the love of her life, Bobby. “I knew when I met him that I was going to marry him,” she would say in her gentle and endearing drawl.
After getting married at Berea, Barbara and Bobby built a life together that took them to San Francisco, Calif.; Lexington, Ky.; Fort Dodge, Iowa (where their boys were raised); Kansas City, Mo.; and finally, to Arizona and their beloved golf community of Sun City West, where they found their perfect retirement spot.
Barbara began her professional career as a music and pre-school teacher and later began teaching second and third grades at Corpus Christi School in Fort Dodge, where she worked for more than twenty years, touching hundreds of young lives. The consummate teacher, she was conscientious yet caring – and held
every student in the highest regard. She shared memories, wisdom, and stories about her teaching days many years after retiring.
She loved music and was gifted with the innate ability to play piano effortlessly by ear. Family times like Christmas will never be the same without gathering around as she played song after song – this was truly a talent that conveyed her gentle spirit.
Those she left behind will always remember Barbara as pure in thought and forever positive. Even as she was drained of the energies of life by cancer, she worried most about imposing on those who gathered to help her.
Our lives will be less bright in her absence, but stronger with the many sweet memories she left. Go in peace and give Bobby a hug from us.
A small private family gathering will be held in lieu of a funeral. Those who wish to send a memorial gift in Barbara’s name can donate to Berea College to enable others to start their wonderful life adventure just like Bobby and Barbara did so many years ago.

Harold G. Sturgill, Husband of Cora Sturgill ’56 — Sept. 22, 2018

Harold G. Sturgill, age 85, of Mt. Sterling, Ohio, passed away September 22, 2018. Preceded in death by his parents, Grace (Fyffe) and Gennis Sturgill, and his brother, Kenneth Sturgill. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 62 years, Cora (Ball), 5 daughters, Jenny (Bill) Maslink of Midlothian, VA; Laura (Tom) Terveer of London, OH; Robin (Russ) Sanders of Hartwell, GA, Rhonda (Richard) Sturgill-Gay of Laurinburg, NC, Edie (Michael) O’Reilly of Naples, FL; 9 grandchildren, Rachel and Wes Terveer, Gene, Will, and Matthew Maslink, Kit and Ellie Sanders, Grace and Luke O’Reilly, sisters Anna Murphy and Kay (Ron) Cordle, both of Louisa, KY; sister-in-laws Wilma Sturgill, Betty Moore, and Louise Ball, and numerous nieces and nephews, dear friends and neighbors. Harold attended Mt. Sterling First United Methodist Church, was active with the Participators class, and the waffle booth. He worked 20 years with Westinghouse Electric and went on to a truck-driving career that spanned 22 years. He enjoyed being with family, fishing, growing tomatoes, birdwatching, playing cards, and volunteered 10 years with Life Care Alliance delivering Meals on Wheels. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, September 26th at Porter-Tidd Funeral Home, Mt. Sterling, Ohio. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 27th at First United Methodist Church, Mt. Sterling, Ohio, with visitation 1 hour prior. Burial will follow at Big Plain Cemetery. Online condolences for Sturgills’ family may be left here.

H. Bradley Brown ’57 — Dec. 8, 2018

Hollis Bradley Brown, a longtime resident of Maysville, Kentucky, passed away December 8, 2018 at Wesley Village in Wilmore. He was 87.
He was born August 19, 1931, to Mattie Todd Brown and Lee Brown of Pulaski County. He was a graduate of Eubank High School, Berea College, and the University of Kentucky. He served in the US Army near Regensburg, Germany from 1954 to 1956.
He had a distinguished career with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. He was 4-H agent in Lewis County and Taylor County, prior to spending most of his career as the Area Development Specialist for the ten-county Licking River Area. For the latter position, his office was in the Fleming County courthouse until the construction of the Maysville Community College, where he was one of the original occupants in 1969. He was a welcomed guest speaker at Homemaker meetings and garden club meetings. He enjoyed his long-running live monthly chat on WFTM radio’s True to the Farm program hosted by Bill Stewart.
He was an active church member. During the years in Campbellsville, he and his wife Jill were youth group sponsors at Bethel Presbyterian Church. In Maysville, he was the founder of the audio tape ministry at Central United Methodist Church, where he held various leadership positions over a 45-year period. He was active in United Methodist Men at the local and district level. He served on the board of United Methodist Mountain Mission based in Jackson. He served as a lay speaker for United Methodist churches of the Maysville district.
He served in the leadership of the UK Agriculture Alumni organization. As an active retiree, he could be found daily walking the indoor track at the Maysville YMCA, where many considered him a friend. He was longtime secretary of the Mason County Men’s Club.
He was married in 1958 to Clara “Jill” Wolfe, originally from Parsons, West Virginia, who survives him. Jill and Bradley met in the fall of 1953 at Berea College. Other survivors include daughter Jayne Brown Zimmerman (Jeff) of Deerfield, Illinois, John Bradley Brown (Jennifer) of Lexington, and four grandchildren: Kelsey Rose Brown, Kurtis Bradley Brown, Anna Zimmerman and Ellen Zimmerman. He was preceded in death by sister Velma Brown Blankenship and brother John Barkley Brown.
A brief committal service will be held, near his boyhood home, at the Woodstock Baptist Church, 12600 KY Hwy 39, Somerset, KY 42503, on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at 2:30 pm with Bradley’s son-in-law, Rev. Jeff Zimmerman, officiating. Burial, with full military honors performed by the Caswell-Saufley American Legion Post #18, will follow in Woodstock Cemetery.
A memorial service will be held at Wesley Village, 1125 Lexington Road, Wilmore, in the Wilmore Senior Community Center, on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at 2:30 pm with Rev. Todd Nelson and Dr. John Oswalt officiating. Following the service, attendees are invited to a reception hosted by Wesley Village in memory of Bradley.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to Central United Methodist Church, 916 East Second Street, Maysville, KY, 41056.
Barnett, Demrow & Friend Funeral Home, Waynesburg, KY, is entrusted with Bradley’s arrangements. Online condolences for Brown’s family may be left here.

H. Jack Chambers ’57 — Oct. 23, 2018

Howell “Jack” Chambers, Sr., age 85, of Cleveland, passed away Wednesday, October 23, 2018. Jack was an Industrial Arts teacher at Brooklyn High School. He was also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Loving husband of Beverly A. Chambers; dear father of Jack Chambers, Jr. (Jill) and Wayne (Sandra); grandfather of Nicholas, Hunter, Wayne, and Carlee Chambers; brother of Josephine Hellyer; uncle of many; friend and teacher of many. He was preceded in death by brother Hugh Chambers. In lieu of flowers, please take your family to dinner in memory of Jack. Friends may call at the Busch Funeral Home, 4334 Pearl Road, Cleveland, OH 44109 on Monday, October 29th from 4-7pm. Funeral Service will be held at St. James Lutheran Church, 4771 Broadview Road, Cleveland, OH 44109 on Tuesday, October 30 at 11am. Interment at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Seville, Ohio. 216-741-7700

Online condolences for Chambers’ family may be left here.

Patsy Back Cook ’57 — Sept. 22, 2018

COOK Patsy “Pat” Ruth, 82, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 22, 2018 while surrounded by her children. A native of Blackey, Kentucky, Pat was born in 1935 to the late Clyde and Mabel (Bates) Back. Pat was the widow of Ted Cook as well as a former Lafayette High School guidance counselor. She was a beautiful, gracious, compassionate, intelligent, wise, perceptive, classy, calm, kind, courageous, admired, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. A graduate of Berea College and the University of Kentucky, Pat began her career as a teacher of history, then as a counselor at Dunbar Jr. High School. From there she joined Lafayette High School, retiring after over twenty years of service. An avid bridge player and golfer, Pat had a collection of trophies; one, in particular, for a hole-in-one. Pat and her husband, Ted, were true University of Kentucky sports fans. They travelled to away games and watched game replays. Pat joined the Presbyterian Church as a young woman. She was a member of Beaumont Presbyterian Church, joining shortly after the church opened in the early 1960’s. She was a faithful member which afforded her and Ted many social contacts resulting in life-long friendships. Pat leaves behind a son, Richard (Patricia) Cook; daughters, Jackie (Ron) Merrifield and Libby (Steve) Leedy; 11 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Jesse and Bill Back as well as her sisters, Mary Lou Croucher and Beth Hunter. Pat’s children would like to thank the competent and compassionate people who were caregivers to their mom during this past year. She will be deeply missed. Family will receive friends on Thursday, September 27th from 5 pm 8 pm at Milward-Southland, located at 391 Southland Drive, Lexington. Funeral service will be at 11 am on Friday, September 28th at Beaumont Presbyterian Church located at 1070 Lane Allen Road, Lexington with Rev. Stephen Fearing officiating. In honor of Pat’s legacy and in addition to floral tributes, her family would like memorial contributions directed to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th floor, New York, NY 10001. Online condolences for Cook’s family may be left here.

Roebertha Harvey Taylor ’57 — Feb. 3, 2019

Roebertha (Bert) Harvey Taylor, wife of Felix Taylor of Annville, formerly of London passed away Sunday February 3, 2019 in London, Ky. She was born February 11, 1937 at Hiawatha WV. Her parents William and Gertrue Harvey preceded her in death. She is also survived by her children, Mike (Debby) Taylor of Versailles, Tammy (Greg) Sizemore of London KY, Kevin (Rita) Taylor of Lily, Phil Taylor of Lexington, 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Also survived by sisters Samantha Tucker, Dorothy Hodge, Wanda Faidley and Elitha Harvey (sister-in-law). Preceded in death by 3 brothers and 5 sisters. She was a 1957 graduate of the Berea College School of Nursing. She had a varied and long career in nursing, spending many years in maternity at the Corbin Hospital. She was an active member of First Baptist Church, London, where she taught Sunday School, interpreted sermons for the deaf, taught ASL and participated in church missions, including a medical mission to Russia. She was loved and will be missed by many.
Visitation will be held at London Funeral Home Wednesday, February 6, from 6pm-8pm. Funeral Thursday, February 7, at 1pm in London Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Corinth Cemetery in Corbin, Kentucky. In lieu of flowers family requests donations be made to: First Baptist Church Building Program for a youth center, 804 West 5th Street, London Kentucky, 40741.
Serving as Pallbearers are Jacob Taylor, Ethan Taylor, Ben Taylor, Nick Taylor, Shan Taylor and Aaron Iddings.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Roebertha “Bert” Taylor please visit our Sympathy Store. Online condolences for Taylor’s family may be left here.

Vada Hess Walker, FD ’57 — Dec. 12, 2017

Walker, Vada Hess entered into eternal rest on December 12, 2017. Vada was a generous person who graciously helped people in their time of need. She was head strong and independent. Vada took great pride in her home and immaculate care of her yard. She loved animals and often fed the neighborhood strays.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Walker Sr.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, John Walker II (Sheila); grandchildren, Olivia and John Walker; a few sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be Saturday, December 16th at 12:00pm at Evergreen Funeral Home. Visitation will also be on Saturday from 9:30-12:00pm at the funeral home. Burial will be private at Evergreen Cemetery.

Online condolences for Walker’s family may be left here.

Carolyn Brasel Enright ’58 — April 30, 2018

She departed this life comfortable on Monday morning in hospice care in Berea, Kentucky. She attended Berea College, later became a teacher in Orlando, Florida, City Schools. In life she mastered several challenging jobs along with being a mother of three children. Those surviving her are as following: sons, Michael Powell of Grand Cayman, Joel and Debbie Powell of Charlotte, North Carolina; a daughter, Paige and Andy Beichler, Berea; two sisters in Forbin, Charlynne Rogers and Connie McHargue; several grandchildren and special friends in Berea, Rita Eaton, Becky Dverson, Nancy Smith and Holly Jones. Preceding her in death area as follows: parents, Curtis and Oranell Brasel; an infant son, Marty; husband, Jim Enright; and ex-husband, Eldon Powell. She will be missed by a host of family and friends.

Online condolences for Enright’s family may be left here.

Doris Galliher Stephens ’58 — March 3, 2019

Doris Galliher Stephens passed away at the Gordon Hospice House in Statesville, N.C. on Wednesday, March 3, 2019. Doris was born in Washington County, Va. She worked her way through Berea College in Kentucky for her undergraduate degree, and graduated from Louisiana State University with a masters degree of Library Science. Doris was the head librarian of the Amos Memorial Public Library in Sidney, Ohio and then became the director of the Bristol Public Library in Bristol, Tenn. She finally settled in Taylorsville, N.C. and worked 17 years as director of the Alexander County Library retiring in 2003. Doris is survived by her brother, Charles Galliher of Chilhowie, Va.; son, Jonathan Stephens of Mt. Dora, Fla., and Martin Stephens of Taylorsville, N.C.; and granddaughter, Eleanor Stephens of New South Wales, Australia. She was preceded in death by her brother, Bill Galliher of Glade Spring, Va.; and sister, Margaret Watts of Frederick, Md. Doris was a member of the Charlotte Friends Meeting and attended the Catawba Valley Friends Preparatory Meeting in Hickory. A memorial service will be held 3 p.m., Wednesday, March 13, 2019, at Unitarian Universalist Church of Catawba Valley, 833 5th St SE, Hickory, NC 28602, with a reception to follow at the church. Memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity, the American Cancer Society, and Wake Forest School of Medicine. Online condolences may be left for Stephens’ family here.

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1960s

James Hilliard Sutton Jr. ’60 — Sept. 5, 2018

James Hilliard Sutton, age 80, formerly of Woodbine, Kentucky, and Palm Bay, FL departed this life Wednesday, September 5, 2018, at his home in Murfreesboro, TN. James was Born December 11, 1947, to the late Maxine & Hillard Sutton. James is Veteran of the U.S. Navy and was on the USS Forrestal and also severed in the National Guards in Florida . James was a retired teacher for Brevard County School where he taught science at Eau Gallie High School, and Johnson Jr. High in Florida. James is survived by his loving wife Regenia (Murdock) Sutton of Murfreesboro, TN. Three children: Bonnie Sutton and Tommy Sutton both of Corbin, KY, and Melissa Phillips & husband Kenn of Warrenton, VA. One Step-son Brad McDowel of Springfield, Co. Six Grandchildren, Two Step Grandchildren, Six Great Grandchildren. James is also survived by a host of other relatives and friends to mourn his passing. Memorial services will be held at 11:00a.m. Saturday, November 24, 2018, at the Rest Haven Cemetery with Rev. Bobby Joe Eaton officiating. O’Neil Lawson Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.

Gilberto Hinojosa ’61 — Feb. 2, 2019

Gilberto was born in Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico. He attended Stuart Robinson Settlement
School in Blackey, Kentucky while living in Hazard, Kentucky with Jack and Ann Caudell. He continued his education at Berea college and graduated with a degree in French. When any of the Spanish and French teachers were unable to teach, he was their substitute teacher and most beloved by them. He was in the Spanish, French, and Cosmopolitan Clubs and toured with the Berea College Country Dancers to South America and New York City. He taught French at Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff, Missouri where he met his wife, Ann Tudor (sister to Mary Tudor Pennycuff class of 1963). He moved to Ft. Worth, Texas where he taught French at Tarrant County College until his retirement. He was preceded in death by his wife Ann and daughter Amelia Ann Bryant. He is survived by two grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and some number of sisters, cousins, nieces and nephews. Gilberto returned to his home in Victoria, Mexico shortly before his death and was buried in the family cemetery.

Donna Flack Eary ’61 — Feb. 18, 2019

On February 18, 2019, Donna L. Eary (Flack) passed away due to complications from diabetes.
Donna was a graduate of Rupert High School and earned her bachelor’s degree from Berea College. Teacher of Home Economics at Sparrows Point and Dundalk High Schools.
Married to Julius H. Eary for 49 years; sister of Sonny Flack, Barbara Pursley, Carla Sue Davis, Butch Flack; mother of Jeffrey Eary; grandmother of Hailey, Claudia, Tori; great grandmother of Sophia and Anastasia.
Visitation will be held Friday, February 22, from 2-4 p.m. and then 6-8 p.m. at the Duda Ruck Funeral Home of Dundalk. Funeral Service will also be held at Duda Ruck on Saturday, February 23 at 10 a.m. followed by service at Oaklawn Cemetery.

James M. Ammons, FD ’62 — Dec. 10, 2018

James Martin Ammons, 75, Of Shipman Died Monday, December 10, 2018 At His Residence. Born On December 4, 1943 In Charlottesville A Son Of The Late James M. Ammons And Mary Elizabeth Martin Ammons. James Worked For Many Years As A Salesman For An Automotive Exhaust Parts Company And Then Started His Own Company With His Wife And Enjoyed 28 Years Of Traveling And Selling. He Loved His Work And His Customers. He Retired 3 Years Ago Due To His Health. He Was An Avid Nascar Fan And Was Always Going To A Race With His Buddy Or Watching It On Tv. James Loved Being Outdoors Working In His Flower Gardens Or Building Some New Structure. He Collected And Sold Antiques For Many Years And Loved Going To Shows, Flea Markets And Yard Sales. He Appeared On “American Pickers” Because Of His Extreme Collection Of Automotive And Petroleum Signs. He Loved Animals And Surrounded Himself With Lots Of Dogs, Cats, Exotic Pheasants And Peafowl. James Loved His Family, Friends And A Good Time! He Is Survived By His Wife Of 48 Years Phyllis Williams Ammons; Brother Charles Ammons Of Harrisonburg; Two Nephews And Three Great-Nephews. A Celebration Of Life Will Be Held At A Later Date. Arrangements By Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel Of Lovingston (434) 263-4097.

Margaret Alice Barnwell ’62 — Nov. 2, 2015

Obituary unavailable

Lila Davis Bellando ’62 — Feb. 18, 2019

Lila Raye Davis Bellando, age 78, wife of Richard passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, February 16, 2019. Mrs. Bellando was born September 23, 1940 in Athens, Alabama to the late Earl and Lela Smith Davis and at age four moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee where she graduated from high school.
She received her undergraduate degree from Berea College and a Master of Education from Eastern Kentucky University. Mrs. Bellando along with her husband purchased Churchill Weavers in 1973 and she became President and designer, operating the company, with her husband Richard, until 2007. Under her guidance the total archives of Churchill Weavers from 1928 – 2007 is now housed in the Kentucky Historical Society. The archive is said to be the largest American Textile collection in existence.
She was past president of the Southern Highland Handicraft Guild in Asheville, NC, the Berea Younger Women’s Club, served on the Kentucky State Board of Education and the Kentucky State Arts Council, and was a recipient of the Governors awards in Arts Education. Being a teacher at heart she loved traveling and teaching watercolor and weaving on cruise ships, and was a very strong advocate for art education. She was one of the founders of the Berea Craft Festival, and was instrumental in raising funds for the Compassionate Care Center in Richmond, KY. Her home was always open to host many foreign exchange students attending Berea College.
Other than her husband Richard, she is survived by her children; Tara Bellando and her husband Emory Sorrentino, James Bellando and his wife Jennifer and their three daughters, Isabella, Layla, and Olivia, all of Berea, KY. Also surviving are her sisters; Linda Davis of Lake Charles, Louisiana and Janice Gisham of Beaufort, South Carolina and sister-in-law Alice and her husband Edward Moyer of Ewing, New Jersey, as well as by many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Lila Bellando’s life will be held at Churchills on March 31st, 2019 at 3:00 pm with Rev. Kent Gilbert officiating. Davis & Powell Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers donations are suggested to the Compassionate Care Center 350 Isaacs Lane, Richmond, KY 40475

Lt. Col. Orville Branham, USAF Ret. ’62 — March 1, 2019

Orville M., Lt Col. (ret. USAF) Most recently of Pensacola, FL, passed away on 1 March 2019 due to complications of renal and heart diseases at the age of 79. He humbly served his country, community and faith. He was a much beloved husband, father and friend who will be sorely missed. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to Berea College’s Tuition Assistance Fund (Berea, KY), the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) or Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF).

Gerald Dean Roberts ’62 — March 8, 2019

Gerald D. Roberts, 79, formerly of Pennsylvania passed away on Friday, March 8, 2019. He was the son of the late Fred Martin and Vivian Crowder Roberts. Gerald was a graduate of Berea College and retired from Glaxo Smithkline Pharmaceutical Company as a research chemist.
He is survived by his sisters, Darlene Buckner (Bruce) and Cheryl Huff (Jim); nephews, Tyler Buckner (Erica) and children, Tavian, Mazden, Blake Buckner (Monica) and children, Gavin, Kane, Rowan, and Wren, and Nathan Huff (Leslie) and children, Eli and Luke; and nieces, Rebekah and Kaitlin Huff.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Monday, March 11, 2019 at Locust Grove Baptist Church where he was a member. Rev. Ben Whitmire and Rev. Wesley Pike will officiate. The burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3:00 – 5:00 pm Sunday at Blue Ridge Funeral Service.
Online condolences for Roberts’ family may be left here.

Penny R. Denson West ’62

Obituary unavailable

Isaac F. Bledsoe ’63 — July 18, 2018

Isaac F. “Ike” Bledsoe, 77, of Fort Payne, passed away Wednesday, July 18, 2018. He was born January 16, 1941 to the late Isaac D. and Mable Rhoten Bledsoe. Mr. Bledsoe was the owner/operator of McDonald’s. He was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church.
A memorial service will be 12:30 Saturday, July 28th at Asbury United Methodist Church with Rev. Paul Messer officiating. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until the 12:30 p.m. hour of service on July 28th. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham, AL or Chattanooga, TN.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Peggy Bledsoe; sons David Bledsoe and wife, Angela and John Bledsoe and wife, Ashley; grandchildren, Mary Margaret, Shelby, Lindsay, Anna, and Abby.

Claire Lucille Ross Watkins ’63

Obituary unavailable

Isaac Crase ’64 — Nov. 3, 2018

Isaac (Ike) Clyde Crase, 75, of Ames, Iowa died at Bethany Life in Story City on November 3, 2018. Ike had been diagnosed in 2010 with inclusion-body myositis, an autoimmune disorder, and ultimately succumbed to its muscle-deteriorating effects. Ike was born June 8, 1943 in Roxana, Kentucky to Ida and Ted Crase, both schoolteachers; he was the middle of five children. He grew up in the beautiful mountains of eastern Kentucky, scampering among the hills and lush wooded landscape, and swimming and fishing in the Kentucky River. He attended various one-room primary schools in Letcher County, often taught by his parents. He spent two years at Whitesburg High School in Whitesburg, Kentucky, before transferring to Cumberland High School in Harlan County, where he excelled academically and was on the basketball team, earning all-district honors. Ike graduated as valedictorian from Cumberland High School in 1960 and attended Berea College in Berea, Kentucky from 1960-64. At Berea he majored in math and chemistry and worked in the college library throughout his time there; he remarked how much he loved the smell of the old books in the library stacks, and the moments of downtime when he could sneak away and read in a corner. He spent his Berea summers harvesting peas in Mendota, Illinois, a difficult and grueling job that gave him an appreciation for the labor of migrant workers and a lifetime of stories. Berea was also where he met and fell in love with Sedahlia Jasper. In 1966 he earned a Masters degree in mathematics from the University of Kentucky, before spending a year teaching math at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina. He married Sedahlia Jasper in 1967, and while she was earning a masters degree at the University of Kentucky, he taught math at Berea College. Ike and Sedahlia moved to Ames, Iowa in 1969 to attend Iowa State University, where Ike completed further graduate studies in math. Ike worked as a systems analyst for the State of Iowa Comptroller in the mid-1970s and at Sundstrand hydro-transmissions (now Danfoss) during the late 70s and most of the next 25 years. He left Sundstrand for a couple of years to try his hand as a stock broker, but despite enjoying investing, sales was not to his liking, so he returned to Sundstrand. In the last decade of his career, he was a systems engineer at Engineering Animation (now Siemens). He periodically taught mathematics as an adjunct instructor at various colleges in Iowa. He retired in 2009 to several years of travel all over the world with Friendship Force International and other groups. By 2016, he was unable to travel due to his increasing decline. Ike loved nature, especially moon-gazing (which, for his kids, he called the “moo moo”), and had a fascination with geology and rock-hunting. He could spend hours roaming the woods, a beach, or a lake looking for beautiful rocks, which lined his longtime Baker Street home and later his room at Bethany Life. He had a love affair with Ada Hayden Park in Ames, spending hours upon hours walking and later zooming in his electric wheelchair through the trails and connecting, in his own spiritual way, with nature. Ike was an avid lover of all sports, and had a close place in his heart for the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team, cheering them on relentlessly. Growing up, he excelled at basketball, and in his adult life he passionately competed in regional racquetball tournaments. Later in life, he picked up tennis and golf. Throughout his life, he loved watching and talking about a wide variety of sports. He was a beautiful writer and voracious reader. He enjoyed playing with words, once eulogizing the family cat, Friskit, by writing, “She will not impatiently raehr in that inimitable fashion at someone imprudent enough to nap in her presence.” When Brandon played little league baseball, Ike would craft weekly newsletters touting each player’s achievements; the boys upped their play in efforts to receive mentions in his “Ruminations from the Equipment Locker” newsletter. When Ike and Sedahlia left their longtime home on Baker Street for a more accessible home, he penned a farewell poem that started “I will wake up tomorrow on Baker no more forever / I will watch the moo moo rise above the stately Baker trees nevermore” and, after stanzas recounting his fond memories from that home, he concluded with a hopeful tone: “And the sun will come up tomorrow / And the moo moo will rise majestically to new surroundings.” As a child, he entertained himself by reading a full encyclopedia set. He begged his parents to purchase the full World Book set, and although this was an expensive purchase for them and had to be paid in installments they never tired of recalling his joy when the thick reference books arrived and he began to devour each one in turn, page by page. His fervor for learning never slowed. After retirement he engaged in continuing education classes and trips, soaking up newfound knowledge in courses covering geology, the universe, music, politics, religion, humor, and history. While his body was slowly deteriorating, his mind was flourishing. When his muscles prevented him from walking, he affectionately offered his own middle name to his electric wheelchair, “Clyde.” Clyde provided him newfound freedom to zoom through the trails of Ada Hayden park, leaving anyone walking with him in his dust. Ike was fun-loving and quick with a laugh. He loved to play. He was clever, but at all times humble in his humor. He was not the center of attention,but was always ready with a subtle joke and a wry smile. Ike was, at his core, a loving father and spouse. He was the epitome of a gentle, loving, nurturing, and devoted father, full of unconditional love for Kirsten and Brandon. The first night at home after Kirsten was born, he stumbled walking down a dark flight of stairs holding her. He would share the story of protecting Kirsten by holding her above his body, as he tumbled down the stairs. He was ever-present at Brandon’s sporting events, and held the rare honor of having been kicked out of a high school tennis match for over-cheering. He was also a devoted attendee of Kirsten and Brandon’s dance recitals. He would share of Sedahlia from their travels together, affectionately referring to her as his trophy wife, and he never tired of celebrating her professional accomplishments and her character. Ike died peacefully at Bethany Life, the place that had become his secure home, a place where he was lovingly cared for over the past 10 months. He was surrounded by a circle of devoted staff, friends, and family. Ike will be cremated, as he wished, so that he can return to the earth he so loved. We will think of him each time we see a gem of a rock and a full “moo moo” lighting up a dark night. Ike is survived by his wife, Sedahlia Jasper Crase, Ames; two children, Kirsten Lee Crase, Takoma Park, Maryland, and Brandon Keith Crase, Chicago; two siblings, Guinevere (Gwen) Ison, Somerset, Kentucky, and Kenneth Wayland Crase (Mary Sue), North Augusta, South Carolina; and his sister-in-law, Kathy Jasper Weiler, Somerset, Kentucky. In addition he is survived by nieces and nephews Randall Keith Ison (Janie), Deanna Marie Ison, Kimberly Crase Claytor (Joe), Katherine Nicole Crase, James Karl Crase (Melissa), Valerie Gail Crase Scholovich (Pete), and Teddy Keith Crase. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ida Lee Coots Crase and Theodore (Ted) Crase; his brother, James Douglas Crase; his sister Martha Elaine Crase; his brother-in-law Paul Rowan Weiler, and his sister-in-law Janice Hunley Crase. Visitation will be on Thursday, November 8, from 4-7 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home in Ames. A Celebration of Life will be on Friday, November 9 at 11:00 a.m. at Collegiate Presbyterian Church in Ames. In lieu of flowers, the gift of a donation may be made in Ike’s memory to his beloved alma mater, Berea College, Berea KY 40404.

Dr. Helen Hunt Mills ’64

Obituary unavailable

Wayne Derwood Dillman ’65 — Sept. 28, 2018

Wayne Derwood Dillman, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, left this earth on September 28, 2018 and entered a new life with his Heavenly Father. He was born July 3, 1942 in Middlesboro, KY.
Wayne graduated from Middlesboro High School and graduated from Berea College in 1965 with a degree in Business Administration. While at Berea College, he met his future wife, Donna Sparks. After college, he commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force and became a C-130 pilot. He served in the Vietnam and Cold Wars. He faithfully served 20 years and received several honors and commendations during his Air Force career; Wayne was most proud of the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster and the Vietnam Service Medal with three service stars, as well as earning his Masters Degree in Business Administration where he earned an A+ in statistics. Upon retirement from the Air Force, he served 20 more years as a counselor in a halfway house, Transitions, in Ashland, Kentucky. .
We are so grateful for the support of dear family and friends. Wayne was a humble, kind, hard-working, and down-to-earth man who enjoyed the simple things of life. He thoroughly enjoyed his family, flying, reading, crossword puzzles and working in the yard. He was so proud to have served his country and loved to talk airplanes. His sense of duty never diminished. May he fly on Eagles wings.
Surviving are his loving wife of 53 years, Donna and two sons, Scott (and wife Jill) of North Little Rock, Arkansas and Chris (and wife Becky) of Exeter, New Hampshire, who were his pride and joy, his four precious grandchildren: Drew, Ella, Ben and Alex Dillman, as well as his two brothers Joe Dillman (and wife Goldie) of Fruitland Park, Florida and David Dillman (and wife Donna) of Middlesboro, Tennessee, whom he cared for deeply. He is survived as well by a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and dear friends.
Wayne loved to make people laugh, one of his quotes and something to make you smile: “The square root of pi is not square, its round. Pie is not square.”
A funeral service will be held at First Baptist in Richmond, Kentucky on Monday, October 1, 2018 at 11:00 am, with Rev. Bill Fort officiating. A burial will be held at a later date.
Visitation will be from 10:00 am until service time at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Kentucky and Southern, Indiana.

Edna Daughtry Estes ’65 — May 13, 2018

Edna Daughtry Estes, 75, of Ruckersville, VA passed away at her home Sunday, May 13, 2018. Edna was born April 10, 1943 in Crimora, VA, daughter of the late Sidney W. Daughtry and Mary Brubaker Daughtry. She is survived by her son, Paul Estes and his wife, Summer Sabadosh of Ruckersville,VA ; daughter, Anita McDaniel and her husband, Tony of Lake Helen, FL; two brothers, Raymond Daughtry and his wife, Marion and John Daughtry all of Ruckersville, VA; two sisters, Ruth Davis and Doris Bender and her husband, John of Ephrata, PA; three grandchildren, Chelsea and William McDaniel and Leander Estes. Edna was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Sanford “Shorty” Estes; and sister, Caroline Cody. Edna was employed by the Greene County Dental Clinic for many years. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Ruckersville Baptist Church, 6 Moore Road, Ruckersville, VA with Pastor Wendell Lamb officiating. Interment will follow at Ruckersville Community Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Ryan Funeral Home of Ruckersville is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for Estes’ family may be left here.

Capt. John M. Holliday ’65 — Aug. 7, 2017

Captain John M. Holliday Class of 1964, US Airforce
Passed away Aug. 7, 2017 in Dayton, OH.
Buried with full military honors Camp Nelson, Lexington, KY
Survived by his wife of 52 years, Oda (Mills) Holliday, Nursing 1965 and four children. Oda continues to live at 6512 Tellea St. Dayton, OH 45424. Would be pleased to hear from Berea friends and classmates.

Ron H. Singleton ’66 — Nov. 12, 2018

Ronnie Herman Singleton (November 9, 1942 – November 12, 2018) A loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Ronnie Herman Singleton went to be with his Heavenly Father after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s on November 12, 2018. Ronnie was born in Brodhead, Kentucky on November 9, 1942 (just celebrating his 76th birthday) to Herman and Mary (Craig) Singleton. He is preceded in death by Herman and Mary (his parents), Ed McWhorter (step-father), Brenda McMullin (sister) and Bobby Singleton (brother). Ronnie was baptized into Christ at Mr. Roy Brown’s pond in the summer of 1964. He was a proud graduate of Berea College, and a lifelong member and longtime deacon at Gardiner Lane Church of Christ (Louisville). Ronnie was an avid runner, lover of sports (especially those that his children and grandchildren participated in), former member of the Jeffersontown Optimist Club, and volunteer with the Mason-Dixon Games. He was presented with a prestigious Bell Award in 1987 through the Honored Volunteer Program. Professionally, Ronnie was co-founder of the Louisville Chapter of Certified Employee Benefits Council, formerly held the role Vice President of National Accounts at Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield as well as other key positions around the community. He was perhaps most proud of his designation as a Certified Employee Benefits (CEB) Specialist. His greatest pleasure in life was most certainly his family, setting a wonderful Christian example of what it meant to be a kind, gentle and loving man. He leaves behind his wife of 54 years, Carol (Cruse) Singleton; his children, Stephanie Singleton, Holly Ashley (Jeff) and Adam Singleton (Michelle). “Papa”, a lover of ice cream, was beloved by his six grandchildren and one great-grandchild: Vincent Harlamert, Jack Singleton, Elizabeth Ashley, Clair Ashley, Julia Singleton, Jane Singleton and Chloe Harlamert. Ronnie is also remembered by several siblings: Evelyn (Paul) Cruse, Janice (Jim) Parsons, and Patricia Pruitt. There are many, many cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and other family who will also cherish his memory. Visitation will be at Ratterman’s East Louisville, 12900 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville KY 40243 on Friday November 16, 2018 from 4pm – 8pm. The Funeral Service will also be held at Ratterman’s on Saturday November 17, 2018 at 10am, with burial to follow at Cave Hill Cemetery. Rest well good and faithful servant. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 Today’s Events Visitation Nov 16. 4:00 PM 8:00 PM Ratterman Brothers Funeral Home East Louisville 12900 Shelbyville Road Louisville, KY, US, 40243

Polly Partin Vaughan-Beck ’66 — Dec. 9, 2018

Obituary unavailable

James Irvine Wright ’66 — Jan. 15, 2019

Tujunga, California — James was born on April 17, 1944 and passed away on Tuesday, January 15, 2019. James was a resident of Tujunga, California at the time of passing. Jim was a 1962 graduate of Dorton High School and a 1966 graduate of Berea College.

Dr. Theodore Fuller ’67 — Sept. 10, 2018

Dr. Theodore Fuller of Washington, DC passed Mon. Sept 10, Memorial Service will be Sat. Sept 22, 2018 at 1pm at Mt. Hebron Baptist Church Pratt City with burial to follow at Dynasty Gardens
Published in The Birmingham News on Sept. 21, 2018

Polly Ann Downs Guinn ’67 — Nov. 25, 2018

Polly Anne Downs Guinn born on July 21, 1945, passed away peacefully to meet her Savior Jesus Christ after a courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis on Sunday, November 25, 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Eloise Downs and brother, Richard Downs. She is survived by her sister, Jenifer (Neill) Haggard; nieces Lara Pate and Mahala Pate; son, Shadrick (Melissa) Guinn; and her pride and joy, grandchildren Jacob Guinn and Emily Kate Guinn. Polly touched many lives and was an inspiration to all. She never lost her faith, her optimism, or her determination to live life as fully as she was able. The family is grateful for the care provided to Polly at Life Care Center in Cleveland. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that, donations be made to a charity of your choice, in her honor. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 9th at 2pm in the Chapel at First Presbyterian Church, Chattanooga on McCallie Avenue. You are invited to share a personal memory of Polly or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located here. Companion Funeral and Cremation Service and the Cody family are honored to assist the Guinn family with these arrangements.

Dr. William F. Moore ’67 — March 5, 2019

Dr. William Franklin “Bill” Moore, Sr. age 80 of Rocky Mount passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 in Lewis-Gale Hospital. Bill was born on September 9, 1938 a son of the late John William and Jesephine Seymore Moore and also preceded in death by his first wife, Trecillia Leonard Moore; brother, Danny Moore; sisters, Marybelle Moore Saar and Irene Moore Hinchey. He is survived by his wife, Rose Smith Moore; children: Melissa Trecillia Moore, William Franklin Moore, Jr. and wife Liz, Pamela Moore Laprade and husband Billy Laprade; grandchildren, Hayden Arrington, Holden Arrington, Alyssa Graves, Mallory Laprade, Marissa Laprade; great-granddaughter Lydia Arrington, and other family members, friends, Sunday School and church family of Boones Mill Baptist. Bill was a graduate of Berea College and Virginia Tech University where he obtained his PhD and was a Professor at Berry College, Morehead State University, and finally Ferrum College, where he developed a nationally recognized agriculture program that continues to succeed. He was most proud of his professional accomplishments, including his PhD, which helped his student alumni develop successful careers under his instruction as a college professor because of his special teaching talent. His passions were God, the love of his life, Rose Moore, his family, including children, grandchildren, great-granddaughter, as well as his students and his church. He is remembered by his constant positive attitude, continuous jokes and laughter, and the happiness he exuded with his smile and the spark in his eye until the end. He was a man of faith, honor, love, and prayer. He is a legend and lived his beliefs until his death. The family would like to express a special appreciation the to the doctors from PAV who have given us a long life with him and to the nurses, physical therapy, and staff at the Virginia Veterans Care Center who encouraged, strengthened, and loved him with their excellent care. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to Boones Mill Baptist Church Senior Sunday School 2nd Saturday Breakfast, P.O. Box 230 Boones Mill, VA 24065. Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 9, 2019 at Conner-Bowman Funeral Home with Pastors James H. Steele and Bob Greene officiating. Interment will follow with military honors in Mountain View Memorial Park. Following the committal service, family and friends are invited back to Boones Mill Baptist Church for food, fellowship and laughter as Bill wanted laughter, NOT tears. Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home & Crematory, 62 VA Market Place Drive (Route 220 @ Wirtz Road) Rocky Mount. (540) 334-5151 Today’s Events Funeral Service Mar 09. 11:00 AM Conner-Bowman Funeral Home 62 Virginia Market Place Drive Rocky Mount, VA, 24151

Dr. Herbert D. Stern, Husband of Lynda Stern ’67

Obituary unavailable

Judith Garner White ’67 — Sept. 18, 2018

Judy Garner White, age 73, of Somerset, KY passed from this life on Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital.
Judy was born on May 16, 1945 in Cains Store area of Pulaski Co., KY to the late Orvis Garner and Mary Lois Stevens Garner.
She is survived by her husband, Bill White to whom she married June 4, 1966 in Danforth Chapel at Berea College, one son, Patrick Edward White and his wife, Allyson Crawley White, one grandson, Nathaniel E. White. She is also survived by her sister, Sharon Garner Hartling (Link), sisters-in-law, Patricia White (Mark Hoover), Barbara Vencill (Kenneth), Pearl Price (Mike), nephew, John Barnes (Amy), and their six children, a niece, Jennifer Barnes Wells (Scott) their two children, and Dana Price Menster (Mike Menster), their one son, and Katrina Vencill Venters (Eddie Venters), and their one son.
Judy trusted in Jesus as her Savior at an early age and was a long-time member of Bradley’s Pleasure Baptist Church in Cains Store, KY. She was a very passionate and loving wife, mother, and citizen. She was one that put her whole self into every task, job, or activity where she became involved. She had a deep love for her only living son, grandson, and daughter-in-law. She showed her love by the many things that she did through life that added a completed touch. Her knack for understanding the whole of a task and developing goals led to her leadership skills at home, work, and the community. Her urgency for tasks she faced in life helped her generate energy to get things done.
She was a retired teacher, Director of Instruction/Curriculum, and Interim Superintendent of Schools for Somerset Independent Schools. She was a Grant Procurement Specialist for two years at Science Hill Independent Schools, an EKU Teacher Educator for four years, and served one term as President of Kentucky Association of Educational Supervisors. In her volunteer activities, she served as President of Pulaski Co. Retired Teachers, President of Middle Cumberland Retired Teachers, Berea College Executive Council Member and Admissions Associate, IRS/AARP Tax Assistant Program, and Children’s Sunday School Teacher.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 21, 2018 from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at Lake Cumberland Funeral Home. Her funeral service will follow at 2:00 P.M. at the Chapel of Lake Cumberland Funeral Home with Bro. James Floyd and Rick E. Stump officiating. Burial will be at Bradley’s Pleasure Cemetery.
A memorial in Judy’s name has been established to Bradley’s Pleasure Cemetery.
Online condolences for White’s family may be left here.

Neal Leon Craig ’68 — Oct. 13, 2018

CRAIG, Neal L., 85, of Richmond, went to be with the Lord Saturday, October 13, 2018. Neal is survived by his sons, Michael Craig (Cathy), Alex Craig (Nancy); daughter, Norma Craig; grandchildren, Christine Paschal (Isaac), Kevin Craig (Erin), Jeremy Craig, Emma Craig, Brianne Craig and Brice Deakin; numerous great-grandchildren; sister, Lois Watson; brother, Ed Craig. Neal was a retired U.S. Navy Lt.Commander, with over 20 years of service. He was a pilot and flight instructor while serving in the Navy. Neal enjoyed touring the Continental United States, volunteered with the Forest View Rescue Squad and was a 20-year member of the Goochland Baptist Church. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, October 27, 2018, at Goochland Baptist Church, 2454 Manakin Rd., Manakin-Sabot, Va. 23103. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis, Tenn. 38105.

Suzette McQueen Rodgers ’68 — June 30, 2017

Suzette McQueen Rodgers, age 67, of Crockett, VA passed away Friday, June 30, 2017 at her home.  She was born in Shields, KY on August 6, 1949 the daughter of the late Roy Allen McQueen and Grace Cleo Clem McQueen.  Suzette was a member of the King’s Grove United Methodist Church. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Fred D. Rodgers, Jr.; her children, Shannon Doyle Rodgers and his wife, Christy of Wytheville, VA, Delena Rodgers Fletcher of Mt. Airy, NC, Fred D. Rodgers, III and significant other Nicole Hernandez of North Wilkesboro, NC, Allen Homer Rodgers  and wife Amber of Wichita, KS; eleven grandchildren; sisters, Nella McQueen Wilson and husband Clayton of Marshall, NC, Christal Snyder and husband Bill of Gay, WV; brother, Tony McQueen and companion Molly Hugh of Middletown, OH; numerous nieces and nephews also survive. The family will receive friends at the Lindsey Funeral Home Monday, July 3, 2017 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M.  with funeral services to follow at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at the Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church in Organ Cave, WV with Rev. Shari Stilgenbauer and Mr. Michael Davis officiating.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.  The family also will receive friends from 12 Noon until service time.  The family requests that those who prefer may make memorials to the Rural Retreat Volunteer Emergency Services, PO Box 111, Rural Retreat, VA  24368. Lindsey Funeral Home, Rural Retreat, VA is serving the Rodgers family.  Online condolences for Rodgers’ family may be left here.

Jerry W. Absher ’69 — Jan. 7, 2019

Jerry Wayne Absher age 71 of Jefferson passed away, Monday, January 7, 2019 at his home. Mr. Absher was born on Tuesday, June 10, 1947 in Ashe County to the late Tom and Sybol Pollard Absher. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Jack Absher. Jerry graduated from Ashe Central High School, Berea College then Appalachian State University. He retired from Ashe County Public Schools, he will be remembered as a great educator and inspiration to the children of Ashe County. On Sunday mornings you could often find he and Becky on the front steps welcoming you to West Jefferson First Baptist Church. Some of Jerry’s favorite pastimes were playing golf with his friends, traveling, restoring/repurposing furniture and being outdoors mowing the lawn. Given the nickname “Bird”, Jerry could best be described as a great friend and family man that lived life to the fullest. Mr. Absher is survived by, his wife, Becky Coldiron Absher, daughters, Paige Fairchild (Chad) of Jefferson, Allison Langdon (Brandon) of West Jefferson, grandchildren, Addie, Gracie & Bridger Fairchild, Harrison & Hattie Leigh Landgon, brothers, Roger Absher, Erban Absher both of Wilkesboro, Jessie Absher of Charleston, SC, sisters, Virginia Brooks of Bowling Green, VA, Debbie Absher of Wilkesboro; several nieces and nephews also survive. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, January 20, 2019 at 4:00 pm at Badger Funeral Home Chapel by Wayne Blythe and Rev. Dr. Michael Lea. A gathering of family and friends will precede the service, from 2:00-4:00 pm at Badger Funeral Home. The family respectfully requests no flowers please, memorials may be made to Ashe Advantage Scholarship Fund, c/o Ashe County Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 31, West Jefferson, NC 28694.

Gary Donovan Ealey ’69 — Feb. 15, 2019

Gary Donovan Ealey, 76, of Grapevine Road, passed away Friday, February 15, 2019. Gary is the son of the late James Arthur and Ocie McKencie Ealey. He is also preceded in death by his sister, Virginia Hackworth (Payne). Gary was an Army veteran worked as an NC Agriculture Extension Agent in Madison County for over 30 years and served as the 4-H Club leader in Madison County. He was a member of Grapevine Baptist Church where he was baptized on September 14, 2008.
Gary is survived by his wife of 38 years, Myrtle Rochester Ealey; daughter, Tara Ealey Frederick (Bill); stepchildren, Tammy Sprouse Israel (Dan) and Joey Sprouse; sisters, Billie Frances Shaw, Ruth Ealey; and Grace Helton (Tim); brother, Phillip Ealey (Faye); grandchildren, Ryan Frederick (Naome), Bradley Frederick, Alicia Sprouse and Jake Israel; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 12pm Thursday, February 21, 2019, at Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service. Reverends Danny Jenkins and Kenneth Parker will officiate. Burial will follow in the Gosnell Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grapevine Baptist Church, c/o Phyllis Bradley, 11 Cargile Branch Road, Marshall, NC 28753.
Gary loved his family, his community, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and eating. He was a great story-teller and had a passion for farming and loved working with the local farmers.
Online condolences for Ealey’s family may be left here.

Thomas O. Hunter ’69 — Sept. 18, 2015

Thomas Opie Hunter, 68, of Lebanon, Virginia, went to be with the Lord on Friday, September 18, 2015, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Belva and Opie Hunter; two sisters, Eleanor White and Regina Hunter; and two brothers, Wilbur Hunter and Randal Hunter. Tom was a Vietnam veteran, and a Revenue Officer with the Internal Revenue Service. He was an enthusiastic bird watcher and photographer. He coordinated the Mendota Hawk Watch for six years and served on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Ornithology Society. Survivors include his wife, Laverne Hunter; son, John Hunter of Owings Mills, Md.; and two brothers, Woodrow Hunter of Lincoln County, W.Va. and Larry Hunter of Graham, Wash. Pallbearers will be Willard Dingus, Bill Hubbard, Ernie Keen, Jack Keen, Jordan Keen, David Raines and Mike Sanders. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Jennings and Bob Montgomery. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, September 21, 2015, at the Lebanon Memorial United Methodist Church in Lebanon, with the Rev. Timothy Hankins officiating. Interment will follow in Ketron Memorial Gardens in Lebanon with military graveside rites conducted by the Lebanon VFW Post 9864. The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 20, 2015, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Online condolences for Hunter’s family may be left here.

Lelia Prater King ’69 — Aug. 12, 2018

Lelia Prater King, wife of Lawerence W. King, passed away August 12th, 2018. She was born in Floyd County, Kentucky on November 13th, 1947 to the late Jack and Orpha Conley Prater. Survivors, other than Lawerence, include her two daughters, Kimberly Ann and Deborah Dawn of Georgetown, Kentucky. Other survivors include her brothers, Dr. Gary Prater of Ashland, Kentucky, Ronnie Dale (Carol Sue) Prater of Prestonsburg, Kentucky and Barry Prater of Prestonsburg, Kentucky; a sister, Camille (Gorman) Brown of Langley, Kentucky; a sister-in-law, Priscilla Prater of Prestonsburg, Kentucky; various nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents, Lelia was preceded in death by a brother, Larry Prater; a nephew, Kenny Brown and a great-niece, Kelly Marshall. Services will be private.

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1970s

Sandra West Dick ’70 — Jan. 30, 2018

Sandra West Dick, 70, of Rustburg died Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at her home. She was the wife of the late Roger Dick, Sr. She was born January 17, 1948 in Campbell County, a daughter of Lucy McMinnis West of Lynch Station and the late Thomas West. Sandy was a retired teacher from the Bedford County School System and a voracious reader. She is survived by two sons, Roger Dick, Jr. and his wife, Stacey Woodford of Hardy and Joshua Dick of Phoenix, AZ; a daughter, Susan Heath and her husband, David of Phoenix, AZ; three brothers, Thomas West, Larry West, and Phillip West and his wife, Lisa all of Lynch Station; two sisters, Maggie West of Lynch Station and Diane Kelly and her husband, Thomas of Altavista; three grandchildren, Nathan Woodford, Quinn Forrester, and Ian Forrester; and one great granddaughter, Korra Forrester. The family received friends from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m., Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Finch & Finch Funeral and Cremation Service, Altavista. The family suggests that those wishing to make memorials consider the Altavista Area YMCA, 718 Seventh St, Altavista, VA 24517. Online condolences for Dick’s family may be left here.

Shirley Tarte Trent ’70 — May 16, 2015

Shirley Jean Tarte Trent, 67, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2015, in the Indian Path Medical Center. She was born on February 29, 1948 in Kingsport, Tennessee, the daughter of the late Fred Lafon Tarte and Hazel Powhowtan Williams Tarte. Mrs. Trent was diagnosed with Polio at a very young age and was a homemaker. She was of the Baptist Faith, liked reading, writing stories, listening to music, working in the garden and with flowers. She liked getting a good deal at the Thrift Store, and she loved her family. Mrs. Trent was most proud of being sober for the last twenty-eight years. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Trent was preceded in death by Paternal Grandparents, Fred and Nora Tarte; Maternal Grandparents, James and Bessie Williams; and one brother, Jimmy Tarte. Survivors include her children, Jenny Prichard and husband Harv, Jimmy Russo and wife Susan, Leora Kipimo and husband Bawily, Marlena Trent and Michael Trent; ten grandchildren, Joseph, Kayla, Alex, Eseka, Hannah, Frazia, James, Avery, Matt and Jeremy; one brother, David Tarte; one sister, Patty Potts; and one niece, Amber Potts. A Memorial Service for Mrs. Shirley Jean Tarte Trent will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at 7:00pm at Freedom Baptist Church, 1536 Independence Avenue, Mt. Carmel, TN with Pastor Andy Sensabaugh officiating. The family will greet friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the family c/o James Russo, 414 Poplar Street, Mt. Carmel, TN 37645. East Lawn Funeral Home, 4997 Memorial Blvd, Kingsport, TN 37664; 423-288-2081 is honored to be serving the Trent family. Memorial Service Tuesday, May 19, 2015 7:00 pm Freedom Baptist Church 1536 Independence Avenue Mt. Carmel, Tennessee

Janie Ross Kitchen ’71 — Feb. 7, 2019

Janie Lynn Kitchen, 69 of Grayson went to be with her Lord on Thursday, February 7, 2019 at Kings Daughters Medical Center in Ashland. Janie was born August 16, 1949 in Portsmouth OH, a daughter of the late Carl and Remondia Blair Riffe. She was retired from ACTC as Dean of Academic Affairs, a member of the Grayson Nazarene Church and numerous nursing organizations in several states. She was preceded in death by a nephew, Matthew Ross. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Bill Kitchen; two sons, Nicholas (Sara) Kitchen of Nashville, TN and Alexander (Annalise) Kitchen of Bondurant, IA; two sisters, Carla (David) Bottorff of Irvine, KY and Gina (Steve) Cielec of Scottown, OH; one brother, Michael (Linda) Ross of Berea KY; two granddaughters, Clara Kitchen and Karina Kitchen, and a host of other nieces and nephews. Services will be conducted 1:00 p.m. Monday at Malone Funeral Home with Charles Bayless and Jim Harris, ministers. Burial will be in the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North East. Visitation will be Sunday from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Malone Funeral Home. The family strongly suggest contributions to be made to your favorite charity in Janie’s name. Online condolences for Kitchen’s family may be left here.

Iva Lavender Phillips, Wife of William Paul Phillips ’71 — May 16, 2018

Iva Mae Lavender Phillips, age 66, of Oneida, TN, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 after a lengthy illness. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Oneida.
Iva retired as Administrative Manager of the District Attorney General’s Office for the 8th Judicial District, was a former editor of the Morgan County News, and graduated from Sunbright High School as Valedictorian in 1969. As a nontraditional student, she earned degrees from the University of Tennessee (B.A.) and Tennessee Technological University (M.A.) with high honors.
She was preceded in death by her father, Ivan M. Lavender of Deer Lodge, TN.
Iva is survived by her husband: Wm. Paul Phillips of Oneida; her son and daughter-in-law: Will and Sarah Phillips of Sharps Chapel; beloved twin grandchildren: Everett and Evelyn; her mother: Pearl Lavender of Deer Lodge; her brother: David and wife Jane Lavender of Kingston; her sisters: Ginny and husband Johnny Pemberton of Lancing, Helen and husband Wes Pemberton of Crossville, Bonnie Lavender of Lancing, and Annabell and husband Jimmy Robbins of Jacksonville, FL; her sister and brothers-in-law, Lynda and Johan Madson of Cary, NC, Tom and Dorothy Phillips of Oneida, Steve and Gina Phillips of Oneida, and Gary Phillips of Oneida; her nephews and nieces: James and wife Susanne Pemberton of Lancing, Jennifer and husband Larry Smarsh of Sunbright, Jody and husband Lester Strunk of Oneida, Johan P. Madson and wife Anne Hayes of Greensboro, NC, Marinda and husband Brad Crochet of Cary, NC, Lori and husband Phillip Jones of Oneida, Wade and wife Ginger Phillips of Knoxville, Stephen Phillips of Oneida, Jonathan Phillips of Oneida, Christian Phillips of Oneida, and Robyn Phillips of Chattanooga; her great-nephews and great-nieces: Jonathan Smarsh of Sunbright, Rachel and husband Ryan Human of Deer Lodge, Jayden and Jordan Pemberton of Lancing, Even and Gabe Crochet of Cary, NC, Alex and Claire Jones of Oneida, Anderson and Amelia Phillips of Knoxville, and Brennan and Sawyer Phillips of Oneida; her beloved nurse: Tabi Smith; and her best friends Marsha Swain, Tracey Orick, and Milford Sexton.
The family will receive friends at First Baptist Church (201 S. Main St., Oneida, TN 37841) on Friday, May 18, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. until time of funeral service at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Randy Pressnell officiating.
The family will gather at Jones and Son Funeral Home on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. to proceed to Cooper Memorial Gardens (3301 Coopertown Rd, Oneida) at New Haven Baptist Church for burial at 11:00 a.m.
Pallbearers for Iva will be John W. Tate, Mike Swain, Al Lay, Johnny Pemberton, James Pemberton, Larry Smarsh, Jonathon Smarsh, and Milford Sexton. Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Kline, and Joe Fields.
In-Lieu-of-Flowers: donations in memory of Iva may be made to the Iva L. Phillips Scholarship Fund, Roane State Foundation, 276 Patton Lane, Harriman, TN 37748-5011.

Ralph Tackett ’71 — Oct. 13, 2018

Ralph Tackett, age 69, of Picnic Hill Road in Irvine passed away Saturday, October 13, 2018, at his home after a sudden illness. He was born October 5, 1949 in Lake City, Tennessee and was the son of Maudie Ann Disney Tackett and the late Arvil Tackett. He was the owner of the Tackett Commercial Interiors and was a member of the Cedar Grove United Methodist Church. He was a former member of the United States Marine Reserves. He had lived in Estill County for the past 22 years. He is survived by: His Wife: Susan Jane Flinchum Tackett Estill Co. 1 Stepdaughter: Michelle (Claren) Jones Fayette Co. 1 Sister: Linda (Randy) Suddarth Tennessee 3 Grandchildren: Matthew Snowden, Jacob Jones, and Emma Clare Jones
Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, October 18, 1 PM at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel by Bro. Greg McClellan. Burial will follow in the West Irvine Cemetery. Friends may call between 6 and 9 PM Wednesday at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home.

Yvonne T. Endicott ’72 — June 16, 2017

Yvonne was born on April 19, 1950 and passed away on Friday, June 16, 2017.

Yvonne was a resident of Virginia.

Monty Lee Roberts ’72

Obituary unavailable

William Patrick Beahm ’73 — Dec. 5, 2018

William Patrick Beahm, 67, of East Ridge passed away Wednesday, December 5, 2018. He was a member of Jones Memorial United Methodist Church. Pat earned Eagle Scout in 1966 and enjoyed riding motorcycles, playing cards and spending time with friends. A native of Luray, Virginia he was a graduate of Luray High School Class of 1970, Berea College with a BA in Business Administration and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a Masters in Business Administration. He was married on December 23, 1973 to Janet Roten Beahm. Pat was preceded in death by his father, William Franklin Beahm and mother Verlie Virginia Jewel Beahm and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Jewel. Survivors include his wife, Janet R. Beahm; brother, Michael R. Beahm and his wife, Vicki F. Beahm; cousins, Kurt Harrell, Eddie Lillard, Guy Lillard and Judy Lillard; sister-in-law, Martha R. Buck and nephew, Joshua W. Buck and his wife, Tia Filhiol; many special friends and more distant cousins. A memorial service will be held at 2 PM Saturday, December 8, 2018 at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 South Moore Road with Pastor Doug Hartley officiating. The family will receive friends from 12 – 2 PM Saturday at the funeral home. Pat’s wish was to be cremated. Memorial contributions may be made to Luray, Virginia Rescue Squad, 25 Memorial Drive, Luray, VA 22835, East Ridge Animal Shelter, 1015 Yale Street, East Ridge, TN 37412, Jones Memorial United Methodist Church, 4131 Ringgold Road, East Ridge, TN 37412 or Hunter Memorial Baptist Church Building Fund 599 Highway 91, Elizabethton, TN 37643. DONATIONS Luray Virginia Rescue Squad 25 Memorial Drive , Luray, Virginia East Ridge Animal Shelter 1015 Yale Street , East Ridge, Tennessee 37412 Jones Memorial United Methodist Church 4131 Ringgold Road , East Ridge, Tennessee 37412 Hunter Memorial Baptist Church Building Fund 599 Highway 91 , Elizabethton, Tennessee 37643

Michael Chukwuelue ’73 — Nov. 6, 2018

2018Michael Sunday Nwakonobi Chukwuelue of Ifite, Agbaja-Abatete, was born in Onitsha, Anambra state, Nigeria on August 13^th 1938. He is the oldest son of the Chukwuelue Clan. And is fondly known as “Ugonnia” by many close friends and relatives.He attended Our Lady’s Primary School, and then Our Lady’s High School in Onitsha from 1954-1958. He worked briefly at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Lagos before leaving for the United States to further his education. He attended Berea College in Berea, Kentucky 1971-1972 and Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio from 1972-1974 where he graduated with Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Mike returned to Nigeria in 1976 and was employed by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF). His employment at ITF took around Nigeria. He worked at the Lagos, Kano, Calabar, Benin, and Jos branches. He retired from ITF in 1996.He passed on 6^th November 2018 in Kent, U.K after a brief illness. Mike is survived by a wife, 6 children and 15 grandchildren.

Kenny G. Rowlette ’73 — Oct. 26, 2018

Kenny G. Rowlette, 67, of Forest, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, October 26, 2018. He was a small town man from Berea, Ky. He graduated from Berea College where he met the love of his life, Ann, with whom he spent the last 47 years. He was a member of Thomas Road Baptist Church since 1980 and an English professor at Liberty University for 33 years. For the last five years, he worked at the Jerry Falwell Library where he completed the work he was called to do. He had a love for American history, especially of the Civil War period. He was a special speaker at numerous organizations. He was the co-founder and director of the Civil War Chaplains Museum. He was an honorary member of the MOWW, a member of the Lynchburg Civil War Round Table, and was also a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans as well as the Sons of Union Veterans. He is survived by his loving wife, Ann Rowlette; his daughters, Delanie Stephenson and her husband, Curtis, and Karen Beatty and her husband, Ben; four grandchildren who were the lights of PaPaw’s life, Katie, Ty, Alex, and Jack; his sisters, Glenna Price, Colette Ingram, and Melinda Rowlette; his brother, James Rowlette; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roscoe and Joyce Edwards; and numerous nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. Services will be held at the Old Thomas Road Baptist Church, Pate Chapel, on Monday, October 29, 2018, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Jonathan Falwell officiating. Friends may call from 12 to 2 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow the service at Virginia Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Civil War Chaplains Museum at Liberty University or the American Heart Association. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family. Online condolences for Rowlette’s family may be left here.

Jody Gay Ferguson Thomas ’75 — Feb. 7, 2019

Obituary unavailable

Ross Donnelly Arnold ’77 — Jan. 14, 2019

Obituary unavailable

Lois Cooper Jennings ’77 — March 13, 2019

Lois A. Jennings, 65, of Vanceburg, went to be with her Lord and Savior Wednesday, March 13, 2019, at SOMC Hospice in Portsmouth, Ohio, after an extended illness.
Lois was born in Lewis County April 17, 1953, to the late Otis and Sarah McGlone Cooper. She graduated from Berea College with her bachelor’s degree in education and earned her master’s degree from Morehead State University. She was an educator in the Lewis County School District for 27 years until her retirement.
Lois was an avid Bible reader and was a strong Christian woman. She liked reading, art, and enjoying her flowers. She was a member of Trace Fork Christian Holiness Church.
Survivors include her husband, Daniel Jennings of Vanceburg; a son, Jeremy (Hope) Bucher Jennings of Greenup; a sister, Sharon K. Cooper of Vanceburg; and a brother, Roger (Delores) Cooper of Vanceburg.
Several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive who will mourn her passing.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Norma Armstrong.
Services will be at Noon Saturday, March 16, 2019, at Trace Fork Christian Holiness Church with Bro. Terry Cooper officiating.
Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of services Saturday at the church.
Gaydos Funeral Home in Vanceburg is caring for arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to SOMC Hospice Center, 2203 25th Street, Portsmouth, OH 45662.
Online condolences for Jennings’ family may be left here.

Stephen M. Baisden, Husband of Susan Martin Baisden ’79 — Feb. 21, 2019

Stephen Morris Baisden, 60, of Lenore, WV, died Thursday, Feb. 21, at Cabell Huntington Hospital in Huntington, WV. He is survived by his widow, Susan Martin Baisden; two sons, Kraft Baisden of Hazard, KY, and Wesley Estepp of Delbarton, WV; one daughter, Amanda Baisden-Payne of Huntington; and three grandchildren, Bailey, Kendall and Abigail Payne of Huntington. He is also survived by three brothers, Jan Baisden of Kernersville, NC, Ernest Baisden Jr. of Romney, WV, and Harry Baisden of Falls Church, VA; three sisters, Judy Dempsey of Lenore, Diane Jenks of Eglon, WV, and Terri Collier of Loudon, TN; a number of nieces and nephews; and friends who are like family, Marsha Boggs, Sandy Porter, the entire Porter family, and many others. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Daniel and Michael Baisden. He was born in South Charleston, WV, on Nov. 7, 1958, the son of the late Ernest Sr. and Anna Baisden. He was a graduate of Lenore High School and attended Marshall University, where he earned a Bachelor of Regents Degree, and West Virginia University, where he earned a master’s degree in Legal Studies. A 21-year veteran of the West Virginia Dept. of Health and Human Resources, he was a hearing officer for the department’s Office of Inspector General upon his death. He was an adjunct faculty member at Southern West Virginia Community College, where he previously taught. He also taught himself computer graphics and worked for a time as production manager for newsletter publisher Pasha Publications in Arlington, VA. He had a passion for skiing and was an avid video gamer, a runner— he completed a five-kilometer run this past New Year’s Eve and was a long-time supporter of the Hatfield McCoy Marathon — and an accomplished cook. He was an active member of the East Williamson Baptist Church, where he served in many capacities. Visitation will be 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (5 p.m. for family) Saturday, Feb. 23, at the East Williamson Baptist Church, 414 Peter St., Williamson; memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Steve’s memory to East Williamson Baptist Church or the National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center at Case Western Reserve University.

Charlie L. Wilson ’79 — Dec. 15, 2018

Charlie Lee Wilson, of Sunny View, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018, surrounded by his family and friends
He was the son of Addie Lee Lawter Wilson and the late Leroy Wilson.
He was born Nov. 17, 1956.
He was a graduate of Polk Central High School and Berea College. He worked in the woodworking business most of his life, including Broyhill Industries.
He was a member of Coopers Gap Baptist Church.
He is survived by his mother; two sisters, Dorothy Faye Wilson and Kathleen Wilson Collins; brother-in-law, William Collins; two nieces, Hannah Collins and Olivia Collins; one nephew, Christopher Collins; his special friends, Elmer Painter, Mitch Pack, Clarence Laughter, Don Cordell, Tarry Bradley, the Benkerts, Joan, John, Mark, Helen and David; and his much-loved dog, Bonnie.
Visitation was from 6-8 p.m. Monday Dec. 17, 2018, at McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon, North Carolina.
A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018, at Coopers Cap Baptist Church, Mill Spring, North Carolina, with the Rev. Don Hollifield and the Rev. Charlie Jackson officiating.
Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Online condolences for Wilson’s family may be left here.

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1980s

Debra Jean Clark ’81 — June 20, 2018

Debbie Jean Clark, 60, of Grayson formerly of Lewis County passed away Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at Community Hospice in Ashland after a long struggle with diabetes and heart disease, with her family by her side.
She was born January 3, 1958 in Portsmouth, OH a daughter of the late William I. “Bud” Clark and Lillian Ervin
In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by a sister, Linda Ruth Clark, a brother-in-law, Ronnie Dummitt and a nephew, Anthony Noble.
She was a member of the Church of Christ, a 1976 graduate of Lewis County High School, a 1981 graduate of Berea College, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. She had worked as a registered nurse at Berea Hospital and later at the Mercy Hospital in Portsmouth, OH.
She is survived by three brothers; Dale (Betty) Rowe of Garrison, Darrell Rowe of Portsmouth, and Mike Clark of Garrison; two sisters, Kay Dummitt and Karen Sue Douglas both of Grayson, and several uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins to mourn her passing.
Funeral services will be Saturday, June 23, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at the Sparks Funeral Home in Grayson, Donald Ervin and David Carper officiating. Burial will follow in the Waring Cemetery at Garrison. Serving as pallbearers will be; Steve Ervin, Alex Gauze, Brian Gauze, Conner Gauze, Mike Douglas, and Hunter Ruggles
Visitation will be Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Online condolences for Clark’s family may be left here.

James R. Van Winkle ’87 — Dec. 15, 2018

Dr. James Rickey Van Winkle departed this life suddenly December 15, 2018 in Berea, Kentucky from a pulmonary embolism. He was born January 21, 1958 in Richmond, Kentucky to Luther James and Louise Ballinger Van Winkle. He is survived by: his wife, Rose Rex-Van Winkle; one son, James Ryan Van Winkle of Nokomis, Florida; one daughter, Leah Brittany Van Winkle of Berea; his mother, Louise Van Winkle; one sister, Brenda Holman of Berea; nephews, Brandon (Anita) Holman of Berea and Brad (Julie) Holman of Beattyville; mother-in-law, Mildred Lane, three brother-in-laws; one sister-in-law of Maryland; and one sister-in-law in Georgia; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. He will be missed by his two faithful dapple, miniature dachshunds, Nellie and Molly. He was preceded in death by his father Luther James Van Winkle and brother-in-law Dale Holman. Rick was a Doctor of Chiropractic since 1990. He attended Berea College and Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City, Kansas. He was a pro tennis player who still played frequently and enjoyed outdoor sports with his kids. He loved playing golf, camping and kayaking. He was also an Honorable Kentucky Colonel. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Oldham, Roberts & Powell Funeral Home Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday at Oldham, Roberts & Powell Funeral Home with Bro. Larry Day officiating the service. Flowers welcomed or donations can be made to the Humane Society of Madison County located at 128 Big Hill Avenue, Richmond, KY or Madison County Animal Shelter located at 1386 Richmond Road Berea KY 40403. Online condolences for Van Winkle’s family may be left here.

Basol Singleton ’87 — Nov. 7, 2016

Basol Singleton, Of Belleville, Formerly Chelsea, Michigan, Age 51, Passed Away On Monday, November 7, 2016, At The University Of Michigan Hospital In Ann Arbor. He Was Born On July 31, 1965, In Covington, Kentucky, The Son Of Robert Basol Singleton And Priscilla Lee (Mullins). Basol Worked As A General Manager For Delta Where He Will Be Remembered As A Great Leader, Co-Worker, And Friend. He Was A Huge Teddy Bear With A Heart Of Gold And Always An Optimist. He Loved Fishing, Having A Good Time With Friends, And Was A Wonderful Father, Always Going To His Kids’ Events.He Is Survived By His Children, Riley Marie Singleton And Mitchel Clay Singleton, And Their Mother Kelly Singleton Of Chelsea; His Mother, Priscilla Singleton; And One Brother, Preston Singleton. He Was Preceded In Death By His Father. The Family Would Like To Thank Basol’s Friends For Their Support And Also To Extend A Special Thank You To Tom Dugan For His Tremendous Help During This Time Of Need. Services Will Be Planned At A Later Date. Arrangements By Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Christy Clancy-Avery, Wife of James Talley Avery Jr. ’88 — Nov. 24, 2017

Christy was born on September 12, 1967 and passed away on Friday, November 24, 2017.
Christy was a resident of Liberty, Ohio at the time of passing.
Cremation has taken place and a Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 1, 2017 at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road.

Michelle Mowrey McCaulley ’89 — Nov. 9, 2018

Michelle lost her three-year fight with breast cancer on Nov. 9th at 9am. She was 52. She is survived by her three-year old daughter, Evangeline; husband, Rick; mother, Bobbi; father, Larry; stepmother, Linda; brothers, Lance and Lucas; sisters, Christie and Tracey; sisters-in-law, Mary Beth, Nicki, and Marcia; brothers-in-law, Matt, Doug, and Jim; and cousin, Troy, who was raised with her. Additionally, she has numerous close nephews, nieces, aunts and uncles and friends who mourn her passing. She was born on April 29, 1966 in Callaway, Nebraska, and grew up there until 1977 when she moved to Red Bird, Kentucky. She attended Red Bird High School and graduated with honors in 1984. After high school she attended Berea College where she was President of the Berea College Choir, was appointed President for a day, and won the Hilda Welch award for most outstanding student. She graduated in 1989 Magma Cum Laude. She went on to attend American University in Washington D.C. where she completed an MBA degree with honors in 1991. She married her husband Rick in 1991 and resided in Vienna, Virginia until she returned to Nebraska in 2008. Her daughter Evangeline was born March 27, 2015. Michelle was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in August of 2015 and fought through numerous treatments, surgeries, triumphs and setbacks. She was proud to be known as a mutant and tried to be a good, honorable person. She will be missed. VISITATION: Friday, Nov. 16th, from 6-8pm, at the West Center Chapel. MEMORIAL SERVICE: Saturday, Nov. 17th, at 3pm at the West Center Chapel. FUNERAL SERVICE: Sunday, Nov. 18th, at 2pm at Callaway United Methodist Church, followed by Graveside Service at Rose Hill Cemetery in Callaway. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Michelle’s memory to the Berea College Concert Choir in honor of Dr. Stephen Bolster. Please send to Berea College, CPO 2216, Berea, KY 40404 or make a donation to Berea College online. Online condolences for McCaulley’s family may be left here.

Lisa Rene Mink ’89 — Dec. 31, 2017

Lisa Mink age 54, wife of Leroy Mink Jr., of Brodhead, died Sunday Dec. 31, 2017 at the UK Medical Center in Lexington. Lisa was born in Berwyn, Illinois to Sallie Combs and the late Jim Tackett Jr. Lisa was retired from ACS Computer Services where she worked in Data Security. Lisa was preceded in death by her father Jim Tackett Jr., her brothers: Corey, Carl, and Robert Tackett. Lisa is survived by her husband Leroy Mink Jr., her children: Lora (Derek) Cummins, Doug McKeehan, Stacy (Brenda) Mink, Devonna (Rodney) McIntosh, and Kevin Mink, her siblings: Evelyn Dinsmore, Kenneth Tackett, and Tamara Chandler, 14 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be Friday Jan. 5, 2018 at 1:00 pm at Lakes Funeral Home, pallbearers will be Kevin Smith, Joshua Mason, Heath Tackett, Mike Chandler, Logan Chandler, and Jamie Tackett. Burial will be in the Madison County Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Thursday from 6-9 pm at Lakes Funeral Home.

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1990s

Rochelle Combs Seals ’95 — April 23, 2019

Rochelle Seals, 46 died at her home, surrounded by her family and friends after a long and courageous battle against cancer. Born January 17, 1973 in Flint, Michigan, the daughter of Paul Gene Combs and Betty J. Schmidt (Larry), sister to Dr. Toni Renee Dawson, loving wife to Scott Shane Seals and their son Luke Hayden Seals, she truly was a symbol of compassion, tenacity, hope and love.
Rochelle was the former Bursar (Director of Student Accounting) for Eastern Kentucky University, a former President and Active member of KASRO, an avid reader, lover of music and staunch proponent of education at all levels of society, she just loved people. Rochelle also was motivated for our planet, an organic, clean lifestyle and thoroughly enjoyed her ?tree house? with her husband and son. Rochelle will continue to be a true inspiration for all humankind.
Survived by her parents, husband, son and sister, she also counted as dear family her in-laws and caregivers, Earl and Carol Seals, and brother-in-law Joey Seals. She is preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Dr. Eric Dawson.
Gathering of Friends is Thursday, May 2, 2019 at the Acton Folk Center in Berea, from 12:00 Noon until the Celebration of Life Service at 1:00 PM. Rev. Kent Gilbert will preside over the sharing of memories. Fellowship at the Center will commence after the service and conclude at 3:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to SaraCare, P.O. Box 1292, Berea, KY 40403
Reppert Funeral Home and Cremation Service entrusted with celebration and arrangement planning.
Online condolences for Seals’ family may be left here.

Ben Kofi Amponsah ’97 — Oct. 19, 2018

Benjamin Kofi Amponsah, loving husband, father, son and brother, passed away after a brief illness at the age of 48 years. Born and raised in Ghana, Benjamin came to the United States to attend Berea College. He then went to North Carolina A&T State University for graduate school where he met his wife, Keli Christopher. They also attended graduate school together at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. Benjamin will be forever missed and remembered by his wife and their precious children, Austin and Avery, by his mother Edna Amponsah, and by his brothers and sisters. Benjamin will also be forever remembered by his aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and extended family and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father Benjamin Kofi Appiah Amponsah (snr). A Funeral Service in memory of Benjamin will be held on Thursday, November 1, 2018 at the Life Center of Grand Rapids First, 2100 44th St SW, Wyoming, MI 49519. The Family Hour will begin at 10:00a.m. and the funeral service will start at 11:00a.m. At the time of his death, Benjamin was the Director of Human Resources for Wolverine Building Group. He was also the president of Grand Rapids Sister Cities International. Ben is truly loved. He was such a beautiful person and Man of God. He was kind, compassionate, intelligent, humble, friendly, fun loving and totally genuine. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue.

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2000s

Ruth O. Butwell, Hon. ’00 — Dec. 10, 2018

She changed a lot of lives, and now hers is over. Ruth Oakes Butwell, retired dean of student life at Berea College, died December 10 in her adopted hometown of Berea, KY, where she has resided for nearly five decades. She was 89. Thousands of students passed through her office in Fairchild Hall during her years as dean, beginning in the summer of 1971 ? and many living all over the college’s Appalachian service region still remember her. “She turned my life around,” they consistently say, ranging from high school principals to city attorneys to airplane pilots to accountants. Butwell’s work included enforcing college rules, but with an eye on getting errant students back on track. She also kept a box of Kleenex on her desk for counseling sessions that got tearful. Hers was a shoulder to cry on ? and then to straighten up and give each student a quiet lecture on self-confidence and pushing forward. She hired and supervised the head residents and resident assistants of the “residence halls,” and she cd even her children for calling them “dormitories.” Every August until her retirement in 1995, she organized and coordinated a training retreat for residence hall staff. She played a leading role, kept active and up-to-date in the profession and organizations of college deans and administrators. Butwell changed others’ lives for the better, but she also lived through several phases of her own life. In her retirement, she enrolled in the college’s Westervelt Program and became a woodworker in the style of Berea’s famous artists and crafters, turning beautiful cherry and spalted maple bowls on a lathe and constructing benches, boxes, and a grandmother clock from various hardwoods. Her skill with bowl-turning and woodworking seemed to echo her role in designing three houses mostly from scratch in her lifetime in locations where she lived, each of which she then had built by contractors. Each one features open-beam construction in its living room ceiling, a signature design element, including her home on Prospect Street in Berea. Variations include a redwood exterior on her first home, cedar shingles on her second, and an old-time Kentucky stone chimney and California sundeck on her third. Butwell also traveled, immediately after she retired, to the Netherlands with friends, and (in 2005) to Vietnam and the Philippines with her daughter Ann and son-in-law John Wright Rios. But that wasn’t her first experience with world traveling. In another, earlier life phase, in the late 1950s and early to mid-60s, she traveled around the world two and a half times to accompany her then-husband Richard Lee Butwell on university teaching grants from the Ford, Fulbright, and Rockefeller foundations. In these travels, Butwell first lived a year in what was then known as Rangoon, Burma (now Myanmar) where she learned to make Burmese beef curry, long a staple entree at her dinner parties. On the way home, she and her late husband took the Orient Express train through Iron Curtain countries into West Germany, where they drove on the Autobahn in the Volkswagen Beetle they purchased to ship home to the United States, where it would be one of the earliest on American highways. Butwell’s second foray into Southeast Asia included a summer living in Bangkok, Thailand, and other stops including Japan (where her son John ate the emperor’s horse’s carrot) and Saigon during the early stages of the Vietnam War. A third trip placed her for a year in the Philippines, which she reached via Europe including Paris, the Netherlands (where John fell into a mucky canal), Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Moscow, once again a rare destination for Americans during the Cold War, in 1964. The family’s stop in India was marred by John catching a high fever that kept her from ever seeing the Taj Mahal. But Butwell loved it all, venturing into the Buddhist temples and exotic markets of Asia with her young blond son on her hip, and forming close friendships with other university women, both visiting and local. Later, at Berea College, the Butwell clan served as a host family to international students including Ecuadoran sisters Karla and Debbie Ruiz, Vietnamese Linh Nguyen and Janice D’Souza from India. In the Philippines, too, in 1965, Butwell gave birth to her daughter Ann, now Education Abroad advisor at Berea College (the 2005 trip was a return visit for her and Ann). After a year enjoying scenic Sedona, AZ, with her parents, Butwell resumed her professional career in 1966, accepting the position of associate dean of students at Missouri Valley College in Marshall, MO. She served at “Valley” through 1971 and also was honored with the college’s Woman of the Year Award that year. It was a tumultuous time in college life. Butwell helped bust a mobile LSD lab bound for her school from New Jersey in a semi-truck on I-70, tracking its westward journey; and once she raced to the college to stop an old-fashioned “panty raid,” only to learn the college women had taken to their rooftop to view the aurora borealis, not to encourage the raiders. She also helped establish a “Vikings” pep squad that paddled onto the football field to build school spirit with a sail like a Norse warship; a daycare for the college’s single-parent employees and students; and a student coffeehouse, the Bell, Book, and Candle (the latter two in abandoned military housing on campus). In her earliest life phase, Ruth Jane Oakes (aka “Oakie”) was born in 1929, in Kalamazoo, MI. She was a junior high civics teacher’s daughter living on a small riverside farm in southeastern Michigan (near Ypsilanti). Her father Edwin Charles Oakes taught in the nearby Ann Arbor public schools. Her mother Helen Louise Thompson Oakes helped with the typing for Edwin’s elected position as township clerk, and together the couple helped create one of the nation’s first integrated public housing projects for displaced Appalachians and African-Americans, near the Willow Run World War II bomber plant. Oakie’s parents’ ideals and joint belief in the “social gospel” helped guide her own life. Both her parents also held master’s degrees and worked after college in Hull House-like settlement houses for recent immigrants from Eastern and Southern Europe in New York City and Detroit, where her parents met in the mid-1920s. Similarly, Butwell later would meet her husband while both were pursuing the master’s degrees they received in 1953 from Indiana University (a master’s of science in student personnel for her, which followed her 1951 bachelor’s of science in elementary education from Eastern Michigan University). A fellow resident assistant and graduate student in the IU program, Nancy Schwartzwalder, also became Oakie’s lifelong friend and now survives in Tucson, AZ. Oakie and her brother Tom enjoyed hearty childhoods on the farm where, during some summers, their parents operated a country day camp complete with a working narrow-gauge railroad, ponies, swimming, and boating on the Huron River. The fun was not without its mishaps: one time Oakie dived elegantly into the river and got stuck by her swimming cap head-first in the mud on the bottom. Another time, in winter, the toboggan she was riding down a steep hill with the Baptist Youth Fellowship crashed, and she broke her two front teeth. For part of her childhood, the family in Oakie’s home also included her aunt Ruth Davidson, for whom she was named, and her cousins Forrest Davidson, Jr., Frances (“Frankie”) Davidson French, and Jane Davidson, all now deceased but who remained close with her their entire lives. Her late parents accompanied her first to Missouri and then to Berea, where her father joined the Optimist Club and the entire family joined Union Church, having belonged to Covenant Presbyterian in Marshall. Butwell’s interest in working with and guiding the lives of young people began when she was a young person herself and worked her college summers at a New Hampshire mountain camp. Her first job was serving as dean of women at Wilmington College in Ohio, from 1953-54. A series of positions followed as her husband repeatedly relocated in his career as a political scientist: Counselor, University of Kentucky, 1954. Instructor, Wayne State University College of Nursing, 1955. Assistant dean of women, University of Maryland, 1955-57. Director of Christian education, New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, Washington, DC, 1957-58. Assistant dean of men, University of Illinois, 1960-61. Assistant dean of women, University of the Philippines, 1964-65. The Great Commitments at Berea College strongly appealed to her and influenced her decision to relocate to Berea, where she was named Honorary Alumnus of the Year by the college in 2000. Also influencing her selection of Berea was the opportunity to bring the college’s policies more up-to-date by, for instance, giving female students keys to their own residence halls and eliminating the curfew. Additionally, Butwell helped make the college safer for women by successfully urging then-President Willis D. Weatherford, Jr., to install more lights on campus. Later, her support for non-traditional students could be seen in providing a housing for single parents, which led to the creation of the EcoVillage. She also began daycare services at Berea College, which became the Child Development Lab (CDL). A final contribution to both College and community was the inception of the Stephenson Trail to Indian Fort. Butwell’s memberships, professional and political, included the National Organization of Women, League of Women Voters, National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (serving as administrators’ liaison), National Association of Women Educators (serving on the resolutions committee), Kentucky Association of Women Educators, Phi Kappa Phi, and Berea College Women’s Network (founder, chairperson 1978-80). She was particularly active in the Kentucky Association of Women Deans and Counselors (KAWDAC), serving as its treasurer in 1986-87, vice president in 1987-88, and president, 1988-89. Butwell’s lifetime of travels also included tourism in South America to Bolivia and Peru, where she visited landmark Machu Picchu, the 15th-century Inca citadel, with her daughter Ann. She also flew on a rescue mission of sorts to El Salvador when Ann was run over by a speeding car there, and she traveled to Nicaragua in 1990 as an election observer. Butwell co-authored, with four other Bereans who also served as election observers, the book “Democracy Watch: Nicaragua,” a collection of their journals from the trip. Since her last name comes first alphabetically, she is listed first on the cover and in library search engines, also making her an author of sorts. Butwell also knew when to quit while she was ahead, famously swooshing a basketball into the net from half-court during a Berea College Mountaineers fan contest, and then refusing to try for a repeat performance. She was known as a good sport who liked to have fun, including an incident she never lived down in which she used a stick to drag a possum out of a Berea College driveway during her morning jog to protect it from traffic. The possum promptly got up, walked out and laid back down in the middle of the road. For years during their mutual retirements, Butwell played a Saturday night bridge game with a close group in Berea including her longtime friend and colleague from the college, the late Gloria Van Winkle. Group members also rented an oceanfront cabin together each summer at Pawley’s Island, NC, and several also belonged to the “Peachbloom Hill gang” of friends. Butwell was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin Charles and Helen Louise (Thompson) Oakes, and her brother Edwin Thompson (“Tom”) Oakes. She is survived by her sister-in-law Marjorie (Johnston) Oakes of Albuquerque, NM; one son, John Butwell, and his wife Connie Esh of Woodbury, TN; one daughter, Ann Louise Butwell, and her husband John Wright Rios of Berea; step-grandchildren Ann-Marie Mansfield of Holton, MI, Jenny (Danny) Thomas of Gray, Bonnie Still of Richmond, and Marc (Judy) Williams of Kinston, NC; step-great granddaughter Kim (Ricky) Bingham of Gray Hawk; and about 30 other step-great grandchildren. Her memorial service will be at Union Church on Saturday, January 5 at 2:00 pm. Details can be found through Lakes Funeral Home website. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory to either Union Church or Berea College are appreciated.

Michelle Cathering Rougely ’00 — Dec. 20, 2018

Michelle Catherine Rougely, 62, of Stone Mountain, GA, died Thursday, December 20, 2018. The family will have a memorial gathering Saturday, December 29, 2018, from 2:00 until 4:00 PM at Bill Head Funeral Home, Lilburn/Tucker Chapel. Michelle was a native of Washington, D.C. and was a teacher at Clarkston High School. Survivors include a daughter, Fatisha Aquarius Rougely of San Diego, CA; son, Robert Charles Rougely, III of Stone Mountain; granddaughter, Shanyah Ajanae Roughely of Stone Mountain. Arrangements by Bill Head Funeral Homes and Crematory, Lilburn/Tucker Chapel, (770) 564-2726.

James William Gram ’02 — Nov. 29, 2018

James William Gram, age 38, Cynthiana, died Thursday, November 29, 2018 at his residence. He was born in Lexington, April 24, 1980 to William Clarence and Mary Lou Gram. Besides his parents, he is survived by a brother, Dee Walters (Roxanne Dian) Gram. Private services will be at the convenience of the family. Online condolences for Gram’s family may be left here.

Jack Robert Green ’06 — Dec. 23, 2018

Enveloped in love, Jack Robert Green, Jr. died the evening of December 23, 2018 in his bed, in his home in StauntonJack was born in Jacksonville, Florida on Feb. 5, 1955 to Jack Robert Green, Sr. and Gloria Mae (Keaton) Green. He is survived by his parents as well as his beloved darling daughter Sara Green Haddock, her husband Scott and sweetest granddaughter in all the world, Victoria Michelle Haddock, all of ArizonaThe eldest of five children, he is survived by brothers Scott (Luann) Green, Kirby (Donna) Green, Chris (Ali) Green, and sister Judy (James) Ahrens as well as many nieces and nephews. Surviving too are stepsons Joe and Charlie and “bonus” grandson AlexAlso surviving Jack is Bridget Carroll, his wife and partner in hijinks of almost 22 years and his brother-in-law John (Melissa) Carroll and sister-in-law Donna (David) McCaskey (all whose help was invaluable) and all of their extended familiesSince relocating to Staunton, Virginia in 2009, Jack taught technical education at S. Gordon Stewart Middle School. A special thanks to Principal Mike Conner and the wonderful teaching and school staff who sustained him throughout his almost five year illness. The dignity that Mike afforded Jack in his last six months of teaching will never be forgotten. There are so many individuals, too many to mention, who kept up Jack’s spirits, made him happy to be working, enjoyed his wacky sense of humor, and who kept in touch when he finally retired due to his illness. Thank you from the bottom of his family’s hearts. And a special mention of thanks to his students. He loved all of you. You helped make his life worth living on the days that he wanted to just give up. Your smiling faces and caring attitudes after learning he was ill were often the one bright spot in his dayBefore becoming a teacher, Jack served four years in the United States Navy. After the military, Jack attended the Don Martin School of Broadcasting in Los Angeles where he earned a first class radio telephone license. Following graduation, Jack worked as a radio DJ in the Tucson and Phoenix markets for twenty years. His last stint in Arizona was as a traffic reporter for numerous Phoenix television and radio outletsIn 2002, Jack left radio to enroll in Berea College, Berea, Kentucky to pursue a degree in technical education teaching. He graduated in 2006, magna cum laude and taught in the Lexington, Kentucky public school system before relocating to Virginia. While at Berea College, Jack was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society, was twice awarded the Berea College Student Labor Award, and at graduation was awarded the Berea College Anna Mae and Phyllis Shumaker Labor Award. He was honored to do sound for a number of the College’s convocations, in particular for Julian Bond who he really admired and for The Amazing Randi because he knew what a fan his wife was. Jack was also a weaver, model builder, a true Mr. Fixit and a relative newcomer to genealogy. He loved the research and discovered that many of his ancestors were from Page county and that his roots in Virginia go back to the 1600s, descended from the Chesapeake Bay settlers. He also was pleased to discover that via his Pennsylvania roots he was a direct descendant of John Morton, signer of the Declaration of Independence and chair of the committee that wrote the Articles of ConfederationCancer took his body but never his spirit. He took everything that Augusta Health’s Oncology Center and the University of Virginia Couric Cancer Center prescribed for him to extend his life. There were times he looked in the mirror and swore that he glowed in the dark. He saved the mask made for his stereotactic brain radiation treatments at the Couric Cancer Center to “scare the kids.” Wisely, he decided not to. A subsequent round of full brain radiation at Augusta Health Center resulted in a second mask being made. He hoped to make it to Halloween to meet trick or treaters at the door wearing that mask but forgot to turn the porch light on. Crisis avertedSpecial thanks to Dr. Khetpal for her kindness and willingness to pursue new avenues whenever there was a chance that he might beat it. Thanks too, to Dr. Judson who switched his cancer treatment from chemotherapy to radiation so that Jack would have a full head of hair to walk his daughter down the aisle. Sara and Scott’s wedding took place in the desert in the Saguaro National Park just west of Tucson, one of Jack’s favorite places. And so, Jack and Bridget made their last grand road trip together to his beloved desert and to see his beloved daughter down the aisle. Then it was back to chemotherapy and the dreaded shaved headThanks too, to The Hospice of the Shenandoah Valley for their invaluable guidance. His last nurse Carol laughed at his jokes. He liked that a lot. But more than that, she treated him so kindly as his mind slipped away. Until his magnificent radio voice was silenced, Carol would say, “How are you feeling, Jack?” And he would always answer, “Good.”However, his last word before he died suited the whole crappy situation perfectlyHe faced these past four plus years with trepidation and finally with outright bravery and acceptance accompanied through thick and thin by his trusty pal “Nurse Deeds” a dog that tugged at his heart the first time he laid eyes on him at the Augusta Regional SPCA. He tolerated the ever-active dog Zorra with immense sangfroid knowing that these two would be Bridget’s constant reminder of the kind, gentle, and tolerant spirit that dwelt within him and still echoes down todayThere will be no funeral service here in Staunton. A military funeral and interment will be held at Camp Nelson National Cemetery in Camp Nelson, Kentucky when spring has sprung upon us. The family will be creating “The Perseverance Award” at S. Gordon Stewart Middle School in his honorGifts in memory of Jack can be made to Berea College. Indicate the contribution is in his memory and mail to Berea College, CPO Box 2216, Berea, Kentucky 40404. He would like that.

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2010s

Erica N. Brown ’12 — Oct. 21, 2018

Erica Nicole Brown We will remember Erica forever. Memorial Service: Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at 1pm at W.E. Lusain Funeral Home and Crematory, 629 Goldwire Way SW, Birmingham, AL 35211.This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Erica Nicole Brown. Born September 30, 1989 and passed on October 21, 2018. We will remember her forever.

Kyle Kincaid ’13 — Feb. 2, 2019

Obituary unavailable

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