Class Notes

passed away on August 23,2014. Maryville College meant so much to them, if it hadn’t been for a History Professor who had his students sit in alphabetical order, they might never have meet See Magic folder for full Obituary

passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2014 at Friends Homes of Guilford in Greensboro, NC, where she was a long time resident. She was 99 years old. Helen, born in Bellefontaine, Ohio, was the daughter of Verna Brattain and H.R. Bewley. She attended and earned a BA in English from Maryville College in Maryville, TN in 1940, and worked for the Farm Security Administration after graduating. In 1958 she earned a Master of Science in Child Development and Family Relations from Woman’s College (UNC Greensboro) and was active in the beginning of the Family Life Council. Helen served as President of the Greensboro YWCA, and the UNCG Faculty Women and Church Women United. She also held positions as Assistant Director of UNCG’s Institute for Child and Family Development; as a consultant for the Ford Foundation at Lady Irwin College, New Delhi, India; and as Executive Director of the Greensboro YWCA. In the early 1970’s Helen found her calling as an artist and learned to weave after watching a weaving demonstration in the mountains of Tennessee. First taught by artist, Maggie Smoot of Greensboro, Helen also studied at Penland School of Crafts, Penland, NC; Saterglantan Vavskola, Insjon, Sweden; and at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Deer Isle, Maine. She studied with and was a favorite artist of famed American artist and teacher, Jack Lenoir Larsen. She had numerous shows of her work around the country and has many works hanging in residences, businesses and public buildings around the country, including the main foyer of the Jackson Library at UNCG as well as at the UNCG’s Three College Observatory. Helen also loved and played the piano as a child and late in life returned to this love taking lessons from the late Dr. Henry Ingram at Greensboro College. In 1941 she married Warren Ashby, who taught first at UNC Chapel Hill and then from 1949 until his death in 1985 at UNC Greensboro where he established and taught in the Philosophy and Religious Studies Departments. He was also the first Director of the Residential College at UNCG, now named the Ashby Residential College. Together, they worked diligently and constantly for equal educational, civil and women’s rights. Survivors are children: Dr. W. Allen Ashby (Karen Krick), Plainfield, NJ; Paul Ashby (Maureen O’Keeffe), Greensboro, NC; Ann Ashby, Charleston, SC; Grandchildren: Deborah Ashby Thompson (Steve Thompson), Ashby Lee Pettigrew, Randal William Pettigrew of Greensboro, NC; Graham Warren Pettigrew of Falls Church, VA; Suhey Ashby Taveras (Ruben Taveras) of Miami, FL.; and four great grandchildren Donovan and Alexander Japp of Greensboro; Daniel and Mia Elena Taveras of Miami; nieces Barbara Bewley Stewart of Bellefontaine, OH and Carol Bewley Nagel (Richard Nagel) Lewis Center, OH. The family received friends and family at an informal memorial service at the home that Helen and Warren Ashby designed and built, 1710 Wright Avenue, Greensboro, NC 2 on Saturday, September 6. Memorials may be made to NC State Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped, 1811 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27635; to Friends Homes Inc at Guilford, 935 New Garden Rd, Greensboro, NC 27410; or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro at 2500 Summit Ave, Greensboro, NC 27405. The Ashby family wants to sincerely thank all the staff of Friends Homes at Guilford who have wonderfully cared for Helen since 1995 and for the staff of Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro who have helped her and family in the last days of her life.

Catherine Emily (Davidson) Christiansen, 98, daughter of George and Ruby Davidson, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. She was born April 12, 1919, at the former Thanksgiving Hospital in Cooperstown. Catherine graduated from Cooperstown High School with the Class of 1936, and Maryville College in Tennessee. She was employed by the Otsego County Welfare Department from 1942 to 1950. On June 2, 1946, she married Hartwick “Harvey” Christiansen. They resided in Fly Creek before retiring to Sebring, Florida, in 1987. After her husband’s death, Catherine returned in 2012 to reside in Cooperstown at Woodside Hall, where she received heartwarming and excellent care. An active 4-H leader, Catherine taught sewing, and also served as a judge with the Otsego County Cooperative Extension. She was a member of the Fly Creek Area Historical Society and the Cooperstown Native Daughters. She was proud of her deep religious faith and her many years of camping with her husband. She greatly enjoyed knitting and sewing and was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan. Catherine is survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews. A graveside service in the Fly Creek Valley Cemetery will be held in the spring. Contributions in Catherine’s memory may be sent to Woodside Hall “Activities Fund,” 1 Main St., Cooperstown, NY 13326. Arrangements are under the care of Tillapaugh Funeral Service, Cooperstown.

of Newport, TN was born June 21, 1918, married J. M. Cureton on June 20, 1945, and died on Tuesday, December 16, 2014. She was a member of First Baptist Church, where she served as Sunday School Teacher, Adult Sunday School Director, and various offices in the WMU and Baptist Training Union. She was a member of Alpha Omega Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, GFWC Newport William Cocke Chapter of National Daughters of American Revolution (DAR), Cocke County Retired Teachers Association and Farm Bureau Women. She attended Newport Grammar School, Cocke County High School graduating as Salutatorian of her class in 1936. Attended Maryville College for two years, took night classes from U T and graduated from Carson-Newman College in 1957 and taught school for 41 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, J. M. Cureton, her parents Ronald E. and Virgie Wilson, sister, Ersa Wilson Patterson, brothers, Dr. Samuel Mack Wilson, James Edward Wilson, Gene Frederick Wilson, and also sister, Ada Wilson and brother, Earl Wilson who died as infants. She is survived by son, Dr. Robert (Bob) Cureton and his wife, Dr. Judy Cureton, granddaughter, Jenny Lyn Cureton, all of Greeley, Colorado, sister-in-law, Mrs. Lois Wilson, Abington, Pennsylvania, Mrs. Mary Wilson, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Mrs. Doris Wilson, Newton, North Carolina; and several nieces and nephews.

passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at the age of 95. He was born in Lexington, Kentucky in 1919, just as his parents had joined the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions as educational missionaries to Persia. He celebrated his first birthday in Bombay, India, and then traveled by rail to Calcutta, up the Persian Gulf to Basra, Iraq, and finally by horse and wagon to Hamadan (the ancient Etebana in the Book of Ruth) He lived for the next fourteen years in this ancient capital of Darius and Xerxes. John’s youth was genuinely Kiplingesque: he was tutored by his parents in the classics in the mission compound, cared for by an Assyrian nanny and played with Persian children. His early years were thus trilingual – Assyrian, Farsi, and English. By the time John returned to the U.S. he was sent on his own via a “taxi” service – Rolls Royce Ltd, gigantic old Rolls Royce that carried passengers along the old silk road, picking up in Tehran, Baghdad, Damascus and on westward to Istanbul. Professionally, John H. Fisher was widely accomplished as a teacher, scholar, and administrator, with a teaching career that spanned more than 50 years, a publishing career of more than 60, and an equally impressive record of academic service. He attended Maryville College, TN (A.B. 1940), Distinguished Alumni Citation (1963), Board of Directors (1972-75). His graduate study was at the University of Pennsylvania (A.M., 1942; Ph.D., 1945). He was awarded L.H.D. by Loyola University of Chicago (1970) and Litt.D. by Middlebury College, VT (1970). A member of Phi Beta Kappa, he served as senator-at-large (1977-83). He was known by his colleagues as an extraordinarily generous and helpful man who aided the careers of many. He began teaching as a graduate assistant at University of Pennsylvania (1942-45), and served on the faculties of New York University (1945-55, 1962-72); Duke University (1955-60); Indiana University (1960-62); summers at University of Southern California (1955) and University of Michigan (1956); John C, Hodges Professor of English, University of Tennessee (1972-88), Head of Tennessee English Department (1976-78); Visiting Professor New York University (1990) and University of Texas at San Antonio (1996). His scholarly contributions are in American Education, the English Language, and Medieval Literature. In additional to numerous articles, he wrote or edited many books, including The Tretyse of Loue (Early English Text Society, 1951; reprinted 1970), John Gower, Moral Philosopher and Friend of Chaucer (New York University Press, 1964, Methuen 1965), The College Teaching of English (National Council of the Teachers of English, 1965), The Medieval Literature of Western Europe (Modern Language Association, 1966), In Forme of Speche is Chaunge: Readings in the History of the English Language (Prentice-Hall, 1974, University Press of America, 1984), The Complete Poetry and Prose of Geoffrey Chaucer (3 editions 1977, 1988, 2012); An Anthology of Chancery English (University of Tennessee Press, 1984), The Essential Chaucer (G. K. Hall and Mansell, 1987), The Importance of Chaucer (University of Southern Illinois Press, 1991), The Emergence of Standard English (University of Kentucky Press, 1995), The Complete Canterbury Tales of Geoffrey Chaucer (Cengage, 2005), and The Variorum Edition of The Wife of Bath’s Prologue and Tale (University of Oklahoma Press, 2012). He served as Assistant Secretary of the Modern Language Association of America (1948-52), MLA Treasurer (1952-55), MLA Executive Secretary and Editor of PMLA (1963-71), MLA Vice-President (1972-73), MLA President (1974). He co-founded the New Chaucer Society in 1974 and served as its Bibliographer (1974-77), President (1982), and Director (1982-89). He was elected Fellow of the Medieval Academy of America (1983), Academy Vice-President (1985-86), Academy President (1987), and President of the Academy Society of Fellows (1993-96). He served as English Consultant to the National Endowment for the Humanities (1965-88), NEH Senior Research Fellow (1975-76); member of the U.S. Commission for UNESCO (1965-69); member of the Federation Internationales des Langues et Literatures Modernes (1967-71), FILLM American Vice President (1972-74); American Committee of the Modern Humanities Research Association (1972-92); and National Council of the Teachers of English Distinguished Lecturer (1972). A biography and bibliography of Fisher’s professional career through 1986 are available in Standardizing English: Essays in the History of the English Language in Honor of John Hurt Fisher, edited by Joseph B. Trahern, Jr. (University of Tennessee Press, 1989).

Harriet Miller Fusfeld passed away peacefully at home in Ann Arbor, MI on Monday, August 1. Harriet was 96 years old at the time of her death from natural causes. Harriet was born in Sparta, GA on December 16, 1919. She grew up in Fort Lauderdale, FL and lived there until she began college at age 16 at Maryville College, outside of Knoxville, TN. Following graduation she worked in Baton Rouge LA at the YWCA, where she began their first programs for African-American youth. She moved to New York City to attend the New York School of Social Work (now part of Columbia University) where she received her MSW degree. There she met Daniel Fusfeld and they were married in 1947. They moved to what became their beloved home of Ann Arbor in 1960, when Dan joined the University of Michigan faculty. While raising her family, she was deeply involved in Democratic Party politics and community service. Harriet eventually returned full-time to her Social Work career, and spent many years in the Rehabilitation Department at University of Michigan Hospital. Following retirement, Dan and Harriet enjoyed traveling, gardening, and collecting folk art. Some of their extensive folk art collection can be viewed at the University of Michigan Art Museum. A longtime resident of Glacier Hills, Harriet enjoyed enriching and participating in its community. Harriet was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Daniel Fusfeld, in 2007. She is survived by her children Bob (Carolyn Catlett) of Denver CO; Sarah Saulson (Peter) of Syracuse NY; and Yaakov Sadeh of Ein Dor, Israel and her two grandsons, Amos & Gidon Sadeh. Burial will be private. A Celebration of Life will be held for Harriet on Friday, October 21 at 2:30 in the Hanson Room at Glacier Hills, 1200 Earhart Rd., Ann Arbor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the newly-established Harriet Fusfeld Endowed Employee Scholarship Fund at Glacier Hills Foundation, 1200 Earhart Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105. Harriet was a caring wife, mother and grandmother. She will be warmly remembered for her enthusiasm for life. Muehlig Funeral Chapel.

Miriam W. Miriam Waggoner Heiskell passed on January 21, 2016 peacefully at home surrounded by three generations of loved ones. She was born on October 15, 1918 in Morristown, TN, to A. B. and Blanche (Proffitt) Waggoner and grew up in Maryville, TN, in a close-knit family with three brothers and twenty-three first cousins. Born into a family that expected women and men to accomplish much, Miriam excelled at a young age. She played the piano, organ, and French horn as well as first trumpet in the Maryville High School championship band. Her debating skills were honed in high school while competing in debate at the state and national levels. An honor student at Maryville College, she transferred to the University of Tennessee where she graduated Cum Laude in 1940 with a double major in Child Development and Foods and Nutrition and began her teaching career after graduation. On June 18, 1941, Miriam married James Moulten Heiskell in Maryville, at a ceremony officiated by her grandfather, a Presbyterian minister. Over the next seven years, Miriam moved twenty-one times, following her husband Jim who served in the defense industry and the U.S. Navy during World War II and settled into a career with the Coca-Cola Company after the war. Five days after arriving in Atlanta in 1948, their eldest son Andy was stricken with polio. When his recovery was declared a miracle, the doctors told his young parents that he could go to first grade. To prepare Andy for school, Miriam started a play group which developed into one of Atlanta’s first preschools. Encouraged by parents, Miriam and Jim eventually expanded the school into a regionally accredited educational institution that served two-year olds through 8th grade students. God used the apparent tragedy of Andy’s illness for His glory and the good of generations of students educated at the school that became known as The Heiskell School. The Heiskell School became an avenue for Mrs. Heiskell and her staff to evangelize and disciple families. It emphasized a rigorous academic curriculum integrated with the Word of God and respect for the principles that made America great. Her philosophy was summed up in Proverbs 22:6. “Train up a child in the way He should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” This school in Buckhead was the first in the nation to be honored by the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission for Meritorious Support of the 1976 bicentennial celebration. During her long life Mrs. Heiskell received many honors, including one from the Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge and the DAR Medal of Honor. She was also recognized as a distinguished alumna of Maryville College as well as the University of Tennessee. Mrs. Heiskell spent her life in service to others. A trustee and founder of Mount Vernon Christian Academy, she was also a trustee of the Atlanta Counseling Center and a board member of Education for Freedom. She was a life-long Presbyterian and a studious proponent of Christian education, helping people across the country organize Christian schools and actively supporting Christian youth ministries. In 2009, more than 500 parents, faculty, alumni and friends joined the Heiskell family at the Atlanta History Center to celebrate the school’s 60th anniversary. In 2014, the Heiskell School completed its service to the Lord and the greater Atlanta community, celebrating 65 years of God’s blessing. Through the years, Miriam and Jim enjoyed bridge clubs, square dance club, and couples’ Bible studies. They hosted young people in their home so often that is was known as the Heiskell Hilton. Adventuresome, they traveled frequently with their children and grandchildren. Miriam especially enjoyed her trip around the world. Mrs. Heiskell was a highly regarded educator, Christian leader, and patriot. She often said that her aim in life was to glorify God and to fulfill the mission that God had for her. In her own words, “When God provided an opportunity to impact children’s lives through Christian education, I found my life’s calling.” Mrs. Heiskell is survived by her four children: son Andy Heiskell and wife Pamela Cleaves of New York, NY, and Bonita Springs, FL; son Jim Heiskell and wife Connie of Atlanta; daughter Sally Lassiter and husband Ike of Hot Springs, NC; daughter Cyndie Heiskell of Atlanta; by twelve grandchildren: Laurel MacLeod of Manassas, VA; Jamie Heiskell and John Heiskell of Atlanta; Catherine St. Clair of Oakland, CA; Robert Heiskell of Philadelphia, PA; Connie Bolger of Branson, MO; Matthew Lassiter of Ann Arbor, MI; Rebekah DeRoco of Richmond, VA, Sarah Beth Murphy of Birmingham, MI; Isaac Lassiter of Ellijay, GA; Mary Alice Proffitt of East Calais, VT; and Daniel Lassiter of Soquel, CA; and by thirty-three great-grandchildren, three nieces, and four nephews. She was predeceased in 2014 by her husband of 73 years, James, and in 1997 by granddaughter Rachel Lassiter. The Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, January 31, 2016, at H. M. Patterson & Son, Spring Hill Chapel at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Evangelical Institute School of Biblical Training, Educate the Children, Project Mercy (.org) or College of the Ozarks.

Sara Lee Hellums Kramer, 95, who died on Monday in her Knoxville home, lived most of her life in East Tennessee. A former teacher and chemist, her major life focus was her family. She was born on April 14, 1920, in the west Texas town of Rotan, to Fannie Mae Beauchamp Hellums and John Verrell Hellums, who were in the grocery business. At age nine – ‘when my feet would reach the pedals,’ she said – she became her father’s chauffeur, driving his truck as he made the rounds to his stores. She graduated from Rotan High School at age 16. Influenced by her staunchly Presbyterian mother and supported by her father, she chose Maryville College, a thousand miles from home, enrolling in 1936. Majoring in chemistry and minoring in English, she played tennis and joined the debate team. A local student, Russell Arnold Kramer, was also a debater, as well as a tackle on the football team. Maryville College did not allow unchaperoned dating, but debate team activities created opportunities for friendship to grow into something more serious. The couple served as queen and king of a ‘barn warming’ event in the old college gym. When Sara Hellums and Arnold Kramer graduated Cum Laude, they already had decided to marry. Arnold began law school, while Sara returned to Rotan to help care for her ailing father, who died that year, and to teach high school. She also assisted her mother in operating the Rotan store. On March 8, 1942, just prior to Arnold’s leaving for Army Air Force duty, they were married at the First Methodist Church in Maryville. Sara worked as a chemist at DuPont in Buffalo, New York, for nearly two years. Reunited after the war ended, they moved to Ann Arbor where Arnold earned his law degree in 1946. They returned to Maryville briefly before moving to Knoxville, where Arnold began practicing with his father, Russell R. Kramer. They were joined by Arnold’s brother Jack in the firm now known as Kramer Rayson LLP. Sara and Arnold raised three children who graduated from Knox County public schools – John Reed, Sara Lynne and Randall Arnold. After Arnold was named Executive Vice President and General Counsel of ALCOA in 1974, the couple spent a decade in Pittsburgh while maintaining their Knoxville residence. They joined Church Street Methodist in 1947. Among her leadership and service, Sara was a Sunday school teacher and superintendent and active in United Methodist Women. At various times she worked with the League of Women Voters, the Roundtable of Christians and Jews, the Blount Mansion Association, and the Knoxville Bar Association Auxiliary. She remained an enthusiastic supporter of the Knoxville Symphony and the Knoxville Museum of Art and a member of the President’s Circle at Maryville College. She leaves her three children and their spouses, Reed Kramer and Tamela Hultman; Lynne Kramer D’Huyvetter and Charles D’Huyvetter; and Randall Kramer and Kathryn Daugherty Kramer. She also is survived by one brother, J. David Hellums, and his wife, Marilyn, and two brothers-in-law, Roy Kramer and Lyman White. Her passion in later years was her eight grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren – Kwindla Hultman Kramer, his wife, Nina Kuruvilla, and their son, CP Lucas Varghese Kuruvilla-Kramer; Robert Arnold (Roban) Hultman Kramer and his wife, Emily Zackin; Laura Lee D’Huyvetter Johnson, her husband, James Johnson, and son, Jonah; Gretchen D’Huyvetter Cobb, her husband, James Cobb, and four sons – Ian Arnold, Andrew, Oliver and Everett; Caroline D’Huyvetter Carr, her husband, Travis Carr, son, Waylon, and daughter, Mae Charles; Chas D’Huyvetter and his fiancée, Rachel Burke; Lydia Kramer Lee and her husband, Zachary Lee; and Hannah Kramer and her fiancé, Brian Lee. A memorial service is being held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 12, at Church Street United Methodist Church in Knoxville with a reception to follow. Memorial gifts may be made to the Arnold and Sara Kramer Library Fund at Maryville College (502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN, 37804) or the Memorial Fund at Church Street UMC (900 Henley St, Knoxville, TN, 37902).

LAKELAND – Dale W. Mathias, 95, passed away Saturday, January 11, 2014 due to heart failure. Born in Manor, Pennsylvania in 1918, he would tell people “his parents were from Pennsylvania and in the Iron and Steel business, his mother irons and his dad steals.” He graduated from Maryville College in Tennessee. After college he joined the Merchant Marines and was a war veteran, participating in the BATTLE OF THE BULGE. He moved to Orlando in 1949 and then to Lakeland in 1952. His career was divided between pharmaceutical sales and teaching life science. Traveling and meeting people around the world was his passion. Capetown, South Africa was his favorite spot, however, England was his 2nd home. He spent time with children coaching Little League baseball and promoting tennis. He was an avid bridge player, playing until he was 93 (he was a winner most of the time). Favorite hobbies included crossword puzzles, writing letters, and joking with friends at the YMCA, Fat Jacks and the bridge table. He is preceded in death by his wife, Ethel, parents, Helen Windsor and Thomas Jacob Mathias, sister, Jean Kimsey and is survived by his three children, Dale Mathias, Jr. (Sue), Judy Fortin (Sandy), Dean Mathias (Anne), five grandchildren, Michelle Simmers (Denny), Heather Fortin, Shannon Johnson (Mike), Helen Mathias, Jack Cole, and seven great grandchildren, Forrest, Ian, and Catherine Simmers, Dylan and Stella Johnson, June and Caroline Cole.

95, passed away on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 surrounded by her family. She dedicated her life to family and church with a particular interest in children’s ministry. Her daughters, Mary Dennis and Dortha May; two grandchildren; and two great grandchildren survive. Her husband, Floyd; her brother, William Weghorst; and her sister, Hazel Calvert preceded her in death.

Eunice Margaret “Peggy” Halsey McIntire, 89, of Shelbyville, Mich., passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Jan. 26 at Huntsville Hospital in Huntsville. Peggy is survived by sons, Michael McIntire and wife Carla of Holladay, Utah, Bruce McIntire and wife Barbara of Huntsville, and Thomas McIntire of Alexandria, Va.; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren; along with a host of friends all over the world. She was preceded in death by her husband, Philip, and son, Roger McIntire. Peggy had spent the winter months in Huntsville for the past five years and enjoyed the fellowship of Calvary Bible Church, where she was the pianist for her Sunday school class. Funeral services were held at Shelbyville United Methodist Church in Shelbyville Monday with Pastor Dave Selleck officiating. Interment was in Elmwood Cemetery, Wayland Township, Mich. A memorial service to celebrate her life with her Huntsville family and friends is planned for early in February at Calvary Bible Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Archer, Hampel & Kubiak Funeral Home, 312 N. Main St., Wayland, MI, 49348.

age 96, a resident of Columbia, previously of Morristown, Maryville, and Athens, TN, passed away Friday, June 19, 2015 at NHC Hillview. Born on October 26, 1918 in Greenback, TN, Ruth was the daughter of the late William Alexander and Julia Mae Bashor Woods. She was a 1940 graduate of Maryville College where she earned a degree in music education. She married Eldon Andrew Pearson on October 25, 1943, and they raised two sons. They resided in Morristown, TN for the most of their married lives. Ruth’s passion was music, and she had a beautiful voice which she shared at many weddings, funerals, and solos in her church choirs. Ruth was also the music director for First Presbyterian Church in Morristown for many years. In addition, she played the piano for her Sunday school classes until the age of 90. She is remembered by her sons: Andrew Woods Pearson of Chattanooga, Joseph “Joe” Franklin (Terry) Pearson of Columbia; granddaughters: Jennifer Hope Pearson of Memphis and Jessica Faith Pearson of Chattanooga; and many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Eldon Andrew Pearson; brothers: Douglas Woods, Edward Woods; and sisters: Alice Woods Hina, Edith Woods Smith, and Naoma Woods Hina.

Elizabeth Lillian Seel Peterson, 95, of Hampton, went to be with the Lord on December 26, joining her husband of 57 years on what would have been their 70th anniversary. Betty was born in Santiago, Chile, December 12, 1918 to Presbyterian missionaries Edward and Miriam Rood Seel. She was preceded in death by her husband Sheldon, parents, and brother Dr. David Seel. Betty had a very active life focusing on her family, church, and community. She was a long-time member and elder of Wythe Presbyterian Church. She was a member and past president of P.E.O. Sisterhood Chapter A PEO and an active member of the Gem and Mineral Society. Survivors include her brother Rev. Robert Seel of Tucson, AZ; four daughters and their husbands: Miriam & Michael Hamilton of Bellville, OH; Ruth & Jeff Cleveland of Yorktown, VA; Kathy & Frank Wing of Elizabethton, TN; Beverley & Butch Allen of Hampton, VA; 7 grandchildren: Jeff & Bob Cleveland; Joe, Julie & Dan Hamilton; Laura & Whitman Brown and 10 great-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank the staffs of Dominion Village, Poquoson and The Devonshire, Hampton for the care of their dear mother and grandmother during her last years.

Eloise Burnette Roberson, 95, passed away Saturday March 3, 2012. A native of Chattanooga, TN, she lived most of her life in Buncombe County. She was a retired teacher from the Buncombe County Schools. She was a 68 year active member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church and longtime leader, serving in many capacities including church organist and was coordinator of the Senior Travelers for many years. She is preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Edwin Roberson who passed away in 1984. Surviving are her daughters, Mary Sampson and Ali Roberson; grandchildren, Lucinda Chafin, Leslie Black (Bo Boling), Brian Sampson and Karen Hannah (Davey); great grandchildren, Sarah Black and Melody Hannah all of the Asheville area. We appreciate the exceptional care given Mrs. Eloise by Grace Health Care and Rehabilation Center.

95, of Lexington, passed away Thursday, January 08, 2015. She was born to the late John Kirby and L. Norah Dixon Thornbury in Pikeville, KY on February 7, 1919. She was a member of Arlington Christian Church. She graduated with a B.A. from Pikeville College and later earned a medical technologist degree from Maryville College (TN). She served as a medical technologist at Tripler Air Force Base Hospital in Honolulu, HI during WWII. Returning to Lexington, she worked at Good Samaritan, Central Baptist and UK Medical Center, before retiring as chief medical technologist from the Lexington Veterans Administration Medical Center in Lexington. She is survived by her son Emerson Grant Shackelford (partner Rick Hurst) of Daphne, AL and daughter Shirley Ann (Richard) Hudson of Lexington. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 33 years Ulysses Grant Shackelford and her son Gary Alan Shackelford of Lexington, and by her older brother John Kirby Thornbury, Jr. of Pikeville.

Marie Jensen Smyrl, 98, of Willow Street, formerly of Tunkhannock, and Pitman, N.J., died Friday, March 11, 2016, at the Glen at Willow Valley Retirement Communities. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, the Rev. Robert R. Smyrl. A lifelong artist, Marie was instrumental in creating the Art Major at her alma mater, Maryville College, in Tennessee, and in 1940 graduated with one of the college’s first art degrees. That same year she and her husband, Bob Smyrl, were married. While raising their three children, Marie continued her creative pursuits and explored many materials and techniques. In 1970, Marie began a 12-year tenure as art teacher at the Tunkhannock Area Middle School; during this period she also taught night classes at Penn State, and wrote and illustrated a guide on creating optical illusion designs. At Willow Valley, Marie exhibited in several group art shows, and was featured in a 2015 retrospective at Meadow Ridge. Much of Marie’s artwork is now on display in the homes of her family and friends, who were the other great joys in her life. Her children and grandchildren were frequent visitors. Her sister, nieces, and nephews have many fond memories of receiving homemade gifts from Marie. Over their 64 years of marriage, Marie was actively involved in many aspects of her husband Bob’s work for the Presbyterian Church, including helping to start Camp Lackawanna, where a building is named in Bob’s honor. Marie and Bob made friends wherever they went, and felt fortunate to be part of a wonderful community at Willow Valley. Over the years Marie kept up treasured connections with friends near and far through get-togethers, phone calls, and letters. Marie is survived by her sister, Ann Williams; son, Peter and his wife, Eloise; daughter, Marieann and her husband, Stephen Cahoon; daughter-in-law, Jane Smyrl; grandchildren: Becky, Molly, Ken, Katie and her husband Chris, and Karen; and an honorary son, Walt Vetter. She was preceded in death by her brother, Knud Jensen; and her son, Robert Jr. A service will be held on Saturday, April 2, at 1:30 p.m., at Willow Valley Lakes Manor, 450 Willow Valley Lakes Drive, Willow Street. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Camp Lackawanna, c/o Lackawanna Presbytery, 816 Olive Street, Scranton, PA 18510.

Mary Sue Waters Thames, 4 days before her 101st birthday, passed away peacefully at her life long home in Wildwood. She was a member of Logan’s Chapel United Methodist Church and a retired Blount County School Teacher for 34 years. During her century of life she enjoyed visiting her relatives, flowers, birds and traveling. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence W. Thames, daughter, Eugenia Sue Thames Carnes and parents, Joseph and Lula Yearout Waters. She is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Thames Holland and Virginia Thames Dodson and husband Richard; 4 grandchildren, Jessica Lloyd Maurer and husband Thom, Saundra Wilson Pitt and husband Matt, William Dodson, Alexander Dodson; great grandchildren, Henry and Mae Maurer and Maddie Pitt. Funeral services were April 15, at Logan’s Chapel United Methodist Church with Dr. Charles Ledger officiating. The interment followed in the Church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Logan’s Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, 4626 Logan’s Chapel Road, Maryville, TN 37804.

THOMAS, Leah Joyce Carson, age 92, of Madisonville, died Monday, June 18, 2012 at Wood Presbyterian Home, Sweetwater. Joyce was born October 26, 1919 in Madisonville to Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Cooke Carson. Her father had a dental practice and also served as a Monroe County Judge as well as Mayor of Madisonville. She graduated from Madisonville High School in 1936. She attended Maryville College and The University of Tennessee, where she met and joyfully married the love of her life, Alfred William Thomas on February 14, 1940. Joyce was a devoted wife and mother. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Madisonville and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Joyce was also an avid UT Vols fan and rarely missed one of their football or basketball games on television. She also loved to read; particularly novels, historical books and the newspaper, always starting with the sports section first. Mrs. Thomas was also a philanthropist. She held two schools especially close to her heart, Hiwassee College and The St. Labre Indian School. She is survived by four children and their spouses: Ann Christeen Carpenter, James Alfred and Gladys Ann Harvey Thomas, Thomas Cooke and Audrey Bookout Thomas, Timothy Richards and Karen Atkins Thomas, Sister: Bobbye Carson Davies, Several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother James Cooke Carson and her beloved husband Alfred.

Fred W. Tulloch, age 91, of Naperville, IL, formerly of Maryville-Alcoa, TN, passed away Sunday, February 4, 2007 at Rush-Copley Hospital in Aurora, Illinois. He was born December 19, 1915 in Blount County Tennessee. Fred was the son of Walter and Lucy Kagley Tulloch. He went to Loudon High School and Maryville College where he played football, basketball, wrestled and threw the discus in track. Fred served his country in the Army Air Corps during World War II in North Africa and Italy. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He spent the majority of his career at West Chevrolet (formerly Murphy-West). In his free time he enjoyed spending time with his family and hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains. He was a member of the Maryville Lions Club since 1954. Fred became a member of First United Methodist Church in 1946 where he belonged to the Mitchell Sunday School Class. He is survived by Helen Dunn Tulloch, his wife of 65 years, son Douglas, daughter-in-law Karen and granddaughters Erin and Emily.

WALTERS, MRS. CLARA K. WALKER – died Friday, July 12, 2013, at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem. Clara K. was born on July 26, 1918, in Knox County, Tennessee, to Harvey Baker Walker and Clara Keller Walker. Clara K. attended Maryville College and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and taught school in Knox County. She was a long-time member of Beaver Ridge United Methodist Church where she was active in the choir and the United Methodist Women before moving to Winston-Salem in 2001. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bruce T. Walters; parents; infant daughter, Clara Candace; and her two sisters, Martha Marley and Elizabeth Thurmer. She is survived by son, Jeff Walters and wife, Margaret; daughter, Kitty Walker and husband, Jim; grandchildren, Chad Walters and wife, Tiffany, Amy Walker Lawson and fiancé, Alex Crea, and Drew Walker and wife, Lesley; great grandchildren, Jacob Lawson, Hope Lawson, Allie Gaunt, Evan Lawson and Wyatt Walker; great-great grandchildren, Isabella and Carson Lawson; nieces, Marti Blincoe and Lois Brink; nephew, Harvey Thurmer; and special friend, Marna Barclay.

Harold Wicklund, retired Lieutenant Colonel, USAF, of Waco, died at his home on Saturday, May 12, 2012. Colonel Wicklund was buried at Waco Memorial Park next to his wife. Born in Garner, Mass., Harold was one of ten children. After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Business and a teaching certificate from Eastern Kentucky University, Class of ’40, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps on May 31, 1941, as an Aviation Cadet. Harold completed his Primary Flight Training at Corsicana, Texas. He was transferred to Navigation School at Albany, Ga., where he graduated on April 1, 1942, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. On April 2, 1942, he married Dorothy Armstrong of Bradenton, Fla., a graduate of Maryville College, Maryville, Tenn. Harold joined HALPRO, the code name for the very first American bomber unit designated for duty in the Middle East, on April 3, 1942, in Fort Myers, Fla., and was assigned to the crew of Ed Cave and V. Ziesel as navigator. On June 11, 1942, during the first bombing raid over the Ploesti, Hungary oil fields, his plane was forced to land in Turkey where he was interned for eight weeks (Life magazine, Sept 1942). He escaped making it back to the 376th Bombardment Group, 513th Squadron, in Libya. Harold continued flying low-level raids on Ploesti and became the lead navigator for Operation Tidal Wave in August 1943. Career assignments include four years at the University of Florida, Gainesville, as an AFROTC instructor. He served with the Air Rescue Service in England, four years at the Pentagon, was Squadron Commander for Radar Intercept Squadron at James Connally AFB in Waco, Cadet Training Officer at Headquarters, Civil Air Patrol, Ellington Field, Pasadena, Texas, as Base Executive Officer, Naha Air Base on Okinawa, and Executive Officer at the Electronic Systems Command, Hanscom Field, Bedford, Mass. Col. Harold was invited twice to the White House under the Kennedy Administration for his work with the Foreign Cadet Exchange Program. He was a decorated World War II veteran, earning a Silver Star Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, and two Purple Hearts. After serving nearly 27 years in the United States Air Force, Harold retired on Jan. 1, 1968, from Hanscom Field, Bedford, Mass. Along with his wife, Dorothy, and the youngest child of their four children, they returned to their home in Waco, where they remained as active participants in the community. He served as Deacon, Elder, teacher, and devoted member of Central Presbyterian Church for 44 years. With his wife, Dorothy, Harold was a life-time member of the Berean Sunday School class. The Wicklunds were beloved by their neighbors who affectionately called Harold the “Colonel.” He enjoyed teaching golf to his two sons, two sons-in-law, and grandchildren in his backyard. Harold was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Dorothy, on July 28, 2008; and all of his siblings. Survivors include daughters, Linda Beavers and husband, Alex, of Bradenton, Fla., and Judy Crochet and husband, Ren, of Austin; sons, David Wicklund and wife, Ruby, of Holmes Beach, Fla., and John Wicklund and wife, Krissy, of Waco; 13 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two step-sons; and six step-grandchildren.

Mary Pauline (Polly) Hudspeth Wood, age 95 of Yadkinville, N.C. died at her home on Friday, May 13, 2016. Polly was born May 26, 1920 in Yadkinville, N.C. to the late Nelson Lawrence Hudspeth, Sr. and Hattie Brandon Hudspeth. She graduated from Yadkinville High School in 1936 and attended Maryville College, Maryville, Tennessee where she met her future husband, William Lupton Wood (Bill) from Birmingham, Alabama. She graduated from Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina, Greensboro in 1940. She and Bill were married July 6, 1940 and lived in Birmingham a brief time prior to moving to Winston-Salem enabling Bill to attend Bowman Gray School of Medicine. In late 1946 they moved to Yadkin County where he practiced medicine for 38 years serving on the staff of Hoots Memorial Hospital while maintaining an active office practice. Polly, of necessity, became his appointment secretary and answering service nights and weekends until his retirement in 1984. Polly was a faithful lifetime member of First Baptist Church, Yadkinville. She was the first woman in the Church to be ordained as Deacon in which capacity she served for 17 years. She also taught Sunday school and was leader of several youth organizations. She was chosen as “Woman of the Year” in her church in 1980. Out of a sincere desire to help those in need of medical and spiritual care, she accompanied her husband on two of his five overseas Medical Mission assignments through the Southern Baptist Convention as Volunteer Missionaries. She was a co-owner and partner with her husband in several business ventures which included the operation of Woodlyn Farm where they raised, trained and showed Arabian Horses. She and her husband also developed and promoted Woodlyn Industrial Park and Woodlyn Heights Residential Development. When her husband was elected as a Yadkin County Commissioner, Polly served as his campaign manager. She and her husband also established the Dr. William and Polly Wood Humanitarian Award scholarship for a senior at Forbush to attend college. The scholarship fund is through the North Carolina Community Foundation out of Raleigh. Polly taught Home Economics and was Home Economist for Birmingham Electric Company. Later, she worked for the Yadkin County Department of Social Services and retired from DSS after ten years. Civic and volunteer services claimed much of her time after their five children grew up. She was a charter member of the Yadkinville Business and Professional Woman’s club and remained a member for many years. She was involved in various activities: PTA, served as a tutor in the Reading Program of the Yadkinville Elementary School, Yadkin County Service Unit of the Salvation Army and helped to establish a Salvation Army Thrift Store in Yadkinville. She was also a member of the Yadkin County Historical Society, Yadkin Medical Auxiliary, a charter member of Yadkin Christian Ministries, Yadkinville Extension Community Association, Morehead Scholarship Committee, neighborhood Girl Scout Chair, an organizer of the Yadkin County Council on aging and served on the Board of Trustees at the N.C. Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem for 12 years. She received the Outstanding Senior Citizen award by the Yadkin County Jaycees in 1995. She was one of five Outstanding Senior Citizens of the N.C. State Jaycees. She also served on the Task Force of Yadkin County Healthy Carolinians which was established as the “Dr. William L. Wood Health Education Center” in 1999, Honorary Chair for Yadkin County March of Dimes in 2000, Member of Yadkin Sesquicentennial Commission and member of Yadkin County Board of Health. Following Dr. Wood’s death in October 1996 she was able to continue her endeavors in the community, church and home life with the aid of her children. She continued to live in the family home for 60 years. Later in life, Polly was involved with the Red Hat Society in Yadkinville. Surviving are her children, William Lupton Wood, Jr. and wife Charlot, Yadkinville, N.C.; Diane Wood Dixon and husband, Eugene , Maryville, Tennessee; Leonard Lees Wood and wife Nancy, Salisbury, N.C.; Amy Wood Salazar, Greensboro, N.C.; Rebecca Hudspeth Wood (aka Sat Kaur Khalsa), Yadkinville, N.C.; Great Niece Dr. Katherine Merrill, Birmingham, Alabama. Nine beloved grandchildren: Ben Wood and wife Anna; Caroline Wood and husband Angel Escamilla; Dr. Brandon Dixon and fiancée Mary Davis; Emily Dixon and husband Mohit Pise: Boone Dixon and wife Sarah; Anna Wood Humphrey and husband Jay Humphrey; Seth Wood and wife Kristen: Gabrielle Salazar and Rebecca Salazar and two step grandchildren: Christopher Salazar and Jean-Paul Salazar. Seven great Grandchildren: Benjamin Wood, Corinne Wood, Clara Rose Humphrey, Lea Humphrey, Theodora Humphrey, Abel Boone Dixon, Leo Wood. She cherished each and every child, grandchild and great grandchild. She was fondly called “Grannie Polly” by her Grandchildren. Also surviving is one brother, Dr. Sherrill Hudspeth and wife Kathryn of Winston-Salem; two sisters-in-law, Edna Hudspeth, Yadkinville and Margie Hudspeth, Winston-Salem. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were four brothers: N.L. Hudspeth, Jr., Jack, and Harold Hudspeth of Yadkinville, George Hudspeth of Jacksonville, Florida. Following the death of her Mother in 1985, she assumed the role of Matriarch in her family. Polly would like to be remembered as an Encourager and for her love of Service to Others. Polly also loved her church family. It was rare she missed any church activity or church meeting. It deeply saddened her when she was unable to attend church as her health declined. Instead, she avidly listened to Dr. Charles Stanley on TV whom she dearly loved. The Wood Family wishes to express their gratitude to their friends and loved ones for their love and kindness. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Waite and staff of Yadkinville, Yadkin Valley Pharmacy, Becky and Penny and Reverend Mark Brown from Hospice, Yadkinville Baptist Church, her Sunday school class, Yadkinville Cops Care, Brenda Wooten, Wayne and Kathy Jones and other loyal friends who visited. Most of all the family wants to thank the sitters who took exceptional care of our mother: Angelica Almarez, Mel Dyson, Maria Garza, Michelle Groce, Jo Matthews, Charlotte McCurry, Clem Seats, Betty Steelman, Candice Vogel, and Jenny Williams. In lieu of flowers a memorial gift may be made to First Baptist Church of Yadkinville: PO Box 668 Yadkinville, N.C. 27055: Mountain Valley Hospice of Yadkinville, 320 West Maple Street, Yadkinville, N.C. 27055, North Carolina Community Foundation for a scholarship fund for a yearly Forbush high school student, address is Landmark Center, 4601 Six Forks Road, Suite 524, Raleigh, N.C. 27609.