Class Notes

Richard (Dick) Lewis Abbott, born on March 23, 1929 passed on to heaven on November 2, 2020 with his daughters by his side. Dick Abbott grew up in Blount County, attending Lanier Elementary where his sister Dorothy was his teacher. He graduated from Maryville High School in 1947, and immediately enlisted and served in the U.S Air Force as a mechanic on the F-86 Sabre jets. After discharge from the Air Force, he enrolled in Maryville College where he played basketball for four years, captained the 1954 Fighting Scots, became enamored by a girl from Trenton, New Jersey and majored in Education. At 10 am on May 19,1954, he graduated from Maryville College and on that same day at 2 pm, he married that New Jersey girl, Margaret Mary Evans. Upon graduation from Maryville College, Dick began teaching and coaching at Greenback High School, then landed at Alcoa City Schools in 1957 where he began a lifetime commitment to the community of Alcoa, Tennessee. During this time, he also pursued and received a Masters degree from the University of Tennessee. Highlights of Dick’s professional career were assistant coaching the Alcoa Tornadoes basketball team to two state championships in 1959 and 1967, implementing the golf program at Alcoa High School, becoming principal of Alcoa Elementary School from 1969-1986, televising sports programs for the Alcoa City Schools hosting “Tornado Talk”, emceeing the Maryville Alcoa Jaycees Parade, and initiating and hosting “Profiles of Blount County”, where he highlighted the accomplishments of many hometown heroes who have contributed to the development and progress of Blount County. Dick received several accolades including being inducted to the Maryville College Wall of Fame, also the Maryville College Walk of Fame, Blount County Sports Hall of Fame, being honored with naming the new Alcoa High School Gymnasium the “Dick Abbott Gymnasium,” and receiving the Lifetime Service Award from the Alcoa City Schools Foundation. Although Dick had an accomplished professional career, his most cherished treasure was relationships. He always spoke of the experiences he had with kids, student athletes, teachers, and parents with pure joy. His engagement with people truly was the thing that made him most happy. He was also an avid golfer where he developed lifelong friendships with some of his favorite people on the golf course beginning at Wallace Hills. His most important relationship on earth started at home with his wife of 66 years, Peggy, who he admittedly and often, called the “love of his life.” Dick and Peggy raised four daughters, had nine granddaughters, and three great grandsons. Some of his favorite ways to spend time with his family was in the mountains, especially cooking breakfast at Metcalf Bottoms, going to his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s ballgames, picking the guitar and singing music, and anything else that involved being together along with giving hugs. Dick was a member of Alcoa First United Methodist Church from the 1950’s until his death, a member of the Pathfinders Sunday School Class where he was committed to his faith and his fellow Christians to live a Christ-like life that honored God. Dick is survived by his wife, Margaret (Peggy) Evans Abbott, and daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy and Mike Welch of Maryville, Patsy and Dave Spanjers of Peachtree City, Georgia, Leyanne and Kenny Harper of Maryville, Susan and Russ Ruelle of Kohler, Wisconsin; his adored granddaughters, Lauren Xixis (Andrew), Molley Dove, Katie Ruelle, Marianna Harper, Evan Harper, Jennifer Boss, and Julia Ruelle; three treasured great grandsons, Alex, Luke and Drew. He is also survived by his brother, Paul Abbott, and his sister, Martha Jane Carter and many nieces and nephews. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, William Peter and Lucy Jane Davis Abbott, two of his precious granddaughters Emily Anne Ruelle and Abbie Jane Harper, his sister Dorothy Boswell, and brothers, Kenneth Kyle Abbott and James Howard Abbott. Friends may call at your convenience Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Friday November 6, 2020 at McAmmon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home. A private family service will be held Saturday with a celebration of life to be held at Springbrook Park Pavilion on Sunday November 8 at 3 pm. Please bring lawn chairs or blankets where there will be plenty of space to socially distance. To honor Dick’s legacy, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to the Alcoa First United Methodist Church Childrens’ Ministry or the Abbie Jane Harper Memorial Scholarship Fund at the East Tennessee Foundation.

Margaret Mary (Evans) Abbott, affectionately known as “Peggy”, was born on March 17, 1932, and passed on to heaven September 15, 2023. Peggy’s life was marked by her compassion for others, generosity, and steadfast commitment to service and her faith.

Peggy Abbott grew up in Trenton, New Jersey, where her mother settled after immigrating through Ellis Island from Scotland. At 18 years old, with the encouragement from her Presbyterian minister, she boarded a bus and made her way to Maryville College. There she met the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Abbott. On the morning of May 19, 1954, they walked down the aisle to obtain their mutual degrees in education, and in the afternoon they walked down the aisle of Wilson Chapel on the college campus to become husband and wife.

Peggy committed her life to education for over 30 years in the East Tennessee area. She began her career as a teacher in Greenback, then moved to Vose School in Alcoa teaching special education. She continued on to Louisville School and landed at Middlesettlements Elementary, where she taught second grade for many years. Her passion for education was based solely on her love for children, extending her influence far beyond the curriculum. She had an extraordinary gift of meeting the individual needs of the children she encountered.

Since the 1950’s Peggy and Dick attended the Alcoa First Methodist Church, generously dedicating time and talents to spreading the message of Christ. She was constantly bringing awareness to causes in need and volunteering her time to them. She helped to support many missions such as Emerald Avenue Youth Foundation, Jubilee Project, Houston home for Children, Wesley House, and Wesley Foundation but always had a particular fondness for the Henderson Settlement community in Kentucky.

In addition to giving her time to Blount County children and her church, Peggy and Dick treasured family. Peggy loved their daughters, granddaughters, and great-grandsons, but she truly shined as a grandmother. For her granddaughters, she is remembered by festive New Year’s Eve parties, trips to the Smoky Mountains, and joyful holiday celebrations where she strived to build a lasting legacy and bond with her loved ones.

Though Peggy’s physical presence has departed, her memory lives on in the lives she touched and the love she shared. Most recently she made dear friends at Shannondale of Maryville who became like family. She was loved deeply by her family and members of her community and will be missed dearly. The family is genuinely appreciative of the staff at Shannondale that assisted her over the last three years.

Peggy was preceded in death by her husband Richard “Dick” Abbott, her parents William John and Elizabeth Anderson Evans, two of her beloved granddaughters, Emily Anne Ruelle and Abbie Jane Harper. She is also preceded in death by all her siblings, Violet (and Bob) Barlow, William (and Melba) Evans, and Dorothy Evans.

Peggy is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy Welch (and Mike-deceased) of Maryville, Patsy and Dave Spanjers of Naples, Florida, Leyanne and Ken Harper of Maryville, Susan and Russ Ruelle of Jackson, Tennessee; her cherished granddaughters, Lauren Xixis and husband Andrew, Molley Welch, Katie Ruelle, Marianna Harper, Evan Harper, Jennifer Boss, and Julia Ruelle, four adored great-grandsons, Alex, Luke, Drew, and Jake. She is also survived by her nephews and nieces Dr. Scott Evans of Yardley, Pennsylvania, Dr. Bill Evans of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Beth Barlow Moody of Nashua, New Hampshire, and Kathy Barlow Cook of Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Jeanne Howell Baccarat passed away on May 21, 2013.

In 2016 Evelyn and Gareth (both from the Class of 1954) were asked to form and chair a committee in Bristol Village to raise funds from Bristol Village residents to help build a new Pike County Public Library in Waverly, Ohio. Bristol Village is a retirement community in Waverly, Ohio and they have in their own independent house for 18 years. The couple is still in good health and are very active in their church and community. They realized this was a historical undertaking and would benefit all ages of people in Pike County for the next 100 years. It was predicted the building will cost over $3,500,000 and it would take at least five years to raise the necessary funds and to build. Gareth and Evelyn gathered a committee and together they set a goal of $250,000 just for Bristol Village residents. That goal was exceeded in cash and pledges in just over six months. On June 29, 2017 the Pike County Rotary Club honored the couple for their community service along with another couple who worked closely with them. Currently, $259,653 has been raised from BV residents.

In 2016 Evelyn and Gareth (both from the Class of 1954) were asked to form and chair a committee in Bristol Village to raise funds from Bristol Village residents to help build a new Pike County Public Library in Waverly, Ohio. Bristol Village is a retirement community in Waverly, Ohio and they have in their own independent house for 18 years. The couple is still in good health and are very active in their church and community. They realized this was a historical undertaking and would benefit all ages of people in Pike County for the next 100 years. It was predicted the building will cost over $3,500,000 and it would take at least five years to raise the necessary funds and to build. Gareth and Evelyn gathered a committee and together they set a goal of $250,000 just for Bristol Village residents. That goal was exceeded in cash and pledges in just over six months. On June 29, 2017 the Pike County Rotary Club honored the couple for their community service along with another couple who worked closely with them. Currently, $259,653 has been raised from BV residents.

Evelyn Alice Baker, 90, of Waverly, Ohio, died in her sleep on Saturday morning, August 6, 2022 at her home.
Evelyn was born July 31, 1932 in New Castle, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Carl Boughton and Jean (Mulholland) Reilly. On August 28, 1954, she was united in marriage to Gareth D. Baker, who survives. Also surviving is a son, Dean Fredrick Baker, daughter, Lynette (Tom) Eileen Grimaldi, and three grandsons. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandson, Terrance Baker, and daughter-in-law, Sheila Baker.

Evelyn was the Director of Christian Education at Garden City Presbyterian Church in Garden City, MI and Moderator of Presbyterian Women of Miami Presbytery, Ohio and Detroit Presbytery, Michigan. She was also very active in the Bristol Village community including her membership in Bristol’s Women’s Group, their potlucks, and checking in with other residents who were ill. She was the Chair of Executive Council from 2012-2014, Chair of Vesper Committee, and received the President’s Life Time Achievement Award for volunteerism in 2016.

Charles Roy Blackburn, age 85 of Maryville, passed away Thursday, May 25, 2017, at Morning View. He was born in Maryville, attended Maryville City Schools, Maryville College and was a graduate of the University of Tennessee. He served in the U. S. Navy as a pilot from 1953-55. Charles owned Quick-Way Homes Real Estate Company. He served on Blount County Real Estate Board, Maryville Planning and Zoning Committees, Maryville Historic District, and an officer of American Society of Appraisers. He was a life long member of New Providence Presbyterian Church where he was a member of the choir and former Trustee. Charles was a Rotarian, Paul Harris Fellow and member of Jaycee organization. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Alice Blackburn; sister, Alice Marie Blackburn Ayres; brother, Jim Blackburn. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Liz Blackburn ’58; sons and daughters-in-law, Rick and Cindy Blackburn, Tim and Jean Blackburn; grandchildren, Gracie Blackburn of Charlotte, NC, Joe Blackburn (Rachel) of Kirkland, WA, Jordis Blackburn, Audrey Blackburn; great grandchildren, Virginia Blackburn, Luke Blackburn; brother-in-law, David Ayres of Howey, FL; sister-in-law, Fern Blackburn of Knoxville. A memorial service will be at 4:00 p.m. Sunday at New Providence Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Dr. Emily Anderson officiating. A private entombment will be at Grandview Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Providence Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir, 703 W. Broadway, Maryville, TN 37801 or to Maryville College, attn: Advancement, 502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804.

On July 12, 2020, Mary Virginia Bond joined her beloved husband, Lawrence “Lonny” Bond, to continue the eternal love affair they started in 1956. She was taken quickly after contracting COVID-19, but we feel a strange blessing in that we were all spared the end stages of Alzheimer’s. She was still the funny, feisty, gracious, kind and loving woman we all knew and loved, and she knew we were there with her in her last hours, surrounding her with love (albeit from an appropriate social distance). Born Mary Virginia Ferguson in Kingston, TN, to Dr. J. Alfred Ferguson and Ruth Patton Ferguson, on April 21, 1932, she was salutatorian of her high school class and graduated from Maryville College in Maryville, TN, with a degree in primary education. She taught school for two years after college, then met the love of her life and interrupted her teaching career to raise two children. She was an accomplished pianist and extraordinary piano teacher, and was certified in the Orff Approach (a developmental approach used in music education that combines music, movement, drama, and speech into lessons), establishing Orff programs as part of the children’s music program at churches in Florida and Tennessee, as well as incorporating it with her at-home students. In addition to her years as a faculty wife at Catawba College in Salisbury, where she was the beloved Choir Mom, Mary Virginia was a life-long Presbyterian dedicated to music ministry; Lonny led the adult programs and Mary Virginia handled the children’s programs. They regularly attended the annual Presbyterian Association of Musicians Worship & Music Conference at Montreat, acting as co-leaders in 1993. They often said that Montreat was their favorite place in the world because of the combined natural and spiritual beauty they experienced there. The churches she served included John Calvin Presbyterian (Salisbury), Park Lake Presbyterian (Orlando, FL), Palma Ceia Presbyterian (Tampa, FL), First Presbyterian (Murfreesboro, TN) and finally, Trinity Presbyterian (Nashville, TN). One of the most special projects she and Lonny had was in conjunction with the prison ministry at Trinity Presbyterian where they taught music to death row prisoners and developed many dear friendships. She was also an avid gardener and she and Lonny always had the most beautiful yard in the neighborhood. Mary Virginia is survived by her children, Angela Bond Markus (James) and John Lawrence Bond (Susan), and grandsons Tyler Bond, Chase Bond, and Luke Markus. When the world becomes a little more normal and people can gather and sing together safely, we will hold a celebration of her life in Nashville, TN. In the meantime, to honor her the family suggests donations in her memory be sent to one of the following charities: The Innocence Project (innocenceproject.org) or The Montreat Fund (montreat.org/support/montreat-fund).

Sue Binnion Bork entered Eternal Life with her Heavenly Father on Sunday, March 18, 2018. She was born in Paris, Texas, graduated from Maryville College and lived many years in Chattanooga after marrying Dr. Harry V. Bork in June 1959. She was preceded in death by parents Irma and Jason Binnion, brother David Binnion and husband Harry V. Bork . Sue taught at Bess T. Shepherd School and earned a Masters in Early Childhood Education from UTC. Later she taught at Little Ms Mag Child Care Center. Although Sue and Harry had no children, Sue birthed her students with the discovery of learning, wonder of nature and goodness shared from her beautiful heart. After retirement Sue and Harry moved to a farm at Powell’s Crossroads. Sue embraced country living, gardening, sharing fresh vegetables, canning, tending beehives, caring for numerous beloved pets, farm animals and enjoyed her many dear Crossroads friends. All who know her agree Sue was a one of a kind delight and have many “Sue stories” to tell. Sue was a member of Sulfur Springs United Methodist Church in Whitwell. In 2001 after Dr. Bork’s death, Sue returned to Wichita Falls, TX to care for her mother and be with family there. She became a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Wichita Falls. Survivors include brother, Barry Binnion and wife Yolda of Wichita Falls, nephews, Adrian, Kristian, Ethan Binnion, David Bork, Joe Johnson ; nieces, Dana and Laura Binnion, Janet Bork and Kelly Johnson. Special thanks to Wichita Falls Nursing Students and Hospice for their loving care. A graveside service was held at Chattanooga National Cemetery on March 23. It was Sue’s wish to be buried here with Harry. Love never dies. Let us praise the Lord! Please share your memories of Sue with the family at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 404 S. Moore Rd., East Ridge, TN 37412

David Harrison Brannum, Jr., the youngest child of David Harrison Brannum, Sr. and Anne Black Brannum, went to be with his Heavenly Father on April 10, 2021. He was 92 years old. He was a member of Second United Methodist Church and a 1946 graduate of Knoxville High School. He graduated from Maryville College in 1954 with a Business degree. He was a Korean War veteran, serving as SFC in the 4th Infantry Division, 8th Regimental Combat Team from September 1950 to August 1952. He worked in sales and management for over 40 years. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Captain Robert E. Brannum and William D. Brannum; six sisters, Dorothy Correll, Ruth Cooke, Toddy Eldridge, Mildred Bosson, Mary Fowler and Nell O’Fallon. Survivors, wife of 70 years, Betty Boone Brannum; son, Joe (Julie); grandchildren, Blake (Angie) Johnson, Bethany (Corey) Schultz, Logan Johnson, John Brannum, Jake Brannum and Brian (Alivia) Brannum; great-grandchildren, Carter and Emery Kate Johnson, Kylie and Caden Schultz and Kenidee, Cole and Carson Brannum. Graveside services will be at Woodlawn Cemetery on Tuesday, April, 13, 2021 at 11:00am with Rev. Charla Sherbakoff officiating. Memorials may be made to SUMC, 1924 Western Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37921. Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com.

Robert Dales Buchanan, age 89 of Loudon, passed away Wednesday, October 6, 2022, at the Parkwest Medical Center. As a teenager, Bob’s family moved from Monmouth, IL, to East Tennessee where his father took a post at Maryville College. While at Maryville High School and Maryville College, Bob spent much of his youth earning his Eagle Scout Badge as he hiked many trails of the Smoky Mountains, often riding his bicycle from Maryville up to Look Rock Fire Tower. Following graduate work at the University of Tennessee and service in the Navy, Bob returned to Maryville and began his career in Accounting and Financial Management with Alcoa. Over the span of his 37-year career, he and Harriette and their growing family were transferred from Tennessee to Edgewater, NJ; New York City; and San Francisco. He moved to the Alcoa Corporate Office in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1965 (where he drove his favorite pink VW Bug to work). While there, Bob served as President of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Financial Executive Institute. He was a corporate representative to the Financial Accounting Standard Board and the SEC. Bob had numerous domestic and international responsibilities, and he enjoyed his travels and the liaisons he made with colleagues around the world. Highly regarded by his colleagues, he retired as Senior Assistant Controller of Alcoa. At the end of his career Bob and Harriette came home to Tennessee where they reconnected with old friends, enjoyed visiting with family, and made new friends in the Tellico Village Community.

Bob was a family man through and through. He adored Harriette, and loved his children and grandchildren with his whole heart. Bob was always willing to put his work down to lend a hand or spend time with his family. He could often be found hauling hay for our horses, pruning apple trees, playing Monopoly or chess with his children, or enjoying a nap on the living room couch (or under a nearby tree) after a day’s task was done. Bob had a unique sense of humor, understated and mischievous. Those who knew Bob well loved him for his willingness to be himself in the world – firm in his convictions, of the highest integrity, helping others, and always extending quiet warmth and kindness to those in his life. He and his wife Harriette, married for 65 years, enjoyed many outings into his beloved mountains. Bob continued sharing his financial expertise, serving on the Finance Committee of the Loudon United Methodist Church, and as Treasurer of the Watershed Association of the Tellico Reservoir. Bob loved his life, and his family and friends treasure his love, support, and presence in our lives.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, John Dales and Helen (Huey) Buchanan; infant son, Robert Paul Buchanan; sister and brothers-in-law, Dorothy and Max Davidson; and Bill LeNoir. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Harriette LeNoir Buchanan; daughters and son-in-law, Margaret Buchanan and Andrew Stowe; Laura Glasgow; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Terri Buchanan; grandchildren, Erica (Luke), Jesse, Jake, Justin (Avani), Allie, Austin and Paul; sister-in-law, Jane LeNoir; several nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Louise Jacquelene Burnett, 83, passed away Wednesday, Sept 16, 2015 from complications due to Alzheimer’s Disease. Louise is survived by her children Richard M. (Regina M.) Burnett, Judith M. Burnett, Laura A. Burnett and Joseph W. (Lara J.) Burnett; grandson Simon P. Burnett; sister to Marvin G. Kendall, Frank S. Duncan, and the late Phyllis Poehler, Rachel Kendall and Wanda Kendall. Louise, known as Jackie to friends and family, was many things to many people in her eighty-three year life. Jackie was first a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. She was a loyal and loving friend. She was a volunteer for many organizations: Girl Scouts of the USA,, League of Women Voters, Meals on Wheels and more. Jackie was a passionate and creative teacher, adviser and mentor to generations of students at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. She was a blending of a Renaissance Woman and Depression Baby. Her life experiences and education shaped her to be adept at many skills. She could demonstrate how to build a campfire in the wilderness with her Girl Scout Troop on a weekend camping trip, fix a kitchen faucet for a neighbor, and write a research paper for publication. Her strong communication skills were demonstrated in her magical letters from Santa to her young children, and her constructive performance appraisals of her students. We who know and love Jackie Burnett will remember she had a much better sense of humor than of sense of direction when driving. Her laugh was loud…very loud. She didn’t mind if you laughed as hard at her laugh as at her joke or prank. Jackie’s family is confident that she needed to be guided to heaven by her mother and sisters. Now in heaven, Jackie has already managed to organize a few things and make everyone laugh in the process. Soon, she will be teaching the angels her campfire songs. A private memorial service will be held at a later date in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Kent Buser, 79, passed away Aug. 20, 2010 in Freemantle, Australia. He was born Jan. 9, 1931. He graduated from Connersville High School where he was involved in literary and theater/radio activities. He lettered in many sports but favored tennis. Early in life, he served the church as Presbyterian minister and campus minister. He subsequently pursued the path of educator and counselor both in the United States and in Australia. In his later years, he retired to Fremantle, Australia where he enjoyed running, swimming, televised tennis matches, listening to classical music and jaunts to the local library. He is survived by two daughters, Diana Buser and Melora Cox (David); a brother, Carl Buser (Ann); seven nephews and several cousins. He was preceded in death by a sister, Kathy Buser Mattern; his mother, Carolyn Buser Deeds; his stepfather, John Deeds; and his father, A. Carl Buser. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the local library or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Janice Eakin Campbell, 85, a passionate advocate for children-her own and thousands of others-died on July 24, 2017. Ms. Campbell, born in 1931 in Butler, PA, the second child of Earl and Esther Jane Wilcox Eakin, grew up in the small town of Prospect, PA, and in her teenage years worked for the nearby United Presbyterian Home for Children in Mars, PA, which, interestingly, was managed by her future in-laws, D. Rayburn and Marion Campbell. She graduated with a degree in English and education from Maryville College in 1955, and was teaching school in Pennsylvania when she married James Coleman Campbell, her childhood sweetheart just returned from a stint in the Army. They returned to Tennessee and in the next year were joined by their first child, David, and soon thereafter two others, Jim and Mary Esther. Janice loved children. She extended that love beyond immediate and extended family to include the children she taught in school, encountered at church, cared for in running a variety of child care centers and the East Tennessee Head Start Program. She never forgot the lessons she learned from watching her future in-laws at the Children’s Home. Their loving yet firm approach to raising orphans and others left adrift by bad fortune was a part of everything she did. Janice finished her career as director of the Children’s Center in Knoxville and retired after directing the Alcoa School Systems’ preschool program “Games” in 1996. Tragedy was part of her life. Her mother died when she was three years old. Her daughter, Mary Esther, died of cancer when she was a young child, a grief Janice carried all her days. Her lifelong love Coach Jim Campbell died nine years ago. Through it all she touched so many lives with small and large acts of kindness. She was a loyal member of New Providence Presbyterian Church for over 50 years, serving on session several times and teaching Sunday school. She supported her alma mater Maryville College on a variety of committees over the years, and was a mentor to students. After retirement, she particularly enjoyed the working with the local chapter of the P.E.O. and its scholarship programs for young women. Janice is survived by her son David, his wife Mary Lynn Tobin, of Davis, CA; and their son Christopher Tobin-Campbell (and wife Allison); son Jim and his wife Priscilla, of Oak Ridge, TN; and their children Elise Campbell Aragones (and husband Michael), Amelia Campbell and Claire Campbell. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law Ronald and Nita Eakin of Manassas, VA, and sister Susan Must, also of Manassas; and a number of nieces and nephews from their families; sister-in-law Mary Beth Eakin of Amelia Island, FL; and G. David and Peggy Campbell of Maryville, and Jerry and Charlotte Campbell of Houston, TX, along with nieces and nephews from their families. Her older brother Jim Eakin passed away nine years ago. The family wishes to thank the exemplary staff of Shannondale of Maryville and its residents for making the last years of her life, challenged as they were medically, so enjoyable. Janice’s memorial service was held Aug. 5, at New Providence Presbyterian Church in Maryville. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Maryville College or New Providence Presbyterian Church.

Martha Pearl Cobb, age 91 of Maryville, passed away Wednesday, December 22, 2021.

Born in 1930 in Cookeville TN, she graduated from Maryville College in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. She completed a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction at the University of Tennessee.
In July of 1955, she married Charles A. Cobb. She and Charles planted roots in Maryville and raised their son Joe David. Martha and Charles remained loving partners until his death in 2004.

She began a 40-year teaching career at Alcoa Schools in 1954 and taught economics, government, legal issues, world history and psychology. Martha always had high expectations for her students. She also was known for her sense of humor in relating stories of the fictional beleaguered student “Lulu Tillyockus.”

Martha served as the president of the Alcoa Education Association, as a liaison teacher with the Tennessee State Board of Education, chair of the AHS Social Studies Department, Student Council sponsor, president of Delta Kappa Gamma, and on the Maryville College Alumni Board.

She was named a Teacher of the Year finalist by the Tennessee Department of Education and received the first Tennessee Bar Association award to a high school teacher for promoting better understanding of the legal system.

Martha was a highly regarded professional throughout the region and shared her expertise with other education professionals. She retired in 1994, and continued to serve the Blount County community as an active member of the Chilhowee Club for over 26 years and, Blount County Retired Teachers’ Association.

In 2019, Martha received a special Legacy of Service Award from the Alcoa City Schools Foundation.
Becoming a member of New Providence Presbyterian Church in Maryville in 1954, Martha served the congregation as an Elder, Deacon, Welcome Table volunteer, and PWC moderator, and as the go-to person when any task needed to be undertaken and done well.

She was also a well-known and loved fixture at the Blount Memorial Cancer Center. As a “pink lady” volunteer with the Blount Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, she provided over 26 years of service amassing over 4,500 hours of volunteering service. Martha always provided a welcoming and reassuring presence for patients and family members receiving treatment at the hospital.

She also provided her famous Chex mix, fudge and other goodies to the Cancer Center staff and fellow volunteers.

She is survived by her son Joe David Cobb, wife Traci and two granddaughters Lauren and Cecilia.

Dr. Norris L. Counts, DDS; age 85 of Maryville, passed away Friday, July 15, 2016, at U.T. Medical Center. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Maryville and was a graduate of the University of Tennessee Dental School in Memphis. Dr. Counts served in the United States Air Force as a Dental Assistant in England during the Korean War. He was also a member of the American Dental Association, Tennessee Dental Association, past member of American Society for Preventative Dentistry, and past member and past Vice President of East Tennessee Dental Practice Administration Society. Dr. Counts practiced dentistry in Maryville for 40 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and May Buckner Counts; brother, Lynn Counts. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Alice Lowe Counts; daughter, Donna Counts; son and daughter-in-law, Barry and Tracy Counts; grandchildren, Jessica Lane (Chad), Joshua, and Callie Counts ;great-grandson, Levi Lane: sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Kenneth Brown; sister-in-law, Katrina Counts; several nieces and nephews. Memorial services: Monday, July 25th at 7:00 P.M. Monday at First Baptist Church of Maryville with Rev. Charles Ballard officiating. Receiving of friends from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the church. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Maryville 202 W Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, TN 37801.

Ralph Dempsey Crago, 96, of Swansea, Illinois, born Friday, September 15, 1923 in Chillicothe, Ohio, peacefully entered his heavenly home on Friday, July 3, 2020 at home in Swansea. He was the son of Arthur H. Crago and Carrie B. nee Dempsey of Chillicothe, Ohio. He had a long, happy marriage of 63 years to Edith Mae McKean from Warren, Ohio. Ralph was a veteran of three wars, WWII, Korea, & Viet Nam. He served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps and later in the United States Air Force. He remained in the Reserves after WWII and when called back to serve during Korea, he decided to become a career officer in the USAF. He spent his Air Force career in Air Weather Service serving in Nashville & Knoxville Tennessee; Anderson AFB, Guam; Offutt AFB, Nebraska; USAFE headquarters, Wiesbaden, Germany; and Scott AFB, Illinois. While stationed on Guam, a major part of his job was to fly WB-50’s into typhoons to gather weather data, many times flying home on a “wing and a prayer”. He retired in 1968 as a Lieutenant Colonel. After his military career, he was employed as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the State of Missouri for 17 years. Ralph was a graduate of Centralia High School in Chillicothe, Ohio. He was the last surviving graduate of the Class of 1941. He attended The Ohio State University for 3 1/2 years when he was called back to serve during Korea. He completed his Bachelors in Mathematics at Maryville College in Tennessee and later received a Master’s in Guidance Counseling from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He was a life-long Methodist and a member of Union United Methodist Church in Belleville, IL. He served alongside his wife as Sunday School superintendent and Youth group leader in multiple churches and was active on many Boards and committees within the church. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, and Retired Officer’s Association. Ralph was a farm-boy at heart, an avid reader, rarely missed an Ohio State football game, and loved being with his family. Though very quiet in nature, even until his last days, he was quick to provide sage advice to his sister, children, and grandchildren. One of his Air Force ER’s stated that “when Ralph speaks… you better listen.” He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his brother, Arthur Gene Crago. He is survived by his sister, June C. Ginther of Chillicothe, Ohio; his children: Carrie D. Crago of Swansea, Ill., and Ralph D. (Jill) Crago, Jr. of Gilbert, Arizona; his grandchildren: Claire, William, Vincent, Emily, Libbi, and Shaelani Crago and numerous nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, July 16, 2020 in Grandview Cemetery with Pastor Chris Brown officiating. Local arrangements are under the direction of the WARE FUNERAL HOME. Funeral services and a visitation were previously held at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org) or to Crouse Chapel United Methodist Church PO Box 386 Kingston, Ohio 45644.

Our beloved mother, sister and aunt, died peacefully with her children by her side February 9, 2018 in Daytona Beach following a brief illness. Born April 26, 1933 in Monticello, NY, she moved south to attend college at Maryville College in Maryville, TN. She continued to slowly move farther south, with many years spent in Blue Ridge, GA, where she raised her two children and worked in law enforcement with the Ellijay, GA police department. She was a resident of Ormond Beach since 1989. Dottie lived a life of generosity and kindness to all, never losing her appreciation of the wonder in the world. She was a mother as well to so very many students who she encountered in her 25 years at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, both as an advisement counselor and as an instructor. She is survived by her daughter, Betsy (Chris) Hofflin and son Samuel (Gabby) Webb, sister Betty, sisters-in-law Mary, Barbara and Lisa, four nieces, a nephew and many cousins who all loved her very much. She was preceded in death by her parents William A and Mary VB Crawford, and brothers John and Bill.

Rev. James P. Darroch of Mount Laurel, NJ passed from this life on June 30, 2015. The son of Scottish immigrants James and Mary “Mae” (nee Pattison) Darroch, Rev. Darroch was born July 21, 1928 in Philadelphia. “Jim” was a graduate of Northeast High School. Upon turning 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Maryville College and master’s degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. He served the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as pastor in Axtell, Neb., Dayton, N.J., and Audubon, N.J., until retiring in 1993. Beloved husband of the late Gertrude “Trudy” ’53 (nee Furman). Devoted father of Douglas (Tracee) Darroch, Elizabeth (K.C.) Coggins, Gregory Darroch and Alison (Richard) Schwarz. Loving grandfather of Lauren (Justin) Coe, Kristen (Michael) D’Amico, Callie Darroch, Kristina Coggins, Julie Coggins, Dean Schwarz and Jack Schwarz and great-grandfather of Madelyn D’Amico.

passed away March 20, 2014 due to a house fire at his home in Toms Brook, Virginia

Joan Demer, a quick-witted, flower-growing, cat-loving mom and friend to many, died in her Marion, Va., home on Oct. 18, 2023. She was 91.

Most everyone came to know her as JoJo.

She was born in Dunedin, Fla., delivered by her beloved Aunt Hazel in the front bedroom of her childhood home. Her father, who built the house, owned a hardware store, and she inherited his handy skills and ingenuity. She sold duck eggs collected from the family pond, raised cocker spaniels to help pay for college and churned butter in the hardware store’s paint shaker.

JoJo lived life her way, a hard worker, frugal in spending yet generous with her time and resources like her parents. Her wit came with a bite. Her voice mail message said “if you are not a friend or a relative, lose this number” and her doormats advised strangers to “go away.”

For a spell as a young woman, she renamed herself Jo Angela because she longed for a middle name and had a crush on a boy from camp named Angelo. JoJo graduated from Maryville College in Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science degree in education but didn’t want to teach so became a Delta Airlines flight attendant. (Bonus: She got to pocket any cigarettes leftover from what came with airline meals.) When she married, the rules of the time forced her to quit and she became a stay-at-home mother raising four children including one in a wheelchair. (Her first-born died as a newborn.) Her marriage to James Demer was long, though not life-long, and took the family to cities in Tennessee, Alabama, Florida and eventually to Atlanta and its suburbs.

JoJo became a reading paraprofessional for the Dekalb County School District in metro Atlanta, helping students at Avondale High School who had never learned to read or needed a boost. Recognizing all she did, her adored lead teacher dubbed her Demer the Great. She was a dedicated horticulture volunteer at Zoo Atlanta and an usher at the Alliance Theatre. When her three surviving children went off to college, she began renting their rooms to international students, providing them with opportunity and herself with companionship and an expanded worldview. Some remain in touch even now, 40+ years later. On her resume, she listed one of her skills as “dealing with people of all ages.”

After JoJo retired, she resettled near her youngest daughter in Marion, Va. The community embraced her, and she gave back, volunteering with and supporting many service organizations. She received an early honor when she was named one of Smyth County’s Most Beautiful People. She made close friends at Wellness Center classes, hosted regular potluck luncheons and volunteered with Helping Hands thrift store and The Lincoln Theatre among others. She became a Virginia master gardener and put her knowledge to use not only in her own yard, but also by turning a weedy triangle of land at the end of her street into a tiny showplace garden that she maintained almost until she died.

Her life-long habit of tracking every penny she ever spent – literally – and investing and saving the others helped put all of her five grandchildren through college. She never forgot a birthday.

Joan was preceded in death by daughters Sharon and Terry Lynn Demer; parents Margaret M. and Gavin R. Douglas; brother Russell Douglas; and kitty Biskit among many cherished cats.

Joan is survived by daughter Lisa Demer of Anchorage, Alaska; son Kevin Demer and daughter-in-law Pam of Portland, Ore.; daughter Tracy Thompson of Marion, Va.; brother Gavin L. Douglas of Allen, Texas; ex-son-in-law Garry Mealor of Anchorage; grandchildren Sarah, Drew, Taylor Lee, Noah and Trey; three nieces; many cousins; friends in Virginia, Georgia, Florida and all over the world; and dear kitty Licorice.

In lieu of flowers, JoJo requested that you consider a donation to one of her favorite causes: The Lincoln Theatre in Marion, where daughter Tracy is executive director, or Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library through the Smyth County Chamber of Commerce.

JoJo’s children and grandchildren held a private family service at Hungry Mother State Park to celebrate the richness of her life. They read messages from loved ones, shared memories and played the song she chose, “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”

Betty Jo Woody Russell Endsley passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2019. Betty was born on Aug 6, 1933 in Del Rio, TN to Ernest and Bertie Murr Woody. She graduated from Cocke County High School in 1950, receive a B.S Degree from Maryville College in 1954, an M.S Degree in Elementary Education in 1972 plus 45 hours in post graduate studies from UT Knoxville. She taught first grade at Springbrook Elementary school (Alcoa Elementary) for 30 years. A Major interest was travel. She and her family traveled with Lacy's family out West, on cruises and to Mexico and Hawaii. She and Jewel traveled the lower 48 states as well as Alaska, Canada and Nova Scotia in their motorhome. They made several trips to Florida and the outer banks, NC They enjoyed cruising in the Caribbean Islands and Panama Canal. Preceded in death by Parents-Ernest and Bertie Woody, former husband Roy N Russell, Son-Robert (Bobby) N Russell, brother and sister-in Law-Lacy and Esta Woody, brother-in-law, Curtis Lowe, and Step-Son-Greg Endsley. Survivors: Husband-Jewel L. Endsley, Daughter-Beth Russell Lee, Sister-Barbara Lowe, step Children-Ned Endsley, Brian Endsley, Janelle(Eric) Basler, Eric(LeAnn) Endsley, Scott Endsley and Deidre(DeeDee) Perry. Nieces and Nephews-Don(Diane) Woody, Randy Woody, Barbara Jo(Tony) Taylor, Betty Ann Morris and several step grandchildren and great grandchildren. Special thanks to the staff at Avenir Memory Care at Knoxville and Smoky Mountain Hospice for the excellent care she received. Betty was a member of Monte Vista Baptist Church for over 50 years. Family will receive friends at McCammon Ammons-Click Funeral Home in Maryville, TN, Saturday, March 23 from 5 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. Funeral service will follow at 7:00 P.M. with Rev Jerry Mantooth officiating. Family and friends will assemble at 1:00 P.M., Sunday, March 24 for the interment service at Sherwood Memorial Garden with the Rev. Bob Dalton officiating. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to Monte Vista Baptist Church Building Fund, 1735 Old Niles Ferry Road, Maryville, TN 37803.

Betty Jo Woody Russell Endsley passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2019. Betty was born on Aug 6, 1933 in Del Rio, TN to Ernest and Bertie Murr Woody. She graduated from Cocke County High School in 1950, receive a B.S Degree from Maryville College in 1954, an M.S Degree in Elementary Education in 1972 plus 45 hours in post graduate studies from UT Knoxville. She taught first grade at Springbrook Elementary school (Alcoa Elementary) for 30 years. A Major interest was travel. She and her family traveled with Lacy’s family out West, on cruises and to Mexico and Hawaii. She and Jewel traveled the lower 48 states as well as Alaska, Canada and Nova Scotia in their motorhome. They made several trips to Florida and the outer banks, NC They enjoyed cruising in the Caribbean Islands and Panama Canal. Preceded in death by Parents-Ernest and Bertie Woody, former husband Roy N Russell, Son-Robert (Bobby) N Russell, brother and sister-in Law-Lacy and Esta Woody, brother-in-law, Curtis Lowe, and Step-Son-Greg Endsley. Survivors: Husband-Jewel L. Endsley, Daughter-Beth Russell Lee, Sister-Barbara Lowe, step Children-Ned Endsley, Brian Endsley, Janelle(Eric) Basler, Eric(LeAnn) Endsley, Scott Endsley and Deidre(DeeDee) Perry. Nieces and Nephews-Don(Diane) Woody, Randy Woody, Barbara Jo(Tony) Taylor, Betty Ann Morris and several step grandchildren and great grandchildren. Special thanks to the staff at Avenir Memory Care at Knoxville and Smoky Mountain Hospice for the excellent care she received. Betty was a member of Monte Vista Baptist Church for over 50 years. Family will receive friends at McCammon Ammons-Click Funeral Home in Maryville, TN, Saturday, March 23 from 5 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. Funeral service will follow at 7:00 P.M. with Rev Jerry Mantooth officiating. Family and friends will assemble at 1:00 P.M., Sunday, March 24 for the interment service at Sherwood Memorial Garden with the Rev. Bob Dalton officiating. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to Monte Vista Baptist Church Building Fund, 1735 Old Niles Ferry Road, Maryville, TN 37803.

Dr. Marshall C. England, Jr., passed away on September 21, 2021. He was preceded in death by his wife, Diana, who was his college sweetheart and best friend for 54 years; his infant son, “Tiger”; his brother, Bill England; and his parents, Marshall Sr. and Lura. Marshall graduated from Maryville College in 1954, the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry in 1958 and the Medical College of Virginia Graduate Studies in 1967. He was certified by The American Board of Endodontics in 1981. Marshall was Program Director at Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry. He was an avid fly fisherman and he loved his trips to Canada. He also had a love for antique cars, of which he had several over the years. Upon retirement, Marshall returned to his hometown of Maryville, Tennessee. Marshall was uncle, cousin and friend to many wonderful people who will miss him dearly.

Age 82 passed away on March 2, 2014. Dr Erickson practiced medicine with Summit Medical Group at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center and served on the ethics committee at the hospital. He was elected president of the Tennessee Academy of Family Physicians in 1992. He was an avid runner, competing in over 30 consecutive Knoxville Expo road races. He was preceded in death by daughters, Beth Erickson and Emily Erickson-Luttrell. Dr. Erickson is survived by his wife, Libby Erickson; and son, Richard S. Erickson; granddaughter, Elizabeth Claire Luttrell.