Class Notes

Ralph E. Ayers ’60 and his wife, Kitty, moved to Las Vegas in July, 2018 to be near two of their children, Vicki (class of 2001) & Matt (with whom they are living) and who both work for Cirque Du Soleil, Michael Jackson One show. They will spend the next few months looking for a home of their own in the Vegas area as they adapt to the change from the tropics of the Texas Rio Grande Valley and the Gulf of Mexico to the altitude and desert heat of southern Nevada.

Coach Thomas (Tom) Sidney Bass, 78, of 42 Hickory Way and husband of Dee M. Bass died Saturday, December 14, 2013 at his home. Born in Mooresville, NC, he was the only son of the late Thomas Gilmore and Ola Mae Bass. He was also predeceased by his only sibling Janice Wingate and her husband Tommy of Mooresville, NC. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Dee Bass of the home; the mother of his children, Susan P. Keaton of Abbeville, SC; children, Stephen (Barbara) Bass of Seneca, Laura Bass of Austin, TX and John (Samantha) Bass of Anderson, SC; step-daughter, Dee Anne (Robbie) Shoenleben of Liberty, SC; cherished and beloved grandchildren, Ian Shoenleben, Andrew Bass, Hannah Bass and Harper Bass; brothers-in-law Larry (Barbara) Morgan of Englewood, TN and Jerry Morgan of Madisonville, TN; and a number of Aunts and nieces and nephews. Coach Bass was a graduate of Mooresville High School, Maryville College in Tennessee; Edinburgh Scotland; and the Sports Academy in Mobile, AL. Tom served in the 82nd Airborne Pathfinders during the Korean Conflict, making 69 jumps. Tom’s coaching career spanned 41 years having coached at Sevier County Tennessee for 4 years where he had Dolly Parton as a student; 1 year at Univ. of Tennessee; 14 years at Clemson University under 5 different coaches; 20 years at Seneca High School where he served as Athletic Director and Head Coach; and after 10 years of retirement returned for 1 year at Seneca High School. Tom loved football, golf and was an avid reader. He was a proud member of the “morning coffee club” where he shared his morning coffee with his many friends. He loved his family and especially his grandchildren. Tom was a member of First Baptist Church of Clemson.

Ross E. Birchfiel Jr., age 79, of Maryville, passed away May 11, 2016. He was born in Elizabethton, Tennessee and moved to Maryville as an infant. He graduated from Maryville High School, the University of Tennessee and the University of Tennessee College of Law. After serving as a Captain in the United States Army JAG Corps at Ft. Benning, Georgia, he returned to Maryville and entered the private practice of law. He retired from the law and joined his father, Ross E. Birchfiel Sr., in running the family business, Ross Furniture Company. He was a member of Broadway United Methodist Church and had been very active in the community. He loved watching Maryville High and UT play football, traveling, and fishing on Anna Maria Island, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ross and Edna Birchfiel. He is survived by his wife, Linda Lyke Birchfiel; daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy and Jim Webber of Maryville, Tammy and Jeff Wilkerson of Midlothian, Virginia, and Janie and Jeff Smither of Cumming, Georgia; grandsons, Jimmy and Alex Webber and John Ross Wilkerson.

Loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, William F. “Bill” Boyd, 87, of Williamsburg, left this world to be with God on Tuesday, January 30, 2024.

Bill was born December 10, 1936. He was witty, loving, adventurous, and curious about the world around him. He always kept his childlike sense of wonder. He was constantly satisfying his intellectual curiosities including astronomy, biology, and ornithology. Even after he lost his eyesight, he continued to enjoy books on tape, including biographies, documentaries, and world history. He earned two Master’s Degrees and a Doctorate simply because he loved to learn.

He was an avid traveler who sought to have authentic experiences with all those he met. He loved trekking in Nepal. He developed a sweet friendship with his Sherpa guide and corresponded with him throughout the years. He walked the Great Wall of China, explored his Scottish ancestry in Scotland and was amazed by the stunning beauty of Norway’s fjords. His life was enriched by the people he met and the beauty of God’s creation. He passed down his love of travel, for which his family is forever grateful.

He spoke with an economy of language; when he had something to say, listeners would hang on every word. His words were intentional. He encouraged. He challenged, but most importantly, he listened. People were drawn to him because he had a way of making them feel truly seen. His dry wit put others at ease and carried him through the many physical challenges he experienced as he grew older. He felt that there was no point in complaining. It was better to just take one day at time and depend upon God’s abundant mercies.

He had a deep, personal faith in God that sustained him throughout his life. He shared his faith with others as a servant leader. He spent his last days wondering what heaven would be like. He desired to sit beneath the Tree of Life, alongside the river of grace.

Music was a very integral part of his life. He especially loved classical and choral music. He spent his last days listening to Mozart adagios and sacred hymns. They were a balm to his spirit and filled him with peace.

He shared a love with his wife, Carole, of 63 years that was rare, unbreakable, and stood the test of time. He was a father who shaped the hearts of his daughters. He was a grandfather who was loved, admired, and revered. He was a valued friend to many.

He lovingly cared for his family throughout his life. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carole: two children, Sharon Boyd and her husband Bill, and Deborah Gainer and her husband Joe; plus four grandchildren – Michael and his wife Katie, Sarah, Will, and Kate.

Passed away December 1, 2015.

Ann Barnes Carpenter, age 85, of Nashville, TN, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of December 5, 2023. She was born on May 7, 1938, in Nashville, to the late Louis R. and Anna Wilkinson Barnes.

Ann graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1956 and Maryville College in 1960. She married Don Milton Carpenter, who predeceased her, on November 25, 1960. She taught 1st grade for one year at Brookmeade Elementary before devoting the next 12 years to being a full-time mom to her children, Tom Carpenter (Julie) and Alice Carpenter.

In 1973 she began teaching again. She was briefly at Percy Priest Elementary before being transferred to a full-time teaching position at Eakin Elementary where she taught kindergarten in the same classroom for the next 29 years! She positively touched the lives of dozens of school children throughout her career as well as her own family and the many people she met throughout her life.

Ann loved family history and was proud of the fact that she could trace her heritage back through many generations. She loved visiting Pulaski, TN and exploring our family history there as well as in the Maury County Archives.

Thanks to the incredible care that Alice provided for her, she was able to remain in her own home until her passing. Alice’s loving care that she provided to Ann cannot be overstated.
Ann was a member of Glendale United Methodist Church for many years, but for the last 5 years was a devoted attendee of Covenant Presbyterian Church via live-streamed services.
In addition to Tom and Alice, Ann is survived by her grandson, Brandon Carpenter, as well as many nieces and nephews and extended family.

Kenneth A. Churchill, 75, of Petersburg, died at 12:40 pm on March 1, 2014 at Memorial Medical Center. He was born on May 4, 1938 in Greensburg, PA, the son of Charles O. and Janette N. Churchill. He married Barbara F. Jackson on September 15, 1984 at Central Presbyterian Church, Petersburg, IL. Kenneth earned a BA degree from Maryville College, Maryville, TN, a Masters degree from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary in Louisville, KY, and a Doctorate degree from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL. He was ordained as a Presbyterian pastor in 1966. During his career he served as pastor at Covenant Larger Parish, Clarksville, MO; at Hodge Presbyterian Church, Trenton, MO; at the Central Presbyterian Church, Petersburg, IL; and at the Gulf Beach Presbyterian Church, Panama City Beach, FL. He also served in three interim positions, as pastor at the First Presbyterian Churches of Clinton, IL and Carthage, IL; and as Associate Executive of the Presbytery of Great Rivers, Peoria, IL. Throughout his ministry he was active in the larger church and in his community. In his presbyteries he had served as chairperson of all major committees. He served as Moderator of the Presbytery of Florida. He was twice a commissioner to the National Meeting of the Presbyterian Church (USA). He also represented the Presbyterian Church twice on mission trips to South Africa. He will be remembered by many for his commitment to ecumenical work as seen by his initiate in starting inter-denominational Lenten Breakfasts for Men, a Youth Recreation Center, Love Outreach Program for disadvantaged children, a beach wide pantry, followed by Beach Care Services, referral and counseling center. His goal throughout his life was to help people experience the love and joy of Jesus Christ. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; two sons, Timothy Churchill (wife, Mabel) of Franklin, TN and Kevin Troutner (wife, Gina) of Loraine, IL; two daughters, Kelly Holtsman (husband, Les) of Thompson, MO and Patience Griffin (husband, James) of McKinney, TX; one sister, Lynn Kratz of Chesterfield, MO; and by eleven grandchildren. His Witness to Resurrection Service will be held at Central Presbyterian Church, Petersburg, IL, on Saturday, March 8, 2014 at 11:00 am. A visitation will be held Friday, March 7 from 5 to 7 pm also at Central Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central Presbyterian Church.

Thomas Gerald Eberhard, known to his loved ones as Tom, passed away on September 26, 2023, in Cincinnati, Ohio, at the age of 85. Born on July 15, 1938, in Cincinnati, Tom was a beloved member of his community who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Tom was a truly giving man, known for his compassion, generosity, and quick wit. He had a remarkable ability to bring smiles to the faces of those around him with his sense of humor. Tom was not only a fantastic friend, but also a loving brother, husband, uncle, father, and grandpa (Tutu) to his fortunate family members.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Diane Eberhard, sister Jacque Shear (Doug Shear), and his loving daughters, Lisa Eberhard Pugh (Armour Pugh), Dana Eberhard Kelley (Brian Kelley), and Hallie Eberhard (Kurt Searer). He is also survived by his cousin, John Spooner (and the late Eydie Spooner); his nieces and nephews Kevin Shear, Heather Wilson, Linda Santiago, Jim Powers, Chris Powers, James Powers, Keith Powers, and Alexander Powers. Tom will be fondly remembered by his adoring grandchildren, Lauren Dowrey, Hannah Dowrey, Sophie Dowrey, Jake Tufts, Ryan Tufts, Emma Kelley, and Rohan Kelley.

Tom attended and later taught at Cincinnati Country Day School. He graduated from Maryville College in 1960, where he pursued higher education and was a founding member of the “KT Group” for alumni. He valued learning and embraced the opportunities his education provided him. Later, he owned his own printing business, was a Kiwanis member, and a Sycamore Township Trustee.

Tom’s family would like to recognize and thank his loving nurse, Theresa Schoonover and her entire family, who made the last few years of Tom’s life incredibly special.

The family would also like to thank Sycamore Presbyterian Church, where he and his wife were active members. Tom’s memory will be cherished by his family and friends, who will forever remember him as a kind and loving individual.

Sondra Wagner Ellis died on February 10, 2022, at her home in St. Louis MO, after losing a struggle with cancer. She was born on January 5, 1938, in Cumberland, Maryland, to Earl Wagner, Sr. and Elizabeth S. Wagner. Sondra graduated in 1960 from Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee, where she met her future husband of fifty-nine years, Dorsey D. (Dan) Ellis, Jr. She earned a Masters Degree in biology from Vassar College in 1962. Sondra and Dan then married and moved to New York City. After several years researching Tay-Sachs Disease at the Jewish Chronic Disease Hospital in Brooklyn, she became a fulltime homemaker. When she and Dan moved to Iowa City in 1968, Sondra became an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church, worked to preserve Lincoln Elementary School from closure, and served on the advisory committee to the Director of Hancher Auditorium. It was in Iowa City that she found her true passion, gardening. She was a leader in Project Green and earned a Master Gardner certificate. After moving to St. Louis in 1987, Sondra joined The Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, where she has served as a member of the Parish Guild, the Vestry, and the Robert Fund Board. She also served as the Parish Treasurer twice. Her love of gardening led to her active participation in U City in Bloom, the St. Louis Herb Society (where she led the establishment of the Legacy Fund), and the Missouri Botanical Garden.

She is survived by her husband, Dan; her daughter Laura Ellis; her son and daughter-in-law Geoff and Wendy Ellis; her grandchildren, Kenzie and Tate Ellis, and her sister-in-law, Elizabeth Ellis.

Charles Jacob Farris, age 85, of Chambersburg, PA passed away December 31, 2018. He was born in Charlotte,NC, June 15, 1933, to Clyde A. Farris, Sr. and Melba Kerne George Farris. Mr. Farris was a US Air Force veteran. He was a graduate of Maryville College, Maryville, Tennessee and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He was an Associate Professor of Music at Wilson College for 25 years. He was the organist and director of music at several local churches, most recently Trinity Episcopal Church in Chambersburg and St. John's Episcopal Church in Carlisle. He was a charter member of the Chambersburg chapter of the American Guild of Organists. He was a guest carillonneur at Mercersburg Academy for many years. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He is survived by his daughter, Catherine E. Farris, (husband Scott L. Ruark) and grandson, Jacob L. Ruark. He is also survived by nephews, C. Alexander Farris, T. Frederick Farris, and James L. Farris, and niece, C. Faith Teem, as well as great nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his wife, Goldie Lovins Farris in 2017, his brothers, Clyde A. Farris, Jr. and George W. Farris, and his nephew, William C. Farris. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 5, 2019, at 11 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 431 Philadelphia Ave., Chambersburg, PA 17201. The family will receive friends Friday, January 4, 2019, from 1 – 3 and 6 – 8 PM in Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg. Interment will be private, in Oxford Cemetery, Oxford, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Organ Fund at Trinity Lutheran Church at the above address.

died on Friday, Nov. 22, 2013. Surrounded by his family, Ray concluded his full life with a peaceful and dignified death. He faced his many health challenges, including his final illness, with bravery and grace, and his humor, wit, and mischievous nature never left him. Ray was born on June 16, 1938 in Friendsville, Tenn., to Frank Hannah and Grace Wilkinson Hannah. Ray graduated from Maryville College in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and, in 1966, earned a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Auburn University. While studying at Auburn, Ray met and married his wife of 51 years, Sadie Jean Beaird Hannah. After graduation, Ray embarked upon a career as a research chemist with E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. At DuPont, he worked in Research and Development and served as Group Manager and Technical Manager in the Industrial Fibers and Carbon Fiber Divisions. His work with DuPont spanned 34 years, from 1966 until his retirement in 2000. Immediately thereafter, Ray became Global Technology Director for DuPont Sabanci (DUSA) International. At both DuPont and DUSA, Ray served as a mentor to many, and he was admired and appreciated by his colleagues. Ray retired from DUSA at the end of 2003, and thereafter focused primarily on his family, with particular emphasis on grandfathering, growing and gifting vegetables, cheering for the Auburn Tigers, and pursuing his passion and favorite pastime, fishing. Ray is survived by his wife, Sadie; his daughter, Jenny Ellen Hannah; his son, William Ray “Bill” Hannah and wife, Lisa Marie Holland Hannah; his sister, Judy Ann Hannah Miller and husband, Murphy Davis “Dave” Miller; and his three grandchildren, Nathaniel Ray Hannah, Nicholas Holland Hannah, and Madelynn Grace Hannah. Ray and his family express their thankfulness and gratitude to all of the physicians, nurses, caregivers, and friends who provided treatment, care, support, and comfort

Gloria L. (Evans) Hayes, 84, a resident of Keene and formerly of Milford, Connecticut, passed away peacefully while resting on Saturday, September 10, 2022 under the care of Applewood Genesis Center in Winchester, New Hampshire.
She was born the daughter of the late Alma (Hickey) and Louis W. Evans on July 12, 1938 in Kenton, Kentucky. Gloria graduated from Stratford High School in Stratford, Connecticut, class of 1956. She then attended the Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee earning her Master’s Degree in Education.
On July 29, 1961, Gloria married Alford G. Hayes. They had a simple service with family and friends in Trumbull, CT. They began their life together in Ansonia, CT and shortly thereafter, settled in Milford, Connecticut.
Gloria was a teacher for the early part of her teaching career and ultimately became the Executive Director of Good Shepard Child Care Development Center and East Shore Daycare Center in Milford, Connecticut. She served in this capacity for over 40 years until she retired in 2016.
Along with working, Gloria was an accomplished soprano vocalist, enjoyed singing in community and church choirs and enjoyed spending summers at her family’s cottage in Stoddard, New Hampshire. She was a very active and devoted member of the United Presbyterian Church in Milford, Connecticut and in the last three years, an active member of the United Church of Christ in Keene, New Hampshire.
Gloria is survived by her two daughters, Karen Bell (Bruce) of Stoddard and Laura Hayes of Keene, New Hampshire; her brother Reverend Paul C. Evans (Jonathan) of Topeka, Kansas. She is also survived by her two grandchildren Sarah Cheverier (Joseph) and Amber Bell; her great grandson Matthew Hester and many nephews, nieces, cousins and extended family and friends. Gloria is now at peace with her parents, her daughter, Paula Hayes Martin, who passed in 2018; her brother, David R. Evans, who passed on April 11, 1965 and her grandson, Brian A. Bell, who passed in 2006.

Helen Moore Jones October 12, 1938 – August 9, 2021 Raleigh, North Carolina – Helen Jones died peacefully at Transitions LifeCare hospice. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Richard E. Jones (Dick) and her children, Lauren Suchy and Jim Suchy, Dr. Jonathan Jones and Dawn Shaw, Sam Jones and Sherrill Jones along with her grandchildren Daniel, Lindsay, Alex, Ben, Charlie, and Maddie. She has one great grandchild. Helen enjoyed teaching in the Wake County school system for many years as a third grade teacher at Myrtle Underwood Elementary School in Raleigh. After her retirement she volunteered for twenty years as a docent at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Helen will always be remembered for her kindness and humor. At Helen’s request her family will celebrate her life at a later date.

Reda is “retired” from travel consulting and enjoying her love of art. She is an active member of the Asheville Gallery of art cooperative in Asheville, NC. www.ashevillegallery-of-art.com. You can also see her art work at Miya Gallery, Weaverville, NC.

Reda continues to pursue her art painting mysterious landscapes using bold and muted color in oil, acrylic and mixed media on canvas and board. Her art work can be seen at www.ashevillegallery-of-art.com and miyagallery.com.

Robert (Bob) H. Kidd, (86), of Alcoa, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2023, surrounded by his wife and daughter.

Robert, fondly known as Hoppy, was born to Clyde and Margaret Kidd, on December 3, 1937, in Maryville, Tennessee. He graduated from Maryville High School and attended Maryville College. He was the owner of Bob Kidd Siding Company and developed many subdivisions in the area. Bob enjoyed giving back to his community and leading a life of service. He served on the Blount County Commission for 16 years. He served on the Budget and Finance Committee. He also served on the 911 board for over 30 years. He was also an avid sports memorabilia collector and New York Yankees fan.

Bob was preceded by his parents, Clyde and Margaret Kidd; his sister, Peggy Lambert and brother-in-law, John Lambert. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Dottie (Heaton) and one daughter, Robin Spears and her husband, Bo Spears; his grandchildren, Carl and Mac; 2 nephews, John Lambert Jr. and Jason Lambert (April); 3 great nieces, Sophia, Hollyn, and Helen; and two great nephews, Lucas and Charlie.

Douglas C. Koehler aged 85, of Bethlehem PA passed away on the afternoon of April 12 at his home. He was predeceased by his sister Arlene, of Soleberry Township. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years Shirley, his brother Ray of Mansfield, his son Michael, daughter-in-law Rachel, and 5 adored grandchildren: Natalie, Aiden, Isaac, Dylan, and Jackson. Douglas was born to Ray and Maisie Koehler in Macungie on November 28th,1938 and after finishing high school went on to graduate with a BS in Chemistry from Maryville College. He and Shirley married in January 1981. He pursued a long and successful career at Grandview Hospital as an RN. Among his myriad of hobbies were stamp collecting, kite flying, camping, winemaking, the study of New Testament Greek, and a general love of reading across a huge variety of topics. In his later years, his time was spent tending an enormous garden, petting his dog Piper, napping, and most importantly spending time with his beloved grandchildren who never failed to make him smile.

Ann Cole Llewellyn passed away on October 29, 2021 peacefully in her sleep. She will always be loved by her husband John and her pet, Snitz.

Ann was born in Bryson City, N.C., attended Swain County High School and Maryville College. She worked for 40 years in the Land Title Business in Chattanooga.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Ellis and Sarah Cole.

Survivors include her loving husband of 61 years, John Llewellyn; sister, Jean Almond and sister and brother-in-law, Kay and John Eadie.

She was very active in the Simpson U.M.C. where she played the piano for Sunday School and sang in the choir. She was also active in the Women’s activities of the church.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Rev. Russell H. McCuen, Jr. (Mac), born November 2, 1938 in Philadelphia, PA, passed away on November 25, 2020 in Louisville KY. Preceded in death by parents, Olga Julia Christensen and Russell Howard McCuen, Sr. and a brother, Robert. He was educated at Maryville College and Pittsburgh Seminary as an M. Div. and later got his MBA at West Virginia University. Mac pastored churches in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. He was also a member of the Presbyterian General Assembly. Prior to retirement, Russell served four interims. Mac attended Harvey Browne Presbyterian. In his retirement he was an avid Christian adult educator for Third Lutheran Church and Harvey Browne congregations. He will sadly be missed by wife, Mary McCuen, brother, Richard and two wonderful children from a previous marriage, Wendy Jones, Adam McCuen, grandchildren and great-grand children.

Nancy L. McDaniel, age 77, of West Chester, Ohio, passed away peacefully Saturday, September 29, 2018. She was born Thursday, January 23, 1941 in Knoxville, Tennessee to James and Hueletta (nee Ridenour) Braden. At the young age of 15, Nancy began her freshman year at Maryville College. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree, she ventured off to the big city of Lexington to attend University of Kentucky as she worked towards a Master’s Degree. It was during a meeting with the Math Department that Nancy met Fred C. McDaniel, a friendship that would last a lifetime. The following year, Nancy received her Master’s Degree from the University of Tennessee. On Friday, June 30, 1962, Nancy married her best-friend. She and Fred would spend the next 55 years watching their family grow as they welcomed two daughters and three grandchildren. They loved to travel and could honestly say they were working on traveling the world. Nancy showed her family how to balance the strength of being a professional woman while maintaining a home filled with love and laughter. Math was a way of life for Nancy and she taught with a passion that brought excitement to her students. Head of the Math Department at Lakota and Sponsor of Mu Alpha Theta. She has touched many lives through her teaching. One of her favorite things was hearing from her former students. Nancy was honored to receive the first “Teacher of the Year” award from West Chester Kiwanis. Active in Crestview Presbyterian Church for 45 years, Nancy served as both a Deacon and Elder. She enjoyed her Sunday mornings with the Koinonia as they studied the Bible. Nancy loved her church family and will be missed by all that knew her. Nancy was preceded in death by: parents, James and Hueletta Braden; and husband, Fred C. McDaniel. Nancy is survived by: daughters, Karen (Ken) Poleyeff and Jami (Michael) Fullington; grandchildren, Kelsey Poleyeff, Braden Fullington and Madeline Fullington; and many loving family members and friends including lifelong friends, Ron and Carol Everman.

Anna Coe Keitt McIlwain, 83, of Talladega, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at her daughter’s home in Daphne, Alabama. Visitation will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Talladega at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2022. Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday, February 26, 2022, with the Rev. Leeann Scarbrough of First Presbyterian Church officiating. Anna was born in Newberry, South Carolina to Joseph Lawrence Keitt and Margaret Kinard Keitt on September 14, 1938. At age eight, she professed her faith in Jesus Christ and joined Aveleigh Presbyterian Church in Newberry. She attended Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of South Carolina. Anna received a Master of Arts degree in Bible from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia, and a Master of Science degree in library science from Jacksonville State University. Anna taught in South Carolina, Mississippi, and Alabama for 21 years. She also worked as a Field Advisor for the Girl Scouts and a Director of Christian Education at Steele Creek Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, N.C. Anna was a member of the Highland City Club and a board member of the Heritage Hall Art Museum. She was an active member and elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Talladega and commissioner to the Presbyterian Church USA General Assembly in 2004. Anna also served as Moderator of Presbyterian Women of the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley as well as a member of the Congo Missions Team. Anna is preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Kinard Keitt, and her father, Joseph Lawrence Keitt. Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her family. She is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 53 years, James Wade McIlwain; son, James Wade McIlwain, Jr. (Holly) of Hoover; daughters Margaret McIlwain Trammell (Stoney) of Prattville; Mary McIlwain Hadley (Blake) of Daphne; sister, Margaret Keitt Smith of Lexington, South Carolina, five grandchildren, Shelton McIlwain Taylor (Reece) of Oxford; Keitt Caroline Trammell of Montgomery; Trent Jason Trammell of Troy; Anna Sellers Hadley and Samuel McIlwain “Mac” Hadley of Daphne; one great-grandchild, Maeleigh Anne Taylor of Oxford; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

David Walter Morris, age 81, of Augusta WV, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 12, 2020 due to complications of an auto accident on January 4th. Preceded in death by parents George and Irene (nee Harding), he is survived by loving wife Elaine (nee Brininger); elder brother George Earl Jr.; children Jonathan, Andrew, Daniel, Kate, Jennifer, and Patrick as well as eight grandchildren. He is also survived by former spouses Tina (Keyes) and Maureen Kelleher. Visit Tribute here: https://www.giffinfuneralhome.com/obituaries/David-W-Morris?obId=10588972 After a long and complex life he will be remembered by many in different ways, including but by no means limited to father, husband, brother, minister, executive, recruiter, counselor, and friend. He loved bluegrass banjo, golfing, indulging his sweet tooth and spinning the truth into elaborate and awe-inspiring tales. He was never one to conform to expectations. After being refused by Elaine while they attended Maryville College in Tennessee, he surprised her with a second proposal on campus after they had reconnected at their 50th reunion. Informed by doctors that he would never father children due to an injury sustained as a teenager, he went on to father four and adopt two more. An ordained minister, he went on to a career in large corporations in Connecticut and New York, closing his career in the field of executive search with WTW and Associates in Manhattan. After arriving in West Virginia, David became involved with efforts to found The River House, a local community arts space in Capon Bridge. His efforts helped provide the area with a lively and engaging resource for friendship, music, art and community. David marched to his own drummer and stayed true to himself to the end. A true raconteur and gadabout, he never passed on a beer, a Winston, a great story, or a good joke. He often claimed he was “only renting space on this planet.” If that’s true his lease must not yet have expired because many who knew him feel a vacancy in their hearts; one that may never be filled. A Celebration of Life will be held at Central Methodist Church, Capon Bridge WV on February 8, 2020 at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either Maryville College or to the River House. In memory of David W Morris (class of ’60) Maryville College Office of Institutional Advancement 502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway Maryville, TN 37804 Or online at https://www.maryvillecollege.edu/giving/give-today/ The River House P.O. Box 240, Capon Bridge, WV 26711 Or online https://www.theriverhousewv.org/

Muriel “Mimi” Louise Naber, age 84, of Newark, DE, passed away Thursday, March 16, 2023. She was born in Rochester, NY on August 19, 1938, to the late Earl and Louise (Adams) Mattes. Mimi is survived by her children, Lauren Muriel Adams, and Brian Lee Naber; granddaughter, Amber Nichole Naber; brother, Robert Mattes; and sister, Shelia Dunn. In addition to her parents, Mimi is preceded by her loving husband, Francis James Naber, Jr.

Writes in to say she is still happily engaged in her real estate practice. In her spare time she is part of a 40+ year conversation group called Penny University. She says, “Santa Cruz is a rich cultural experience, so life is always new and exciting. This summer it was whales that held our attention. Who knows what 2016 will bring?”

WestbowPress / Zondervan for Thomas Nelson. It has just published my spiritual memoir The Stubborn Ear and it is available online, from WestbowPress