Class Notes

from the University of Maryland Medical System and the University of Maryland School of Medicine and relocating to Savannah. I will work some with the University Medical Center and Mercer Medical School.

Stephen Rainey Dorner, age 69, of Maryville, passed away suddenly at his home on Tuesday, July 14, 2015. He was born and raised in New Jersey and came to Tennessee to attend Maryville College where he met his wife, Kathy (Hinger) Dorner (MC Class of ’67). They loved Maryville and the community of friends they had built here and decided to make Maryville their permanent home. After a career in sales, Steve opened Stevie D’s Pizzeria. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church and Heritage Sunday School class. Steve loved life, his family, his friends, a good joke and golf. He will be deeply missed. He was preceded in death by: father and mother, Charles & Judy (Rainey) Dorner; brother, Charles Dorner, Jr. He is survived by: wife of 47 years, Kathy Dorner; daughter & son-in-law, Caroline and Gene Miller; grandchildren, Harrison and Elizabeth Miller; brother and sister-in-law, Joe & Joyce Dorner; and nieces, Jennifer (Dorner) Iacono and Jackie (Dorner) Harker and their families. The family received friends at First United Methodist Church in Asbury Hall (804 Montvale Station Road) at 4:00 PM on Saturday, July 18, which was followed by a celebration of Steve’s life beginning at 5:30 PM. Memorial donations may be made to: Maryville College (Maryville Fund), Attn: Eric Bellah, 502 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy., Maryville, TN 37804 or First United Methodist Church, 804 Montvale Station Road, Maryville, TN 37803.

Coach Don Eili retired in Oct. 2016 from coaching after 46 years as a wrestling coach at the collegiate level. He began his career as wrestling coach at MC. He coached for ten years with a record of 93-35 and 4 ties. His thirty-one yeas at Carson Newman College netted a record of 376 wins, 243 losses and 3 ties. He completed six more years at ETSU with a record of 53-39-0 where he retired in 2016. He is one of only seven coaches in the history of collegiate wrestling to reach or surpass 500 wins. He was inducted in the MC Wall of Fame and the NAIA National Hall of Fame in 2000, the NCAA National Hall of Fame in 2007 and accumulated 41 consecutive years with at least one wrestler to qualify for the National Championships through the Regional Qualifiers. In all, 203 wresters got to participate in the National Championships with 28 earning All-American honors and 21 others won National Championships.

Donald P. Elia died Wednesday afternoon, March 27th, 2024, at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia. His death was peaceful, with his wife Colleen and children Christy and John by his side. He was 83.

Don grew up in New Jersey, where he and his sister were raised by their single mother, Dorothy Beatty. He graduated from Hackettstown High School in 1958. After high school, he traveled to Tennessee to attend Maryville College, where he would compete in wrestling, football, and track. Though Don was an eager athlete, he wasn’t quite ready for the rigors of academic life; he left school for a while, grew up a bit, and married Colleen. They moved to Maryville so Don could work and coach while he finished his degree in Education. He went on to complete a Master of Science in College Student Personnel and Counseling from the University of Tennessee in 1973. He worked briefly at the McCallie School in Chattanooga before landing the job at Carson-Newman College (now Carson-Newman University) that would define his career. At Carson-Newman he established a wrestling program and worked as the Director of Financial Aid. From 1978 until his retirement in 2008, Don coached and mentored generations of wrestlers and helped families afford higher education. After retirement he created a non-profit to support wrestling in East Tennessee and traveled back and forth for hours to support the Club Wrestling team at East Tennessee State University. For his decades of contributions to the wrestling community, Don was inducted into the Maryville College Wall of Fame, the Carson-Newman University Hall of Fame, the NAIA Wrestling Hall of Fame, and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Beyond his love of wrestling and coaching, Don was a loyal New York Giants fan, an ever-optimistic golfer, and a proud father and grandfather. He could find his way anywhere without a map. He built things without designs. Don’s life was in many ways a thing of myth and legend, some no doubt of his own making, and his family wouldn’t have it any other way.

Don is survived by his wife Colleen; children Christy Brooks (husband Rob) and John (wife Alice); five amazing grandchildren (Thomas, Julian, Jack, Emmylou, and Pete); and his sister Barbara Chiu (husband Vince).

Maryville High School’s Dr. Penny Ferguson travels to Mount Vernon to study George Washington The Daily Times – July 2, 2017 Maryville High School teacher Dr. Penny Ferguson traveled to George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon, for a residential professional development program June 13-17. The George Washington Teacher Institute program included collaborating with Mount Vernon historians, curators and educators. In addition to studying Washington’s role in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution, participants explored the broader context of these conflicts on 18th century. This seminar totally changed my perspective about the American Revolution, said Ferguson, who teaches Advanced Placement English. In addition to seminars from experts, we had an after-hours mansion tour, a field trip to the American History Museum and complete access to the grounds. We had our morning coffee on the piazza of Mount Vernon watching the sun rise over the Potomac. George and Martha Washington came to life as the week progressed.

MC alumna Penny Ferguson '69 is among ten women who have been nominated for the sixth annual Blount County Athena Award, which will be presented on Jan. 24, 2019 at the Clayton Center for the Arts. The Athena Award recognizes women for using strength, courage, wisdom and enlightenment to make outstanding contributions to the community. Ferguson has taught English at Maryville High School for more than 45 years.

During the 34th Annual Daily Times Academic Awards on May 6, 2019, Penny Blackwood Ferguson ’69 and Adriel McCord ’00 were inducted into the Daily Times Wall of Fame, which recognizes professional achievement and community involvement. Ferguson is a nationally recognized teacher at Maryville High School, and McCord is vice president of First Tennessee Bank.

BORDENTOWN – Alan G. Friedrich passed away peacefully on Monday, May 24, 2010.

Born in Trenton, he was a lifelong resident of Bordentown.

He received his bachelor of science degree at the Maryville College, located in Tennessee, in 1969. Alan served with The United States Army during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1976.

After the war, Alan began his career working for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, where he supervised the air pollution enforcement activity in central and southern New Jersey. In 1993 he was promoted to the position of assistant director of occupational health and safety.

He retired in 1995 after over 20 years of dedicated service. His accomplishments included: directing the first comprehensive safety and health program in the country, authoring five “Safeworks” which were published by the United States Department of Labor, O.S.H.A., and conducting extensive occupational health and safety surveys in the New Jersey casino industry.

He was a member of the Governor’s Council on Public Occupational Health and Safety, New Jersey State Safety Council, Occupational Safety and Health Program Managers Association, and the State Plan Designee (NJ) to the National Safety and Health State Plan Association. He was also a member of the Yapewi Aquatic Club located in Bordentown.

Alan was an avid environmentalist and enjoyed spending his time in the outdoors, but his greatest joy in life was spending time with his son, Alex.

The son of the late Edwin C. and Florence M. “Gibbs” Friedrich, he is survived by his son, Alexander Friedrich and his mother, Joanna Friedrich; his special friend, Bobette Bohanan, and many friends and neighbors.

Linda Jane Gibbons, age 68 of Hermitage, died October 2, 2015 at her residence. Her family will celebrate her life with final services in New York.

Jon Warren Hancher, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on January 10, 2022 after a hard-fought battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He was surrounded by his loving family and wearing his IU hat.

Jon was born May 31, 1947 in Columbus, Indiana to Thomas (Jack) Hancher and Lela Mae (Taylor) Hancher. He grew up in Decatur County and graduated from Jackson Township High School in 1965. He furthered his education at Maryville College (TN), where he lettered in baseball and basketball, graduating in 1969. Upon graduation, he returned to Indiana and began his career as a lifelong educator as a teacher/principal in Shelby County. He completed a master’s degree in education from Indiana University, where he also met his future wife and developed a lifelong love of IU basketball.

Jon married Judith Ann Jacob on December 28, 1971. They recently celebrated their 50th anniversary in Gatlinburg, TN, where they honeymooned as newlyweds. The couple later moved to Franklin County, IN, where Jon taught and coached women’s basketball for many years. He was a huge advocate for women’s high school sports, fighting hard for equity. He absolutely loved coaching the team. One of his fondest memories was the FCHS team that he coached to semi-state, losing to Cathedral in a close game.

Over the years, Jon was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hunting, and golfing. One of his favorite things was teaching his grandkids how to fish and he was known for his “Bapa tales” about his large catches. He was also a card shark, beating his family in euchre right up to the end. Jon was proud of his children and grandchildren, regularly bragging in jest that they got their smarts from him. He was a member of the Brookville United Methodist Church and the Brookville Redevelopment Commission, working diligently to help the town he loved.

Jon was survived by his wife of 50 years (Judith Ann Jacob Hancher), his children Heidi Hancher-Rauch of Westfield, IN (spouse Eric Rauch), Justin Hancher of St. Augustine, FL (spouse Meghan Kennedy Hancher), and Joshua Hancher of West Orange, NJ (spouse Jennifer Zabel Hancher). He leaves 10 loving grandchildren: Madysen, Rylan, Isabella, and Ainsleigh Rauch; Olivia, Evan, Aidan, and Owen Hancher; Emma and Erin Hancher. Jon’s sisters, Gretchen Bode and Jan (spouse Paul) Otte, along with several nieces and nephews survive as well. He was preceded in death by his brother Jerry Hancher.

Has retired from teaching at Maryville Jr. High.

age 83 of Townsend, died Saturday, October 6, 2001at Asbury Acres Nursing Home, following a long illness. Hugh was born and raised in Mohawk,Tennessee and moved to Blount County where he worked for 43 years as a millwright for the Aluminum Company of America. Hugh served his country proudly during World War II in the Third Army under General Patton with a tour of duty in Germany. He was recognized with several medals and awards of merit during this service. As a veteran, Hugh was reluctant to speak of his military experiences but shared with his grandchildren his first visit to a big city and seeing the Statue of Liberty from the deck of the ship as he left for Germany, and then seeing her again in a different light when he returned to stateside. Hugh was an avid gardener, loved to grow flowers, and crafted hand-carved miniature log cabins and churches from pieces of cedar. As a father raising boys, he spent time in the hills of his beloved East Tennessee, teaching his sons to hunt and to fish and to respect the land. He loved all types of music and could play the guitar and mandolin by ear. He was a member of Alcoa First Baptist, but upon moving to Townsend, attended Tuckaleechee United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Orpha Jarrells and Samuel Benjamin Livingston; sisters Mary Sue Livingston, Medra Ethel Lee and brother Jarrell Benton Livingston. He leaves behind his loving wife, Barbara Rathbone Wilson Livingston; son Hugh Samuel Livingston, Jr.; son and daughter-in-law Willlam Lynn Livingston and Janice R. Livingston; step-son and wife Joe and Brenda Wilson; granddaughter Laura Livingston Marsh and husband Steve Marsh; granddaughter Candice Lynn Wilson; grandsons Joshua Christian, Daniel Benjamin and Caleb Samson Livingston and Christopher David Wilson. Hugh is also survived by sisters leanece Newman, Lorraine Livingston, Orpha Maude Lane, Jenny Allred and brothers; David, Don, and Ned Livingston; many nieces and nephews and a host of dear friends and other relatives.

York – Mark W. McMaster, 72, entered into rest on Thursday November 21, 2019 at his residence surrounded by his family. Mark and his wife, Joy A. (Eichhorn) McMaster, recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. He was born May 30, 1947 in Johnstown. The son of the late Wilbert and Beatrice (Holsinger) McMaster, he was preceded in death by a sister, Doris L. Saylor. Mark was a graduate of Eastern High School and Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee. His desire for knowledge led him to enjoy the fields of carpentry, computers, photography, tropical fish, wildflowers, orchids, fly fishing, and fly tying. He was a member of the Donegal Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Susquehanna Orchid Society, Nature Conservancy, and Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, A visitation will be January 4, 2020 at 1 PM at the John W. Keffer Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. 902 Mt. Rose Ave. York. A Memorial Service will follow on January 4, 2020 at 2 PM with Pastor Marion Haynes Weller officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Hospice and Community Care 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, Pa. 17604, Donegal Trout Unlimited PO Box 8001, Lancaster, Pa. 17604, or to a charity of your choice in Mark’s name.

Dr. Raymond Howard Phillippi, 73, died Sunday, September 23, at his home in Knoxville. Survivors include: his wife of almost 50 years, Georgia Phillippi; his brother, Clifford Phillippi; two sons; David (Julia) Phillippi of Brentwood, TN; Benjamin (Jennifer) Phillippi of Charlotte, NC; daughter, Erin (Andrew) Rust of Hixson, TN; and seven grandchildren. He received his bachelor’s degree in history from Maryville College, a doctorate in psychology from the University of Tennessee. Dr. Phillippi retired in 2010 as a health service researcher with Blue-Cross, Blue-Shield. He was a veteran of Viet Nam. He was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Knoxville, having previously served as council president. At the time of his death he was the volunteer business manager.

Martha Ann Clabo Ramsey, age 76, of Knoxville, Tennessee went to be with the Lord on Monday, Oct. 2nd, 2023. Martha graduated Magna Cum Laude from Maryville College in 1969. Her enduring delight was teaching. She taught Spanish and French for over 30 years in Knox County. During her career, Martha received many accolades including TN Teacher of the Year. She will be remembered as a true champion for all children. Martha had a huge heart and was kind and giving to all who knew her. The number of lives she touched with her warmth, generosity, and love is simply uncountable.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Robert Ramsey; son, Marc Andrew Ramsey; parents, Rev. Andrew & Martha Clabo; sisters, Mary Naquin & Vickie Hamilton; brother, Andrew (Jim) Clabo, Jr. She is survived by sisters, Margaret Clabo Vineyard & Deborah (Rick) Threadgill; beloved lifetime friend, Martha Coulter Abbott; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

August 8, 2019 Dear Friends, It is with great sadness that I share that former Library and Curatorial staff member James T. Reynolds passed away this week. Jim devoted nearly 26 years of this life from August 1987-February 2003 to serving, supporting and contributing to the Heard Museum. He began his career part-time in the Curatorial Department inputting in the Argus database which operates as the foundation of the Heard Museum’s collection management software. A few years later, the Heard Museum Library was very fortunate to have Jim join the Library staff and manage the Native American Artists Resource Collection. He was the master of this great collection and became familiar with thousands of Native artists. He was here at the very beginning when the online version of the Museum’s artist files was launched; and new his way around the complex and sometimes mystifying database. Over his years in the Library, Jim spread his wings and served as a library volunteer coordinator and supervisor, provided expert assistance in processing archives, and participated in the general development of the Library. A most memorable example when he did an item by item inventory of the 900 pound Jeanne Snodgrass Collection. I think it holds the record for any inventory. Jim was instrumental in helping with the “great” move when the Library grew into its expanded area during the 2000 expansion. Jim, along with his sister Diane Reynolds, were major contributors personally and through their mother’s memory to the Heard Museum and its Library and Archives for purchase of equipment, acquisitions, and supporting the 2000 expansion campaign. Jim will be missed on many personal levels as a friend, kind person, good cook, political savant, voracious reader, database expert, and master confectioner of the best peanut-brittle in the world. Jim’s caregiver was his devoted sister Diane Reynolds whose legacy at the Heard Museum was equally as impressive. They shared a home together. For those that wish to communicate to Diane Reynolds, her address is Diane Reynolds, 14238 North 46th Drive, Glendale, Arizona 85306-5031.

Alice Marie Rodriguez, 75, of Marietta, Georgia, passed away on Monday, June 21, 2022.

was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Long Haul Award by the Tennessee Alliance for Progress on MAy 15th, 2014 in Nashville TN

writes in to share that in January she was elected Vice-President of the Knoxville Oakridge Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO.

Gerry Steigelman passed to a better life June 26, 2016 after a brief illness. Gerry was born in Chester, Pennsylvania but spent the majority of his life living in Texas. Gerry was a proud 1969 graduate of Maryville College. Immediately upon graduation he joined the United States Air Force, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam. Upon completing his military responsibilities he relocated to Houston, Texas where he owned and operated a successful restaurant franchise for many years. In his later life Gerry became actively involved in providing guidance and support to those affected with dependency addictions helping many individuals find the right life path. He also loved his time boating on Lake Conroe. Gerry was predeceased by his parents Howard and Virginia. He leaves his brother Terry (Kathleen), his son Grant (Sherrie) and their son Dalton. A private family service in memory of Gerry’s life was held at Arlington Cemetery in Springfield, Pennsylvania. Anyone wishing to contact his brother Terry can do so at steigelt@gmail.com.

An Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph in Maple Mount, Ky., who earned a degree from Maryville College prior to entering religious life, is celebrating an anniversary of religious profession in 2022.

Sister Sharon Sullivan is celebrating 40 years as an Ursuline Sister. She was born in Austin, Texas, raised in Houston, but her family moved to Owensboro, Ky., when she was 13. Prior to becoming an Ursuline Sister, she earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Maryville College in 1969.

She also earned an associate degree from Christian College in 1967, an elementary and special education teacher certification from Brescia College (Owensboro, Ky.) in 1975, and a master’s degree in education from Western Kentucky University in 1982. She earned her doctorate in special education from Purdue University in 1993.

Most of her ministry has been at Brescia College/University. She served as director of residential life (1984-87), professor of education and special education (1987-90, 1993-2009, 2017-present), chairwoman of the Social and Behavioral Studies Division (1999-2004), chairwoman of the School of Education (2004-2007) and coordinator of special education (1999-2007, 2017-present). She was academic dean and vice president for Academic Affairs (2007-2010).

From 2010-16, Sister Sharon served as the congregational leader for the Ursuline Sisters. Today, she continues to serve in special education at Brescia.

Jubilee congratulations may be sent to 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356.

Mary Roseborough Thrall, 73, died January 8, 2021, in Jacksonville, FL. She was born in Knoxville, TN to Douglas and Barbara Roseborough and resided in Jacksonville from 1955 until her death. Mary graduated from Englewood High School in 1965 and was a graduate of Maryville College (TN) where she met and married David Thrall. Mary was a middle school English teacher for 37 years. She was an active member of Unity Church for Creative Living. Her interests included family, her horses, gardening, artwork, music, reading, and a host of many friends. Mary is survived by her mother, Barbara Roseborough; sister, Jenny Young (Noah); brother, Doug Roseborough (Jane); 4 nephews and a niece; 8 great-nephews and 6 great-nieces; and a favorite uncle, Jim Burnett (Sabina) of Batesville, AR. She was preceded in death by her father, Douglas DeVault Roseborough Sr. Donations may be made to Hospice, Unity Church for Creative Living, and/or Maryville College. A Life Celebration will be held for Mary in the spring.

Albert Joseph WahlBaker, of Belpre, OH, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021 at home with his wife by his side. Born Jan. 25, 1947 in Philadelphia, PA to Albert Robert Wahl and Kathryn Muriel Fagley Wahl. Albert was 74 years old at the time of his death. Albert graduated from Olney High School in Philadelphia, PA. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Religion, form Maryville College, Maryville, Tennessee. He earned his Master of Divinity degree from San Francisco Theological Seminary, San Anselmo, CA. While exploring how he could be of further service to people in need, he met his wife, Linda S. (Baker) WahlBaker, at a nursing facility in Los Banos, CA. She was his Preceptor in an Administrator-in-Training Program. Later on, they were married. As a married couple, they were inseparable. They enjoyed traveling cross country from West Coast to their home states of Pennsylvania and Ohio, hiking the Sierra Nevada and cross-country skiing. Albert was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Robert Wahl and Kathryn Fagley Wahl; his younger brother, William Robert Wahl; and his younger sisters, Kathryn Alice Wahl and Eleanor Elizabeth Wahl; his parents-in-law, Ernest “Ernie” Baker and Genevieve “Jenny” Baker. He is survived by his wife, Linda WahlBaker; nephew, Eric Wahl and great niece, Isabella “Bella” Wahl of Daly City, CA; brothers-in-law, Jerry (Betty) Baker of Lancaster, OH, Ron (Shelagh) Baker of Columbus, OH, sister-in-law, Judy (Rick) Josten of Mico, TX. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and a great-nephew. Special thank you to Dr. Darcy Conner, who visited Albert at home when he was no longer able to travel; Staff at Legal Aid of West Virginia in Parkersburg (particularly Kathaleen, Vanessa, Jill and Cathy); Chuck Dowler and his wife Myrna, from Affordable In-Home Care; Sue Woodward; Amedisys Marietta Home Health and Hospice; and many others too numerous to mention, Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 26, 2021 at the St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, with Fr. Don Horak officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. John’s Cemetery Fund, c/o Janet Bell, 2535 Dutch Ridge Road, Guysville, OH 45723-9525, the American Brain Tumor Association or the American Parkinson Disease Association. You are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.whiteschwarzelfh.com.

Albert Van Gould Williamson, Jr., 75, passed away on Sunday, May 9, 2021 at home surrounded by his family. He had fought a short but brave battle against cancer.

Van was born on December 23, 1945 in Eastman, GA to the late Albert Van Gould Williamson, Sr. and Naomi Grace Duncan Williamson.

He spent most of his early years in Maryville, TN. His mother was very talented in playing the piano and so music became a big part of his life. At the end of his sophomore year, he decided to follow family tradition of attending military academies and finished his junior and senior year at Kentucky Military Institute in Lyndon, Kentucky. After graduation, he moved back home to attend Maryville College. During college, he was a member of the college choir which toured the country. One of the most memorable stops was at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Van could trace his family ancestry back to 1865 when his great-great-great grandfather built the first building at the corner at Cherry Street and Northwest Broad Street. His mother and maternal grandmother were avid genealogists, so he was raised on learning the history of his family and Wayne County. He brought to life his family ancestry and extensive knowledge of history in the vivid stories that captivated his children and grandchildren.

Van worked many years for J.C. Penney, managing retail stores and relocating several times as the position required.  While managing the store in Goodlettsville, TN, he met and married his soul mate and the love of his life, Susan Lynn Holt.  After marriage, Van and Sue decided to move to St. Simon’s Island to help his parents manage the family corporations dealing with commercial real estate. In 1982, Van moved his family to Jesup when another business opportunity was available. Later bought the local Western Auto franchise, which he operated successfully for many years. Later in his working career, he oversaw the building of several residential homes and managed the renovation and construction projects including the design and construction of the rebuilding of the Whaley Center building in downtown Jesup that was destroyed by fire in 2014.

Van loved being with his children and grandchildren and sharing the knowledge he had acquired in his life with them.  He was an avid shooter who loved teaching the art of shooting as well as gun safety to his students.  Van coached the 4-H .22 rifle team for many years where they competed and won countless competitions. He also coached the Tri-County Gun Club Youth Shotgun team. In 1998, he watched one of his sons take a gold medal in 410 shotgun skeet shooting competition in Georgia’s Junior Olympic games. He also volunteered as an assistant baseball coach.  In his spare time, he loved collecting stamps, continued to look for more ancestors of his and Sue’s family, and watched movies.  He and his father had been avid duck hunters and would travel to the bayous of Louisiana annually until his father’s health started failing. Later in life, he and Sue enjoyed looking for hidden treasure with metal detectors.   He was a longtime communicant of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. He was a 51 year Master Mason in the Rockford Tennessee Masonic Lodge #469 F&AM.

Van is survived by his wife of forty-two years, Sue Williamson, three sons, Albert Van (Trey) Gould Williamson III, Graham Williamson, Pate (Aimee) Williamson, and five grandchildren, Samantha Williamson, Isabel Gonzales, Elijah Gonzales, Charlotte Williamson, and Norah Williamson, special cousins Jeannie Tyre and Sherry Mauldin, and many additional cousins.