Class Notes

Alvin “Al” C. Baker died at his home in Maryville, Tenn., Sunday, January 30, 2022, surrounded by family and friends. Al was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur C. and Juanita Baker. He is survived by his brother Dennis, sister-in-law Pamela, nephews Brandon and Dustin Baker, Monica Chron “Aunt Nicka” and beloved friends Rusty and Sharon Kirkpatrick.

Al will be remembered for his generosity, dedication, and unfailing optimism. A graduate of Harriman High School (’68) and of Maryville College (’72), Al continued to serve his college alma mater with leadership positions in the Blount County Alumni Association and Executive Board of the National Alumni Association and a 26-year membership in the President’s Circle. As general manager of National School Products for over 40 years, Al was fond of saying he could do, “generally, anything.”

A proud Highlander, generous philanthropist, and successful manager, Al once wanted to build things. And indeed, his legacy will be the people, organizations, and even buildings he helped form and shape with his gifts and talents—building an enduring business; mentoring employees; developing alumni relationships through indefatigable volunteerism; cultivating future alumni through the establishment of a scholarship fund; and supporting the construction of buildings such as the Clayton Center for the Arts. But perhaps most of all, Al built tremendous, lasting, lifelong friends, who will continue to celebrate and share his legacy.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, February 5 at 2:00 at Roane Memorial Gardens (Rockwood, Tenn.); a celebration of life service will be held Saturday, February 12 at 2:00 at Clayton Center for the Arts at Maryville College (Maryville, Tenn.).

In Lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to the Alvin C Baker Endowment Scholarship at Maryville College.

“So the memory fresh shall linger, through life’s smiles and tears.” —Maryville College Alma Mater

Charles retired from the UT Austin Butler School of Music on December 31, 2019 after 40 years of service as Head Piano Technician. His husband, Steve Cannon (Strawberry Plains/UT Knoxville), & Charles now live in retirement in Austin, Texas, although he still freelances as a piano technician and works for arts organizations such as the Van Cliburn Foundation in Fort Worth, the Seattle Chamber Music Society, the Seattle Symphony, the Austin Symphony Orchestra, etc. Charles sang in the MC choir and took care of the pianos on campus until they moved to Texas in 1980.

Caroline Best, age 72, died Sunday at Asbury Maryville health care center. Wife, mother, educator, advocate for peace and justice, a person filled with unconditional love, child of God: Caroline is all this and more. Seven years ago, she fell victim to a glioblastoma brain tumor. For most folks, this cancer results in death in a year. But for Caroline, she never gave in, never accepted defeat. For seven years she continued to teach everyone faith, perseverance to “run the race”, and to never grow weary. She crossed the finish line into eternity on Sunday October 9, 2022 (inspired by Isaiah 40:31).

Caroline was born in Atlanta GA June 2, 1950, and grew to young adulthood in Cartersville GA. She was first-born of six children to Al and Sarah Munn. She graduated from Cartersville High school in 1968. She graduated from Maryville College in 1972 with a mathematics degree. She returned to Cartersville and taught eighth grade. One of her students was her younger sister Nannette. She met her future husband at Maryville College when he returned from serving in the US Army. They married on June 16, 1973. Caroline returned to Maryville, where she taught at Carter Middle school in Knox County. Caroline and Edwin lived in Chattanooga TN for 6 years. Their three children were born there. Caroline received the Master of Science degree in mathematics from University of Tennessee Chattanooga and taught math at Chattanooga State. The family returned to Maryville in 1982.

In the mid-1980’s, she was coordinator of Blount County Ecumenical Action council. She resumed teaching math at Pellissippi State, Blount and Knox County campuses from 1990 until her retirement in 2009. In 2002, she began an advanced degree program, through Appalachian Collaborative Center for Learning, Assessment & Instruction in Mathematics (ACCLAIM). Caroline was ACCLAIM’s first Doctoral program candidate, earning her PhD in math education in 2006.

She served many programs at New Providence Presbyterian church (NPPC): Presbyterian Women (PW), was meaningful to her. She was Moderator of PW at NPPC. She served in leadership of PW of East Tennessee. She was an ordained Elder at NPPC. She sang joyfully in NPPC’s chancel choir. At NPPC, she organized the annual “Alternative Christmas Fair”. She was passionate about peace and justice through Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance (OREPA). She was awarded OREPA’s Peace Award in 2017. Caroline was actively involved in many Presbyterian peace initiatives, locally and globally. She made trips to Russia, the Holy Land, Uganda, Pakistan, and Central America to help others and to educate herself on society and the greater world.

Caroline is survived by her husband of 49 years Edwin, three children, Sarah (Sophia), Katherine (Ryan), and John (Mari). Also surviving are grandchildren, Rowin and Rose.

A memorial service to celebrate her exceptional life will take place later this Fall. Memorial gifts may be made to: New Providence Presbyterian church, Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance, Maryville College.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Laurie Guild Green Burdick, of Silver Spring, Maryland, who left us peacefully at age 80 on Saturday, March 4, 2023, surrounded by her children.

Laurie was born in Chicago on January 19, 1943, to Marjorie Littig Guild and John P. Guild. After graduating from the Villa de Chantal High School in Rock Island, Illinois, she and her husband, Robert Green, moved to Maryville, Tennessee in 1967. She received her bachelors degree from Maryville College and masters degree from the University of Tennessee, both in social work.

Laurie was a selfless and caring mother who dedicated her life to her children, family, friends, and championing causes that she believed would make the world a better place. She had a particular passion for animals, the environment, and promoting human rights and social justice. She was a true environmentalist and was always conscious of her carbon footprint. She made it her mission to reduce her impact on the environment and inspired many others to do the same.

One of her greatest passions was adopting and fostering old and injured animals. She recognized the unique challenges these animals faced and committed herself to providing them with the care and love they deserved. Her home was always filled with furry friends, each one cherished and given a second chance at happiness.

In addition to her advocacy work, Laurie had an incredible sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. She was adventurous and lived life to the fullest. Laurie was devoted to her late husband Phil Burdick. She loved spending time with her children, traveling with her children, and traveling to see her children. She adored her grandson, Harry, and enjoyed spending time with him whenever possible. She always said love is the most important thing above all else.

Laurie is survived by her four children, Lindsey Green, Shannon Green, Wally Green, and Jason Green; daughters-in-law Irene Lee and Miki Sakurai Green; her grandson Henry Wallace Green; sisters Lucia Marie Guild Otto and Catherine Louise Guild Schlichting; brother Robert S. Guild; and countless nieces and nephews all of whom she adored. Laurie’s warmth and generosity will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Laurie’s memory will live on through the countless lives she touched and the positive change she brought to the world. We are comforted to know that Laurie will be reunited with her loving mother, Uncle Judd, and her husband Phil.

Emily L. Dowdy of Panama City, FL was born on September 20, 1950, in Lebanon, TN, and passed away on September 8, 2021, at her home with her devoted and beloved partner, Joseph P. Sergo, by her side. Emily was the daughter of the late Roy Dowdy and Emmy Lou Cox Dowdy. She is survived by her brother Dr. William L. Dowdy and his wife, Teppy; nephew, Morgan Dowdy; numerous and loving Dowdy and Cox cousins; and loyal friends.

Emily graduated from Lebanon High School in 1972 where she lettered on her high school basketball team and played in a state championship game. At Maryville College, a private liberal arts college in east Tennessee, she majored in English and met her lifelong friends Dana McDade Battaglia and her husband, Richard. After completing her BA degree at Maryville College, she enrolled at the University of Tennessee (UT) where she earned a Master of Arts in College Teaching (MACT) degree and taught a freshman writing course. She later returned to the UT College of Law and was selected to contribute to the law review.

Until her death Emily was an accomplished private attorney, public defender, and public servant dedicated to representing the underserved in her community. In 1984 Emily became a founding board member of Advocates for Children, Inc. (501c3) which provides fundraising for Guardian Ad Litem for the 14th Judicial Circuit. Until her death, she served as board member and both pro-bono and an employed attorney for the organization. Through this productive partnership, Emily developed a lasting professional and personal relationship with June Lashbrook. Emily, June, and other community leaders provided vision and commitment to meet many needs of abused and neglected children in the 14th Judicial Circuit of Panama City and greater Bay County community.

For the last thirty-three years, Emily and Joseph, were actively involved in urban renewal and development projects in Panama City working closely with mayors and city commissioners. With the mayor’s appointment, Emily worked with a diverse committee to form a Community Resource Center to provide wrap-around services in one location for the homeless population. Emily was appointed to chair the Downtown Improvement Board, and with other community leaders established numerous award-winning community events to feature downtown Panama City. Together, Emily and Joe had the vision to acquire, renew, and develop property in downtown Panama City including the large 48,000 square-foot, steel structure near the courthouse that houses the offices of both state attorneys and public defenders.

Emily loved the sea, her pets, and the beauty of the earth — especially sunrises and sunsets. An athlete in both high school and college (where she was a star softball player), she was a life-long sports enthusiast who especially followed UT football. She was compassionate, dedicated, kind, and thoughtful, and will be long remembered for her empathy, grace, and dignity – as well as her tenaciousness should circumstances require.

of Jacksonville, passed away Thursday, January 9, 2014 at the Betty Cameron Women’s Center at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 18 at First Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, NC. Jenny was born July 27, 1949 in Macon Georgia. She was a graduate of Calhoun High School and Maryville College with a degree in Physiology. She later went on to receive her Master’s in Education from East Carolina University. She dedicated 30 years of her life to the children of Onslow County before retiring in 2010. Jenny was an amazing person who never met a stranger and brought joy to all that had the pleasure of knowing her. The family wishes to thank all the Doctors, nurses and staff at The Zimmer Cancer Center, The Betty Cameron Women’s Center and Davis Community Rehabilitation Center for their care, love and friendship. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Hill of Hayesville, NC and brother, John Hill of Knoxville, Tennessee. Survivors include her soulmate of 25 years, Carlyle “Sonny” Teabo and dog, Bella of the home; daughter, Kristi Williford and her husband, Jason of Clinton, NC; her father, Reverend Fred Hill of Hayesville, NC; sister, Malia Qureshi of Dubois, Wyoming; stepson, Eric Teabo and his wife, Delores of Jacksonville; and three beloved grandchildren, Olivia Marie and Ava Lee of Clinton, NC and Eric Jr. of Jacksonville, NC. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be made to The American Cancer Society, St. Judes Hospital, Local Relay for Life or Animal Shelter.

Gaynell Harless Lawson was selected to receive the fourth annual Blount County Athena Leadership Award. ATHENA Leadership Award® Recipients are individuals who have achieved the highest level of professional excellence, contribute time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community, and actively assist others, particularly women, in realizing their full leadership potential.

Ralph “Dusty” Edward Miller, Jr., age 82, passed away peacefully on August 5th, 2020. He was born on July 18, 1938 in Baltimore, Maryland to Ralph E. Miller, Sr. and Alice B. Crumbacker. After graduating from West Nottingham Academy, he was awarded a baseball scholarship to the University of Maryland. His desire to be a Marine led him to leave college and join the United States Marine Corp. After completing Special Ops training, he was part of the first combat unit deployed to Viet Nam where he completed two tours of duty. He was then recruited by the National Security Agency, resigning after two years to complete a B.S. from Maryville College in Tennessee. He returned to West Nottingham Academy as faculty in 1972 where he coached three sports. He joined the Army Special Forces National Guard Green Beret in 1979 and was on the A-Team until 1981. At age 48, Mr. Miller completed jump school and was the Communications Team Sergeant until the unit’s deactivation in 1994. He was recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency in 1982 and remained with them until his retirement in 2003, completing 27 years of federal service. Mr. Miller was passionate about the Boy Scouts of America where he held positions of Scoutmaster and Order of the Arrow Chapter Advisor. He has mentored countless young men to Eagle Scout and beyond. He also served as Emergency Medical Technician for Maryland City Volunteer Fire Department, Station 27 in Laurel, MD where he oversaw their Cadet Training program. Mr. Miller is survived by his nephew Garry M. Pace and wife, Patricia; nephew Brian D. Rigell; great nephews Matthew R. Pace and wife, Shelby, Timothy B. Pace, and great niece Caroline P. Rudacille and husband, Scott; great great nephews Jackson Rudacille and Luke and Wyatt Pace, and great great niece Mollie Rudacille and the countless friends and young men and women he has mentored. Also predeceased by his sister, Sandra L. Miller. A private interment with full military honors is planned.

Dr. Montgomery ’72 has compiled the Bibliography for Scotch-Irish (Scots-Irish) Studies. This bibliography lists 1600 books, articles, and other publications that in some fashion and over the past four centuries connect Ireland (usually Ulster) to either Scotland or North America. It seeks to bring together publications that all too often fall between the cracks (or stools) of existing bibliographies, especially ones of Irish Studies. Central to its focus are emigrants from Ulster from the early-18th century until about 1830 and their descendants until the present day. Within this focus is emphasized the extensive pre-Revolutionary stream of emigrants into the American interior, a region often referred to as the “backcountry.” More here: http://www.scotch-irishsocietyusa.org/research.php#abilb

Michael Bryant Montgomery, age 69, of Lexington, SC, formerly of Knoxville, TN, passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2019. Michael was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, SC. and a graduate of Holston High School (class of 1968), Maryville College (B.A.), the University of Tennessee (M.A.), and the University of Florida (Ph.D in Linguistics). He was a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of English and Linguistics at the University of South Carolina and a renowned expert on Southern American English, Appalachian English, Ulster Scots, and the Scots-Irish influence on American English. Michael was an author of numerous scholarly articles and books, including Dictionary of Smoky Mountain English (co-author, 2004); Language. Volume 5 of New Encyclopedia of Southern Culture (co-editor, 2007); From Ulster to America: The Scotch-Irish History of American English (2017); and Dictionary of Southern Appalachian English (co-author, forthcoming). He was co-host of a website on Appalachian English, at: http://artsandsciences.sc.edu/engl/dictionary/. His honors included the 2004 Wilma Dykeman Award for Historical Writing from the East Tennessee Historical Society, the Cratis D. Williams/James Brown Award from the Appalachian Studies Association, one of the Top 100 Most influential People in the Great Smoky Mountains History by the Great Smoky Mountains Association, and a Grammy nomination for the music CD “Old Time Smoky Mountain Music.” He was Past President of the American Dialect Society, the Southeastern Conference on Linguistic, and the Ulster Scots Language Society. Michael was preceded in death by his parents Bryant Smith Montgomery and Ann Cunningham Montgomery. He was survived by his sister Marcia Ann Montgomery, sister Karen Montgomery Atchley and husband Philip Earl Atchley, brother David Arthur Montgomery and wife Maria Montgomery, nieces Rachel Elaine Atchley and Julia Bess Lopez, and nephews Philip Marcus Atchley, Michael David Montgomery, Victor Bryant Montgomery, and Daniel Arthur Montgomery. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until 2:00 pm on August 1, 2019 at ROSE MORTUARY BROADWAY CHAPEL, Knoxville, TN. Family and friends will meet at 2:45 pm on August 1, 2019 at Greenwood Cemetery, Knoxville, TN for a 3:00 pm graveside service. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, SC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to World Vision, Federal Way, WA; or to Estate of Michael Montgomery (for publication of Dictionary of Southern Appalachian English), 298 Walker Road, Jellico, TN 37762. Online obituary may be viewed and condolences extended at www.rosemortuary.com.

#InspiringMCAlumni Michael Montgomery ’72 (1950 – 2019) would have been able to translate any of these Appalachian expressions to a traveler unfamiliar with the local vernacular: “frog-strangler,” “flusterate,” “ante-over,” “jackleg,” and “catawampus.” Published this year, The Dictionary of Southern Appalachian English is a revised and expanded edition of the Weatherford Award?winning Dictionary of Smoky Mountain English, published in 2005 and known in Appalachian studies circles as the most comprehensive reference work dedicated to Appalachian vernacular and linguistic practice. Editors Michael B. Montgomery and Jennifer K. N. Heinmiller document the variety of English used in parts of eight states, ranging from West Virginia to Georgia. Decades in the making, the Dictionary of Southern Appalachian English surpasses the original by thousands of entries. There is no work of this magnitude available that so completely illustrates the rich language of the Smoky Mountains and Southern Appalachia.

passed away JAnuary 11, 2014, leaving behing his wife Lucy Murr ’74, children Dr. Kevin Murr, Matthew Murr adn Callie Murr and 5 grandchildren

is now the Associate Pastor of Global & Local Partnerships at Fellowship Church in Knoxville.

Vonnie Reece Flynn Walker, age 84, of Walland, Tenn. went home to be with the Lord on July 10, 2019. She was a graduate of Walland High School and Maryville College where she received her teaching degree. She was a teacher at Hubbard Elementary School for 25 years. She was a loyal member of Millers Cove Missionary Baptist Church for 72 years where she played the piano, directed the choir, directed the Children's Christmas programs, and taught Sunday School. Vonnie touched the lives of hundreds of people in her community and will be dearly missed. She enjoyed playing piano, cooking Sunday dinner for her family, attending every one of her grandchildren's sporting events that she could possibly make it to and playing school and store with her great granddaughter. She is survived by her husband and best friend Jack Walker of 64 years, her son Alan and daughter-in-law Debbie, her son Roger and daughter-in-law Donna, her granddaughter Amanda and husband Charlie Binder, grandson Gene and wife Bethany, granddaughter Jessica and husband Taylor Lindsey, granddaughter Kayla, granddaughter Shelby, and great granddaughter Espen; sister and brother-in-law, Velda & Marshall Powell; several nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, Friday, July 12, 2019 at Smith West Chapel. Funeral service will be at 7:00 PM with Rev. David Powell and Rev. Lucas Boring officiating. Family and friends will assemble for interment at 10:00 AM, Saturday, July 13, 2019 at Millers Cove Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.

signed a multi-book contract with HarperCollins, UK office for an adult fantasy series. The first book titled, Among Wolves, will be released in May 2015. Her second series of Readers’ Theater books, A Year of Holiday Scripts for Schools and Libraries will be released September 1, 2015. She currently has a total of 13 published children’s books including The Christmas Cats and Abby and the Book Bunch.

Kathleen Wing of Elizabethton, TN, a woman of immeasurable kindness, passed away on October 3, 2023 at the age of 73. Her passing came after a brief bout with a glioblastoma brain tumor discovered in late August. She leaves behind her husband of 21 years, Frank Wing of Elizabethton, and children: Laura Brown (and spouse Joshua Brockwell) and Lynn Whitman Brown (and spouse Nicole Winters-Brown); step-son Frank Wing, III (and spouse Bethany Wing) and grandchildren: Nora Brockwell, Noah Brockwell, Hannah Brockwell, Adalynn Brown, George Brown, Fiona Brown, Connor Wing, Emily Wing, and Alexander Wing.

Kathy grew up in Hampton, VA. She was the third of four daughters born to her parents, Elizabeth Seel Peterson and Sheldon Theron Peterson. In death, she joins her parents and leaves behind her sisters, Miriam Hamilton, Ruth Cleveland, and Beverley Allen.

Kathy completed her Bachelor’s of Science from Maryville College in Maryville, TN (’72) where she met former husband Judge Lynn W. Brown. After moving to Elizabethton, she finished her Master’s in Education at ETSU in Johnson City, TN. Kathy taught biology at Hampton High School in Hampton, TN for more than 20 years and was active with the Ecology Club. It was at a biology teacher conference that she first met Frank.

A life-long Presbyterian, Kathy was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Elizabethton for nearly 50 years and served in key roles at the church, including Sunday school teacher, choir member, session elder, and deacon. An active member of her community, Kathy volunteered with Loaves and Fishes and was a founding member of Friends of Roan Mountain.