Class Notes

Linda is pleased to report the birth of her granddaughter, Evelyn, who was born October, 2015.

Is working on a new novel.

Dr. Willie Blair, 69, a former U.S. Navy officer who served during combat in Vietnam and later became a champion of racial equity for African Americans in California, passed away in San Diego on Feb. 25. His family has not released his cause of death. In 2017, Blair was elected president of the Black American Political Association of California (BAPAC), a statewide public policy think tank and civic engagement organization committed to solving economic, political and social problems that confront African Americans. Before that, from 2008 to 2017, he served as BAPAC’s board chair. His daughter and only child, Deborah Smith, an active-duty officer in the U.S. Air Force, says she cherishes many memories of her father, who was a mentor, advisor and avuncular figure for so many San Diegans and Californians, particularly in African American political circles. He was very much about trying to close the achievement gap for Black Americans, and improve the standing to the Black community in San Diego and California, Smith told the San Diego Union Tribune. Ellen Nash, chair of the San Diego Chapter of BAPAC, says she is still trying to wrap her mind around the news of her dear friend’s death. He was a big influence on my love for the community and politics. I joined BAPAC-SD as a lifetime member because of him, she said. “He dedicated every working minute on this earth to helping folks to advance in life. He would say, ‘If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.’ We truly lost a giant in our community. Born and raised in Knoxville, Tenn., Blair moved to San Diego in 1981 after serving in Vietnam. There, he earned an MBA and doctorate from Point Loma Nazarene University from San Diego’s National University. Blair completed his undergraduate studies at Maryville University in Tennessee. After college, the Officer’s Candidate School at Newport, Rhode Island, gave him an officer’s commission into the Navy. In San Diego, he became active in politics. In 1985, he worked on the campaign of former San Diego Mayor Maureen O’Connor and served in her administration for two terms working in a communications role until 1991. After that, he became a special assistant to former U.S Congressman Bob Filner, a Democrat. In that role he focused on national policy involving veterans. In 2013, Blair retired from the Congressman’s office. On Saturday, San Diego mayor Todd Gloria paid tribute to Blair on Twitter. Willie Blair was many things to our city, the mayor said. I’ll always think of him as an orator. He would speak with such clarity and forcefulness, often on behalf of those who needed to be heard. His voice in our community will be sorely missed. Godspeed Dr. Blair. Taisha Brown, chair of the California Democratic Party Black Caucus (CDPBC) said she is devastated. Dr. Blair touched so many lives in San Diego. He mentored everyone – the young and old, she said. He was a true leader and civil rights hero. He personally took me under his wing and guided me through the Politics of San Diego. He was very instrumental in my success in the political arena, and he will be greatly missed. In seven heartfelt tweets, Shane Harris, a social activist, civic leader and founder of the People’s Alliance for Justice, who was based in San Diego before recently moving to Washington, honored Blair. Harris remembered his mentor as “encouraging but firm. I attended and spoke at BAPAC San Diego when he was President of the chapter multiple times and I believe those were the chapter’s best days. Dr. Blair was a power broker and understood the political process, Harris praised Blair. He is one of the people who got me started and gave me the opportunities to make my case around various community issues that occurred,” Harris continued. “He embraced me when sometimes others would steer clear of me and he called me to challenge me to be more diplomatic and thoughtful of how I was doing my work. Dr. Blair gave nearly half of his life to the Black American Political Association of California (BAPAC).

Nancy Catherine Gamble Bromley was born on September 25, 1951, in Nashville, Tennessee and grew up in Maryville, Tennessee. She was the daughter of Moses ‘Mose’ Houston Gamble, Jr, a well-respected attorney, and Mary Neal Gamble, a nurse. She adored her father and admired her mother.

Nancy graduated from Maryville College with a degree in English Literature. Shortly after graduation, she married Marc Bromley and initially lived in the Amelia Island Plantation working for the Sea Pines Company. In 1976, they moved to Atlanta, Georgia where Nancy continued her paralegal practice with Powell Goldstein and Frazer. In 1979, Tyler was born, and Eric arrived in 1983.

After Tyler and Eric were born, the boys added sports, school activities and fun that only boys can add to your life. Nancy always made time for them like she did for her grandchildren in the more recent years. While living in Atlanta, Nancy was very involved with her church, Dunwoody Baptist, as well as in her community. She was actively involved with nonprofits, including A Million Matters and Dress for Success. She also graciously volunteered her time to Creative Therapy, a rehab company specializing in hippotherapy for special needs children. She incorporated her love of horses and children, volunteering countless hours and assisting with administration efforts.

Nancy continued to live in Atlanta until 2013 when she moved to Savannah to build her dream home and be closer to her Savannah grandchildren on a more permanent basis. Nancy cared for her grandchildren on a regular basis, including driving carpool for school and sports, and watching all of the children’s activities. Designing and building her low-country home, on the water on Burnside Island, was one of the happiest times of her adult life.

Nancy’s friends were especially important to her. She had groups of friends from college, church choir, her Bible study group, and places she lived like Maryville, Atlanta, and Savannah. She was generous with her time to those who needed help. Her grandchildren were a priority and watching them grow and gently helping to guide them was important to her.

Nancy never met a book she didn’t like! Reading was her place of peace. For several years she volunteered at The Village Library on Skidaway Island helping residents find a good read. Dogs were also a big part of her life. The unconditional love and joy they brought was deeply appreciated by her.

Nancy’s faith was unwavering. She embodied the Christian faith with her patience, ability to forgive and unique talent of making the best of difficult situations. She was a loyal and enthusiastic member of the Isle of Hope United Methodist Church where she enjoyed sharing her talent of singing with the church choir and congregation.

Nancy left this world on October 22, 2023, which was much too soon for all who knew her. Nancy, or Mimi as she was known to her grandchildren, is now with the Lord. She is survived by sons, Tyler and Eric Bromley; daughters-in-law, Jennifer Bromley and Jennifer Capouya; grandchildren, Emma, Liza Grace, Brooks and Reagan Bromley; and sister, Gayle.

Age 68, of Marietta, GA passed away January 28, 2014. He was born in Frankfort, KY on November 21, 1945 to the late Leland and Vera Gilmore. After Dan’s graduation from South Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, NC, he attended Corcoran School of Art in Washington D.C. He left college after 3 years to serve honorably in the United States Army. He received a B.A. in Art from Maryville College, then went on to UT Knoxville where he earned a B.A. in Architecture. Dan spent his career in construction and design, working for the Flagler Co., the Shepard Center, and most recently Structor Group. After retiring from Structor, he started his own business, Gilmore Design Studios. His true passion was painting portraits. Dan is survived by his wife of 31 years, Sharon Gilmore; children, Chace and Stacie Gilmore; brothers, David (Elsie) of Baraboo, WI; Charles (Thaya) of St. George, UT; Don (Ann) of Springville, AL; and Steve Gilmore of Maryville, TN; and sister, Sylvia (Bob) Jefferies of Bloomington, IN. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 2, 2014 at 3:00 pm in the chapel of H.M. Patterson & Son?Canton Hill. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Daniel’s memory may be made to the Shepherd Center at www.shepherd.org .

Stephen Paul Gilmore, 63, resident of Maryville, died Tuesday, March 18, 2014, in Alcoa. Steve was born in Frankfort, Ky., Feb. 6, 1951, son of Rev. O. Leland and Vera Mae Wilson Gilmore. He was preceded in death by his parents; and by one brother, Daniel Darlington Gilmore of Marietta, Ga. Steve grew up in Wheeling, W.Va., Pineville, N.C., and Maryville, graduating from Maryville High School (1970), Maryville College (1974), and University of Tennessee law school (1977). During his career, he worked as a lawyer at American National Bank of Chattanooga, Fleet of Atlanta, and Provident Bank of Cincinnati. During Steve’s 30-year marriage, he enjoyed sports, hiking (especially in the Smoky Mountains), camping with the Boy Scouts, being involved with his son’s little league team, listening to his daughter sing, the cultivation of roses, and hunting for salamanders in Little River. Steve was also known for his quick wit, his exuberant personality, and his pride for his son and daughter. He was an encyclopedia of trivial and not-so-trivial quotes and information. Steve is survived by his son, Capt. Larson Crane (Catherine) Gilmore, of the United States Army; his daughter, Ana Starr Gilmore, of Wilmington, N.C.; his former wife, Stephanie Crane of Fort Mitchell, Ky.; four siblings, David (Elsie) of Baraboo, Wisc., Sylvia (Robert) Jefferies of Bloomington, Ind., Charles (Thaya) of St. George, Utah; and Donald (Ann) of Springville, Ala., and a sister-in-law, Sharon Easterly Gilmore, of Marietta, Ga. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends who cared for him very much. The family is especially grateful to Corita Swanson and Bruce Watt of Maryville for their special care for Steve. A memorial service will take place at Highland Presbyterian Church, Maryville at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 31, 2014. Rev. Billy Newton will officiate. Memorial gifts may be sent to National Association for Mental Illness (NAMI), 3803 N. Fairfax Dr., Ste. 100, Arlington, VA 22203. McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home, Maryville, 982-6812,

was recently elected as a member of the Essex Conservation Commission for a 2-year term

Peter Muse Isenberg, age 66, of Kingsport, passed from his earthly life into eternal life on Wednesday, July 13, 2016. Peter was born on May 16, 1950, in Johnson City, TN, and was raised by his loving parents, the late Guy Isenberg and the late Cynthia “Cy” Isenberg. On July 7, 1973, Peter married his best friend and love of his life, Ms. Dawn Sterling. Peter was a proud Ranger of the 101st Airborne and he unselfishly and bravely served his country during the Vietnam War. Peter was a graduate of the class of 1968, at Dobyns-Bennett High School. He graduated with his undergraduate degree from Maryville College in 1973, and with his Master’s degree from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Peter loved his family and he loved his country; he was a former Commander of American Legion Post 13 out of Maryville, TN. He loved spending time with his family and raising his two ferrets, Wilma and Marty. Peter was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Dawn Isenberg; daughter, Jennifer Kathleen Isenberg; and sister, Patty Caldwell and husband Paul. There was a Military Honors graveside service for Peter Thursday, July 21, 2016, at East Lawn Memorial Park in the Garden of Peace I. Military honors were provided by American Legion Post 3/265. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Bloomingdale Volunteer Fire Department, located at 3017 N. John B. Dennis Highway, Kingsport, TN 37660: Phone: (423) 288-7841, or the American Legion Post #13 in Maryville, TN, located at 224 Waters Road, Maryville, TN 37803: Phone: (865) 984-0233. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park has the honor of serving the family.

Peter Muse Isenberg, Class of ’73: Passed away suddenly in Kingsport, Tennessee, on July 12, 2016… 5 days after 43rd wedding anniversary. Survived by wife, Dawn Sterling Isenberg, Class of ’73 and daughter, Jennifer Kathleen Isenberg. Peter entered Maryville College as a student Fall, 1969. In 1972, he dropped out of college to proudly serve with the elite 101st Airborne/82nd Engineers during the Vietnam era based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Peter returned to MC (1975-1977) to complete his degree requirements while being employed as Head Resident of Davis Hall. During the 1990’s Peter held the position of Commander of the American Legion, Post #13, in Blount County, Tennessee.

Elizabeth (Betsey) Katherine Joyner, a resident of Hiram, Georgia passed away on November 16, 2017. Faced with stage four cancer since 2009 Betsey’s faith and love for the Lord grew and led her to become an inspiration to all with whom she came in contact. She was a great witness to the Lord and would often say, “Relax, God’s in charge.” In 2014 she met the founder of Little Pink Houses of Hope (a nonprofit organization that provides FREE week long vacations for breast cancer patients and their families). Betsey became one of their most active ambassadors. Betsey was a former counselor at Anneewakee Treatment Center and spent most of her career helping emotionally disturbed youth function within their environment & become productive & responsible citizens. She was one of the MC Doobahs. She is survived by her sister, Adeline (Addi) Joyner and niece Elizabeth Joyner.

Joseph M. Kozel passed away March 21, 2020.

Christine Sterner Kubiak, 69, died Tuesday (July 7, 2020) peacefully in her home surrounded by her family in Bloomington, after a three-year battle with ALS (Bulbar). Her memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Luke Union Church, Bloomington. Ashes will be interred at a later date in the family plot at the Watsontown, Pennsylvania cemetery. She was born June 4, 1951, in Danville, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Charlotte and George Sterner of Dewart, Pennsylvania, who preceded her in death. She attended Maryville College, Tennessee (BA), University of Tennessee (MLS) and Carnegie Mellon University (masters of musicology). She pursued a career in librarianship at Milner Library, Illinois State University, as a beloved music, theater and communications librarian and head of the Learning Resources Center until her retirement in 2011. Christine married Matthew Kubiak on Sept. 9, 1984. They have one son, Andrew, and one daughter, Caroline. She never let her ALS diagnosis stop her from living life to the fullest. She was a devoted concert, museum, cathedral and opera enthusiast; avid reader, piano player and traveler. She showered anyone who crossed her path with kindness, love and acceptance. She will be remembered as a thoughtful and compassionate soul. She is survived by her husband and children, two sisters, a niece and nephews, and many great-nieces and -nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Chicago chapter of the ALS association and Planned Parenthood. Condolences and memories may be left for family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.

I served in Honduras for 34 years as a missionary with CAM International later named Camino Global and now Avant Ministries. I retired in 2019 and now live in the Richmond, VA area. I am involved in my local church and Community Bible Study. I also hope to teach Bible studies with some of the Hispanic ladies in my area.

retired from the practice of Internal Medicine in June of 2013. Since then she has been traveling all over the U.S. with her husband for his contracts in architectural photography, enjoying museums, gardens, arboretums and good food along the way. In September she started helping (part-time) as a visiting scholar at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, where she got her PhD long ago. Carol has been teaching graduate students there and organizing a Journal Club for the Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities. She is also active at Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church in Baltimore, where Carol has served as an Elder, and recently spearheaded a project to help unaccompanied migrant children who are waiting to join family members. She would love to hear from classmates.

writes to say she is busy in retirement from medical practice in Internal Medicine in Baltimore, is serving as Guest Faculty at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, helping grad students in Epidemiology and in education and research on Autistic Spectrum Disorder. She has increased her activities in environmental work, including continuing to serve as co-chair of her neighborhood’s Greening and Recycling Committee, co-founding the Green Towson Alliance this year to work on issues in the broader geographic area, and recently being appointed to Baltimore County’s Commission on Environmental Quality which advises the County Council. And finally she has found time for water aerobics, bird-watching and foreign travel. She says her background from Maryville College, with a major in Biology, exposure to environmental education in the Smokies and to the Oak Ridge National Lab, and an additional major in Med Technology all helped her get started. “Thank you for this!”

writes in to share that he retired in February after 43 years with Widener University – the last 15 years as Executive Director of Operations and Chief Sustainability Officer. He is now residing in Rehoboth Beach Delaware.

Ronald James Salage, age 72, of Knoxville Tennessee, passed away on February 3, 2023, after a long battle with severe and progressive Parkinson’s Disease. He was born in San Diego California on October 16, 1950. He moved to Sarasota, Florida with his family, including his 3 sisters Nina, Vivian and Diane and his parents George Jr. and Berthe Jung. His most fond childhood memories were of his beloved grandmother. He attended Riverview High School in Sarasota, Florida where he developed many lifelong friendships. He graduated in 1968 with a sports scholarship to Maryville college. In college he dedicated his time to excel as a student and he was determined to graduate with honors. He achieved this goal graduating from Medical Technology. He then attended The University of Tennessee Memphis and graduated with honors as Doctor of Dental Surgery. Ron’s passion was classical guitar which he was a proficient player. He enjoyed listening to artists like Andrés Segovia and Carlos Santana. He is survived by his loving wife Bethsy; his children, Eric, David and Juan; grandchildren, Lynlee, Noah and Kenzley; as well as his cousins, nieces, nephew and dear friends Richard Conser and Bob Sanders.

Brenda passed away on Friday, July 22, 2016. She was a resident of Greenville, Tennessee at the time of her passing. She was married to Robert Staples.

has had a lot of changes in the past year. Her mother's health deteriorated to the point that she had to go into a nursing home, which is still hard for her to deal with. Her niece and 8-year-old daughter moved in with her in June. The duplex she shared with her mother was too small for 3, and they feel very lucky to have found a really nice house and moved in August. Right before we moved I had to help my beloved 20-year-old cat Zack pass from this world. Still have Maynard, who is now a 4-year-old kitty and my girl Kate, my herding breed mix is still with me. Still looking for a job, but my transcription business has picked up in the meantime. Would love to hear from MC friends….