Class Notes

Sheri Y. Bowles, 52 of Maryville, peacefully passed away at home surrounded by family on January 7, 2024.  She is preceded in death by her grandfathers, Raymond Drake and Herman Brosz; grandmothers, Yvonne Brosz and Minnie Kay; aunt, Terry Rushton; uncle, Bill Larson; and cousins, Tammy Tate and Drew Pearson.

Sheri was born June 5, 1971, in Helena, MT, the daughter of Bill and Donna Brosz and sister to Christy Bare.  She grew up in Great Falls, MT and served as a member of the Montana Air National Guard for eight years.

Sheri married her blind date, Jeffrey M. Bowles, June 17, 1995.  Together they raised two beautiful children.  A daughter Kathryne G. Shillings and a son Tyler J. Bowles.

Sheri graduated from Maryville College in 2010 with her bachelor’s degree in education.  Shortly after graduation, she obtained her license in special education.  She was employed by Blount County Schools working at Mary Blount and Union Grove Elementary Schools.  She was a member of the National Education Association, a level 1 certified Wilson Reading System teacher and the 2017 Special Olympics Coach of the Year.  Sheri loved her “kids”, a note on her classroom wall reads, “My Legacy: Students will remember that I believe in them and encourage them to follow their dreams.  Each student should feel love and respect every day.”

Sheri enjoyed spending time with her family, baking, socializing, and watching tv shows with her children.  On warm days, she loved reading a book outside in the sun, admiring her flowers, watching hummingbirds and playing with her dog Pepper.

Her smile, her laughter, love and support will be missed but will live on in the memories and thoughts of her loved ones.  To know her was to love her.

Robert W. Hudson, 61, formerly of Chattanooga, died on Friday, November 28, 2008 at VA Hospital, Decatur, GA., following a prolonged illness. Mr. Hudson was born in Chattanooga to James and Rebecca Hudson. He was a graduate of Central High School, attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and Eastwood Baptist Church. He was a U.S. Navy Vietnam War veteran, worked in commercial truck sales, and enjoyed golf and bowling. He was preceded in death by his parents. Surviving are his children, Rebekah Joy Hudson and Robert W. Hudson II of Chattanooga; sisters, Janet H. (Charlie) Trinks of Lawrenceville, Ga., and June H. McBride of Chattanooga; brothers, Jerry R. (Judy) Hudson of Thomasville, Ga., and Richard L. (Gaye) Hudson of Harrison; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday and 12-1 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home with Dr. Mike McGinnis officiating. Burial will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery with American Legion Post 95 providing full military honors. Memorial donations may be made to VA Medical Center, In Memory of Robert W. Hudson, 1670 Clairmont Road, Volunteer Services (135), Decatur, Ga. 30033. Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 404 S. Moore Road.

February 13, 2011, in a head-on collision in Ovedo, FL. He was a community service officer with the University of Central Florida Police Department and was scheduled to begin the Police Academy at Seminole State College in February. Survivors include his parents, one brother, four sisters and grandparents.

Jesse Louis Townsend, 34 of Bonita Springs, FL passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at Joanne’s House at Hope Hospice surrounded by family. Born and raised in Naples, Jesse was born November 17, 1988, a son of Roland T. and Lisa A. (Lechler) Townsend.

He was a 2007 graduate of Golden Gate High School and attended Maryville College in Tennessee, where he also played football. Jesse was the owner of Maintenance Matters, a home maintenance business that served Southwest Florida. He had a passion for helping others and a knack for fixing just about everything. He loved fishing, golfing, cooking and anything that involved a competition. Jesse was a huge fan of the game of football (go Gators), whether it was coaching or just enjoying the games with friends and family. Such a kind soul, big heart and a great friend to all who knew him. He could talk to anyone and brighten their day. Heavily involved in his church and community, but most important to him was his family and the memories they made together.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 10 years, Erin E. (Harnisfager) Townsend; loving children, Quinn, Walker and Lane; mother, Lisa A. (Lechler) Townsend of Naples, FL; step-mother, Lisa A. (Helber) Townsend of Bonita Springs, FL; paternal grandmother, Rachel Townsend of Lake City, FL; brother, Colby Townsend of Tampa, FL; sisters, Ashley Turner of Naples, FL and Haley (Jeffrey) Gubala of Naples, FL; half-brother, Sammy Townsend of Bonita Springs, FL; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Roland T. Townsend; paternal grandfather, Elton Townsend; maternal grandparents, Armin L. and Elizabeth J. Lechler; and brother-in-law, Robbie Turner.