Class Notes

Eleanor Marjorie Stout Barker, 94, formerly of Knoxville, died April 25, 2018, at Foothills Presbyterian Community in Easley, S.C. She was born Feb. 18, 1924, in Fitchburg, Mass., to the late George and Marion Stout. She grew up in Fitchburg; Birmingham, Ala.; and Brooklyn, N.Y. After earning a degree in psychology from Maryville College and working in New York City, she married the late Rev. Donald L. Barker, whom she met at Maryville College. She supported her husband in his ministry in rural southeastern Illinois; White Pine and Dandridge, Tenn.; North Hills Presbyterian Church in Knoxville; Vincennes, Ind.; Little Rock. Ark.; and Kirk Hills Presbyterian in east Knoxville. Mrs. Barker later was a member of Second Presbyterian Church in Knoxville and Easley Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Barker taught elementary school in Knoxville while raising four sons and was an administrator for the Presbytery of Arkansas. The Barkers also opened their home to several teenagers, serving as foster parents or legal guardians. After retiring, she volunteered for several organizations in Knoxville, including Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity, which in 2013 honored her as Volunteer of the Year. Mrs. Barker also was an avid flower gardener. Family survivors include her sister, Catherine Beals of Knoxville; sons and daughters-in-law: George and Jane Barker of Virginia, Paul Christopher Barker of Atlanta, Phil and Sue Barker of Easley, David Barker of Charlotte; grandchildren and spouses: Erik and Mahjooba Bianchi, Emily Barker and Jeff Maxim, Lindsey Barker and Mark Dolgin, Erin and Matthew Lundy and Brad Barker; nephews: Jack and Scott Wilson, Joe and Brent Beals of Knoxville and Steve, Dan, Jim and Fred Barker; niece: Nancy Wilson; great-grandchildren: Rehana, Enzo and Aleeza Bianchi and Lily Dolgin. In addition to her husband, Donald Barker, she was preceded in death by her sister, Marion Wilson; sister-in-law, Kiyoko Barker; and brothers-in-law the Rev. Dr. Stanton Wilson, Dr. Joe Beals of Knoxville and the Rev. Robert Barker of Japan. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. May 5 at Easley Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Habitat for Humanity (knoxvillehabitatforhumanity.com) or Maryville College (maryvillecollege.edu/giving). Condolences may be expressed online at www.RobinsonFuneralHomes.com , or in person at Robinson Funeral Home Downtown Easley which is assisting the family.

Elizabeth Proffitt Bell passed away on November 24, 2023, at the age of 99. She was born in Maryville, Tennessee on July 29, 1924, to the late; Harry H. Proffitt Sr. and late; Lelia Graham Proffitt. Elizabeth graduated in 1946 with her bachelor’s degree in education, from Maryville College in Tennessee. She worked for University of Tennessee extension service and Cannon County school district. She was also a dedicated member of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. Elizabeth is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 57 years, Winfred Dean Bell; her six siblings: Dr. James N. Proffitt (Ruth), Harry H. Proffitt Jr. (Margaret), Mary Proffitt Wright (Dr. Robert C. ), Margaret Proffitt Cunningham (Ben), twin brother; William F. Proffitt (Vera), and Dr. Robert D. Proffitt. She is survived by her son; Marlon Dean Bell (Beth), grandchildren: James Michael Bell (Claire), and Emily Elizabeth Brooks (Edward), great-grandchildren: Eliza, Evelyn, Edison, and Cameron. Elizabeth is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Billie Ruth Bowen (Wright), who was honored by Royal United Methodist Church in Virginia for 75 years of active service in the church choir. The choir loft was named in her honor and a reception was held after the worship service.

Vera Elizabeth Ross Boyatt, age 95 of Maryville, passed away Thursday, March 2, 2022, at Brookdale Sandy Springs. She loved her family, traveling, hiking and the outdoors. Preceded in death by her husband, Rupert D. Boyatt; parents, Ben and Maude Ross; daughter, Mikki Boyatt; brothers, Tom, Paul, and Ben Ross. Survivors include her sons, Col. Mark Boyatt and wife Nancy; Michael Boyatt and wife Linda; grandchildren, Chris Boyatt and wife Meg, Ben Boyatt, James Boyatt and wife Casey, Ted Boyatt and Thomas Boyatt; great grandchildren, Evie Boyatt and Andrew Boyatt.

Passed away on January 9, 2009.

Margaret Helen Brasfield 97 of Quinton, Alabama passed away peacefully at her home after a long illness on Aug 31, 2014. She was born in 1917 to Flora and Ferris Keys in Haleyville Alabama. Surviving her are 3 nieces; Bonnie Ellis Evans and Elizabeth (Betsy) Ellis Ormond of Birmingham, Kristie Sandver Perez of Camby Oregon. On the Brasfield side 2 nieces, Nancy Brasfield Jordon and Mary Ann Ingram of AL and 4 nephews; Jim & John Brasfield of AL, Raul de la Vega of NC and Ron de la Vega of TN, along with many great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews on both sides. She was a lifelong member of Quintown Church of Christ. Having no biological children of her own, she was a wonderful inspiration of her love for Christ to her family and friends. She frequently spoke of adults who had been in her Sunday school classes through the years. She loved all children and they all loved her in return. She graduated from West Jefferson High School and went on to fill in as a part time substitute teacher for several years. She was always interested in her church, home and community. A special thanks and gratitude to her cousin Mary Isom Reynolds who was there for her until the end, her friend Finley Tuggle and to her care givers Linda Lanier, Betty Leslie and Joyce Adelman and to all the UMWA health care doctors and providers. Interment is at Quintown Church of Christ Cemetery.

Evelyn Brittain passed away on July 21, 2010.

Passed away on May 3, 2018.

passed away on Friday, October 3, 2014. She was preceded in death by her husband George. Funeral services were 11:00 am Oct. 7 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church with Rev. Dr. Robert G. Nichols officiating. Burial will be in Chattanooga Memorial Park. Visitation is 5-7 pm Oct. 6 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church or the Pat Summit Foundation (Alzheimer’s research).

William F. Crain passed away on November 20, 2015.

Passed away on July 22, 2010.

Nancy Ann Damerow, age 91, of Minnetonka, passed away Dec. 7, 2015. Preceded in death by husband, Arno; parents, K.A. & Grace Bryant; sister, Jean; and son-in-law, Neal Jansen. Survived by children, Judy (Tom) Davin, Martha Jansen, Arno Bryan (Loris) Damerow and Mary Lund; grandchildren, Rachel Jansen Jones, Brent (Janine) Jansen, Michael (Molly) Davin, Christopher, David and Elizabeth Davin, Carl (Joan) Damerow, Marin (Tom) Klumpner, Victoria (Dain) Clausen and Jordan Lund; great-grandchildren, Carson, Henry, Raymond, Peter, Neal, Noelle and Alfred. She was excited for the arrival of two new great-grandchildren in the spring. Legendary baker, avid fisherwoman and proud mother, grandmother & great-grandmother, Nancy Ann is already missed. She loved playing bridge with her husband and they were active church goers. She was proud to be a Nurse and loved spending time at the cabin on Lake Sylvia. She was a longtime resident of Hopkins, yet her heart always remained in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

Zenobia Bernardini DuBois, 92, a longtime resident of DeKalb, died on Monday, February 29, 2016 at Kishwaukee Hospital. Zenobia was born in 1924 in Cincinnati, Ohio and raised there by her parents, John and Pierina Fioretti Bernardini. She graduated from Maryville College in Tennessee with a degree in Biology and later received her M.A. in Guidance Counseling from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Zenobia excelled in a variety of sports and athletic endeavors and always believed that a healthy body, an educated mind, and a continued communion with the natural and spiritual worlds was the foundation for a well-lived life. She was a primary school teacher for many decades and was often approached and thanked by many of her former students in the area up until the days before her passing. In 1947, Zenobia married William Robert DuBois, who shared with her a lifetime interest in reading, gardening, travel, music, and the theater. Her husband, a former faculty member at NIU, passed away in 1994. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers Dante and Cesare Bernardini, and nephew John Bernardini, all of Ohio. She is survived by her sister, Pierina Bernardini Schmidt of Florida, son William Kane DuBois (Laura Fukuda), of St. Charles, Illinois, daughter Peri DuBois, of DeKalb, along with seven nieces, one nephew and many grandnieces and nephews. She was devoted to her family and friends and bound them together with visits, letters, phone calls, prayers, and e-mails. Zenobia volunteered for many civic groups including the DeKalb County Hospice program and the Ellwood House Museum; she was truly ageless and without boundaries. Her arms were always open to any child or adult whose life she could make happier and more beloved. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Zenobia’s name to Westminster Presbyterian Church or alternatively to the Ellwood House Museum. To send an online condolence visit: www.finchfuneralhomedekalb.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL, 60115 (815) 758-3841.

Louise Corbett Fulgham, 96, passed away on April 29, 2021 in Jacksonville, Fl. after a long and full life. Louise was born on January 20, 1925 in Tampa, Fl., the daughter of Marian Henry Corbett and George Lester Corbett. The family moved to Jacksonville, where she graduated from Landon High School. After getting her Bachelor?s Degree from Maryville College, Maryville TN, she went on to achieve a Master?s Degree in Education from the University of Florida in Gainesville FL. She retired from Duval County Public School system in 1986 after a 27 year career as a teacher and ultimately, assistant principal. She was a life-long bridge enthusiast and family history buff, tracing her family name back to the Revolutionary War. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She is survived by her sister, Carol Corbett of Carmichael CA; her sons William H. Owen (Cheryl) of Fernandina Beach and David C. Owen (Adair) of Woodstock GA; her grandson, David ?Corey? Owen (Kelly) and her great granddaughter, Noelle Owen, of Marietta GA; her step-daughter, Peggy F. Cross of Ponte Vedra Beach; her step-son, Eugene F. Fulgham III (Louise) of Jacksonville; her step-grandchildren, Jennifer G. Czyzewski (Jeff) of Ponte Vedra Beach and Eugene F. Fulgham IV of Jacksonville; and her step-great grandchild, Jeffrey G. Czyzewski of Ponte Vedra Beach. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband and the father of her children William H Owen; her husband Eugene F. Fulgham Jr., and her step-daughter, Virginia Anne Griffin.

Essie Inez Broom Green passed away on December 29, 2003 in Fairfield Co. SC.

born April 24, 1923 in Andong, Korea to Presbyterian missionaries, passed away in Birmingham on October 5, 2014, and there is great rejoicing in Heaven. Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. John Y. and Ellen M. Crothers, brothers Rev. James and Rev. Samuel Crothers, son Terry Wallace Hodges and a host of loving friends. She is survived by sons William P. 'Pat' Hodges and Larry J. (Pam) Hodges, both of Birmingham, daughter-in-law, B.J. Hodges of Anthem, AZ, grandsons Adam J. Hodges (Allison) of Nashville and Vance C. (Joy) Hodges of Neenah, WI, granddaughter Ansley C. Hodges of Orlando, six great-grandchildren, and a host of loving friends. Catherine spent her childhood with her family in the mission fields in Korea before returning to the States to complete her secondary education at Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, PA. She then earned her undergraduate degree from Maryville College and her Masters of Elementary Education from Samford University. She was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society for women in education, and taught first and second grades in the Birmingham school system for 23 years. At the end of her career, she was teaching the children of students she had taught at the start of her career. A lifelong bird lover, Catherine was a member of the Audubon Society and the Alabama Ornithological Society. As part of her birding activities she was a long-time member of the late Helen Kittinger's Tuesday birding group. She was also a member of the Blanche Dean chapter of the Alabama Wildflower Society. The sister, daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter of Presbyterian (USA) ministers, Catherine's faith ran deep. After moving to Birmingham, she joined Five Mile Presbyterian Church in 1950, and served the church as Sunday school teacher, Elder, member of the Session, and Trustee. Active in Presbyterian Women, she received the Woman of the Year award in 2009. Loving mother, doting grandparent and great-grandparent, generous friend, patient teacher, good and faithful Christian: Catherine Hodges was all of these. Although she will be missed here on earth.

Laveta Call Hooker passed away on February 4, 2016.

Betty Lane Huddleston passed away March 25, 2017.

Mary Elizabeth Dickinson Hughes, 92 was born May 11, 1924 and passed Dec. 25, 2016 in Lake Oswego, Ore. Mary was born to RC Dickinson and Laurinda Kemper Dickinson in Bradenton, Fla. She attended Maryville College for two years and then transferred to the University of Kentucky where she received a Kellogg Scholarship to complete her Registry in Medical Technology and Bachelors of Science in Bacteriology. Mary moved to Seattle in 1946 where she received a Teaching Fellowship at the University of Washington as she pursued graduate studies in Microbiology. While there she met Raymond Willis in a microbiology class. Mary and Ray were married in 1948, and moved to Bay City, Ore., where Ray studied salmon in the coastal streams for Oregon Fish & Wildlife and Mary worked as the medical technologist at Tillamook General Hospital. Their three children were born in Tillamook. Ray was transferred and the family moved to Portland in 1957. Mary worked for over 40 years as a microbiologist. During the final 16 years of her career she worked at Oregon Health & Science University as the Supervisor for the Pediatric Microbiology Laboratory. She took pride in helping save the lives of very sick babies, teaching the next generation of physicians, and co-authoring research papers. Ray predeceased Mary. Following her retirement she met and married Robert Hughes in 1977. He was a CPA and a Fellow in the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors. He encouraged Mary to pursue her artistic talents in photography and gardening. They enjoyed traveling and touring gardens in Europe and Russia. Their home near Reed College was on the garden tours for both the International Clematis Society and the Hardy Plant Society. Throughout her life, Mary approached every challenge with a “can do” attitude and believed in the importance of making a contribution to science and society. For example, she was a Founder in the OHSU Center for Ethics in Health Care. Bob died in 2002, and the following year Mary moved to Mary’s Woods, where she continued gardening, scrabble, water aerobics, and dining with friends. With Sr. Carolyn’s help Mary was able to move a large number of her precious plants to Mary’s Woods. She and her family wish to thank the remarkably skilled and caring staff at Mary’s Woods and Kindred Hospice and her wonderful doctor, Elizabeth Eckstrom. Mary was preceded in death by her brother, Martin Dickinson (Ingrid); and sister, Marjorie Clarke (Robert) and survived by sister, Marilyn Helgason (Haldor), Jupiter, Fla.; and sister-in-law, Betty Helms, Long Beach, Wash.; and her three children, Susan Tolle, Marjorie Willis, Ronald Willis (Stephanie); and by Jerry Tolle, the father of her grandchildren, Daniel McIntosh-Tolle (Lindsay) and Laura Tolle (Christopher Smith), San Jose, Calif.; and her beloved nieces and nephews. A memorial will be held at 2 p.m., Jan. 7, 2017 at the Mary’s Woods Chapel (Provincial House) in Lake Oswego. Remembrances may be made in Mary Hughes’s memory to the OHSU Center for Ethics in Health Care, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Pk Rd, UHN-86, Portland, Oregon 97239.

age 89 of Maryville, passed away Thursday, January 1, 2015, at Shannondale of Maryville. In 1942, Mary Elizabeth McKnight arrived at Maryville College, Maryville, Tennessee, from Kingstree, South Carolina. She graduated in 1946 from Maryville College with a BA degree in education. She met Robert C. Jackson and they were married February 15, 1947. Mary Lib taught and substituted in the city schools while her children were young. She was room mother, Girl Scout leader, Boy Scout assistant leader, as well as taught Sunday school at Maryville First United Methodist Church. She has been active in volunteer work and civic affairs for most of her adult life. She was president of the Maryville College Alumni Association, on the board of directors, as well as chairman of the National Alumni Board. Her gifts to Maryville College and the University of Tennessee supported programs benefitting international students. She was on the boards of the former Smoky Mountain Passion Play, Knoxville Opera, Blount County Children's Home, Knoxville Area Children's International Summer Villages, and American Field Service Organizations. She was named to the Chancellor's Associates, a support group at the University of Tennessee. In 1989, Mary Lib was named to the regional board of directors at the Bank of East Tennessee and named vice president of the Blount Memorial Hospital Foundation. This was formed to help the hospital, built in 1947, with contributions from citizens of Blount County. The Foundation was established as a mechanism to encourage continuing financial gifts to the hospital. The first fund-raising was the establishment of a Christmas Tree of Lights at the entrance of the hospital.After twenty-four years this is an ongoing event. At the time of her passing, she was a member of Maryville First United Methodist Church, Maryville Kiwanis Club, and Chilhowee Club, having joined as a Junior Club member in 1960. She helped begin The Investment Club. She served as president 1975 – 1976, president of District II of TWFC, and chairman of the Chilhowee Club Board of Directors. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Cowan Jackson; son, Robert C. Jackson, Jr.; parents, Covert Pierson McKnight and Mary DeBelle Evans McKnight; sister, Jeanette McKnight Harken. Survivors include her children, Frances Irene Jackson, Nanci Elizabeth Jackson (Patrick Rakes), Peggy Elaine Jackson, and William Andrew Jackson (Sandie Pettersen Jackson); grandchildren, Richard Dennis Gardner, Jr., Cara Marie Gardner (Brian Cowley), Lauri Elizabeth Jackson Stockman (Tim), Martin Galen Jackson, Aimee Jackson Hall, Erik Nathaniel Hall, Robert Thomas Jackson Eldridge, Laura Elizabeth Jackson Eldridge, Ashley Elizabeth Jackson and William Andrew Jackson.

Nellie Melba Kabelka, nee Holder aged 97 died peacefully on December 30. 2022.  She was born in Ashville, NC on October 24, 1925 to Connie E. and Ola M. Holder and was the oldest of their four children.  The Holder family moved around frequently due to the difficult economic times, finally settling in Andrews, NC when Melba was a teenager.  She excelled in school and finished at the top of her high school class.  Andrews remained her sentimental home throughout her life, and she returned often.  Melba earned a degree in Biology from Maryville College in 1946.  She moved to Chicago and spent three magnificent years living with her well to do Aunt Emily and working as a lab technician at the Children’s Hospital.  In 1949 she enrolled in graduate school at Duke University and continued her work as a research assistant under Dr. James Schieve.  Melba followed Dr. Schieve to Columbus in 1952 to assist in his research in Kidney dialysis at the Ohio State University.  In 1954 she met the love of her life Kenneth Kabelka and they married in 1956.  Melba settled into her life as a homemaker and executives’ wife, but she remained very active in the community.  She volunteered through the years for many organizations including Buckeye Boys Ranch Service Board, The Columbus Museum of Art and the Columbus Symphony.  She also served dutifully at the polls every election for 30 years.  Melba earned her teaching certificate in 1975 and became a frequent substitute teacher in the Columbus and Upper Arlington schools.  She spent her retirement traveling Europe with Ken and doting on her grandchildren.  She was a lover of nature -especially birds, classical music, gardening, dogs, swimming, the Buckeyes and mostly her family.  Melba had a special passion for keeping in touch with old friends and acquaintances.  She never lost her southern charm and still considered herself a proud Tar Heel.   Longtime member of Clinton Heights Lutheran Church, The Columbus Maennerchor. The Athletic Club of Columbus and Scioto Country Club.  Preceded in death by her husband of 58 years Kenneth Kabelka, her parents and her brother Howard Holder.  She is survived by sister Doris Cole of Mt. Dora, FL and brother Joe Holder(Kathy) of Greensboro, NC, daughter Karen Hartle (Scott), son Franz Kabelka, grandchildren Anne Marie Cantrell (Connor), Laura Hartle, Franz Kabelka, Johannes Kabelka,  great grandchild Caroline Cantrell and many nieces and nephews.

Catherine P. Knaupp August 18, 1924- September 24, 2013 Columbus, GA- Catherine Payne Knaupp, 89, of Columbus, Georgia died Tuesday, September 24, 2013. Graveside Services will be held in Parkhill Cemetery Thursday, September 26, 2013 at 3:00 PM with Reverend Charles Hasty officiating. The family will visit with friends after the service at the cemetery. Catherine Payne Knaupp was born in Phenix City, Alabama to the late Ruth Kent Payne and Jesse M. Payne on August 18, 1924. She moved to Fort Pierce, Florida in the third grade and returned to Columbus in the tenth grade where she graduated from Columbus High School. Catherine went to Maryville College in Tennessee. Later she received her Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision. She taught school for many years in Phenix City before coming to Columbus to serve as Food Service Director in the Muscogee County School District. Catherine was very active in the First Presbyterian Church in Columbus and the American School Food Service Association. Survivors include her daughter, Cathy Johnson Smith and her husband Dan Smith of Columbus; granddaughter, Allie Johnson of Columbus; step-grandson, Nathan Smith of North Carolina; great-niece, Susan Slaughter of Virginia and great-nephew, Steve Slaughter of Florida. She also leaves many devoted and wonderful friends.

Barbara Milam Kristoff passed away on December 1, 2015.

Ruth Randolph Kunselman passed away on July 8, 2000.