Class Notes

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.

Jennifer earned a Master of Music degree, specializing in piano performance, from Middle Tennessee State University. She graduated December 12, 2015.

married Harold Burke III on MAy 17th, 2014 at St. Henry Catholic Church in Nashville, TN

Libby’s husband, Jack, passed away Feb. 20th after an lung cancer battle lasting almost 8 years. According to the family, “there were so many good recoveries and only recently did the illness return. He is safely in Heaven. He continued as a professional pianist until just recently, sharing music, mirth, and love with family, friends,and colleagues.”

Writes in to say that he was diagnosed with ALL leukemia January, 2015, spent three months in hospital and rehab, and achieved full remission in October. Our 61st wedding anniversary was June, 2015. And, Yes! they still are involved in marriage and family counseling and support. Spent three years as part-time “Pastor to the Pastors” for a UMC District, and six years in English worship and education with two Korean congregations, one Presbyterian and one Methodist. Still preaching and teaching. JoAnne volunteers at All Childrens Hospital, and as Deacon at FPC of St. Pete. Still ballroom dancing and woodworking.

has recently expanded his business to estate sales.

Edward F. Burkhart passed away on December 16, 2007.

Retired in 2015 from USPS and is enjoying the good life with his wife Pam, 3 dogs and a cat.

Newark – Ruth Heaps Burkins, Ph.D., age 90 years of Newark, DE died at her home on Friday evening, August 21, 2020. She was the wife of Charles A. Burkins who died on August 31, 1990. Born in Pylesville, MD on September 8, 1929, she was the youngest of four children of the late Wilson A. and Maria Jane (Stokes) Heaps of Highland. Ruth attended school at Highland and following graduation began her undergraduate studies at Maryville College in Tennessee. In 1950, she earned her B.A. in Religious Studies with a minor in Secondary Education, returning home in May of that year and marrying shortly thereafter. She began her teaching career in the fall of 1950 at Bel Air High School, a position she maintained until a five-year hiatus to begin raising a family. Ruth returned to teaching in 1958 at North Harford High School and later returned to her studies at the University of Maryland from which she earned her M.Ed. in Secondary Education with a minor in Special Education in 1965. In 1966, with encouragement from a mentor, Annetta Wright she continued her career as a secondary supervisor at schools in Aberdeen, Edgewood and Havre de Grace and in 1978 earned her Ph.D. in Secondary Education from the University of Maryland. In 1983, while the supervisor at Bel Air Middle and High Schools, Dr. Burkins was appointed as the Supervisor of Special Education for the county. She then applied and received a three-year grant from the Maryland Department of Education to develop a curriculum for gifted students which included the general principles for differentiated learning. To that end, Dr. Burkins began recruiting teachers, many of whom would later serve as superintendents and principals. After her husband suffered a heart attack in 1986, she retired from Harford County the following year after a 32 year career. Dr. Burkins then worked as a consultant for other school systems, the Maryland State Dept. of Education and Baltimore City Public Schools. The Harford County Retired Personnel Association honored Dr. Burkins by placing her in the Harford County Hall of Fame and in 1995 she was chosen as a Distinguished Alumni Honoree from the University of Maryland College of Education. As a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, she served in a variety of positions among key women educators. Dr. Burkins was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church and served as an elder at her home church, St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Newark, DE. She held leadership positions at the New Castle Presbytery and Synod of the Mid-Atlantic and was particularly active with the Presbyterian Women at both the local and Synod levels. Dr. Burkins adored her granddaughters and great granddaughters and nothing pleased her more than being in the midst of family and friends. She is survived by one daughter: Karen B. Salmon and her husband, John C. Salmon of MD; sister-in-law: Janet L. Burkins; son-in-law:Aaron M. Wolf of VA; four granddaughters: Lynn Marie Kirby and her husband, Jason of VA, Bethanie Anne Jackson of VA, Lauren Elizabeth Salmon and her husband, David Touchette of VA, Rachael Mariah Salmon of MD; three great granddaughters: Caitlin Ruth Seifert, Amelia Grace Jackson, Olivia Grace Touchette. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter: Joan B. Wolf, and siblings: Ethel Jane Crosley, Jeanne L. Jackson, Henry W. Heaps. No public services are scheduled. Contributions in her memory may be made to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 200 Marrows Rd., Newark, DE 19713 For directions or to send condolences, please visit www.harkinsfuneralhome.com or call 800-550-5915

graduated from Maryville College and has worked as an interpreter in schools, colleges, business offices, hospitals, correctional facilities, political meetings and more. Amber attended graduate school at Xavier University in 2011 in Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling where she interned as a case manager for Deaf families and at a high school in Puerto Rico. Since 2013 she has been on the management team at Sorenson Communications, the leader in video relay technology for the Deaf, as the Director in Atlanta and the Asst. Director in Cincinnati. Amber is an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Cincinnati, and has had the privilege of sitting on the Maryville College National Alumni Board for two terms. Position Title Currently: Assistant Director of Interpreting -VRS Cincinnati Center Previously Director of Interpreting Atlanta and South Atlanta Education: BA from Maryville College 2004: ASL Deaf Studies/ Sign Language Interpreting MA from Xavier University in 2011: Clinical Mental Health Counseling — and 2012 School Guidance and Counseling City of State of Residence: Cincinnati, Ohio

Louise Jacquelene Burnett, 83, passed away Wednesday, Sept 16, 2015 from complications due to Alzheimer’s Disease. Louise is survived by her children Richard M. (Regina M.) Burnett, Judith M. Burnett, Laura A. Burnett and Joseph W. (Lara J.) Burnett; grandson Simon P. Burnett; sister to Marvin G. Kendall, Frank S. Duncan, and the late Phyllis Poehler, Rachel Kendall and Wanda Kendall. Louise, known as Jackie to friends and family, was many things to many people in her eighty-three year life. Jackie was first a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. She was a loyal and loving friend. She was a volunteer for many organizations: Girl Scouts of the USA,, League of Women Voters, Meals on Wheels and more. Jackie was a passionate and creative teacher, adviser and mentor to generations of students at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. She was a blending of a Renaissance Woman and Depression Baby. Her life experiences and education shaped her to be adept at many skills. She could demonstrate how to build a campfire in the wilderness with her Girl Scout Troop on a weekend camping trip, fix a kitchen faucet for a neighbor, and write a research paper for publication. Her strong communication skills were demonstrated in her magical letters from Santa to her young children, and her constructive performance appraisals of her students. We who know and love Jackie Burnett will remember she had a much better sense of humor than of sense of direction when driving. Her laugh was loud…very loud. She didn’t mind if you laughed as hard at her laugh as at her joke or prank. Jackie’s family is confident that she needed to be guided to heaven by her mother and sisters. Now in heaven, Jackie has already managed to organize a few things and make everyone laugh in the process. Soon, she will be teaching the angels her campfire songs. A private memorial service will be held at a later date in Indianapolis, Indiana.

writes in to share that effective January 1, 2019, he retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 31 years. A total of twenty-seven years in management with the last eleven as a postmaster. Plans for retirement are simple "The Party is back on!"

CRC Press has released a book titled “Managing Environmental Data:  Principles, Techniques, and Best Practices” written by MC Alum Gerald Burnette.  The book provides expert guidance on proper methods for managing environmental data, as well as detailed information about database management systems, proper database design and implementation, and creation of custom environmental data management applications.  CRC Press will be encouraging academic Environmental Science programs around the world to use this text as source material for advanced classes.

Cole has been accepted into the College Student Personnel Master’s program at the University of Tennessee. He will start Fall 2016. This program is a two-year, practitioner-oriented master’s degree designed to prepare student personnel administrators to address the administrative needs of colleges and universities.

Cole completed his master’s degree in College Student Personnel at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville in May and shortly thereafter he began his position as the Director of Student Career Management in the Supply Chain Department at UTK.

Allie Horvath Burns completed her master’s degree in English Literature at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville in May.

Allie Horvath Burns ’15 accepted a position as career coach for students with disabilities at Pellissippi State Community College.

June Elaine Bursey, 85, of West Palm Beach passed away on August 6, 2013 under the care of Hospice of Palm Beach County. She was a life long resident of this area and had been a teacher witht he Palm Beach County School Board. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert and two sons; Dean Charles and Curtis Lee.

Kent Buser, 79, passed away Aug. 20, 2010 in Freemantle, Australia. He was born Jan. 9, 1931. He graduated from Connersville High School where he was involved in literary and theater/radio activities. He lettered in many sports but favored tennis. Early in life, he served the church as Presbyterian minister and campus minister. He subsequently pursued the path of educator and counselor both in the United States and in Australia. In his later years, he retired to Fremantle, Australia where he enjoyed running, swimming, televised tennis matches, listening to classical music and jaunts to the local library. He is survived by two daughters, Diana Buser and Melora Cox (David); a brother, Carl Buser (Ann); seven nephews and several cousins. He was preceded in death by a sister, Kathy Buser Mattern; his mother, Carolyn Buser Deeds; his stepfather, John Deeds; and his father, A. Carl Buser. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the local library or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Dorothy “Dotty” Bushing, age 100, passed away quietly at Blount Memorial Hospital Wednesday, December 16, 2020. She was born June 15, 1920, in the house which her father built in Knoxville, TN. She is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years Arthur S. Bushing, parents Guy and Maud Barber, step-mother Bess Barber, sisters Harriet Blizzard and Mary Ruth Garza. She is survived by children Stuart (Jan) Bushing, Barbera Ann (Bonnie Rose) Bushing, Kathy (Tom) Banfield, Jennifer (Albert) Hill, seven grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and numerous loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dotty graduated as one of four valedictorians from Knoxville High School in 1938, then went on to graduate from Maryville College in 1942, with a major in Bible and Religious Education and minor in Music. While at MC she met the love of her life, Arthur Bushing (MC class of 1943). They married in 1944, before Art was sent to Europe with the Army in World War I. Music and faith filled her soul as she sang in multiple choirs, taught piano for over 30 years, composed, and served in various organizations, including president of Maryville Music Club and various local and national roles with Delta Omicron Music Fraternity. She was a charter member of Highland Presbyterian Church and remained active as long as she could in the church choir, Happy Highlanders and women’s Circle. She also retained close ties to Maryville College as an active alumna, proud and supportive “faculty wife” as Art taught English there for almost 50 years, mentor, and eager volunteer at Kin Takahashi Week for many years. Other loves and hobbies included the Great Smoky Mountains, hiking, sewing, camping, traveling, and tracing family roots back to First Families of Tennessee and beyond. Her beautiful songs, smile and positive attitude will be greatly missed. She was a beacon of heavenly light and hope here on earth. The family is very grateful for the love and care she received from the nurses and staff at Shannondale of Maryville. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Maryville College, the Dorothy Barber Bushing Endowed Fund at Maryville College, or Highland Presbyterian Church.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Catharine Helms Butler passed away on July 7, 2005.

Beverly Hallman Butterworth
Nov. 15, 1927 – Dec. 30, 2022
Beverly Hallman Butterworth, known to many people in the metropolitan area, died peacefully in her sleep at age 95.
Born to John and Florence Evans Moore, Beverly grew up in Waukesha, Wisconsin. It was a small town, and because her family did not own a car, Beverly knew little of the bigger world. As a young girl Beverly knew she wanted to explore far beyond the Waukesha city limits.

Raised during the Depression, her parents instilled in their four the value of education. They scrimped and saved and the three girls and one boy all graduated from college.
Beverly, the oldest child, worked while attending Carroll College, a small private school in Waukesha. She transferred to Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee where she continued to work to help pay the tuition. In 1949, she earned a bachelor’s degree.

The big city beckoned, and Beverly moved to Chicago to work as a copy writer at an advertising agency where she handled accounts for a variety of national stores. In the city she met Tom Hallman, also in the advertising business. They married, both continuing to work in the business before career moves took them to Philadelphia and then to Portland where Beverly worked as a copy writer and in public relations. She was also a well-known fashion model in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Beverly and Tom had three sons, and in 1966 started the Mercantile Store, an upscale women’s clothing store on Northwest 23rd Avenue. They were business pioneers as the street was not known then as a shopping district attracting customers from around the city.

Following her divorce in 1977, Beverly continued working in public relations and was then offered a part-time job as a feature writer at The Oregon Journal. When the paper merged with The Oregonian, Beverly was offered a full-time position and authored a weekly society column – “In One Ear” — until she retired in 1996.
She married Ralph Butterworth in 1982, and they divorced in 1992.

Beverly liked to travel, talking with locals, her camera in hand. She traveled throughout the United States, to Africa, to Japan, through much of Europe and to Russia. Her last big trip, in her 80s, was to Cuba with her younger sister, Marilyn Connell, of New York City.

A 50-year member at the Multnomah Athletic Club, Beverly enjoyed swimming and playing tennis. She was an avid bridge player, an active participant in a reading group and wrote poetry, self-publishing a collection of her work. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Southwest Portland.

She is survived by her sister, Marilyn Connell. Sons, Tom Hallman Jr, (Barbara) and their daughters, Rachael Hallman, and Hanna Hallman (Eric Durkee); Garth Hallman (Louise) their son, John Hallman, and their daughter, Hadlee Hallman; and Jason Hallman.

age 78, of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away Sunday, September 30, 2013, at Parkwest Hospital. Mrs. Butturini was a fourth grade teacher at Rocky Hill Elementary School for 23 years. She was a graduate of Maryville College. Preceded in death by sons, Scotty Allen and Kenneth Russell Butturini; parents, Beecher Mayfield, Sr. and Minnie Mayfield. Survived by husband of 54 years, Jack Butturini, Sr.; sons, Jack, Jr., Steve and wife Tracy; and daughter, Jill; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Prospect Elementary teacher Heather Byrd ’02 will become the assistant principal at Eagleton Elementary School. She succeeds Chad Tipton, who was named principal at Rockford Elementary last month. A graduate of Heritage High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Maryville College, and master’s and education specialist’s degrees from Tennessee Technological University. Byrd currently is working on her doctorate. She just completed her 15th year in education, nine as an elementary school teacher. Byrd taught for eight years in Murray County, Ga., and the past school year was a second-grade teacher at Prospect Elementary. In between, she was an elementary instructional coach for five years and an English language arts coordinator in Bradley County before she and her husband decided to move back home to Blount County.

Christopher Peter Byrne, the youngest of 10 children, passed away February 6, 2016. Born in the northwest suburbs of Chicago to John and Arlene Byrne, Christopher also lived in Wisconsin and Tennessee. He is welcomed into heaven by his parents John and Arlene, as well as two sisters Linda and Cynthia, niece Erica, and grandparents. He is survived by four brothers John, Timothy, Mark and Paul; three sisters Debra, Kathleen and Bethann, many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, aunts and uncles. Christopher had many interests and enjoyed research. Along with business and politics, his main collegiate studies were in biology and science. Christopher enjoyed a good conversation, a good movie, cooking, spending time with family and friends, and especially travel and exploring. His adventures took him to visit 3 of the 7 Wonders of the World. Along with many U.S. beaches and cities, Chris explored Mexico, Sweden, Lapland, the Arctic Circle, Norway, India and Venezuela. Chris had a generous spirit and great willingness to help others. Although his dreams were cut short by Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma followed by lung cancer and finally brain cancer, Chris fought strong until the end. He will be greatly missed by many. The family will celebrate his life privately.