Class Notes

At the 2018 Graduation I was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Community Service by Dr. Bogart.

Robert Lockwood Coates , 73, passed peacefully from this Earth Friday, Dec. 28, 2018, at Newton Medical Center after a very short illness. Bob was surrounded by his loving family and friends, as he was in life. Son of the late Gilbert K. and Helen J. Coates, of Sussex, Robert was born July 26, 1945, at the Alexander Linn Hospital, Sussex. Bob graduated from Sussex High School in 1963 and attended Maryville College in Tennessee from 1963-1965. He enlisted and served in the United States Army from 1966-1968 during the Vietnam conflict, where he served as both a driver and a wireman. Upon returning from service to his country, Bob returned to Maryville University and Montclair State College from 1968-1970, where he earned two Master of Education degrees, one for principal/supervisor and the other as educator of the handicapped. Early in his career, Bob began teaching at Montclair Public Schools from 1971-1974, where he taught classes for emotionally disturbed children. In 1975, Bob began teaching at the Sussex Wantage School District. There he taught classes of emotionally disturbed, neurologically impaired and perceptually impaired. He worked for Sussex-Wantage School for 351/2 years and retired in December 2010. Always involved in teaching children, Bob was instrumental in creating the Gebhard Environmental Center for the Sussex-Wantage District. He blazed trails and developed activities for all children to experience nature and outdoor activities. Later, Bob helped as co-director of both the Sussex-Wantage Summer Care and Before/After Care programs. Most recently, Bob was a bedside instructor for the Sussex-Wantage Schools and the records keeper for the Care programs. Always a friend, Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing and making maple syrup at his farm in Wantage. When he wasn't working with his backhoe or other tractors, you could find him cutting wood for his sap stove. On quiet days he enjoyed Sudoku puzzles and putting jigsaw puzzles together on his dining room table, although he said he was never as fast as Dolores Polyi. Bob was happy to see friends and shared many adventures over the years, as we are all left with our "Bob" stories. Bob had a great sense of humor and could tell stories for hours. Bob had the ability to spark a conversation with anyone and within minutes the two would be talking like old friends. He would make new friends every day from cashiers to gas attendants or whomever he encountered. He had the gift of gab and a friendly demeanor that made people comfortable with him. Bob was a Rube Goldberg. He couldn't throw away anything without first creating 10 different uses for the item. He used to love to say he did things "like an Egyptian." He enjoyed the challenge of every obstacle. His former students remember Mr. Coates as "the maker of soup," as he loved creating homemade soups with his students, bringing in measurement and reading skills. He was also "the creator of games." He could turn any arduous task into a fun-filled event that challenged thinking and gave wonderful rewards to the students. What student didn't learn the magic of nine with multiplication or the secret of nymph with Bob? Over the years, Bob must have purchased hundreds of boxes of Girl Scout cookies or donated to every Boy Scout car wash or bake sale he came across. Bob was a man with deep pockets and he gave freely to others. From planting trees and a vegetable garden at the school to running cable to each room for cable TV, Bob was there. He devoted himself to service of all. He was a member of the local Sussex-Wantage Education Association, National Education Association, Retired Teachers Association, Sierra Club, Pvt. Charles Auberger American Legion Post 213 and the REC Cooperative Advisory Committee. Bob is survived by his brother, Gary Coates and his wife, Yvonne, of 87 Lake Wallkill Road, Sussex, and John Coates and wife, Jackie, of 19 Little Brooklyn Road, Warwick, N.Y. He is also survived by a nephew, Lawson Coates, of West Caldwell; and great-nephews, Hunter and Cristian. In addition, he is survived by a niece, Julie and Ed Haran, of New Egypt; and grand-niece, Gracie. He leaves behind many good friends who will miss him very much. He also is survived by his cat D.C., "Darn Cat," whom he adopted as a kitten. To us, Bob was our best friend. He was always there and always "Bob." The world is a bit darker today with the loss of this shining spirit. Now Heaven is blessed. He brightened all our lives by simply knowing him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests all memorial donations be made to the Pvt. Charles Auberger American Legion Post 213, 915 Route 23, Wantage, NJ 07461. Cremation is private for the family. A celebration of Bob's life is planned following his interment at the Northern New Jersey Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Route 94, Sparta. The celebration of life is planned at Sussex Methodist Church, Sussex, in the spring.

joined Korn Ferry as the Director of Client Solutions. Korn Ferry is a talent management consulting firm that helps organizations design, build, and attract talent. They are a one-stop shop for leadership development, enterprise learning, succession planning, and recruitment process outsourcing.

Imogene Ethel Everett Cobb 95, of Maryville, TN died Friday, October 11, 2019, at Asbury Place. She was a graduate of Maryville College, having worked her way through college in the Maid Shop. She was married to James W. Cobb, Sr. for 67 wonderful years and has one loving son, James William Cobb, Jr. and his wife Catherine Cobb. She is survived by her son, James W. Cobb, Jr. and wife Catherine (Caylor) Cobb; sisters, Iva Faye (Everett) Davis, and Joyce (Everett) Goss, and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her husband, James W. Cobb, Sr., parents, Moses M. and Rosetta Everett; sisters, Hazel Ivey, Blanche Black, Lorene Bell, and brother, Wood N. Everett. She was a faithful member of Monte Vista Baptist Church since June 15, 1966 and loved her Sunday School Class and church. Friends will be receive 4:00-6:00 PM Monday, October 14, 2019 at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin 6:00 PM in the Chapel, Rev. Bob Dalton officiating. Family and friends will meet at 1:00 PM Tuesday at Grandview Cemetery for the interment, In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be sent to: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Special thanks to the nurses at Shannondale that helped with her, Asbury Place for the care that they gave her and her nieces, Diane and Gayle.

Martha Pearl Cobb, age 91 of Maryville, passed away Wednesday, December 22, 2021.

Born in 1930 in Cookeville TN, she graduated from Maryville College in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. She completed a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction at the University of Tennessee.
In July of 1955, she married Charles A. Cobb. She and Charles planted roots in Maryville and raised their son Joe David. Martha and Charles remained loving partners until his death in 2004.

She began a 40-year teaching career at Alcoa Schools in 1954 and taught economics, government, legal issues, world history and psychology. Martha always had high expectations for her students. She also was known for her sense of humor in relating stories of the fictional beleaguered student “Lulu Tillyockus.”

Martha served as the president of the Alcoa Education Association, as a liaison teacher with the Tennessee State Board of Education, chair of the AHS Social Studies Department, Student Council sponsor, president of Delta Kappa Gamma, and on the Maryville College Alumni Board.

She was named a Teacher of the Year finalist by the Tennessee Department of Education and received the first Tennessee Bar Association award to a high school teacher for promoting better understanding of the legal system.

Martha was a highly regarded professional throughout the region and shared her expertise with other education professionals. She retired in 1994, and continued to serve the Blount County community as an active member of the Chilhowee Club for over 26 years and, Blount County Retired Teachers’ Association.

In 2019, Martha received a special Legacy of Service Award from the Alcoa City Schools Foundation.
Becoming a member of New Providence Presbyterian Church in Maryville in 1954, Martha served the congregation as an Elder, Deacon, Welcome Table volunteer, and PWC moderator, and as the go-to person when any task needed to be undertaken and done well.

She was also a well-known and loved fixture at the Blount Memorial Cancer Center. As a “pink lady” volunteer with the Blount Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, she provided over 26 years of service amassing over 4,500 hours of volunteering service. Martha always provided a welcoming and reassuring presence for patients and family members receiving treatment at the hospital.

She also provided her famous Chex mix, fudge and other goodies to the Cancer Center staff and fellow volunteers.

She is survived by her son Joe David Cobb, wife Traci and two granddaughters Lauren and Cecilia.

Meghan Casey Cobble ’98 was recognized as the Tennessee Lottery Educator of the Week for Feb. 26, 2018. She is a 7th grade teacher at Coulter Grove Intermediate School in Blount County. Watch more about Meghan here: http://www.wbir.com/video/news/local/education/educator-of-the-week/meghan-cobble-educator-of-the-week-226/51-8019442

left this life on December 11, 2013. She was born July 28, 1922 in Washington, D.C., the only child of Wanda Simon Pleyl and Joseph Pleyl. Her childhood during the 1920s and 1930s was spent in the Northeast as her parents pursued work, living in Bloomsbury and Hackensack, N.J. and often spending summers in Gloucester, Massachusetts. High school years were in Providence, Rhode Island, and then she attended Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee. After graduating with a B.A. In Psychology in 1945, she went to work in Knoxville, TN at Graystone Church as the director of Religious Education. There she met her future husband, Horace Hunter Coburn, on a church sponsored hike near Oak Ridge, where Horace was working. After her father’s death in 1945, she returned to Providence, R.I. to be with her mother. Hope worked as a social worker for the next two years. Hope and Horace stayed in touch, marrying on December 24, 1947 in Providence. She joined him in Champaign/Urbana, Illinois, where Horace was in graduate school at the University of Illinois. She worked in the Family Service office there until their first child, Lynn Louise Coburn, was born. In 1950, Horace got a teaching position starting in the fall at Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, so they left Illinois. That summer, she and six month old Lynn stayed in the basement of her father-in-law’s home in Columbus, Ohio while Horace worked in Pittsburgh for the Westinghouse Corporation. In September of 1950, Horace began teaching at Moravian College. Due to the Korean War, the teaching position lasted only one year and Horace and Hope decided he should return to school to pursue his Ph.D. at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. In May of 1951, a second daughter, Carol Ann Coburn, was born and the next month Horace left for Philadelphia. For the next two years Horace was in Philadelphia and Hope remained in Bethlehem with the two small girls and her mother. Hope managed the family and the house, taking in roomers/boarders to supplement the family’s income. The family came to New Mexico in 1954, when Horace obtained a position at the New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. In 1955, a third child, James Hunter Coburn, was born. Hope earned her master’s degree in education some years later and taught for many years at Central, Mesilla Park, and Fairacres Elementary schools. In 1974, Hope and Horace took in foster daughter, Marilyn Webb, beginning a long and loving relationship that continues with Marilyn’s family today. Hope loved to travel and over the years traveled with various family members to many places in the US, Mexico, Costa Rica, Europe, Great Britain, Japan, China, New Zealand, and Australia. As an early member of SERVAS, an international hosting organization to promote peace through understanding, she and Horace both hosted international travelers and stayed with local people in the countries they visited. She was always very active in her church, here in Las Cruces: initially First Presbyterian and later First Christian Church (Disciples). She worked to support people here through organizations like Christian Day Nursery, El Caldito, and Habitat for Humanity. She was a kind, giving, warmhearted, gentle, but oh so strong, soul. She was patient, committed, and very loving. Her family was very important to her. She had many wonderful friends. She loved flowers, nature, music, and beautiful things. She was funny and had a delightful laugh. She was preceded in death by her parents and a granddaughter, Katherine Hope Welch. She is survived by her husband of sixty-five years, Horace H. Coburn; two daughters, Lynn L. Coburn, Carol A. Coburn (John Welch); one son, James H. Coburn; one foster daughter, Marilyn Gonzales (Frank); three grandchildren, Cecily R. LaFeir (Ron), Amelia E. Zarate (Oscar Esteban), Nora Simone Welch; three foster grandchildren, Virginia Dunn (Zach), Chris Brown, and Gabriel Gonzales; two great grandchildren, Aelia Bernay Zarate and Oscar David Zarate; and four foster grandchildren, Reese Riedel, Josh Dunn, Madison Brown, and Layla Panthaki.

has a new book co-authored with her late friend and mentor Virginia Pounds Brown, that was published this spring. She will always credit Maryville College with teaching her how to conduct and organize research. “There was indeed something special about “special studies” that has stayed with me for almost fifty years!” The book has been published in paperback and eBook by NewSouth Books. Drawing by Stealth: John Trumbull and the Creek Indians is a brief account of the events in 1790 when a party of Creek Indians went to New York to meet with President George Washington and by chance had their images sketched by the President’s portrait artist John Trumbull. In their research the authors discovered and corrected a mistaken theory that one of the images is that of Alexander McGillivray, the powerful Creek leader who made his home in the area that is present-day Wetumpka, Alabama. www.newsouthbooks.com/drawingbystealth

Alice Jane Whitaker Coker, 97, died Nov. 14 at her home in LaFollette. She was born Oct. 22, 1916, at Fairview Farm in New Market. Alice graduated from Maryville College in 1938 with a degree in Sociology, moved to LaFollette and began her first job with the Tennessee Department of Public Welfare. On Nov. 24, 1940, she married Chester Coker, who had been elected Circuit Court Clerk for Campbell County and later became an attorney and General Sessions Judge. She became the acting Circuit Court Clerk while Chester served in the U.S. Army. In 1980, she retired from the Tennessee Department of Human Services. She loved working with people and helping people. COKER, ALICE JANE WHITAKER – first arrived at Fairview Farm in New Market, Tennessee on October 22, 1916, and left this life on November 14, 2013 from her home in LaFollette, Tennessee. Alice graduated from Maryville College in 1938, with a degree in Sociology, moved to LaFollette and began her first job with the Tennessee Department of Public Welfare. On November 24, 1940 she married Chester Coker, who had been elected Circuit Court Clerk for Campbell County, and later became an attorney and General Sessions Judge. Alice became the acting Circuit Court Clerk while Chester served in the U.S. Army. In 1980, she retired from the Tennessee Department of Human Services. Alice loved working with people and helping people. Alice had a lifelong interest in antiques and history, and was a member of the First Families of Tennessee from, both her maternal and paternal families, and was one of the first members of the Campbell County Historical Society. She was instrumental in the dedication of the Delap Civil War Cemetery and finding unknown soldiers graves. Alice was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church in New Market and Jacksboro, and enjoyed participating in all church activities. Alice travelled extensively and loved adventure. At the age of 93, Alice went four wheeling for the first time, and at the age of 94, she took her first ride in a hot air balloon with her grandchildren. Alice was awarded the 2008 Citizen of the Year by the South Campbell County Rotary Club. Alice was predeceased by her husband, Chester Coker; and her sister, Marion Whitaker; and is survived by her sons, John Whitaker Coker and Joseph Coker; and daughter in law, Kemper Coker; and grandchildren, Nancy Ann Coker, Mary Alice Coker, and John J. Coker; and many relatives and friends. Alice requested donations, in lieu of flowers, be made to Jacksboro United Methodist Church or the Campbell County Historical Society in LaFollette. Alice loved life and looked forward to being reunited with those who passed before her. She will be very much missed by her family and friends.

husband Bill, passed away on April 19, 2015 after a long illness.

Lynn Ramsey Cole ’68 retired at the end of the 2017-18 school year after 34 years as a math teacher at Farragut High School.

was accepted to the Industrial/Organizational Psychology masters program at Austin Peay to start in spring 2015.

Marvin Keen Compher, age 76, died peacefully at home on Saturday, July 21, 2018 of ALS. He was the beloved husband of Judith Marsch Compher for 36 years; and son of Louise Compher (age 102) and the late Marvin K. Compher, Sr.; he is also survived by brothers Vic (Charlene), Bill, Steve and Danny (Cindy); and nieces Heather, Amanda, Sarah; and nephews Kevin and Cedar. Keen’s Carpe Diem philosophy sustained him throughout his 50 month illness and his courage and grace amazed all who knew him. Keen was a graduate of Wake Forest (1964) and received his Ph. D. in Biology from The University of Virginia (1968). He was a professor of Biology and taught at College of Wooster, Chatham and Westminster College where he was pre-med advisor and first faculty advisor to Allies, Westminster’s gay/straight alliance. Keen’s favorite student evaluation was “Keen is a masterful mentor, upholding the entire class in the palm of his hand.” He was a life-long student of the German language, a world traveler, a master gardener, a gourmet cook and an accomplished pianist. Friends were his life’s greatest treasure and he leaves a host of loving friends across the country and around the world. A memorial service will take place at Calvary Episcopal Church on Saturday, August 4 at 11 a.m. Contributions in Keen’s memory may be made to The Pittsburgh Foundation, with LiveLikeLou in the “memo” line, and sent to The Pittsburgh Foundation c/o Lindsay Aroesty, 5 PPG Place, Suite 250, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or Calvary Episcopal Church, 315 Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Condolences may be left at www.mccabebrothers.com

Paul C. Chester passed away on December 19, 2020.

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT of the Ocoee Region as its new president. Connatser is seen here at the Adkisson Drive offices in front of a wall filled withthe public education partner to give its fundraising and community awareness campaigns a facelift. A 10-year veteran of the nonprofit world has taken the helm at Junior Achievement of the Ocoee Region and is already working closely with the public education partner to give its fundraising and community awareness campaigns a facelift. Melanie A. Connatser, a longtime Sweetwater resident who has spent the last decade working as a membership services and communications coordinator for the Knoxville Bar Association, is entering her third month as the local JA president. She succeeds Tracie McCartney who left the post in late 2013 in order to care for her newborn. A 1999 graduate of Sequoyah High School in Monroe County, Connatser went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business and organization management from Maryville College in 2003, and a master’s degree in religious education from Liberty University in 2013. In her Bar Association role, Connatser was involved in an array of initiatives including event planning, membership recruitment and marketing of programs and activities. “Melanie is bringing to Junior Achievement a strong background in nonprofit work, especially having worked in this realm for the past 10 years,” said Rick Platz, longtime JA board chairman. “But more importantly, she has an enthusiasm and high level of expectation for our organization.” He added, “With her leadership, JA of the Ocoee Region will continue to grow and enhance the kind of programs that make a difference in the lives of our young people.” Married for 11 years to husband Adam, Connatser said the couple will continue to reside in Sweetwater, her longtime home since age 10. Although she faces a 45-minute commute to JA’s Cleveland-based office, that’s actually less than her old travel time of an hour to get to the Bar Association offices in downtown Knoxville. Plus, Monroe County is one of the five counties within the local JA region. The Ocoee affiliate serves public school systems in Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Polk and Monroe counties. Since its original charter in 1965 as Junior Achievement of Bradley and McMinn Counties, the local organization has concentrated most of its efforts in Bradley and McMinn. One of Connatser’s goals will be to strengthen JA’s outreach into the other three counties. She’ll also keep a finger on the pulse of Bradley County because she’s no stranger to Cleveland. “While I reside in Sweetwater, I have family and friends in Cleveland,” Connatser explained from her Adkisson Drive office that is being made available by Cleveland State Community College. “As I take on my new role as president at JA, I look forward to building strong relationships with the communities of our five-county region.” She added, “I am excited to be involved in an organization that places an emphasis on preparing our community’s young people for the real world. They are our future business leaders.” In her first couple months on the job, Connatser has wasted no time in her orientation. She has already held multiple sessions with JA’s volunteer board and the new president is also getting into the communities to satisfy several needs. One, she is working to meet – and to personally thank – existing JA supporters and financial donors, and to involve them in JA’s future plans for fundraising and programming. Two, she is branching out into new arenas; that is, companies, corporations and individuals who have not served previously as JA donors, financially or through volunteerism. Her goal is to reacquaint them with the organization’s goals while also using the opportunity to recruit new volunteers. Three, she is expanding JA’s outreach to the entire five-county region. Previously, JA’s efforts in Meigs, Monroe and Polk counties had been limited. She wants to increase JA’s presence in those areas while sustaining – and perhaps increasing – the nonprofit’s influence in Bradley and McMinn. Four, she is telling the story of Junior Achievement and expanding the nonprofit’s public awareness campaign. Her belief is the more who know about JA, the better the organization’s message will be understood. Five, she is giving JA fundraising in the region a mild facelift. One of the group’s past fundraisers – the Monster Ball at Halloween – is being discontinued. It is being replaced with a 5K run and one-mile Fun Run, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 18. JA’s other two key fundraisers – the existing annual campaign now in full swing and the spring-season bowl-a-thon – are being continued. Like her predecessors, Connatser understands fundraising is JA’s biggest task in order to sustain, and to expand, its classroom programming. “A major challenge is obtaining the funding necessary for JA programs, but I think – along with building awareness in the community and building relationships – JA will be successful,” she stressed. Connatser is excited about the current campaign that began just a few weeks ago. “JA’s ability to reach so many youth depends on the generosity of individuals who invest their time as classroom volunteers as well as financial resources as funders,” she said. “Our annual campaign will help inspire and prepare young people in the upcoming school year.” Donations can be made online at www.juniorachievement.org/web/jaocoee or by calling the JA offices at 423-614-8775. Last year, the local JA affiliate reached 4,500 students in 177 classrooms. Those numbers will grow if she is successful in giving the nonprofit a better presence in Monroe, Meigs and Polk, as well as expanding volunteer and donor numbers in McMinn, and also in the Cleveland and Bradley County school systems. “Junior Achievement of the Ocoee Region places a primary emphasis on preparing young people in financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness,” Connatser said. “In order to train students in these primary areas, JA’s primary goals include expanding and managing the demand for JA programs and securing sufficient resources – both in volunteers and funding.” She pointed to JA’s role – locally, nationally and internationally. “JA makes our communities stronger by bridging the gap of what students are learning in school and how it can be applied in the real world,” Connatser cited. “The hands-on learning allows students to become better prepared for their futures. JA reinforces the value of an education.” As part of its doctrine, JA doesn’t try to replace the role of conventional classroom teaching. Instead, the nonprofit’s volunteers – who are lending their levels of expertise in the classroom setting – are supplementing ongoing public education efforts. “No matter where you come from, there is definitely a great need by students,” she offered. As a student, Connatser did not have access to JA programming. Today, she understands how it could have benefited her formal education. “I’ve heard so many good things from people about JA,” she noted. “It definitely has a great history. It’s one reason I’m here.” Connatser praised the civic mindset of CSCC administrators who made available the current JA offices which formerly served as the community college’s Security Building. JA moved into the facility in 2013, and continues to explore new opportunities and unique synergies with the community college. “Cleveland State is a major sponsor in all of our events and they supply our office space for which I’m very grateful,” the new president stressed. She pointed to the organization’s parallel missions, one of which is workforce readiness. “Cleveland State has really gotten big in that,” Connatser said. “And that’s what JA is all about. Our missions do align in that sense. We are both focused on getting students prepared for their careers.” Another natural advantage of the campus logistics is JA can now pull from a pool of CSCC volunteers and educational facilities. Connatser agreed with past assessments by Platz and CSCC administrators – that JA’s new location is creating opportunities for both. Collectively, the partnership has been called a “win-win” for each. “I’m really looking forward to getting to know the communities more and making sure our students do receive that hands-on training,” she said. Connatser praised Platz, the unpaid board members and JA’s fleet of volunteers. She credited all with welcoming her into the JA fold. “We’re not yet in every school system,” she cited. “But that’s one of my goals … to get JA into every school system in our region.” Read more: Cleveland Daily Banner – Melanie Connatser joins JA as nonprofit s new president

Former Tavares quarterback Tim Conner, who completed his playing career at Maryville College in Tennessee last fall, is in his first coaching job at Centre College in Danville, Ky. He is working as the coach of the running backs. Conner finished his career with the Scots by completing 78-of-150 passes for 852 yards and four touchdowns during his senior season. Centre College is an NCAA Division III program.

York, PA – Mike passed away under the care of his devoted wife, Mary Lou Whitlock-Connolly on November 12, 2020. He was born in Baltimore on January 10, 1935 and was predeceased by his mother, Margaret (Peggy) VanHorn Berger and step-father, Niles Berger. In addition to his widow, he is survived by his step-children: P. Randall (Randy) Whitlock and his wife, Linda Felch; Elizabeth Belair and her husband, Kevin; Kelly L. Schaeffer. Also surviving are his step-children: Kristina, Sarah and Corey Schaeffer; Catherine Volinski; Melissa Rau (NH) and John Pamplin (San Francisco). Also surviving is his sister, Yvonne B. Knight, her husband, Ray (IN), nephews Steve and Roger Knight (Louisville) and cousin, David Kelly (Baltimore.)

Mike graduated from Boys Latin School (Baltimore) and attended Maryville College and the University of Maryland. He was a faithful member of the Towson Elks Club for thirty years and made weekly visits there to be with many friends. He was very proud of his service in the U.S. Marine Corps.

93, of Panama City moved to heaven on March 30, 2015. She was born in Tellico Plains, Tenn., to Mae (Robinette) and Daniel Webster Eddleman. She was raised in an orphanage in Maryville, Tenn., following the death of her parents. She graduated Maryville College with Bachelors of Science Degree in Biology and University of Tennessee Memphis with a Medical Technology Certificate. She married Dr. W. Clyde Hughes and had three children. Following his death in 1963, she married Thomas R. Cook, Jr (USAF, ret) in 1966 and had two step children. She worked as a Medical Technologist at Lisenby Hospital, Monaco Laboratory and Gulf Coast Hospital until retirement in 1986. Jeana is survived by son Thomas R. Cook III (Carol Hile) of Fredricksburg, Va.; Bill Hughes (Susan) of Greensboro, N.C., Gwyn (Hughes) Miller and Laura Hughes Thompson of Panama City; 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband Dr. W. Clyde Hughes, husband Thomas R. Cook, Jr, and daughter, Carol E. Cook.Jeana was very active in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary where she served in many leadership positions including Commander, USCGA Flotilla 16. She volunteered over 40 years conducting school education, public affairs, search and rescue and teaching boating safety to many people. She carried out her Christian ministry by friendliness, kindness, love and gentleness to all she met.

age 96, passed away peacefully on Oct. 26, 2012, in San Angelo, Texas. Margaret was born on June 23, 1916, in Rotan, Texas to John Verrell and Fannie Mae Hellums. Margaret grew up in Rotan and attended and graduated from public schools there. She moved to Waxahachie to attend Trinity University and in her sophomore year, transferred to Maryville, Tenn. to attend Maryville College. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Domestic Science in 1937, and returned back to Rotan to teach school. After living and teaching in Rotan for two years, Margaret relocated with one of her older sisters to Martinez, Calif. to work for the War department in a factory manufacturing punch cards prior to and during World War II. After the war’s end she returned to Rotan to help her mother in the family grocery business. In 1947, she met and married Oliver Earl Cooper and from that union had one child, David Cooper, also of San Angelo. In 1954, she moved to Big Spring, Texas to be closer to her niece, June Anne Day Gustafson, and accepted a job as an elementary education teacher there. Over the next three years, Margaret taught school during the school year and during the summer she attended the University of Texas in Austin to complete her Masters Degree in Elementary Education. In August of 1957, she completed her MEd in Elementary Education. After teaching elementary school for four additional years, Margaret again returned to college at Texas Tech University in Lubbock to receive her certification as a teacher for the developmentally disabled children. She taught in special education from 1964 until her retirement in June 1976. Upon retirement from the Big Spring Independent School District, Margaret sought an addendum to her teaching career in New Mexico, teaching in both middle and elementary school in Albuquerque, N.M. from July 1976, through August 1979. Missing Texas and her friendships in Big Spring, Margaret returned to Big Spring and resumed her lifelong involvement in the Presbyterian Church there. It was there that she met, again, the man that she had called a friend since the first day she relocated from Rotan to Big Spring, R. Gage Lloyd. They spent 15 marvelous years together until his death in 1994. It was ten years later in 2004, when Margaret started on her last adventure and moved to San Angelo, Texas to be closer to her son, David. Margaret was a faithful Presbyterian all her life, attending church in Stamford, Texas after the Presbyterian church in Rotan closed and then in California while working there, attending First Presbyterian Church in Big Spring from 1954 until 1976; 1979 through 2004 and in Albuquerque, N.M. from 1976 through 1979 and finally at St. Paul Presbyterian Church in San Angelo from 2004 until her passing. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, John Verrell and Fannie Mae Hellums; a younger sister, Frances John Hellums; brother J. Verrell Hellums; and two older sisters, Mabel Hellums Prater and Ruby Hellums Hansard. She is survived by her son, Dr. David Cooper and partner Calvin Champion of San Angelo; younger sister Sara Lee Hellums Kramer of Knoxville, Tenn.; her younger brother, Dr. J. David Hellums and wife Marilyn of Houston; grandson William Clayton of Bruge, Belgium; granddaughter Tabitha Jurene and husband Shawn Dunn of Santa Barbara, Calif.; great-granddaughter Samantha Dunn of Santa Barbara, Calif. Margaret is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and her dear friend, Ethel Champion of Cross Plains and, more recently, San Angelo.

January 25, 2013 Althea G. Cooper, 91, formerly of Jersey Shore, died Wednesday evening, Jan. 23, 2013, in the Sycamore Manor Health Center.

Dr. Kenneth Lanterman Cooper, 89, of 230 Dunbar Road, died peacefully at home on March 23, 2011. Dr. Cooper attended Maryville College, Tenn., served in the U.S. Army Infantry and Medical Corps and graduated from Temple University in 1950 as an M.D. Dr. Cooper started his medical practice in 1952 in Williamsport as an OB/GYN and retired 37 years later in 1989. Over the years, Dr. Cooper served in many volunteer capacities, at Williamsport and Divine Providence Hospitals, the American Cancer Society and the former Williamsport National Bank board. He was a James V. Brown Library Trustee since 1976, on the Brandon Park Commission since 1972 and helped form the Shade Tree Commission in 1993. Dr. Cooper received the Physician Volunteer of the Year Award in 1995 and the Trustee of the Year Award by the PA Citizens for Better Libraries in 1996. Born April 19, 1921 in Phillipsburg, NJ, he was the son of Walter Henry and Jennie Lanterman Cooper. Surviving are his wife of 59 years, the former Estella June Hill; a daughter, Elizabeth Candelario of Hearldsburg, Cal.; grandchildren, Cody and Caitlin Candelario and his daughter-in-law, Jody Hanley Cooper. Dr. Cooper was predeceased by a son, Todd Cooper in 2010.

Vernon Cooper of Clarksville died Friday, Jan. 24, 2014. He was born in Rockwood. He was preceded in death by his parents, Zirkle and Ellen Sanborn Cooper and his wife, Sarah Ditmore Cooper. Survivors include sons, Brad Cooper, Clarksville, and Chad Cooper, Orlando, Fla.; and daughter, Katy Sharpe.

Cooper, Ruth Adalene 95, went to be with the Lord on May 26, 2020. Ruth was born February 22, 1925 in Cedarville, Ohio. She was the fourth of five children born to Paul and Hazel Ramsey. On August 4, 1962, Ruth married Floyd E. Cooper. They were married forty happy years before he preceded her in death on October 14, 2002. Ruth was a graduate of Maryville College in Maryville, TN. She received a Master of Music degree from Northwestern University. She taught music in Knoxville, TN, Michigan City, IN and University City, MO. In 1969-70, she served as President of the St. Louis Suburban Music Educators Association. She was preceded in death by 3 of her siblings: Doris C. Bovard (Wooster, OH), David L. Ramsey (Wilmington, OH) and James P. Ramsey (Miamisburg, OH). Ruth is survived by her sister Vivian E. Williamson (Springfield, OH). She was sister-in-law, aunt, great-aunt and friend to many. Services: Private family graveside service will be held Tuesday, June 2 at 1 p.m. in Puxico, MO. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Evelyn’s House are appreciated. https://www.bjchospice.org/Donate-Online

died at his home on Sept. 30, 2013. He was born in Oklahoma City, Okla., on Nov. 30, 1940, and was the son of Dr. Joseph J. and Glenda Mullendore Copeland. The family lived in Frederick, Okla.; Denton, Texas; Knoxville, and Maryville. Kirk graduated from West High School in Knoxville and Maryville College. He worked for the Bank of Maryville and then was hired by Park Bank in Knoxville to work in the new computer department. From there he went to the Aluminum Company of America in Alcoa, Tennessee; Union Camp Corporation in Savannah, Georgia; Tennessee Forging Steel in Harriman, Tennessee; Siskin Steel in Chattanooga and then to Magnavox/Philips Consumer Electronics in Greeneville, Tennessee, in 1978, retiring in 2001. Kirk enjoyed playing sports – soccer, softball, tennis and track, where he excelled in running hurdles. In later years, he enjoyed riding the family’s Arabian horse on mountain trails. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Greeneville, and spent a number of years as a youth leader. He also enjoyed coaching youth soccer. Kirk is survived by his wife, Kathleen; son, Matthew; daughter-in-law, Jodie Carter-Copeland; grandchildren, Gracie and Harris; sister, Karen Copeland Gray; brother-in-law, Meldrum (Terry) Gray; and nephew, Jolyon C. Gray. His family also includes his mother-in-law, Gloria England Smith, Cheryl and Richard Stoddard, Pamela and David Potter; six nieces and nephews and their spouses; eight great-nieces and nephews; his “other” sons, Kenny Benson, Jason Arthur, Deon Avery and Nathan Humbard; and very special family friends, Bea, Steve, J., Jan, Tyler and Abby Corbitt. Kirk was also close to his many Mullendore and Copeland cousins.

Since Carl Lindsay ’50 passed away in January of this year, Carol has moved Sacramento to be near her daughter and son in Palo Alto.