Class Notes

age 76, of Elmira, NY formerly of Schoharie, NY passed away on Thursday evening, July 3, 2014 at her home with her family. Julia was born in Chester, PA on June 30, 1938, to the late parents of Stanley and Virginia (Forrest) Sanderson, and was the younger sister of Virginia (Sanderson) Matthews. A 1955 graduate of Bogota High School, she then attended Maryville College where she met her future husband Robert Smith and continued onto Farleigh Dickinson University earning her English and Philosophy degree. Julia and Robert were married on New Year’s Day, 1960, in Germantown, MD. Robert’s ministry led them to Alaska, Pittsburg, Detroit, Chicago, and Washington D.C. finally settling down in Schoharie, NY in 1970, only moving to Elmira, NY in 2012. Julia’s children and grandchildren are Stephen (deceased), husband of Susanne (Lansing), Hayden and Harrison of Whitesboro, NY; David and Donna (Lucas), Emma Rose of Reading, PA; Mark of Goodland, FL; Jonathan and Denise (Allen), Zackary and Alexander of Seward, NY; Amy and Peter Finnerty, Andrew, Patrick and Alisaundre of Elmira, NY. Julia was a lover of children, books, artistry, flowers, and birds. Julia always maintained her sweet and simple demeanor for daily living, displaying incredible strength and an unwavering faith in God. She continuously possessed grace and demonstrated her thoughtfulness and selflessness by caring for all living things. Julia was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Elmira, and previously a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Albany, Duanesburg Christ Episcopal Church, and Schoharie United Presbyterian Church. Details of a funeral service to be held at the Schoharie United Presbyterian Church will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers or memorial donations, Julia hopes that we find the inspiration to share acts of kindness with others, not just in her memory, but in our daily lives.

Edward Franklin Smith, age 77 of Knoxville passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at his home. He was the son of Blennie and Izola Smith. Edward was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He was a graduate of Everett High School and Maryville College. Edward taught and coached football at Eagleton Junior High School and Maryville Junior High. He started his career at Alcoa Aluminum Co. of America in 1966 and spanned over several ALCOA locations from: Alcoa, TN, Davenport, IA, Massena, NY, Evansville, IN, Richmond, IN, and Pittsburgh, PA. Edward retired from ALCOA in 1997 as a Senior Industrial Relations Consultant. He was a former member of East Maryville Baptist Church and current member of Concord Baptist Church, Farragut, TN. Preceded in death by: father, Blennie Smith; mother, Izola Smith; brothers, David Smith and Otie B. Smith. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Dr. David Rankin, and all the staff of UT Hospice and Elk Valley Home Health. Survivors include: wife, Denise Smith of Knoxville, TN; children, Anthony Smith (Tony) and wife Terry L. Smith of Zionsville, IN, Timothy L. Smith and wife Lisa of Evansville, IN, Thomas G. Smith of Maryville, TN, Tara S. Hontzas of Bessemer, AL, and Jackie S. and husband Teddy Hontzas of Hoover, AL; grandchildren, Stephanie and Morgan Smith, Jacqueline Coggins and husband, Hunter, Zoe Hontzas, Georgia, Sophia, Olivia and Constantine Hontzas, Luke and Lance Smith; siblings, John Smith of Niota, TN, Dorothy and husband Jim Everett of Maryville, TN, Wesley Earl and Nancy Smith of Oak Ridge, TN, Fred Smith and wife Gail of Knoxville; sisters-in-law, Betty Smith and Ann Smith both of Maryville, TN; numerous nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law. Family received friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, Monday, April 18, 2016 at Smith Trinity Chapel. Funeral service followed at 7:00 pm with Pastor Steve Simpson officiating. Family and friends assembled for interment at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Alzheimer’s Tennessee, Inc. 5801 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919, alztennessee.org Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000,

passed away Saturday March 29th, 2014. She was born November 25, 1938 in Nashville, TN, the daughter of Charles Edgar and Pearle Cathey. She attended school in Fort Smith and Clarksville, AR. She received a B.A. degree in 1960 from Maryville College, Maryville, TN and an M.A. in Oral Interpretation from University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1985. She was Secretary to Director of the Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh, PA. After her marriage to George W. Stewart in 1964 they moved to Tulsa, OK where she served as Assistant to the Provost at Tulsa University, retiring in 1998. She was a writer, editor, poet and artist. Since 2009 she had resided at Saint Simeon’s residence in Tulsa. She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church where she sang in the choir and participated in many activities. She is survived by her brother, Charles Cathey, Pittsburgh, PA; sisters, Hazel Oliver of Richardson, TX, Ethelyn Pankratz, Portland, OR; and many nieces and nephews.

3rd July 1938 – 14th April 2023

The beloved husband of Drena and father of Ben, Daniel and Christa has today completed his journey.  George died peacefully at home near London surrounded by his family.

‘Therefore, my beloved brothers be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain’.

1 Corinthians 15:58

To read more about George and his global Christian mission see the link below.

https://www.premierchristianity.com/obituaries/george-verwer-1938-2023-the-trailblazing-evangelist-reached-the-world-for-christ/15341.article

Ann Elizabeth Newcomer Watson, 80, of Maryville passed away Wednesday, September 26, 2018. Ann was born in Hollywood, CA on May 16, 1938. She attended Maryville College, and spent many years as the Director of Christian Education at 2nd Presbyterian Church of Chattanooga. She also spent time with the Chattanooga shelter for Battered Women. She loved volunteering, and spent her time with the Maryville College Clayton Center, the Maryville College Community Chorus and the PJ Parkinsons Support Group of Blount County. Ann is preceded in death by her husband Robert Hood Watson, parents Benjamin and Elizabeth Newcomer, sister Claudia Kittle and daughter Lauren Watson Williamson. She is survived by her cherished friend Joe Johnson, son Michael Watson (Melissa) of Seymour, son-in-law Tony Williamson of Knoxville, grandchildren Nate (Alecia), Jacqueline and Grant Watson, and Melinda and Rob Williamson, sister Carolyn Altrock and sister and brother-in-law Natha and Ron Black. As was always evident throughout Ann’s life, To God Be the Glory.

Nancy S. Wright, of Knoxville, made her heavenly bound journey, Tuesday, August 23, 2016. at West Hills Rehabilitation Center. An extraordinary servant, leader and mentor, known and appreciated for her unselfish giving. Nancy was a dedicated social worker and educator, who tried to live her life by her Christian values. Longtime member of Shiloh Presbyterian Church and was currently attending Eastminster Presbyterian Church, until her health declined. Extremely active in the community, as evidenced by her long time membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., her membership on the board of Beck Culture Center, and as president of the East Knoxville Chapter of AARP. Graduate of Austin High School, class of 1954, and remained active with her class and school reunions until recently. She re-integrated Maryville College, as part of the "Maryville Six", and went on to earn her master's degree at the University of Pittsburgh. When she returned to Knoxville, she joined the faculty of the Department of Human Services at the University of Tennessee, and later, as an academic advisor in the College of Business. She retired from UT after more than 20 years of service. Her belief in youth and education led her to volunteer and give her time to Knoxville College and Sarah Moore Greene Elementary School, as a substitute teacher. In addition to mentoring and teaching, she was active in the Holston Hills Community, as an advocate, and was a member of the K Trans board, on behalf of senior citizens. She was an active supporter of many friends within the Susan G Komen Foundation. Each year, Maryville College, awards the Nancy Smith Wright Unity Award to the organization, group, or individual who has done the most to advance "community with diversity" at Maryville College. The award has been presented each year by Mrs. Wright, at the annual Leadership Awards Ceremony. Preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Helen Jones Smith; aunts, who reared her, Nellie B. Jones, and Anita Greene; sisters, Ella Mae "Bunnie" Smith McCanelley, and Shirley Smith. Survived by her daughters, Shirley Wright (George) Davis, Atlanta, GA, and Gretchen Wright, Washington, DC; sister, Adonna Maxine Alford, Philadelphia, PA; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends; very devoted niece, Carla Alford, whom unselfishly cared for her during her illness. Family will received friends at Eastminister Presbyterian Church, 4904 Asheville Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37914, followed by a celebration of life with Rev. Sean White, officiating. A Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Omega Omega service also took place at Shiloh Presbyterian Church, 904 Biddle Street, Knoxville, TN 37915. In lieu of flowers, scholarship memorial gifts in the name of Nancy Smith Wright, may be directed to Maryville College, Office of Advancement, 502 East Lamar Alexander Pkwy., Maryville, TN 37804. Arrangements by Jarnigan & Son Mortuary.