Class Notes

Devida McGaha King went home to be with her Lord on Monday, May 29, 2017. She lived to the excellent age of 90. The daughter of a physician in Tennessee, Devida continued her father’s legacy of service throughout her life as a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, an X-ray technician, a nurse, church pianist and church organist. At various times in her life she could be found traveling the country, working in her garden, bowling in leagues, practicing the piano or the organ at her church or at her home, watching every UK basketball game on TV, worshiping at church, and spending time with family. Devida was born in Newport, Tennessee on January 23, 1927. She graduated from Maryville College with a Bachelor of Science degree in May 1948. She went to work in Knoxville, TN as an X-ray technician. Soon after she met and fell in love with her husband, Philip Benton King, whom she married in Sevierville, TN in 1951. They moved to western Kentucky, where they built a home in Lone Oak. Devida and Philip worked together at the Union Carbide Nuclear Plant in Paducah, and Devida worked until just before her first son was born. She returned to work when her boys were older as an X-ray technician for an orthopaedic surgeon. In this position, she made a very strong impression on both her boys by telling stories of young people who had been crippled by motorcycle accidents. Having mastered the craft of X-ray, she returned to college to earn her Nursing degree at Paducah Community College. Soon after graduation, Devida took a position as a nurse at Lourdes Hospital, where she worked until retirement in 1991. Throughout this time, Devida served as a volunteer pianist and organist at her churches, Forest Hills Presbyterian and Highland Cumberland Presbyterian. She loved serving through her gift of music, and had the ability to remember even the third and fourth verses of many hymns. Devida was recognized as a Perpetual Member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for her efforts in 1997. She later was a member of Lone Oak United Methodist Church. Devida recently moved to Georgia and found a renewed energy and excitement for life. She played in a Wii bowling league twice a week, played bingo, participated in Bible studies, found a church family at Mount Nebo United Methodist Church that she greatly enjoyed, and loved going out with family or hosting them at her new apartment. Devida is survived by a sister, Meriam Anderson of Knoxville, TN, son Jim King and wife Debbie of Marietta, GA, son Ed King and wife Rachael of Paducah, KY, grandson Adam King and wife Megan of Dallas, GA, grandson Eric King and wife Katie of Acworth, GA, granddaughter Rachel Shibley and husband Michael of Acworth, GA, grandson Stephen King and wife Julie of Madison, MS, and granddaughter Susan King of Paducah, KY. She is also survived by fourteen great-grandchildren – Addison, James, Isabelle, David, Philip, Joseph, Daniel, Luke, Mandy, Emma Jean, Isaac, Charlie, William, and Esther. She leaves a legacy of love. Love for the Lord and for her family and she will be greatly missed.

Dr. Paul C. Kolter, Associate Professor Emeritus, Georgia State University was born in 1921. While attending Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee he enlisted in the US Infantry in January of 1942 and served 4 years during WWII. During his service he was Cadre involved in training recruits especially in weapon care and use. Later he trained Japanese Americans, the Nisei, who made up the famed 100th Battalion of the Italian Campaign. En route to Japan for the Army of Occupation, he was recalled by Air Transport Command to become Head Personnel Clerk at Camp Kohler, California, where he remained until discharged in 1946. He returned to graduate from Maryville College and received his Masters Degree at University of Tennessee (Knoxville) in 1950. For 2 years, he taught at Maryville College and then moved to Georgia State in Atlanta, teaching there while working for a Doctoral Degree at Emory University. During his tenure he taught many students and courses at Grady, Piedmont, Crawford Long, St. Joseph Hospitals and Georgia Baptist Medical Center. After a tenure of 30+ years, he retired in 1985. Actively involved in the antique business, he had a booth at ElCo at Lakewood Fairgrounds and Scott Antique Show at the Atlanta Exposition Center for many years. During these years, he was able to make numerous trips to Europe, Africa, and Asia. A longtime resident of Sandy Springs since 1958, he is survived by nieces and nephews, the Joe Anderson family, Fares, Harriet and Evan Schlank of Knoxville, TN and Gerd and Waltraut Schroth of Atlanta, GA, Angela, Greg, Lucy and Felix Liegel of Chicago, IL, Peter, Anne, Otto and Angus Schroth of Greensboro, NC, Terry Martel, Jim Spencer and many other friends from within the Atlanta area.

Carol Short Lootens of Aberdeen, Maryland, passed away March 20, 2017.

Dorthy Shields Long Lucas, age 95, died on January 14, 2016. She is survived by her daughters, Melinda Lucas and Gretchen Lucas Vondran; brother, Leon Shields; sister-in-law, Marilyn Lucas; several nieces and nephews. Dorthy was preceded in death by her husbands, Cpl. Marvin H. Long, a B-29 gunner who was a casualty of World War II, and Arthur B. Lucas, a Maryville City postman for many years. She was also preceded in death by her son-in-law, Ron Vondran; her parents, Andrew W. Shields and Frances Oliver Shields; brother, Herman Shields; sisters, Flaura Headrick, Nola Shields, Norma Cunningham and Sue Ella Fagg. Dorthy was born in Cades Cove, TN. She was a graduate of Everett High School and Maryville College. She was a member of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Maryville, TN. A funeral service was held at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. George Macht officiating. The interment immediately followed at Grandview Cemetery. Instead of flowers, Dorthy would like her loving family and friends to privately make a memorial donation, in her name, to their favorite church.

LaVonne Grace Lundell entered into the arms of her Lord on March 1, 2017, at Shannondale Health Care Center in Maryville, TN, after a short illness. LaVonne was born on January 17, 1926, in Birmingham, Alabama. After graduating high school at Berry in Rome, Georgia, she majored in violin at Maryville College (class of 1948). She was married to Rev. Dr. Paul Lundell for almost 60 years and served alongside him while he was Senior Pastor of Central Presbyterian Church, Petersburg, IL; Palos Park Presbyterian Community Church, Palos Park, IL; and Dundee Presbyterian Church, Omaha, NE. She was an award-winning artist, active in several chapters of PEO including AU in Maryville, and a member of New Providence Presbyterian Church Maryville, TN. LaVonne was preceded in death by her parents, Lyman and Ida Belle (Dunagan) Heard; her loving husband, Rev. Dr. Paul Lundell, and brother, Lyman Heard Jr. She is survived by her sister, Martha George of Florida; daughter, Rev. Barbara and son-in-law, Rev. Thomas Peters of New Jersey; son, David and daughter-in-law, Laura (Dance) Lundell of Tennessee; grandchildren, Alison and Trevor Peters, Amy Lundell, foreign exchange student daughter Christa Murtinger of Vienna, Austria, and many other Lundell and Dunagan relatives. Services wiere held Friday, March 3rd at the Chapel in the Shannondale Independent Living Center. Internment of the ashes will be at a later date in Northbrook, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to New Providence Presbyterian, Dundee Presbyterian, Palos Park Presbyterian Community churches or Wears Valley Ranch, Sevierville, TN (a home for children). McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home, 982-6812

Engel, Marian Ruth (nee Lewis), 87, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, December 19, 2013 at her home in Tucson, Arizona. She was a longtime resident of Crete, Illinois. She was a member of the Crete United Methodist Church and worked in the Crete-Monee school district over 25 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer “Bud” Engel. Marian is survived by her son, Scott Engel, of Crowley, TX; her daughters, Karen Engel of AZ/MI; Chris Engel of Crete; and Deb (Michael) Staley of Crete; four granddaughters, Jennifer Staley, Jillian (Tim) Mansfield, Jessica Staley, Heather (Jason) English; and four great-grandchildren

Florence Dillener Massie, 92, of Crozet, Virginia, passed away and went to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 12, 2017, lovingly attended by her two daughters. She was born in Montclair, New Jersey on August 1, 1925, to the Rev. LeRoy Young Dillener and Emily Heusel Dillener. A graduate of Maryville College in Tennessee, she retired from a long and joyful teaching career with Albemarle County Public Schools. She was a devoted member of Tabor Presbyterian Church, where she attended services, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, participated in Presbyterian Women, and enjoyed fellowship gatherings for sixty years. She was the first woman to become a deacon for the congregation. As a member of the local chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, she helped support their mission of providing personal growth opportunities for women educators. In her retirement, she enjoyed her circle of friends in the FCE/Cooperative Extension Club, Crozet, and in the Red Hatters group. Her personal warmth, gratefulness, and loving smile won the hearts of many. Florence was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, John Walker Massie, Jr.; her brothers, John August Dillener, the Rev. LeRoy Young Dillener, Jr., and Phillip Heusel Dillener. She is survived by her dear sister, Merriam Dillener Scott, of Virginia Beach; her cherished daughters and son-in-law, Barbara Massie Mouly of Crozet and Rebecca Massie Lane and husband, Douglas, of Hagerstown, Md.; and beloved grandsons and daughter-in-law, Jacob Anderson Massie Lane and wife, Emily of Conshohoken, Pa., and Gabriel Walker Massie Lane of Boston, Mass. Her family is immensely grateful to the staff of Just a Little Help, the University of Virginia Medical Center Neuro ICU, the University of Virginia Transition Hospital, and the Charlottesville Health and Rehab Center, all of whom provided her with encouragement, professional and compassionate care in the last stage of her life. A memorial service was held for Florence on Saturday, September 9, 2017, at Tabor Presbyterian Church, Crozet, Va. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Tabor Presbyterian Church.

Maxwell, Marian Weiler, 85, musician and music educator, of Shelbyville and Harlan, KY, passed away at her home Friday, May 25, 2012. Born and raised in Harlan, Marian exhibited her talent as a classical pianist at an early age. After graduation from Harlan High School in 1944, she earned her bachelor’s degree in music education from Maryville College in Maryville, TN. She then earned a master’s degree at Peabody College in Nashville, TN, during which time she met and married the late Howard H. Maxwell Jr. After living for a short time in Tuscaloosa, AL and Mt. Sterling, KY, Howard and Marian moved to Harlan and would live there for the next 13 years. In Harlan, she gave private piano lessons and taught elementary music at Harlan Independent Schools. In some classrooms she accompanied her pupils on autoharp. On piano, she accompanied the junior high school chorus as well as numerous soloists and ensembles in vocal and instrumental music performances and competitions. In 1965, she helped fellow music teacher David Davies form the Harlan Boys Choir and served as its accompanist in the group’s early years. One of her more whimsical musical ventures was the formation of the “Kooky Ukes,” a group of elementary and junior high school students who played ukuleles. The Maxwell family moved to Shelbyville in 1969. Marian taught elementary music at several schools in the Shelby County school system and later taught special education. She served as choir director at Centenary United Methodist Church for several years and later became the church organist. She and Howard became avid square dancers with the “Swingin’-Y” club in Louisville, and also enjoyed camping as members of Good Sam camping clubs. After retiring from teaching, she formed and performed with a jazz band, “Music by Marian and Company,” which performed throughout Louisville and surrounding areas. Under the solo banner of “Music by Marian,” she began playing organ and keyboards for horse shows in the area. Her reputation soon had her booked to play horse shows throughout the Southeast and Midwest states for several years. One of her favorite gigs was performing for the annual North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, where she “played for the cows.” Not content to limit her musical talent to keyboards, Marian learned handbells and formed a handbell choir at Simpsonville Methodist Church in Simpsonville, KY. Her ringers travelled to national handbell workshops to learn and perform. Some of her handbell compositions and arrangements have been published. She became one half of the “Two by Fours,” a handbell duet that performed throughout the area. Her love of music led her to the dulcimer. Once she learned the basics, she began teaching dulcimer classes at various locations in Shelbyville and surrounding areas and wrote many original arrangements for dulcimer. Her group, “Ye Merry Melodious Dulcimers,” continues to perform at churches, special events, and festivals throughout central Kentucky. Until recently, Marian regularly shared her love of music by performing for residents at nursing homes and retirement communities as well as clubs and community events in and around Shelbyville. She was a member of the Clear Creek Writers’ Group, the Louisville Dulcimer Society, the Organ Optimist Club, Shelby County Retired Teachers, Kentucky Music Educators Association, and other organizations. She was recently inducted into the Harlan High School hall of fame. Marian is survived by three children, Beverly M. Burden, of Lexington, KY, Anne Howard Maxwell, of Burbank, CA and Don Jonas Maxwell, of Las Vegas, NV; a brother, Dr. Sanford L. Weiler; two sisters-in-law, Julia Hallman, of Tuscaloosa and Arby Palmer of Birmingham, AL; a son-in-law, Greg Burden; a daughter-in-law and granddaughter, Liya Maxwell and Mariya Koritkova; nieces and nephews; and countless Kentuckians whose lives have been enriched by Marian’s music.

Lois Wilson McGarity passed away early this week at Westminster Manor in Austin, Texas. She was 90 years old. Lois was raised in Russellville, Alabama by her parents Ralph C. and Chamintney S. Thomas. After attending Russellville High School, she graduated from Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee, where she met her future husband, the Reverend Owen McGarity, Jr. A devoted wife and mother, Lois was an integral part of Owen’s ministries at Presbyterian churches in Illinois, Indiana and Texas. She was also an active participant in the civic life of the towns where she lived. Lois received a Texas Elementary Education Certificate from Lamar University in 1966, and she later received a Special Education Certificate from West Texas State University. From 1966 until her retirement, Lois taught elementary and special education students in Port Neches, Clarendon, Shiner, and Gonzales, Texas. In 1983, she was listed as one of the “Most Prominent Educators of Texas.” Lois devoted many of her free hours to documenting and archiving past and present comings and goings of six generations of her large family, an act of love for which her descendants will forever be grateful. Lois is survived by her brother, Dr. James Thomas; her children Thomas and wife Cathleen, Arthur and wife Jane, Elizabeth Silva and husband Richard, Ralph and wife Ida, and Mary Nell Clark and husband John; 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. A service to celebrate Lois McGarity’s life will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3208 Exposition Boulevard, Austin, Texas on Friday, April 8, at 3:00 PM. A service of interment will be held at the Gonzales Memorial Park Woodmen of the World Cemetery in Gonzales, Texas on Saturday, April 9, at 11:00 AM. Donations in lieu of flowers should be sent to Westminster Presbyterian Church for the One Great Hour of Sharing collection. Arrangements under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home, 906 St. Paul, Gonzales, TX. Funeral Home

Evelyn R. Megaw passed away quietly Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014, in Southampton. She was 88. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sarah (Ewart) and William Megaw; and her brothers and sisters, Willam Megaw, Elizabeth Kershaw, Jane Myers and Jack Megaw. Interment service was at East Cedar Hill Cemetery.

88, of Largo, FL & Maryville, TN died July 27, 2013. She was a physical education teacher at Largo Middle School for many years. She was also an avid golfer, bridge player and sports fan. Sher was preceded in death by her son, John and twin sister, Merle Henderson McCracken ’48. She is survived by husband, Paul; sons, Ed, Tom, Mike; grandchildren, Randi, Ryan, Josh & Lacey. No services per her request.

MILLER, Lora Lora Jennings “Jenn” Payne Miller died peacefully on Tuesday, 7-14-09 at the age of 81. She was a much beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many. Her gift of song was expressed beautifully and often in her church homes of First Baptist Decatur, GA and St. Andrew’s Episcopal, Canton, NC. Besides her lovely alto voice, she shared her love of cooking with her family and friends and was an avid reader. Jenn was a Girl Scout leader, PTA President, and Daughter of the King, in addition to her work as a medical secretary for Dr. Ward in Decatur and Emory Clinic. She delighted in her three daughters and their friends as well as the family pets throughout the years. Jenn was born and raised in Canton, NC by her parents Fannie and Bryan Payne who predeceased her. They moved to Decatur, GA in 1944 where she attended Agnes Scott College, earning degrees in Greek and Bible. She married William “Bill” A. Miller in 1949. Theirs was a courtship familiar to other students of Agnes Scott and Ga. Tech. They raised a loving family of three girls, Jean Elizabeth, Carol Ann (Adams) and Laurie Ruth Miller. She loved her two grandsons, William “Silas” and Connor Miller Adams, and her son-in-law William “Bill” T. Adams. Her husband Bill died 1-6-05 in Waynesville NC. “Granny” then moved to Decatur, GA where she lived near the rest of her family. Heartfelt thanks to the staffs of Regency House, Arbor Terrace, Northside Hospital and Hospice Atlanta. They all eased Jenn’s challenges with Alzheimer’s and encouraged her and the family along the way. Memorial service: Oakhurst Baptist Church, Decatur, Thursday, 7-23-09, 7:00 p.m. Interment: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Canton, NC. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Oakhurst Recovery Program, 222 E. Lake Dr., Decatur, GA 30030. Cremation Society of the SOUTH in Marietta is in charge of the arrangements (770) 420-5557.

Rev. Carl Calvin Murray, age 95, of Black Mountain, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at Givens Highland Farms. He was born on March 9, 1925 in Blount County, TN to Clyde T. and Olive Wilson Murray. Carl served in the United States Army during WWII and was injured in the Battle of the Bulge. After marrying Earnestine Jo Harrison in 1947, he graduated from Princeton Seminary in 1951 and served as pastor at seven Presbyterian churches until his retirement in 1990. His wife died in 2003 and his daughter Susan Messana in 2012. He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Donnan, his sons David and Mark, his grandchildren Jennifer Messana and Shawn, and his great-grandson Dillon. There will be no services at this time. Penland Family Funeral Home is honored to be caring for the Murray Family.

Beverly Joan Nereng, 87, of Blair and formerly Arcadia died on Tuesday, December 10, 2013, at Grandview Care Center in Blair, Wisconsin. Beverly was born on June 7, 1926, in Toledo, Iowa to Myrrel and Edith (Weaklan) Muetzel. Beverly was a very caring and loving person who was open to share her heart with her family, friends and community. Beverly grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with her parents and five sisters. She graduated from High School and then proceeded to attend college in Tennessee receiving a Bachelors of Art Degree. She continued her education at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, graduating with a Masters Degree with a focus on church studies. She worked in churches in New York City, Texas, and Iowa. Eight years later she received another degree in teaching. She taught 2nd and 3rd grade in Cedar Rapids Iowa, Minneapolis and Arcadia. She taught for 25 years retiring in 1981. Beverly was a member of Presbyterian, Methodist and Lutheran Churches and where she could grow in her faith and share with others. Beverly married Richard R. Laurence (Mehtodist Minister who also attended Union Theological Seminary where they met) on June 9, 1951, in Cedar Rapid, Iowa. They had two children, Becky and Dawn and they were married for 6 years. Richard died on April 27, 1957. Beverly raised her two daughters as a single parent for 14 years. She then married Einar Lund (Dairy Farmer) on July 25, 1970, at the Tamarack Lutheran Church, Norway Valley, Arcadia. They were married for 16 years. Einar died on September 4, 1986. Beverly then married Harvey Ray Nereng on August 8, 1988, in Drummond Island, Michigan and they were very happily married for 25+ years. Beverly is survived by her husband, Ray Nereng of Blair, two daughters, Becky (Steve) Severson of Arcadia and Dawn (Allen) Shepherd of Arcadia, 6 grandchildren: Gretchen (Zack) Severson-Miller of Minneapolis, Hans Severson of Minneapolis, Stefan Severson of La Crosse, Robert Shepherd of Onalaska, Anthony (Cindi) Shepherd of Winona, and Travis (Barbara) Shepherd of Switzerland. Three great grandchildren: Devin Lemay of Cadott, Grace and ZJ Miller of San Diego, CA, 1 sister, Jackie Wims of Valencia, CA, nieces and nephews She was preceding in death by her parents, husbands, 3 sisters: Barbara McCauley, Jean Collinge, and Mary DeVries.

Joanne Louise (Hart) Oines passed away Friday, March 8, 2019 at the Prairie Maison Care Center in Prairie du Chien, WI. She was born October 26, 1926 and grew up in Helena, Arkansas with her father, who was the proprietor of Hart Shoes, her mother, who taught kindergarten and Sunday school, and with her two sisters, Mary and Katsy. At her mother’s side she learned piano and put her alto voice to use in church and school. In high school she sang on the radio in a trio with school friends. At that time the US Army Air Force built Helena Aero Tech, a pilot training base nearby and Joanne agreed to a blind date to a community dance, with pilot-in-training Alf Oines. He departed with the 20th Air Force for Saipan, Joanne went to Maryville College, and when the war was over, Alf came back to Helena and married Joanne on June 6, 1947. Alf enrolled at Michigan State to study horticulture on the GI Bill, and Joanne quit college and made their home in East Lansing, Michigan. They had three children: Alan, Joel, and Peggy. Alf’s career took him to Chicago, then to Niles, Michigan where he started his own farm supply business, and Joanne was the devoted mother as her children grew up, teaching them to sing and draw and garden. They were all active members of First Presbyterian Church and participated in the inspirational choirs of that hospitable congregation. Alan’s disabilities had awakened in Joanne a lifetime devotion serving those with special needs. When Alf’s work took them to Clear Lake, Iowa, she returned to college, graduated from University of Northern Iowa in social work, and then earned a master’s degree from the University of Iowa. Joanne began work for the Northern Trails Area Education Association as case manager for pre-school referrals and was nominated by her beloved colleagues and was chosen as the State of Iowa’s School Social Worker of the Year for 1988-89. She worked tirelessly as a volunteer at Opportunity Village, the residential facility in Clear Lake that became Alan’s permanent home. She and Alf were honored to be charter members of Galilean Lutheran Church. Joanne spent her last few years in the devoted care of the Prairie Maison staff in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. She was proceeded in death by her parents and sister Mary, her daughter Peggy, her son Alan, and her husband Alf H. Oines. She is survived by four grandsons, her sister Katsy Murphy of San Antonio, her son Joel of Wauzeka, Wisconsin. Her ashes will be interred at a later date in Galesville, Wisconsin.

Kenneth Lee Paxton, Sr. passed into eternal life on September 11, 2020. He was born in Greeneville, Tennessee on September 27, 1925 to parents, Roy A. Paxton and Rena W. Paxton. He moved to Alcoa as a high school freshman with his parents and two siblings, Mary Royce Waltrus and Bob Paxton. At Alcoa High School he became senior class president and met his beloved, future wife, Charlotte Proffitt (1926-2010) who became class valedictorian. After graduation he joined the United States Navy, was sent to midshipman’s school and became a Lieutenant in the USN serving both in WWII and the Korean War. After graduating from Maryville College, where he taught for one year, he started a long career with ALCOA as a safety supervisor. He was a faithful member of New Providence Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon, elder and active participant in men’s work throughout the denomination. He was a proud, founding member of Alcoa Kiwanis where he received Legion of Honor and Distinguished Service Awards. His greatest accomplishment was the love and care he provided for his extended family, friends and anyone he found in need. Celebrating his life and legacy are his loving companion June Gerhard, his daughter Cynthia Freeman (Dale), sons Ken Paxton, Jr. (Karen) and Charles Paxton (Julie). His adoring grandchildren are Rachel Smalley (Robert), Sarah Woolsey (Craig), Matt Paxton (Brittany), Julie Black (Chris), Kyle Paxton (Allison) and Leah Paxton. His great-grandchildren who brought him such joy are Rob and Mary Charlotte Smalley, Emma Grace and Sam Woolsey, Everett, Landon, and Davis Paxton, and Sydney Black. He was loved uncle to eight nieces and nephews. A family graveside service and burial of ashes will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2020, In the New Providence Presbyterian cemetery. In memory of Kenneth’s faith and compassion and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Providence Presbyterian Church Memorials at 703 W. Broadway, Maryville, TN 37803 or Good Neighbors of Blount County at 320 W. Broadway, Maryville, TN 37801.

Mary Emily Leety Pribble of Phoenix, MD died on November 10, 2010.  She was the loving wife of Noble F. Pribble; loving mother of Jo Ann Pribble, Mark Pribble and his wife Eva, Steve Pribble; daughter in-law Daniele Pribble; sister of Roberta Graham; cherished grandmother of Lindsey Taylor Pribble.

Mary Virginia Wood Prochazka, age 96, died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday night, September 6, 2023, at Walker Nursing Home in Virginia, Illinois where she had received loving care in a family environment since February of this year. Virginia was born on September 28, 1926, in Hinton, West Virginia to the Rev. Welton Graham and Ruth Marsden Blanton Wood. As a child, she had asthma and was homebound for over a year during which time books became her gateway to the world! As she outgrew her illness, she loved adventures in the “creeks and hollers” of Greenville, West Virginia with her siblings and mischievous cousins. Being a Presbyterian “Preacher’s Kid”, she was involved in youth activities at church, and she learned to play the piano. It also meant she had to move from her beloved hometown when her daddy was called to a different church in LaFollette, Tennessee where Virginia then graduated from high school. She continued her education at Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. After a year of teaching, she attended the Presbyterian General Assembly’s Training School for Lay Workers, later known as the Presbyterian School of Christian Education, in Richmond, Virginia where she received her Master’s Degree in Christian Education. It was during her field work at First Presbyterian Church in Prince George, VA that she met a handsome young Czech farmer named Adolph Francis Prochazka, who often said he knew the moment he saw her walk across the church parking lot that she would be his wife! They did, in fact, marry on October 4, 1952, in Low Moor, Virginia, with her father officiating. From that day forward, they worked side-by-side on their farm in Chesterfield County, VA raising corn and soybeans. It became their dream to farm on the rich soils of the Midwest. In 1974, this dream was fulfilled as the family made the big move to Franklin, Illinois where they built up their farm where son, Adolph G., and grandson, Adolph F., continue to farm. Virginia loved farming and preferred that to housework any day! However, that did not stop her from being a wonderful cook and baker who learned early on from her mother-in-law how to make many of the traditional Czech recipes such as poppy seed buchta and kolace. Throughout her life, Virginia also loved to study the Bible. She was a faithful prayer warrior, who quietly and humbly set aside time for this each day.

Surviving are her children, Anna Ruth (Harry J.) Long of Virginia, Illinois and Adolph Graham (Theresa) Prochazka of Franklin, Illinois; and six grandchildren who knew her as “Grandmama”: Emily R. (Josh) Ayres, Bradley J. (Danielle) Long, Todd A. Long, Adolph F. (Gina) Prochazka, Jenny L. (Justin A.) King, and Laura B. (Aaron) Smith. Twelve great-grandchildren, who loved to eat her cinnamon rolls and slices of her huge loaves of homemade bread, also survive: Nathan and Adeline Ayres; Quest, Lennox, and Ledger Long; Millie Long; Kinze and Adolph Lee Prochazka; Justin M. and Sydney King; and Caroline and Madilynn Smith. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Adolph, and her sisters, Ann Irving Moffett and Ruth King Coffey. A brother, W. Graham (Donna) Wood of North Carolina survives, as well as nieces and nephews who have fond memories of childhood visits to the farm. Virginia was a long-time member of Unity Presbyterian Church in Woodson, Illinois.

Joy Anna Stewart Reese, 96, went to be with her Heavenly Father on March 1, 2022.  Joy was born on June 6, 1925 to William Matthew Stewart and Merle Cornett Stewart.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Tom Reese, Jr. and her brothers Sam Stewart & Billy Stewart and her sister, June Harper.  She is survived by three sons, Richard Thomas (Tommy) Reese, Gary Stwart Reese and George Alan Reese as well as 7 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Joy was a member of First Methodist Church of Brewton and will be laid to rest beside her husband Tom at Union Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at First Methodist Church of Brewton with Pastor Bobby Ellisor officiating.

The family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many expressions of concern and kindness shown to them during this time.

has let the College know that “Charlie and I continue to enjoy retirement. We have downsized to a smaller home and live next door to our daughter and her husband, Rob & Dawn R. Bailes. Of our 4 grandsons, we will celebrated the first to marry in October, William Lawson Roberts.”

Rebecca Maddux Robertson passed away January 29, 2001

Jean Cobb Rock, 92, passed away on September 22, in the care of her three daughters and the excellent staff of Dominion Senior Living, Sevierville and Smoky Mountain Hospice. Jean was born September 11, 1927 at Langley Field, VA where her father was in service with the Air Corps of the U.S. Army. As a girl her homes were non-comm officer quarters in Virginia, the Panama Canal Zone, and Alabama before her family returned to a family farm in Cliffside, North Carolina. She attended Maryville College to study Home Economics, where she met her husband Alan Everett Rock of Blue Island, IL. He was a returning World War II vet, handsome and confident, and co-captain of the football team-leading to love and marriage lasting 59 years until his death in 2008. After college Jean trained to become a certified dietician, leading to professional work in hospitals, schools and the private sector. She and Alan raised three daughters, predetermining that they, too, would graduate from church-related liberal arts colleges. Jean will be remembered as an independent, self-reliant, opinionated lady. As a homemaker, she could cook wonderful Sunday dinners, sew Barbie doll and prom dresses, embroider, quilt, cross-stitch, braid wool rugs, strip wallpaper and furniture, snap beans in summer and shovel snow in winter. After retiring, she volunteered as a docent at the “rubber baron” mansion Stan Hywett in Akron, Ohio. This led to travel in Europe and the British Isles, and to a series of study and travel programs with Elder Hostel. Jean leaves behind daughters Leslie Zelenka of Columbia, SC; Allison Rock of San Carlos, CA; and Janet Rock of Pittman Center, TN, along with sons-in-laws Don Zelenka, Toph Wuthmann, and Steve Kemp. She also leaves grandchildren John Zelenka and his wife Kate (Ft. Lauderdale, FL); and Walter Wuthmann and Raina Wuthmann (Boston, MA). Jean specifically asked her family to forego a funeral or memorial gathering in her memory. She knew they would remember her stories and apt sayings for all occasions at family gatherings to come. Arrangements by Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com

passed away on March 21, 2015, after a short illness. A lifelong resident of Knoxville, Tennessee, she retired with over thirty years of service to the Knox County school system, where she worked as a teacher and a librarian. Leila was a graduate of Maryville College. Leila shared her love of reading, gardening, quilting, and crocheting with her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, of forty-seven years, Ed Rogers; and her sister, Evelyn Herman. Leila is survived by a large extended family: brother, Orion Ambrister; sister, Beatrice Rogers; children, Lawrence DeForrest, John (Patty) DeForrest, Jeannine (Tim) Pickrell; grandchildren, Matthew DeForrest, Alex DeForrest, Holly Braid, Jessica McAfee, and Megan Huffaker; great-grandchildren, Laila McAfee, Kolbie McAfee, and Leilah Huffaker; and extended family, Mary LeQuire, Garrett Wells, and Breanna Smith. Memorials may be sent to: Maryville College.

passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2014. Elizabeth was a resident of Kingsport, Tennessee at the time of her passing. She was preceded in death by her husband Arthur Roper, Jr. A memorial service will be conducted on Saturday, January 3, 2014, at 1 p.m. at First Broad Street Methodist Church with Rev. Jack Weikel officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church. Those who wish may make memorial gifts to First Broad Street United Methodist Church, 100 E. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660; Maryville College, 502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804 or to any organization of their choice.

…..still waiting