Class Notes

Charles W. Holsinger, 91, died February 3, 2022, in Agawam, MA. He was the husband of Nancy Rose Holsinger, with whom he was married for 61 years. Born June 30, 1930, in Latrobe, PA, he was the son of Charles B. Holsinger and Jesse Holsinger. He attended Latrobe High School in Latrobe, PA(he loved to tell his children that he walked to school with Arnold Palmer and Fred Rogers), and Maryville College in Maryville, TN, where he met his wife, Nancy Rose. He majored in Biology at Maryville, which is important to remember as he was fond of telling his children the scientific names for all butterflies and birds, much to their ongoing weariness of hearing about “blue spangled fritillaries.” After a brief and terribly boring stint of working for an insurance company, Chuck, as he was known to his friends and extended family, felt the call to the ministry and he entered Western Theological Seminary (now known as Pittsburgh Theological Seminary) and graduated with a Master of Divinity. Chuck’s first church calling was a yoked trio of churches in western PA, and then a solo pastorate position for Rural Valley Church in Rural Valley, PA. At that point Chuck began to be more connected to social issues and he persuaded the church to fund his trip to the March on Washington, where he marched with Martin Luther King, Jr.  Chuck then moved to the First Presbyterian Church in Waynesburg, PA, where he continued his active work in social justice. The church and Chuck had a difference of opinion re: racial justice and Chuck resigned from that pastorate and took a position in a church without a building in Elyria, Ohio, a project that was funded by both the United Church of Christ and the United Presbyterian Church. Services were held weekly in the home of Chuck’s family. From there Chuck moved the family to the wild west where he served as the minister of the First Presbyterian Church in Holdrege, NE for 7 years. After this pastorate, Chuck took his last full time pastorate, in the First Presbyterian Church in Massapequa, NY, where he and Nancy lived for 17 years prior to his retirement. While serving in that church he participated in a peace conference in Hiroshima and Nagasaki which only cemented his already firm belief in a commitment to peace.  Following his retirement, Chuck additionally served as an interim pastor for Eastminster Presbyterian Church in York, PA.

The two loves of Chuck’s life were his wife, Nancy Rose, who preceded him in death in 2012, and his house, which he finally had the chance to build and live in following his retirement. Both Chuck and Nancy loved their home in Seven Valleys and spent many happy years watching sunsets from their dining room table. Chuck is survived by two of his children: Barry Holsinger, who is lucky enough to reside in the beautiful home that Chuck and Nancy built, and Bonnie O’Donnell, who currently lives in Springfield, MA. Chuck and Nancy’s second son, Jonathan Tama Holsinger, died in 2019. There are 3 grandchildren (Rachel, Hannah, and Maggie) and two great grandchildren (Henry and Noah).  Chuck will be missed by his family who loved him dearly.

Herbert F. Hoover, 87, formerly of San Francisco, Calif., passed away on January 5, 2017, at his home in Louisiana, Missouri. Mr. Hoover was owner and director of the Hoover Gallery in San Francisco and had a distinguished background in the arts. He served three terms as a member of the California Arts Commission, having been appointed by then Governor Ronald Reagan. During his tenure as a commissioner, he was responsible for many innovative and important programs as Visual Arts Chairman of the Commission. Mr. Hoover is listed in Who’s Who in American Art and Twenty Thousand Men of Achievement. Born in Atlanta, Mr. Hoover graduated cum laude from Maryville College in Maryville, Tenn., and was immediately, upon graduation, commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. He subsequently served as a First Lieutenant during the Korean Conflict. After his service, he was for five years director of the Pomeroy Galleries in San Francisco. During his career, Mr. Hoover worked as an advisor to corporations and collectors throughout the world. In 1975, he was instrumental in bringing to the attention of the art world the work of Harold Christopher Davies, 1891-1976, noted abstract expressionist painter. Mr. Hoover also represented the acclaimed Russian sculptor Michael von Meyer whose work was displayed in the Court of Reflections at the Golden Gate International Exposition. In late 2009, Mr. Hoover retired from his position as President of Hoover Capital Corporation, and in recent years, he worked for private collectors and clients. Mr. Hoover was an instructor of art at the University of California Extensions at Berkeley, Davis, and Santa Cruz. He lectured frequently at museums, colleges, and national conferences and served as an invited juror, panelist, and advisor to renowned auction houses, such as Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and Butterfield and Butterfield, now Bonham’s. Mr. Hoover was a Senior Member of the American Society of Appraisers, and in that role, was called upon by the Internal Revenue Service as an expert witness to review cases in dispute, the outcomes of which are recorded in the Tax Court Regular Decisions. Mr. Hoover authored the popular book Brushstrokes, a collection of anecdotes by and about famous artists of the past and present, which was, for a number of years, a weekly column in the Portland Oregonian. He was also the author of Hoover’s Guide to Galleries: San Francisco and Hoover’s Guide to Galleries: Los Angeles. Mr. Hoover’s home in San Francisco was featured in Architectural Digest. Mr. Hoover had a life-long passion for music and served on the boards of the San Francisco Opera Association and the Merola Opera Program. He began his own musical studies with Mary Arabella Coale, one of the first women to be admitted to the American Guild of Organists, and later studied composition and theory with the eminent theoretician, Dr. Dorothy D. Horn, and piano with the noted pianist, Victor Wittgenstein, early teacher of Aaron Copland. During his career, Mr. Hoover served on several community boards, namely the California Heritage Council, of which he was president for many years, and the University of California Hospital Auxiliary, of which he also served as president. Mr. Hoover is survived by his children, one daughter; Laura Hoover and son-in-law Scott Shapley of San Francisco, Calif., one son; Cleveland Hoover, one grandson; Zane Hoover and one sister; Dorothy Caes and brother-in-law Rev. Everett Caes of Dayton, OH, as well as his loving niece and many nephews. Memorials may be sent to the Pike County Memorial Hospital Foundation in Louisiana, Missouri, Maryville College in Tennessee, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), or The American Legion.

George Dewey Howell, Jr., departed this life on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at his residence surrounded by his loving wife and family at the age of 92 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born July 20, 1930, in Maryville, Tennessee, to the late George D. Howell, Sr, and Sarah Kiskadden Howell, he received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Maryville College and went to work as a chemist at Oak Ridge Laboratory. At a young age he received a military exemption from serving in the Korean Conflict due to wartime work at Oak Ridge. He retired after more than 30 years at the laboratory.

George was a “Mister Fixit” who assisted many friends, neighbors and even strangers with countless projects. As a young man he loved airplanes and earned his license to fly, but decided to stay close to the ground after his children were born. Hobbies included yard work, woodworking, and his beloved NASCAR on weekends. He was Presbyterian in his faith and member of the choir in his younger years. He had a passion for orchestra music that began when he played the sousaphone in high school.

George is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Doris Rogers Howell of Jackson, TN; his daughter Catherine Frye and her husband, Steve, of Jackson, TN; son George D. Howell III and his husband, Sandy Kozik, of Memphis, TN; brother William Howell and wife Joan of Maryville, TN; two grandsons, Justin Amos Page (Hannah) and Ethan Rogers Page (Whitney); and four great-grandchildren, Will Page, Sam Page, Greta Page, and Ruby Page, all of Nashville. He was preceded in death by a sister, Margaret Kiskadden Howell (Peggy) of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Hazel was born on March 16, 1930 and passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2019. Hazel was a resident of Proctorville, Ohio at the time of passing. She and Bob graduated from Maryville College in TN in 1952 and were married three hours after graduation. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday July 27, 2019 at Hall Funeral Home and Crematory in Proctorville, Ohio with Pastor Jamie Gump officiating. Visitation will be one hour before at the funeral home.

Dr. Delores June “Dee” Kelley (née Greco), late of Claremont, passed away suddenly of a heart attack on October 1, 2023 at home.”

Delores was born in Trenton, N.J. to Pasquale and Anna Greco, and grew up in a large Italian family with seven brothers and sisters. It was in New Jersey that she met her future husband, Robert “Bob” Kelley, a native Southern Californian who was a divinity student at Princeton Theological Seminary.  They married in 1949 and spent the next few years in Elkins Park, Penn., where Bob had his first call to the ministry.  In 1955, they ventured west to Southern California. After brief stops in Glendale and Pomona, the couple settled in Claremont in 1958, where they raised their two daughters, Criss and Robbin and where Delores lived for the rest of her life.

Delores had an impressive educational background, having earned her bachelor’s degree from Arcadia University in Pennsylvania, and a master’s in Library Science from Cal State Los Angeles. She studied labor law at the University of London and received her Ph.D. in labor relations from Claremont Graduate University.

She dedicated her professional life to the Glendora Unified School District, where she began her teaching career in 1958 as a P.E. teacher, an English teacher, and a three-period librarian. In 1970, she became the high school’s full-time librarian and in 1983 she became the district’s Curriculum Specialist and District Librarian. During her tenure, she was elected to the presidency of the Southern Section Library Association. She founded the National Honor Society at Glendora High School and sponsored the Senior Awards breakfast for 21 years. She retired in 2007.

Delores served as the executive director of the Glendora Teachers’ Association for 26 years, and negotiated the first bargaining-unit contract between teachers and the Glendora Unified School District in 1977. She was known as a tough but fair negotiator on behalf of the union employees she represented, and was a mentor to many teachers, staff and young people throughout her career and beyond. Delores was also one of the founders, in 1987, of the Claremont Dispute Resolution Center, a mediation and conciliation center which serviced Claremont and the surrounding community for many years.

Dee was a devout Presbyterian and a member of Claremont Presbyterian Church for more than 50 years. She held many positions at the church, serving as its treasurer for 12 years and as an elder for several terms. At the time of her passing, she was a member of the church’s Refugee Concerns Team, assisting Syrian refugees new to the Inland Valley area, and served on the board of the Claremont Presbyterian Children’s Center, a childcare and educational institution of which she was immensely proud. Delores also served on the Administration and Finance Committee of the San Gabriel Presbytery.

Dee loved her family – the one she was born into, the one she raised, and the one she chose. She loved her home of 57 years and opened it up to friends and family. She and Bob were known for the many bridge groups and family celebrations they hosted in their home, especially their annual Boxing Day and Fourth of July parties. Dee continued these traditions after Bob’s death and established new traditions with her weekly mahjong and card group and the BFF Book Club. A passionate reader, Dee was a lover of British mysteries, notably Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers. Her favorite saying was, “You are never alone if you have a book in your hand.” Citing the importance of being informed, she read both the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, in their entirety, daily until her death. In addition to her many professional and personal accomplishments, Dee will be remembered most for her kindness and pragmatic wisdom. She always dispensed sound advice with a loving touch to the many who sought her counsel.

Delores is survived by her daughters, Criss Kelley Moreno and Robbin Kelley; sister, Connie Maira; sister-in-law, Judy Kelley; grandsons Dennis and Shawn Sudar; great-grandchildren Alex, Danielle and Willow Sudar, numerous beloved nieces and nephews; and her constant companion her dog Evie.  Delores was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Dr. Robert Kelley in 1998 and six of her brothers and sisters.

Thomas Kelly: attorney, lifelong Democrat, active in City of Orange politics

Thomas Peter Kelly of Millburn passed on December 19th 2020 due to dementia that was complicated by a fall. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Kathleen (VanKonynenburg); his son Dirk, daughter-in-law Jacqueline, his grandsons Thomas, Steven and Daniel of Newton, New Jersey; and his daughter Jennie, son-in-law Scott McIntyre, and grandchild Oscar of Thousand Oaks, California.

Tom was born on August 26th, 1930 in Morristown NJ. He attended Morristown High School and then Maryville College in Tennessee. At Maryville he studied political science and ran cross country, graduating with a BA in political science in 1952. While at Maryville, he enrolled in ROTC and eventually served as a captain in the US Marine Corps during the Korean War. On his way to Camp Pendleton en route to Korea, he stopped in Independence, Missouri, where he met and discussed political issues with former President Harry S. Truman. At the conclusion of the war he was honorably discharged (1954). He then served in the USMC Reserves and attended the University of Michigan Law School.

After graduating from law school in 1957, he worked with the law firm of Murray and Murray in Orange, NJ and then was a solo practitioner for 53 years. During his law career he was a defense attorney for men accused of starting the Newark riots, and argued cases in front of the NJ Supreme Court. Tom practiced law until he was 85 years old. He was active in the City of Orange politics, served as the Chairman of the Orange Opportunity Corporation, the Orange Board of Education and worked to get the new Orange High School built. He ran for Orange City Council twice and helped to get the first African American City Council member elected. Tom was the City Attorney of Orange for five years, a job that he loved.

Tom enjoyed sports, history, music, the railroad, and politics. His favorite team was the Brooklyn Dodgers until they moved to Los Angeles. Then he was a Mets and sometimes Yankees fan. He was also a super fan of the University of Michigan football team. He would arrange to take his grandchildren to games at the “Big House” and to Wrigley Field. He was a voracious reader of history, especially anything that had to do with World War II. Every year he urged his family to remember Pearl Harbor Day. Tom loved music, especially Bach. Tom’s father was a Pullman conductor on the Chicago Limited, so Tom grew up riding the rails. He often planned train trips to various locations. He was a lifelong member of the Democratic party, often exchanging letters with both Democratic and Republican leadership. He will be remembered as a kind and gentle husband, father, and grandfather.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the American Civil Liberties Union,125 Broad Street, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10004 or www.aclu.org/give. For more information or to send condolences, please visit jacobhollefuneralhome.com

age 86, of Maryville, departed to be with the Lord on Monday, Dec. 15, 2014, at Blount Memorial Hospital. He was a retired Presbyterian pastor, a Navy veteran, and a graduate of Maryville College and Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. He was preceded in death by parents, Louis Kren and Dorothy Campbell Kren; son, David Peter Kren. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Patricia Love Kren ’51; his brother, Fred Kren and wife Sandra Kelly Kren of Delaware; Hope Kren Barber, Jonathan Kren and wife Gayle of New Market; Robin Kren Harper of Woodbury, Tenn.; Dawn Kren Conner and husband Mark, and Faith Kren Goldhardt and husband Jeffrey of Virginia. He enjoyed his 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

John H. Lewis, 91, resident of Willow Valley Communities, Willow Street, PA, passed away on Monday November 15, 2021 at Lancaster General Hospital. Born in Trenton, NJ, he was the son of the late Lester and Helen Lewis was the loving husband of Jean Lewis since 1955, celebrating their 66th wedding anniversary this year.

He received his BS in Criminology from Fresno State University. John enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserves in 1948 and was later called up to active duty and served aboard the U.S.S. Bradford (DD-545) as Signalman/Quartermaster Seaman during the Korean War. He returned to the U.S. to begin Officer Candidate School and was later commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy Reserves and then assigned to Naval Investigative Services Pearl Harbor, HI. His Naval reserve career would span 20 years and his last assignment was to serve on the Naval Reserve Pistol team. He retired as a Lieutenant.

In his professional career, he was Vice President of Johnson & Higgins Insurance in New Orleans, LA and retired as CEO of Medical Indemnity CO-OP, Anchorage, AK.

John was an active member of the communities he lived in, serving as past President of the National Director of Navy League USA, past Board Member of the New Orleans Symphony, Anchorage Concert Assoc. Board Member, Alaska Sportfishing Assoc. Member, Alaska Light Opera Member, Fleet Reserve Assoc. Member, past Member of the North Pacific Fisheries Council Advisory Board, Member of the Eagle Scout Association, lifetime Member of the National Rifle Association, Member of the Lamberton Lodge No. 476, Lancaster, PA, Member of the Zembo  Shrine, Harrisburg, PA, and Member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Harrisburg, A.A.S.R.

John is survived by his two sons: Michael Lewis, husband of Kristine, and Patrick Lewis, husband of Cynthia. He was preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Motheral.

Dr. Robert Athan Lynn, 1930 – 2020, a beloved father and husband, died peacefully at his home from complications due to Parkinson’s disease in Springfield, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Mabel Lynn, and his brother, Richard Lynn. He is survived by his devoted wife, Naomi and four daughters, Marylou Lynn (Mark Vogel), Nancy Francis (Darrin), Judy Chance (Marvin), and Jo-An Lynn (Doug Seifert); nine grandchildren, Jessica Bregant (Bob), Joshua Lynn-Vogel, Hilary Lawton (Chris), Adam Chance, Aaron Lynn-Vogel (Danielle), Alison Eckels (Riley), Sam Francis (Maisong), Ben Francis (Madelyn Sather), and Alex Chance; and a great-grandson, Nathaniel Robert Lawton. He is also survived by numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Robert and Naomi met as students at Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee, and married in 1954, after Bob completed his service with the U.S. Army in the Korean War. Bob received a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He returned to Maryville as an economics professor, where he wrote a successful and widely adopted textbook. Bob later helped establish a graduate program at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, and he taught at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, where he served as Dean of the College of Business Administration. Under his leadership the College gained full accreditation. Throughout his career, Bob served on national accreditation boards and wrote numerous highly regarded books and articles in his field. When Naomi was offered a position as Dean at Georgia State University, Bob encouraged and supported her, and they moved to Atlanta. He took a position as an interim Dean at Clark Atlanta University where he was so successful that the interim time went on for four years, ending only when they moved to Springfield in 1991. Bob retired from academia when they moved to Springfield, but later said he had never been so busy. In addition to helping care for two rambunctious granddaughters, Bob was active in many professional and community organizations. Bob was deeply committed to social justice and equality. A life-long advocate for women, he wanted each of his four daughters to have names that would look good as CEO’s. As a civil rights activist, he fought for justice and stood up to the Ku Klux Klan. He remained active in the life of every community in which he lived, and he served three congregations proudly as an elder in the Presbyterian Church. He joined Rotary International in 1969 and served as club president in Manhattan, and later as president of the West End Rotary Club in Atlanta, and finally, the Rotary Club of Springfield, where he has remained an active member for the past 29 years. This year, the Rotary Club of Springfield honored him for his continuing generosity and service. In addition to community service through Rotary, Bob contributed to the Springfield United Way and co-chaired with Naomi its annual campaign. They also co-chaired the annual Heart Association drive. Bob served on the board of 5th Street Renaissance and was appointed by the mayor to the Springfield Community Relations Board, also serving as its chair. Bob’s warmth and humor lit up the lives of everyone he met. By friends, by family, and by all who knew and loved him, he will be greatly missed. Memorial gifts may be made to the Naomi and Robert Lynn Scholarship Fund or the Harvey and Mabel Lynn Scholarship Fund at the University of Illinois-Springfield (Harper Hall, MC 386, 1305 West Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801).

Barbara Mabry February 23, 1931 – December 16, 2020 Lexington, Kentucky – MABRY, Barbara Blum 89, passed away on December 16, 2020 after a short illness. Barbara was born on February 23, 1931 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Leo Jacques Blum and Louvenia Thomason Blum. Although she lived in Macon, GA, as a child, she spent summers and holidays on her grandmother’s farm in Bourbon County, Kentucky, and developed a deep attachment to Kentucky’s countryside. Barbara and her future husband, Charlton, met at a Valentine’s dance during high school in Knoxville, TN. Each attended Maryville College in eastern Tennessee, although he graduated two years earlier and went on to Atlanta to Emory Medical School. After her graduation, they were married in Knoxville and then Barbara joined Charlton in Atlanta and worked as a teacher in educational radio. She became one of the first women to attend the formerly all-male Emory University, where she was the first woman to earn a full scholarship and a Master’s degree (in English). Shortly after the birth of their first son she joined Charlton at his Navy assignment in Portsmouth, VA. From 1967 to 1987, Barbara taught English literature at the University of Kentucky and was, for 13 years, the Director of Academic Advising for the College of Arts and Sciences and Assistant Dean. In 1988 she became Director of Admissions for the UK College of Medicine, a position she held until she retired in 1993. Barbara was a poet for most of her life, with poems published in literary magazines and three volumes of only her poetry. Barbara was also an editor for many years-for two literary magazines, many manuscripts, “Kentucky Gardening,” and a few books, including Charlton’s history of the first 50 years of the UK Pediatrics Department, First Fifty: A Pediatric Story (2010). Barbara loved books, dachshunds, and collecting antiques and beautiful things. She was a Master Gardener and enjoyed making colorful flower gardens around her homes, including their 1852 log cabin at Sourwood Hollow Farm in Powell County, KY, a beloved weekend getaway for the family. She was a committed, intellectually curious Christian and served as an Elder at Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church, where she was also a Stephen Minister. Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Leo Jacques and Louvenia Thomason Blum, daughter Anne Mabry McMahan, and sister-in-law Carolyn Mabry Clonts. She is survived by her husband Dr. C. Charlton Mabry; sons and daughters-in-law Dr. Michael E. and Helen C. Mabry, Pittsburgh, PA; David C. and Sarah S. Mabry, Oxford, OH; Dr. Jonathan B. and Jennifer T. Mabry, Tucson, AZ; son-in-law/wife Matthew E. McMahan and Tish Platt, Lexington, KY; grandchildren Dr. Adam C. McMahan, Alan J. Mabry, Andrew C. Mabry, Brian M. McMahan and Rachel G. Mabry; great-grandchildren Douglas C. Ingram, Lucas M. Ingram, Finn M. McMahan, Kathryn C. McMahan, Dylan J. Mabry, Ryland M. Mabry, Micah C. McMahan, Rory G. Bolton and Natalie M. Mabry; sister-in-law and husband Dorothy E. and Richard L. Iddins. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church/Mission Ministry, Kentucky Cystic Fibrosis Services, or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. There will be a family-only graveside service at Lexington Cemetery on Tuesday, December 22. Come spring, whenever you plant a flower, pet a dog, or read a passage of poetry, think of Barbara and celebrate her rich life.

Wilma Borter Matysek was born in the Bronx, New York, on April 21, 1930, and died on January 12, 2022, at Laurel Circle in Bridgewater.

She was the daughter of John Borter and Frieda Auwaerter Borter. Her early years were spent in New York and at age twelve her family moved to Springfield, New Jersey, where she graduated from Jonathan Dayton Regional High School. She earned a degree of Bachelor of Science from Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee, followed by a degree of Master of Arts from Teachers College, Columbia University, in New York City. Through the years she also attended classes at various colleges and universities in New Jersey and California in order to remain current in educational techniques and philosophy.

During her forty-four years as a teacher, Wilma taught in Millburn and Branchburg, New Jersey and San Bernardino, California. When not teaching or attending classes, she enjoyed taveling, working in her yard, reading and knitting. She was also an active member of her church, the Readington Reformed Church in Readington, New Jersey.

She is predeceased in death by her husband Stephen Matysek, her parents John and Frieda Borter and her brother and sister-in-law John and Carol Borter.

She is survived by her nieces Linnea Elizabeth. Her last years were spent as a resident of Arbor Glen, a retirement community where she was involved in many of the activities offered to its residents.

Passed away May 13, 2014. In II Timothy 4:7 the words of the Apostle Paul may provide an apt metaphor for the life of Bert McMahon; “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”. Bert has worked very hard to serve God, provide for his family and to make a significant contribution to his community through many years of teaching and coaching young people. Bert was born in Marion, N.C. on June 19, 1927, the third child of Rev. Albert E.S. McMahon and Dorothy C. King McMahon. The family soon moved to Ashtabula, OH. where Bert spent his school years, graduating from Edgewood High School in 1945. In addition to enjoying his years as a high school athlete in football, basketball, track and baseball, he coached high school Summer League baseball teams. Service to his nation intervened right after graduation in 1945. He spent two years in the U.S. Navy just as World War II was winding down. He returned to work for a short time in Ashtabula before entering college. He graduated from Maryville College, TN in 1952, and spent a few years working as an assistant manager for S.H. Cress Co. in Lakeland, Tampa and Key West, FL. His training and love of coaching called him into teaching and coaching in his home state of Ohio in the small town of LaGrange for one year. Bert then moved to Michigan to begin his Master’s studies at The University of Michigan and a position as teacher-coach at Cranbrook Schools, Bloomfield Hills, MI from 1955-1960. He received his Master’s Degree in February 1958. On December 15, 1957 he married Rita C. Pelton in LaGrange, OH and she survives. The majority of his teaching and coaching years were served at Lincoln Consolidated Schools, Ypsilanti, MI where he also served as Director of Recreation for many years. He retired from full time teaching in January of 1988. After retiring he continued to teach Driver Education part time, and enjoyed keeping up his home, lawn and garden, participating in church activities, enjoying his grandchildren and traveling with his wife Rita. In addition to his wife he is survived by sons David A. McMahon, Ypsilanti, Steven K. (Anne) of South Lyon, MI, Brian E. (Diane) of Ypsilanti, and daughter Carol S. (Kevin) Bingel of Gregory, MI. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. The grandchildren are: Danny and Sarah Bingel, Christopher (Megan) McMahon, and Brian Michael, Brandon and Mollie McMahon, and Kayla and Steven Schaefer. The great grandchild is Rorrie Rose McMahon. Other surviving relatives include two brothers: George T. McMahon of Knoxville, TN and Joseph F. (Christine) McMahon of Green Valley AZ. Bert is also remembered by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Bert was predeceased by his parents, two sisters and their husbands: Dorothy (John) Robinson, and Beverly (Harry) Regas.

Katherine Ida (Blackburn) McNiel, 89, of Maryville, TN passed away peacefully on April 18, 2020. She was born on May 30, 1930 in Jefferson City, TN to Mary Blackburn and Benjamin Blackburn. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years, Reverend Paul R. McNiel. Katherine was a dedicated mother and grandmother. She is survived by her daughter Peggy McNiel (Steve) of Oakland, CA; sons Alan McNiel (Debbie) of Yaak, MT and Dale McNiel (Betty) of San Francisco, CA; grandchildren Paul (Sabala) and Lydia McNiel, and Sophia, Juliana, and Vincent Santucci; and sister Margaret White, of Teaneck, NJ. She attended Central High School in Knoxville, earned a B.S. in Biology at Maryville College, and pursued graduate studies in Education at several universities to obtain teaching credentials in multiple states. She taught children with learning differences in TN, AZ, NM, and MT. Katherine loved people, and spent much time caring for others. She also had fun. She was an avid scrabble player, and played games with zest up until her last days. She appreciated the natural world, especially birds, wildflowers, and insects. She enjoyed the outdoors, hiking, camping, gardening, hot springs, and travel. She was active in the Presbyterian Church and multiple service organizations. She loved her large extended family and many friends. She often reached out to include others in family events who were away from their own extended families. Donations in her remembrance may be made to Blount County Habitat for Humanity, 1017 Hampshire Drive, Maryville, TN 37801 or blounthabitat.org Arrangements by Cremation Options, Inc. (865) 6WE-CARE(693-2273) www.cremationoptionsinc.com.

Wesley Parker Miles, husband of Barbara Benchoff Miles, formerly of Woodstock, died peacefully on July 18, 2015, his 86th birthday, in Brooklyn, NY. In addition to Barbara, his wife of 59 years, he is survived by three children, Ann Miles and husband, Peter Colgrove, of Locust Valley, NY, John Miles and wife, Monica, of Harrison, NY, and Andy Miles and wife, Sabine Vellucci, of Charlotte, NC; and three grandchildren, Matthew, Samantha, and Sebastian. Wes’ family also includes his sisters-in-law, Ann Benchoff Stamm and husband, Dr. Charles Stamm, of Schenectady, NY, and Betty Benchoff Page of Woodstock, as well as an extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Wes was born in Saxis, VA, the son of Mattie Young and Grover Cleveland Miles. He grew up in Huntington, Long Island, graduated from Maryville College and received his Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. He served two Presbyterian churches, first in Geneva, NY, from 1955 to 1959, and then in Hoosick Falls, NY, from 1959 to 1966.The Mileses moved to Athens, Greece in 1966 where Wes taught English as a second language at Athens College. They returned to the States in 1972, when he began teaching English and coaching tennis at the Portledge School in Locust Valley, NY. Following his retirement in 1994, he and Barbara divided their time between Brooklyn and the Adirondacks, where Wes pursued his love of all things outdoors, especially sailing.

age 82, of Blacksburg, Va., died on Tuesday, July 16, 2013. Wife, Mother, Educator, Artist-Mrs. Montgomery was born in Watertown, Tenn., the daughter of the late Jesse and Arnelle Blackshear. She was preceded in death by her sister, Martha Simpson and brother-in-law, John Simpson, of Knoxville, Tenn. She is survived by her husband, James R. Montgomery. Mary graduated from Maryville College and received a masters degree from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Mary and Jim initially lived in Knoxville, Tenn., where she taught elementary school. In Knoxville, she belonged to the Akima Club and took an active part in the development of the Knoxville Children’s Museum. After moving to Blacksburg, Va., Mary continued to teach first grade, a great love of hers. She also served as assistant principal when Harding Avenue Elementary School opened. Mary was an active member in Blacksburg United Methodist Church, Circle 5 of that church, Pairs & Spares Sunday School Class, Virginia Tech Faculty Women’s Club, Blacksburg Regional Art Association, Mountain View Garden Club, Harts, and T.N.T. Book Club. After retirement from the schools and with the children grown, she turned to watercolor painting. Mary showed her paintings in numerous exhibits, and many are found in homes in the Blacksburg area. Other survivors include her son, Charles T. Montgomery and daughter-in-law, Catherine, of Richmond, Va.; son, James B. Montgomery and daughter-in-law, Diane, of Radford, Va.; and daughter, April D. Montgomery and son-in-law, Kelvin Verity, of Norwood, Colo. She is survived by five grandchildren, T.J. Montgomery and wife, Kati, Meagan Montgomery, Ivy Montgomery, Suzannah Montgomery, and M. John Montgomery; and one great-grandchild, Sadi Montgomery. A Memorial Service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 21, 2013, at Blacksburg United Methodist Church.

Mary Claire Fox Morton, age 86, of Pigeon Forge, passed away Sunday, October 2, 2016. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Sevierville. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Frank Morton; parents, James Lee and Vera Fox; brother, James Lee Fox, II; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Eddie and Bobbie Morton; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marty and Ann Hauth; nephew and wife, Mike and Cindy Rawlings. Survivors include her son, David Lee Morton; daughter and son-in-law, Mary Anne and Mike Delozier; grandsons, Lee Morton, John Delozier, B.J. Delozier and wife, LeTisha; great-grandson, Nick Morton; great-granddaughter, Ashlyn Delozier; sister and brother-in-law, Jeanne Rawlings and husband, L.P.; sister-in-law, Charlotte Fox; several nieces and nephews In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Piano Fund, at Shiloh Baptist Church, 1432 Shiloh Church Road, Seymour, TN 37865, or to Middle Creek Cemetery, 1830 Middle Creek Road, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. The family received friends Oct. 4th, with a funeral service following at Atchley Funeral Home. Internment was at Middle Creek Cemetery for interment. Online condolences may be made at www.atchleyfuneralhome.com.

Edith (“Edie”) Lancaster Mussler passed away peacefully in Wilmington, Del. on May 28, 2020, at the age of 89 from complications of COVID 19. Born in Naples, N.C. on October 25, 1930, her parents were Oren Wilson Lancaster (from Spartanburg County, SC) and Lucy Lancaster née Brittain (from Henderson County, NC). Edie grew up in the mountains of western North Carolina and graduated from Maryville College in East Tennessee. She began her career as a schoolteacher in Atlanta, where she met her first husband (B. Forrest Clayton). They had three children and moved between Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey and South Carolina. Upon her separation from Forrest in 1963, she and her children settled in the suburbs of Atlanta, where she taught elementary school in the DeKalb County School System for over 30 years. In 1991, she married Walter G. Mussler, and they moved to northern Georgia, where they enjoyed homes on Lake Hartwell (Lavonia) and Clarkesville. In every place she lived, Edie was an active member of the Presbyterian church. She was a devoted mother and had a love for music, animals, church and family, all of which she passed on to her children and grandchildren. Edie especially enjoyed singing hymns and had several dogs throughout her life that brought her tremendous joy. She also enjoyed watercolor painting, hiking, flowers, square dancing and traveling. She will be lovingly remembered for her bright smile, sense of humor, kindness, generosity and resilience. Edie is predeceased by her parents, her sister Alma Lancaster Grubbs, and her husband Walt. She is survived by her children and their spouses who mourn her death and give thanks for her life: David Clayton (Julie George), Randy Clayton (Tim Rodden) and Carole Turlington (Jack Turlington). Also mourning her death are her grandchildren: Stephanie Clayton, Joelle Clayton and Hannah Clayton. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Jeff Grubbs, Cyndi Horvath, Scott Grubbs, Tim Grubbs and Amy Moore. The family is grateful for the compassionate care Edie received at Parkview Nursing and Rehab (Wilmington, DE), Clary Care Center (Toccoa, GA) and The Oaks at Scenic View (Baldwin, GA). A memorial service will be held electronically via Zoom on Saturday, June 20, 2020, at 11:00 am. Please contact a family member for information on how to join the service virtually. Messages of condolence may be sent to: mccreryandharra.com

Peggy Knox Orr passed away at her home on Sept. 14, 2013 in Tulsa, Oklahoma surrounded by her family and devoted husband of sixty-one years. Peggy was born June 27, 1930, in Lynnville, Tennessee. In 1949, Peggy was Miss Tennessee runner-up for the Miss America Pageant. She graduated from the University of Tennessee then married Andrew (Andy) Muirhead Orr on December 21, 1952, in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee and began her life as an Army wife. When Andy retired from the Army, Peggy taught Home Economics at the University of Tulsa, was a homemaker and later started Photo Flash, Inc., her own custom photo finishing lab. Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph William and Clara Parsons Knox. Peggy is survived by: her husband, Andrew, their children and spouses: Andrew Muirhead Orr, Jr., his wife Shelly, Oklahoma City, OK; Nelson Knox Orr, his wife Mickey, Tulsa, OK; Annette Orr Arthur, her husband, Glenn, Tulsa, OK; sisters: Patsy Dawn Knox, Mary Esther, Florida; and grandchildren: Poppy Kai Sarah Orr; Gabby Orr; and Ryan and Erin Arthur. Peggy was known for her infectious smile, uproarious laugh, and southern hospitality. Peggy was a paragon of forgiveness and was always willing to listen, support, and offer sound Christian advice to anyone who needed it. She was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi fraternity; Tulsa Garden Club; Tulsa Area Alumnae Panhellenic; Sew-in-Sew Sewing Club; and a Tulsa area quilting club and garden club. Peggy and Andy Orr were members of the Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church since 1967. Peggy always said, “You can be anything you want to be if you put your heart and mind to it” and she lived that credo. She was the best wife and mother a family could have, and so say all of us. Service was held at Kirk of the Hills on September 20, 2013.

Robert H. Osborn passed away on July 6, 2021.

In August 2016, Dr. Pearson visited with David and Sue Grubbs (’51, ’53) in Murfreesboro, TN and Newell Witherspoon ’52 in Huntsville, AL. He will be giving lectures at the Universidad de Concepcion, Chile, in January 2017 after successful laser repair of a leaky blood vessel in his left eye in Oct. 2016.

Neale J. Pearson passed away peacefully at Carillon House at the age of 92 in Lubbock, Texas on February 9, 2023. Neale was born in Akron, OH on August 30, 1930 to Nicolas and Bostiano Pearson whom were first generation immigrants. He graduated from Lakeland High School in Lakeland, FL and then attended Maryville College in Maryville, TN. He majored in history where his interests of political science first started. He graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts and was accepted to Georgetown University in Washington D.C. to study foreign affairs, However, his academic pursuits were briefly put on hold due to him being drafted into the Army where he later served in Japan in support of operations in Korea and the Far East where he also learned to speak Japanese. After leaving the Army in 1954, he attended Georgetown University earning a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service in 1956 while also working part-time for several Senators. He then joined the State Department as a foreign service officer where he learned Spanish. During his tenure at the State Department, he worked on Chinese affairs, disarmament policy and on the embassy staff in Honduras. After leaving the foreign service in 1962, he finished his Masters of Science in Foreign Service at Georgetown and began pursuing a PhD in Latin American Affairs and Portuguese at the University of Florida. During this time, he travelled extensively throughout Central and South America. He joined the faculty at Miami University in Oxford, OH in 1966 while finishing up his thesis work in 1967 until finding his home in Lubbock teaching Political Science in 1969. He retired in 1999 receiving Emeritus status but remained teaching as an adjunct professor for several more years.

Neale was extremely active in civil rights organizations within Lubbock to include efforts involved with de-segregation within the Lubbock public schools, voter registration, and Congressional districting. He was involved in the Lubbock LULAC (League of United Latin America) Council, Lubbock Democratic Party, the Covenant Presbyterian Church, the Texas Tech Faculty Legal Action Association, and several political science and honorary fraternities. He taught hundreds of students over his career, and many of them stayed in touch with him right up to the end of his life, for which he was very grateful. Throughout his career, he was a focal point for local politics and always enjoyed conducting analyses on political results be it at the local, state, or national level. He was a contributing author for several books and numerous periodicals with a focus on Latin America. Neale was an avid traveler, whom especially loved visiting areas off the beaten path. He was a lifelong learner and a supporter of the Arts. He loved debating politics, visiting friends and family, and appreciated a good book. He was a loyal supporter of Texas Tech athletic programs, and you could often find him at Red Raider sporting events.

Neale is survived by his brother, Ronald Pearson of Huntington, IN; his sister Regina Souder of Huntington, IN; his son Jeffrey of Stafford, VA (Tracey); his son Michael of Chicago, IL, and three grandchildren, Jenna, Jack, and Joseph of Stafford, VA. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dr. Mary Jo Pribble, 85, of Bridgewater, Va., died August 11, 2015, at her residence. She was born Jan. 20, 1930, the daughter of the late E. Willis and Flora I. Skidmore Pribble. Mary Jo graduated from Harrisville High School in 1947. She attained her BA Degree from Maryville College, MA from Duke University and PhD from Louisiana State University. She had been a documentation chemist, at Ethel Corp., Baton Rouge, La. and then had a 35 year teaching career at Limestone College, S.C. and later at Glenville State College, W.Va. While living in Glenville, she was an elder at Glenville Presbyterian Church and was a Folk Festival Belle committee member. Mary Jo established The Dr. Mary Jo Pribble Scholarship at Glenville State College in 1998. She was also well known for her love of weaving. She is survived by a brother, Noble Franklin Pribble of Asheboro, N.C. She was preceded in death by a brother, Willis S. Pribble.

Mary Jo Richardson, 87, died Thursday, May 31, 2018 at her home in Southbury, surrounded by her loving cats. Jodie, as she was known to her family and friends, was born November 7, 1930, in Clinton, Tennessee, near Knoxville. Her parents were Josephine Scruggs Richardson (a musician and organist) and J. Bailey Richardson (musician and insurance salesman). She graduated from Clinton High School and Maryville College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in music. After moving to Manhattan, she embarked on a 40 – year career at Reader’s Digest magazine. She began in the public relations department and for many years was a magazine research editor. In 1992, Jodie and her English friend, Marion Davis, moved to Heritage Village. Jodie was a director of her condo board, part of the Heritage Village Ambulance Association, a co-founding member of PAWS (an animal rights group) and sat on the Commission for Senior Services. As an active member of South Britain Congregational Church, she was at various times a deacon, chairman of the Outreach Committee and on the Music Committee. The church appreciated her recent major contribution for an enhancement to the organ. She leaves Gracie Scruggs Allen, her special cousin, and her family from Nashville, Tennessee. Jodie was a generous and kind friend. In her memory, please call a neighbor or friend today. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Welfare Society, 8 Dodd Rd., New Milford 06776.

William N. Robinson, Sr. (Bill), age 86, of Maryville, passed away peacefully on Dec. 17, 2013, at UT Medical Center. He was a man who felt the love of God in his heart and passed it on freely and unconditionally. His life of integrity, compassion, and humility reflected his belief in the redemptive power of sacrificial love; to have been part of his life was an incalculable blessing. A U.S. Air Force Veteran and graduate of Maryville College and Union Theological Seminary in New York, he served as Minister of Music at First Baptist Church in Kingsport, Tenn., for 29 years; there he touched many lives through a music ministry of multiple choirs spanning pre-school through senior adults, handbells, string ensembles, and an orchestra. Before moving to Kingsport, he served at First Baptist Church of Clarksville, Tenn., and Smithwood Baptist Church in Knoxville. In his retirement, he loved tending his garden and enjoyed volunteer work, which included giving free violin, viola and cello lessons. He and his wife were active in the Alumni Association of Maryville College and were very generous in their support of the college’s educational mission. He was proud to have played viola in the Maryville Alcoa Community College Orchestra for many years under the baton of his oldest son, Bill. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, he is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mildred C. Robinson and their children, Bill Robinson, Jr. (Martha), Ann Robinson-Craig (Chris Craig), Bob Robinson (Martha), Susan Hoover (Roger), Mary Dodson (Brian), and Tom “TR” Robinson (Cindy); and their Ugandan son they adopted later in life, Yebalibinga “Freddie” Robinson (Susan). He is also survived by his sister, Peggy Mobley and her husband John Mobley, as well as their daughters, Jackie Caruso and Kathy Mobley. His proudest legacy was his large and loving family, which included his grandchildren, Bailey Riddle, Sarah Craig, Carolyn Craig, Ellen Robinson Price (Geoff), Bradley Robinson (Francesca), Elizabeth Robinson, Grant Robinson, Roger William Hoover, Jacob Dodson, Matthew Dodson, Joe Robinson, Kelsey Robinson, Yeba Robinson, and Muta Robinson; and his great-grandchildren, Evey and Ella Riddle and Mary Peyton Price. Gatherings of this family were always joyous ones with laughter, music, and “family fun.” A celebration of Bill Robinson’s life will be held on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013, at 3 p.m. in the afternoon at First Baptist Church, Maryville, with Charles Ballard, Ron Davis, and Mitch Whisnant officiating. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. There will be a private family burial at Clark’s Grove Cemetery. Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, http://smithmortuary.tributes.com/show/William-N.-Robinson-97372400

Mr. William Fred Rogers of Concord, N.C., passed away Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013, at the Tucker Hospice House. Fred was born June 30, 1925, in Sevierville to the late Leonard M. Rogers and Nancy Davis Rogers. Following graduation from Porter High School in 1943, Fred joined the U.S. Navy serving in the South Pacific during World War II until his honorable discharge in 1947. He married Eleanor Frances Frye on Nov. 13, 1948, and enrolled in Maryville College where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1952. He worked as a laboratory technologist for Oak Ridge National Laboratories at the Y-12 division, retiring in 1990 after 38 years of service. Fred is survived by his wife, Eleanor Frye Rogers; daughter, Mary Rogers White and husband Steven of Harrisburg, N.C.; son, William F. Bill Rogers, Jr. and wife Nanda of Concord, N.C.; grandchildren, Seth Rogers, Hannah Efird and husband Brian, Sarah White, Sam White and wife Erin; great-grandchild, Erica Efird; sisters, Jimmie Owenby of Chattanooga, Jean Pryor and Doris Badgett, both of Maryville; brother, J.M. Tom Rogers of Maryville; and a number of nieces and nephews.