Class Notes

of Cleveland, TN passed away Friday evening October 24, 2014. He was a native of Pitcarin, PA and had lived in Cleveland since 1954. He was the son of the late Claude E. and Louise P. Feehrer. He was a long time member of Broad Street United Methodist Church serving his church in many capacities including Chairman of the Finance Committee, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Chairman of the Pastor Parrish. He also was a teacher of the Disciple Bible class for many years. Feehrer was retired from Cherokee Valley Bank having served the financial industry over 30 years. At the time of his retirement he held the position of President and CEO as well as Chairman of the Board. He was a Navy Veteran of WWII and earned his BA from Maryville College and received his master’s degree from the University of Tennessee. Before entering the thrift industry, he was personnel director at Burlington Industries in Cleveland from 1956 to 1958. Feehrer had been very active on both the state and national levels for the financial industry. He served as president of the TN State League and chairman of the State Legislative Committee. He held numerous other positions in the TN State League including treasurer and Vice President and served as Chairman of the Insurance Committee. On a national level, Feehrer served on the Land Use Development Committee, the Advisory Committee on State Legislation and the U.S. League of Savings Institutions. He also served on the Board of Directors of Savings and Loan Data Corporation of Cincinnati. Feehrer’s many civic and business activities included: past district commissioner, Boy Scouts of America; past chairman, Bradley Co. United Fund; past president, Cleveland Jaycees where he was named Young Man of the Year in 1960; past president, Cleveland Family YMCA; and past president, Junior Achievement of Bradley Co. Feehrer was also past chairman of the Bradley Co. Regional Planning Commission; past secretary and treasurer of the Cleveland Industrial Bond Board; past president, Cleveland Rotary Club; past director Southeast Regional YMCA. Feehrer also served on the Board of Trustees of Hiwassee, Tennessee Wesleyan and Emory and Henry Colleges and the Cleveland State Community College Foundation and Chairman of the Foundations Investment Committee. He and his family loved spending time with family and friends at Parksville Lake during the many summers of his life. Many special memories will live on through his children and grandchildren. He was an avid Tennessee Vol fan and loved his Big Orange, traveling to many venues to cheer them on. Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, Alice Grant Kelly Feehrer, along with his children Majie Millaway (Gary), Kelly Feehrer (Edie) and Sammy Feehrer (Anne) all of Cleveland, his grandchildren Brad Millaway (Sara), Sarah Jane Moore (Chase), Emily Davidson (Corey), Patten Feehrer, Grant Feehrer and Bailey Feehrer. Great grandchildren include Tapanga, Addison, Colten, Reese and Izzy and his special cousin Mary Kathryn Vanosdale, whom he thought of as a second daughter. A service of Remembrance was conducted at Broad Street United Methodist Church on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at 4:00 PM with the Reverends Skip White and Randy Martin officiating. Visitation was in the Narthex of the church from 3:00 to 4:00 prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Broad Street United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 3, Cleveland, TN 37364 or any charity of your choice. Special thanks to Garden Plaza personnel and staff, Helping Hands of Cleveland and Avalon Hospice Care.

Mary James Bevan Freeman, 88, died June 13, 2021, in Oxford, MS. The memorial service will be held on Friday, June 18, at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church, Oxford, with the Reverends Ann Kelly and Greg Goodwiller officiating. A reception will follow after the inurnment in the church courtyard. Waller Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Freeman was born on August 11, 1932 in Little Rock, AR to James John Bevan and Mary Robison Bevan. While she was in middle school the family moved to Memphis, TN. She graduated from Whitehaven High School in 1950 and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Art from Maryville College in Maryville, TN in 1954. She later completed a Master’s Degree in Religious Education from Memphis Theological Seminary in 1997. Mrs. Freeman also studied at the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, VA. It was there that she met her future husband, the Rev. Dr. David Freeman who was a student at Union Theological Seminary. They were married in July of 1958 until his death in 2014. As a minister’s wife, Mrs. Freeman, was actively involved in the five congregations her husband served as pastor from 1958 until 1997: Talladega, AL, Staunton, VA, Memphis, TN, McAllen, TX, and Greenwood, MS. The couple retired to Oxford, MS in 1997. Along the way she also taught Bible in the public schools in Virginia, preschool in Tennessee, Aerobic Dance in south Texas. She also served as the director of Su Casa de Esperanza, a community outreach organization in south Texas, among other occupations. Her volunteer work was even more varied and often centered on the life of the church and ecumenical groups such as Church Women United. She was active in Presbyterian Women and in the work of the various presbyteries in which the couple lived. She was ordained as an elder and served as a commissioner to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in 2002. She participated in alumni activities, especially at Maryville College. Family was a great joy to Mrs. Freeman. She was a loving and devoted daughter and mother and had great affection for her grandchildren. She also loved family reunions and keeping up with her uncles, aunts, and cousins. The Freemans also hosted a foreign exchange student, Lello Sabato, of Castellammare di Stabia, Italy who remains a close member of the extended family. She was a life-long learner and teacher. She especially enjoyed a Disciple Bible Study class that she and her husband taught in conjunction with First Presbyterian Church, Oxford. She was voracious reader, loved traveling, and was fond of reminiscing. Her later years were spent at Presbyterian Village in Little Rock and the Blake in Oxford. The staff of each facility showed her great kindness and she put effort into learning the names of people who worked around her. Mrs. Freeman is survived by her son, the Rev. Dr. Jim Freeman and his wife Paulette of Shreveport, LA; her granddaughter Lindsay James Freeman of Terneuzen, Netherlands; grandson William Freeman of San Diego, CA; step granddaughters Anneke Bunting and Megan Toland of Arkansas; step great-grandchildren Halle Bollman, Braden Bollman, and Jett Toland; and numerous cousins. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mrs. Freeman’s memory may be made to the Freeman Lecture Series at First Presbyterian Church, 924 Van Buren Avenue, Oxford, MS 38655; or to Solar Under the Sun, PO Box 5004, Jacksonville, AR 72078 (www.solarunderthesun.org). For additional information or to leave an online condolence, please call 662.234.7971 or visit www.wallerfuneralhome.com.

Emily Virginia (Smith) Hoyer, 89, of Gainesville, Fla., died Thursday, March 17, 2022, following an extended illness. Em­ily was born in Frank­lin County, Virginia on January 23, 1933, the daughter of the late Gillespie Ray Smith and Mary Elizabeth (Garland) Smith.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Glenn Davis Smith, Fredrick Ray Smith, her sister, Mary (Smith) Steele, and her husband, Albert S. Hoyer. She attended Maryville College, Maryville, Tenn. where she met Albert. They grad­uated from Roanoke College, Salem, Va. while raising four children. She was a respected ele­mentary and high school teacher, an active church volunteer and a Lifetime Member of Presbyterian Women. She served as a Commissioned Lay Min­ister in The Presbytery of the Sun (Louisiana), Presbytery of the Peaks (Belmont Presbyterian Church, Roanoke, Va.) and Presbytery of St. Au­gustine (Florida) serving as a part-time chaplain at the retirement community where she lived in Gainesville, Fla.

Emily is survived by two sons, Albert Mark Hoyer and wife, Kathy of Newton, N.J., Stephen C. Hoyer and wife, Sharon of Oconomowoc, Wis.; two daughters, Mary Kate Vellis and husband Nick of Gainesville, Fla. and Ann L. Arnold and husband John of Eustis, Fla.; eight grandchildren, Katie and Molly Hoyer, Christina, Andrew and Arny Hoy­er, Alexis Vellis, Scott and Bobby Arnold, and six great-grandsons.

Sarah Joyce Linginfelter Hughes, 86, of Maryville, Tenn. passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus, her Lord and Savior on April 2, 2019, after two years at home on hospice care. Born in Fairmount, Ga., on May 21, 1932. Sarah was was raised in Alcoa, Tenn., graduating from Alcoa High School, Maryville College and University of Tennessee majoring in music and education and retiring from Harriman City Schools. Church organist for 40 years at Robertsville and Central Baptist Church in Oak Ridge, Tenn., Sarah was reunited with her loving husband, Ronald Mack Hughes; parents, William S. and Thelma Lacey Linginfelter; brother, Bill Linginfelter Jr. and wife, Betty; along with many other loved ones and friends who are rejoicing with her in heaven. Survived by three children, Katherine, David and John Hughes of Blount County; grandchildren, Angela and Jason Stokes, Gina and Shawn Franklin, Holly Hughes, Chrissy Hughes and Julian Hughes; and great-grandchildren, Skyler Hughes, Johnathan Franklin, Jordan Franklin and Michael Stokes. In addition, two brothers the Rev. Henry Linginfelter, Ronnie Linginfelter and wife, Cathy as well as in-laws Nova Haun, Ann Wade and Joy Hughes. Sarah also leaves many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins who loved her dearly. Celebration of Life memorial service will be Saturday, April 13, 2019, at Clarks Grove Presbyterian Church and Cemetery in Alcoa, Tenn. Receiving friends 12-1 p.m., service 1-2 p.m. and food in fellowship hall 2-3 p.m.

Carol Fraser Kincheloe passed away on November 5, 2023 at the Shannondale Retirement Community of Maryville, Rehabilitation Center.

She was born on February 5, 1932 in Cushing, Oklahoma to Beulah Randall Fraser and the Rev. Samuel Graham Fraser. She attended public schools in Cushing and Oklahoma City. Following graduation from Maryville College, she was employed by the Blount County Agricultural Extension Service working primarily with 4-H Club youth. Carol was an active member of the Presbyterian Church and many of its activities. Since 1983, she has been an active member of P.E.O.

In 1968, Carol married Samuel Kincheloe. His work gave them the opportunity to live in Illinois and Georgia as well as enjoy international travel. Retirement in 1998 returned them to Tennessee where they lived in Knoxville for several years.

In 2010, they became residents of the Shannondale Retirement Community of Maryville.

Carol was preceded in death by her sister, Charlotte F. Shipley in 2022. Survivors are her husband, Sam Kincheloe; son, John T. Trotter of Maryville, daughter, Jan (James) Voris of Atlanta. Grandsons: Chuck Trotter, Preston (Lynda) Trotter; two great granddaughters, Emma and Eva Trotter. She is also survived by her nephews; Douglas (Catherine) and Graham (Mary Lee) Shipley and their families. She is also survived by the Kincheloe family and many special friends. Carol always made sure to stay in touch with family and friends. She was a thoughtful, caring and gracious lady. She will be fondly remembered by those who were touched with her kindness and those who were fortunate to hear her stories.

Gerald R. Knecht was born December 6, 1931 and passed away March 11, 2017. A farmer, blue water sailor, community leader and San Francisco attorney, Jerry Knecht was a happy man who led a beautiful life. He was passionate about all his endeavors, yet guided by a calm and formidable intelligence that invariably brought him success as well as the love and respect of family, friends and colleagues. Jerry, a deeply loving family man, leaves behind his devoted wife Suzanne Knecht, his children, Nancy Mansfield, Alex Knecht and Lisa Zavieh, their spouses and children, as well as a brother, Glen Knecht, and sister, Nancy Cimbal, and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, Wilma and Robert Knecht, and his eldest brother, Robert Knecht. Jerry’s career in law began at Boalt Hall, from which he graduated in 1957. He taught a year at Stanford Law before settling in San Francisco, where he formed the firm Knecht, Dingus, Fink & Boring. After 15 years as senior partner, he left to practice his surety bond specialty as a sole proprietor, returning to the old firm ten years later, by that time Knecht, Haley, Lawrence & Smith. Health issues forced his retirement in 1991, after a 33 year career in which he maintained a profound respect for law, worked long hours and loved every minute – especially those in the court room! In retirement, he and Suzanne seized the moment to indulge another long term passion, blue water sailing, with cruises in their 42′ sloop Night Watch to Mexico and Alaska, a third race to Hawaii, and to fulfill their dream, a two-year circling of the globe, for which Jerry was given a circumnavigation pennant from the Cruising Club of America, and voted Yachtsman of the Year by San Francisco Yacht Club, in which he had been a member for almost 30 years. Back in San Anselmo where Jerry and Suzanne lived for 27 years, Jerry joined the Board of Ross Valley Ecumenical Housing Association (RVEHA), which operates Tam house, a home providing room, board and community to low income seniors. He soon became president, and poured his heart, time and energy into building a second house, that upon its opening was debt free. He was as proud of Tam House II as a new father of his child. When presented with two preteen grandchildren in Santa Rosa and wanting to be closer, Jerry and Suzanne moved to Sebastopol where they built themselves a house and became growers of pinot noir grapes. Jerry’s last years were blessed with extensive involvement with all his family, his new community, his old buddies, and the joy of evenings on the patio with his Suzy, watching the sun color the sky over the vineyard. He was grateful for being able to share what they had with those less fortunate, as well as with organizations dedicated to making life better in this world. Jerry, our father, grandfather, and beloved husband passed away peacefully at Kaiser Hospital in Santa Rosa, surrounded by his immediate family. Jerry was always very grateful, as is all his family, to the many Kaiser doctors and nurses who were so attentive and caring for the last 60 years. We will all miss his contagious smile and twinkling blue eyes, his gentle nature and kindness, his dedication to doing what was right and his loving support for family and friends. And no gathering of those who love him will ever be the same without his recitation more emotional with the passing of time – of T. S. Eliot’s The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock. Our sweet, inimitable Jerry will be forever loved, fondly remembered and sorely missed.

Joanne Edwards Kron passed away on July 1, 2022.

writes in to share that he is a Minister of the PCUSA actively involved in the Order of St Luke, and international organization whose mission is to develop ministries of healing in the local church.

For the last 17 years, Jinny competed in the Huntsman World Senior Games held in St. George, UT, and last year won the gold medal in women’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles. This summer Jinny came home with a gold and two bronze medals in mixed doubles, doubles and singles table tennis from the National Senior Olympics held in Birmingham, AL. Read more about Jinny’s experiences here: http://www.crossville-chronicle.com/news/lifestyles/pleasant-hill-ramblings-longees-enjoy-getting-active-and-want-others/article_525bc254-971a-11e7-9740-e7f511aa133e.html

Rev. Jack E. Maxwell, 88, of Cross Lanes, WV went home to be with Jesus on January 13, 2021.  Jack was the child of Albert and Mabel Davis Maxwell, and was born on an Indian Mission in Dorados, Brazil. We believe this is where his true servant heart, love for Christ, his love for people, sense of humor, love of travelling and adventure began.

Preceded in death by his siblings; wife, Elizabeth; and a son, Edward.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Elizabeth of Cross Lanes, and Priscilla of Montreat, North Carolina; and numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

Jack lived in Brazil for the first 8 years of his life, having jungle adventures with his siblings, and the Indians they lived with on the mission. The adventures continued as the family moved around the South. He attended Maryville College in Tennessee with his twin sister, Jean, then went on to attend with his brothers, Sidney and David, at the Columbia Theological Seminary in Georgia. He was then an Ordained Minister for the rest of his life.

Jack’s top passion was people. He truly loved people and made sure each person he met felt loved and knew they were important and had worth. If you were ever around him, you were sure to hear that he loved you, but most importantly to him was for you to know you were loved by Jesus. This was the goal of his life. He also had a love of travel and went all over the world telling people about Jesus in Brazil, Columbia, Jamaica, Israel, Cuba, Canada, Italy, Austria, Belgium, England, France, Switzerland, Germany, The Netherlands, and Paraguay. He even developed his own Gospel Tract he called a “pink slip” and passed those out to anyone he would meet.

Jack loved photography and would often be spotted with a camera around his neck, taking pictures of people, places, and events. He loved the outdoors, and loved hunting, fishing, and being at the Ocean. Due to the Covid pandemic the family will not be having a service at this time but will plan a great celebration of this good man in a few months when it is safe to gather again.

Jean Maxwell McCarter was born on September 20, 1932. She passed away peacefully on December 15th 2016 at her home in Oakland, California.Jean was born to Presbyterian missionary parents, deep in the heart of Brazil, on an Indian reservation near Dourados, Mato Grosso. She came to the United States as a nine year old and grew up in Clinton, South Carolina. She graduated from Maryville College in Tennessee. She married the love of her life, Neely Dixon McCarter, and they had three children and were married for 52 years.Jean was a devoted mother and wife. She loved her church and seminary communities and loved being surrounded by friends and family. She sang in all of her church choirs, including many years in the choir at Piedmont Community Church. She was a faithful docent at the Oakland Museum for over two decades. She is predeceased by her husband Neely, and two of her brothers, David and Sidney Maxwell. She is survived by her twin brother Jack Maxwell, her children Robert McCarter (Susan), Robin McCarter Anderson (Mark), and Shirley Kaml (Larry) and her five grandchildren Dixon Anderson, Matthew Kaml, Katherine McCarter, Victoria Kaml and Cameron Anderson. A Memorial Service will be held for Jean on Sunday, January 8th, 2017 at 3pm at Piedmont Community Church: 400 Highland Ave, Piedmont, California

Joe Drinnen McMurry, age 83 of Maryville, passed away Sunday, May 1, 2016. Survivors include several cousins. Family and friends will meet at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday at Magnolia Cemetery for a graveside service with Rev. Steve Mosher officiating.

John Jay Mead was born January 11, 1933 and passed away on December 25, 2018, in Cary, North Carolina.

Nancy Jane Naylor Navratil passed away on Dec. 7, 2013, at 3:30 p.m. at Blount Memorial Hospital after suffering a massive stroke. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert Norman Navratil, her parents, Joseph Heschol Naylor and Sadie Pearl Jackson Naylor, and her daughter Becky Navratil Kerns. Survivors include her daughter, Angie Navratil Walker; son, Joe Navratil; granddaughters, Jessica Nicole Walker, Miranda Michelle Navratil; grandsons Jake Robert Walker, Bradley Ashton Kerns, Thomas Wayne Walker and Christopher Lynn Walker; great-granddaughter Sadie Jane-Lynn Walker. She is also survived by her Aunt Phoebe Jackson Jordan. Honorary mention: lifelong friends Sylvia Nicely Markey, Emma Jean Leek Huddleston, Mary Ann Wright Harding and Dillard Mynatt. Special thanks to Peggy Hypes, Martha Hess, Jean Wortman and Joanne Booker for countless hours of friendship, care and devotion to Mom. Nancy was born in Norfolk, Va., and moved to Knoxville with her family as a small child. She graduated from Central High School in 1950 in the top 5 percent of her class. In 1954, she graduated from Maryville College cum laude. She went on to teach high school English at several schools, including Powell High School in Knoxville. In the 1960s, she returned to Maryville College where she served as the editor of senior studies and taught English. In Chicago, she worked for the American Bar Association to conduct a membership drive. Nancy was an active member of Highland Presbyterian Church for 56 years, where she taught Sunday School, served as an elder, played handbells and participated in the Happy Highlanders group. Throughout her life, Nancy was an active participant in the performing arts: the Maryville College theater, the Maryville Playmakers, Chilhowee Club and directed a play at her assisted living home. Nancy was an editor of books and wrote a book of poems. She enjoyed playing the piano, dulcimer, knitting, board games, bingo, crossword puzzles and participated in mission project work. Nancy was involved throughout her life in many clubs and organizations. Nancy was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandma and great-grandma.

Bent Olesen passed away Feb. 8, 2021, leaving behind a loving family. Born in Denmark in 1932, Bent came to the United States with his parents in 1949. He attended Nyack High School for one year to acclimate himself to his new country and language. He lettered in soccer and almost surely broke a few hearts that year. Moving on to college, Bent graduated from Maryville (TN) College before entering the United States Army for two years. His business degree earned him an assignment to the quartermaster corps with the Army’s European Command. His knowledge of French and German helped him to capitalize on the social aspect of his service time. Back in the U.S., Bent went to Indiana University to pursue a Master’s of Business Administration degree. While there he just happened to meet Hoosier native Susan Chenoweth who was studying for the Master of Teaching Arts degree. They seemed to hit it off and left I.U. with an engagement to go with their degrees. Bent decided he would help Chrysler Corp. so he worked for the then-number 3 automaker in labor relations and human resources. In 1982 General Dynamics purchased Chrysler’s defense arm, primarily the tank plants, and so Bent decided to stay at the Warren Tank Plant and help make sure G.D. knew what it was doing until he retired in 1997. He enjoyed watching sports on television, especially I.U. basketball, and participating in the Masonic Lodge. For several years he was a precinct delegate for the Republican Party. He is survived by his wife, Susan; children Jeffrey (Pamela), Nicholas, and Brooke (Stephen) Schocke, and grandchildren Corinna, Luke, Renee, Leif, Ainsley, Beth and Hugh, and step-granddaughter Mariam. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Anne Olesen, and his daughter Gay. Family will receive friends Friday, February 19, 2021 from 3-8 pm at A. J. Desmond & Sons (Price Chapel), 3725 Rochester Road, Troy. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, visitation will be limited to 25 people at a time – masks and social distancing are required. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2021, 11:00 am, at First United Methodist Church of Troy, 6363 Livernois Rd, Troy, MI 48098. Visitation at Church begins at 10:30 am. Unfortunately, due to current restrictions, attendance at Church will be limited to 80 people. Please call the Church at 248-879-6363 to reserve the number of your group’s attendance. Please place this phone call between the hours of 9 :00 am – 12 noon. Due to current restrictions, the burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for you to consider a Memorial Donation to Hillsdale College. Please send gifts to the following address: Hillsdale College Attn: Gift Processing Office 33 E. College St. Hillsdale, MI 49242 Checks made out to “Hillsdale College”. Please include a note: “in memory of Bent Olesen”. Funeral Service is available by clicking on the following link: Bent Olesen Service

Margaret Jacqueline (Jackie) Paddock, age 87 of Knoxville passed away June 7, 2019, at Life Care Center of Blount County. She was a member of Cokesbury United Methodist Church. She was a graduate of Maryville College and Duke University. She served as the Head Dietician at Fairfax Hospital in Fairfax, VA, until she retired and moved back to Knoxville. She was preceded in death by her husband, Patric W. Paddock; father and mother, Mack and Gaynelle Sparks; brothers, Gordon Sparks and Ed Sparks; sister, Betty Knight. Survivors include special nieces, Terri Sparks, Marti Sparks, Rhonda (Hal) Phelps and Linda (John) Roethe; sisters-in-law, Betty Sparks and Eloise Sparks; special cousin, Martha Ruth Sparks Cook of Jacksonville, FL; and other relatives in Oregon and East Tennessee. Services will be held on Tuesday June 11, 2019 at Cokesbury United Methodist Church Sanctuary, Knoxville, where she was a longtime member. The receiving of friends will be from 5:00-6:00 pm and a memorial service following at 6 pm with Rev. Charles Maynard officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Cokesbury United Methodist Church, 9919 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922.

Mrs. Ruth King Parten, 89, of Royston, GA passed away on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Mrs. Parten was born in Whitfield County, GA on April 14, 1933, daughter of the late William E. King and the late Erdice Williams King. She graduated from Dalton High School and Maryville College in Maryville, TN. After graduating from college, she moved to Royston, and worked as a Christian Leader in several United Methodist Churches around Franklin County and was a long-time member of Pennington Chapel United Methodist Church. She taught school for a total of 35 years and was a member of the Franklin County Retired Teachers Association, and Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority. Mrs. Parten was also a member of the Carnesville Women’s Club.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Travis Parten; sister, Elizabeth Holland; and brother, Edgar King.

Survivors include her children, William B. “Bill” and Jill Parten of Royston, Joyce and Tim South of Royston, and Mary and Harris Little of Carnesville, GA; grandchildren, James and Lindsay South of Marietta, GA, Ben and Hannah Parten of Savannah, GA, Lee and Katie South of Royston, Beth South of Royston, Sara Little of Athens, GA, Drew and Chappel Parten of Alpharetta, GA, Clint Little of Carnesville, Will South of Gainesville, GA and Robert Little of Carnesville; great-grandchildren, Luke and Caroline South of Marietta, and Travis South of Royston; brother and sister-in-law, John and Linda King of Cabot, AR; and sister-in-law, Winnie Patterson of Royston.

Word has reached the Presbytery office of the death at his home in Little Rock on December 23, 2016 of Rev. John T. “Jack” Rorex, 85, an honorably retired member of Presbytery. Born in Maryville, TN, he attended school in the mining camps, completed his bachelor’s degree at Maryville College and received his M. Div. degree from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He pastored churches in Texarkana, AR, Midland, TX and in this Presbytery (Paragould and Little Rock) before serving as an Army chaplain during the Vietnam War. After further education, he was the director of Delta Hills Health System Agency in Batesville, administrator of The Meadowcreek Project in Fox, and manager of Heifer International Ranch in Perryville. Retiring in 2006, he assisted in his wife’s catering business and served as a chaplain with Arkansas Hospice. Jack is survived by his wife of 44 years, Nancy Leggett Rorex, two daughters, two sons, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. The service was at Trinity Presbyterian, Little Rock on Dec. 29, and memorials were invited for Humane Society of Pulaski County, The Stewpot-Little Rock or the Church.

Wayne Shelton passed from this life Saturday, May 6, 2017 after a long illness. Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Sonja? sons Robert (Tara) & David (Linda) of Colorado? 5 grandchildren: Benjamin, Andrew, Jessica, Anna and Madeline? sister Helen Knight? brother Robert (Fran)Shelton? and many nieces and nephews. Wayne earned his Masters Degree in Music from The Eastman School in 1955 and began his career by teaching for 9 years in Illinois. He retired from the Brighton Central Schools, having taught music there for 27 years. Wayne also was organist and choir director at All Saints Episcopal Church for 29 years. His memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to Alzheimers Assoc., 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620 or Friends of Music at Christ Church 141 East Avenue Rochester, N.Y. 14604.

Longtime McLeansville, NC resident Ethel Mildred Shockley Sockwell died Sunday, March 7. She was born in Chester, PA and later went to Maryville College, TN, where she met the love of her life, Max Sockwell. After graduation from Maryville, they married in 1954 and moved to San Antonio, TX, where Max enlisted in the US Air Force. While stationed in San Antonio, both children were born. In 1959, they moved the family back to the farm in McLeansville. Ethel worked as office manager for the U.S. Treasury, Savings Bond Division for 30 years, retiring in 1987. Throughout her adult life, Ethel loved to travel, support the church with many volunteer positions, photography, all sorts of crafts, and being with family.

She is predeceased by her husband Max, sister, June Roop, brother Ralph Shockley and parents, Delbert and Ethel Shockley. She is survived by her daughter Vee Ann Nielsen (John); grandchildren Jennifer Rickman and fiancé Tony McCarty, her children Charleigh, Ila, and Maxton; Mandy Patterson (Justin), their children Raegan, Eleanor and Oliver; Tyler and Chris Nielsen; her son Jeff (Janet); daughter Sarah and fiancé Michael Wynant, son Daniel and partner Camille Muniz, and many nieces and nephews.

Jeannine Fiori Spencer, age 93, of Okmulgee passed away Sunday morning, February 13, 2022, at St. Francis Hospital, Muskogee from COVID complications.
She was born on November 27, 1928, in Niagara Falls, New York to Carlo and Rose Fiori. She was the second youngest eight siblings. After graduating high school, she continued her education and earned a Bachelor of Arts from Maryville College in Maryville, TN, and continued with Seminary studies.

She was married to the Reverend J. Rodgers Spencer on June20, 1958 and enjoyed 61 years of marriage and sharing his ministry. She worked teaching children, youth and adults in Bible study as well as serving as church clerk. She wrote many special programs for the seasons each year during their pastorates in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, and Oklahoma. Her home was always known as a place for fellowship and delicious food. As they left each church, those friendships always continued to be shared through the years. Jeannine enjoyed collecting nativity sets and would display hundreds of them. She also collected and wore crosses on her neck and had a large assortment.

Their marriage was blessed with the birth of twin sons, and the sadness of losing one of the twins, J. Morris, following corrective heart surgery as a young boy.
In Okmulgee, Jeannine enjoyed working as the Children’s Librarian of the Okmulgee Public Library. Often children would see her in town and run to “the lady that read them stories”. She loved books and her house was filled with hundreds of them. Her book reviews were very entertaining and nonprofit groups were able to raise money selling tickets to her book reviews. Jeannine was a faithful volunteer and officer of the hospital Auxiliary, Creek Council House Museum, Friends of the Library, and The Historical Society. She leaves behind a legacy of love not only for her family but also for community and fellow person. Her life teaches us to bless others with all the kindness we can muster.

Jennine was preceded in death by her husband, J. Rodgers, son J. Morris, parents, and all her siblings.
Mrs. Rodgers is survived by her son C. Rodgers and daughter-in-law Pam of Crossville, TN, grandchildren Anthony and Belen Spencer, Carrie Spencer, Karen and Jeff Fehner, Keith and Verena Spencer and Kyle Spencer and several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

passed away on April 23, 2014. Patricia was born on August 4th, 1932 to David and Henrietta Laing of New Rochelle, NY. She attended Maryville College in Tennessee and received a 4 year degree in business administration in 1954, an unusual accomplishment for women at that time. She met her husband-to-be William C. Stevens of Long Island, New York, married in 1959 and remained happily married for 55 years before his death last year. They had 4 children – Patricia Kurt, Bonnie Stevens, Holly Moton and Robert Stevens – and 5 grandchildren – Sarah Kurt, Ryan and Madeline Moton, and William and Benjamin Stevens. Pat moved to Burlington with her husband in 1983 and joined the First Presbyterian Church where she was an active, enthusiastic member in various volunteer organizations and women’s circle. She regularly volunteered with The League of Women’s Voters and hospice and worked for the North Carolina Census Department. She loved to travel, and with her husband, traveled all over the world and extensively in the U.S. She enjoyed staying active and she was a regular at the Burlington YMCA until the year before her death. She loved to swim and medaled for decades in the North Carolina Senior Games. She will be remembered for her kind nature, hearty laugh, generous spirit and her love and selfless dedication to her family and friends. She is survived by her sister Henrietta Chambers of Corvallis, OR and her children and grandchildren. Her family requests that in lieu of flowers, a gift be made in her honor to The Hospice House of Alamance/Caswell at 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington 27215.Visitation was held April 27th at Rich and Thompson Funeral Home at 306 Glenwood Ave, Burlington, and a memorial service to honor her life was held at First Presbyterian Church at 508 W. Davis Street, Burlington on April 28th at 2 pm. Condolences may be offered at www.richandthompson.com.

Helen Seay Stubblefield, 89, passed away July 10, 2014 at Largo Medical Center. She was the beloved wife of the late Douglas Stubblefield ’57. Helen was born June 5, 1925 in Newark, NJ, the daughter of the late Robert & Augusta Seay. She graduated from Irvington High School in Irvington, NJ and from Maryville College in Maryville, TN. She and her husband Doug were commissioned as Missionaries by the Presbyterian Church and served in Thailand for 17 years. After returning, she & Doug settled in Seminole, FL. She was employed by the Heart Association until her retirement in 1990. Helen was an active member of Faith Presbyterian Church where she served as Elder and sang in the choir. In recent years, Helen’s health began to fail and she was unable to participate in the many activities that she loved. Her husband Doug preceded her in death on May 13, 2014. She is survived by her sister, Emma Poelstra (Harold) of Scottsdale, AZ; a Nephew, Scott Seay (Lupe) of Arleta, CA and a grandnephew Benjamin Poelstra (Erica) of Boise, ID.

In 2016 I published a book titled “Mount Horeb Church Minute Books, 1841-1923, An Anthology of Church and Family History (Jefferson County, TN)” at the Southern Historical Press in Greenville, SC. It includes Rankin, Alexander, Bradshaw, Coile and many early settlers of Dumplin Valley who lived in East Tennessee. Many Maryville College students have a connection with these early pioneers.

has retired after working for the past 50 years as an ophthalmologist. See the article at http://www.roanoke.com/news/virginia/after-years-roanoke-doctor-eyes-early-retirement/article_4e67d67a-49ec-549f-9828-17b48da6df61.html