Class Notes

Dr. Kenneth D. Hutson, 74, of Marietta, died peacefully Sunday, October 4, 2009, surrounded by his family. Born in Monroe County, Tennessee, he is survived by his wife, Katherine; three daughters, Karen Crowe and husband, Andy; Katrina Wood and husband, Charles; Kristie Vanderpoel and husband, David; one son, Kenneth Hutson, Jr. and wife, Katie; six grandchildren, Clint, Kyle, and Anne Crowe; Jonathan Wood; and Abbey and Kenny Vanderpoel; and one brother, William R. Hutson of Maryville, TN. A longtime resident of Marietta, he practiced dentistry for 35 years, was a member of the Cobb County Dental Society, served one year as the Chair of the dental staff at Kennestone Hospital, and was a member of the Academy of General Dentistry. He was a past president of the Metro Marietta Kiwanis Club and served on the Board of Commissioners for the Cobb County Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs for over 20 years. Dr. Hutson played guitar and was the lead singer for the bluegrass band, The Brakemen, and was an honorary inductee into the Georgia Country Music Association Hall of Fame. He served as a Captain in the Air National Guard, and was an inactive Deacon at Roswell Street Baptist Church. He was a graduate of Maryville High School in 1953, the University of Georgia in 1957, and Emory Dental School in 1963.

Marian A. James of Maple Hill, NC passed gently from her earthly life on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at Ashe Gardens Memory Care in Burgaw. She was born September 14, 1935 in Maple Hill, daughter of the late Joshua Stuart and Lalage Shull James. Also remembered is her brother, Richard S. James and brother-in-law, James Burroughs, Sr., both who preceded Marian in death. Surviving family include her sister and brother-in-law, Genevieve and Lloyd Bostian of Madison, WI; sister, Jeanne Stuart Burroughs of Raleigh; nieces, Marilyn Bostian Webster and husband Mark, Susan Bostian Young and husband Jim, and Melinda Burroughs Lovick; nephews, Brian Bostian, Steven Bostian, David Bostian and wife Gail, and James D. Burroughs, Jr. and wife Beth; and ten grand nieces and nephews. Marian was an elder in Maple Hill Presbyterian Church and served as a Commissioned Lay Preacher of Coastal Carolina Presbytery in the Presbyterian Church USA from 1991 until 1997. She was a charter member of the Board of Trustees for the Maple Hill Medical Center. Marian graduated from Needham Broughton High School in Raleigh, NC and from Maryville College in Maryville, TN. She worked for American Airlines in Washington, DC and Hartford, CT. After returning to Maple Hill, she was employed as assistant librarian at the Pender County Public Library from 1985 to 1995. Graveside service will be conducted in the James Family Cemetery at a later date. Following the graveside, friends and family will be welcomed at Sycamore Springs (family home place) in Maple Hill for a time of fellowship. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Scholarship Fund of Maple Hill Presbyterian Church, C/O William Marshburn, 14171 NC Hwy 53 E, Maple Hill, NC 28454 or to Friends of the Pender County Library, PO Box 879, Burgaw, NC 28425. Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Burgaw.

Through his nonprofit charity, First Foundations Inc., Dick Jensen plans to donate new Spanish and English language books to libraries in Cuba during 2016. For more information contact Dick at ffi113@bellsouth.net.

The Rev. Elizabeth B. Knott was born on July 29, 1927 in Philadelphia. She died June 13, 2022 at Glen Oaks in Urbandale. She enjoyed traveling the world. After her retirement she created Pal CraftAid a nonprofit organization that supported the Palestinian people. In the time Pal CraftAid was active she provided 1.6 million dollars for various projects in Palestine by selling Palestinian needlepoint embroidery and sculpted olive wood. Her greatest joy was visiting her Palestinian friends. In the Presbyterian Church she served at all levels from parishes to Synod. She was known for her hearty laugh and her generosity to many charities. Liz Knott was an outspoken proponent of equality for all people. She died with her longtime friend and companion, Connie DePond at her side.

Daniel Jefferson Lawson, July 29, 1935 to July 30, 2022. Dan passed away at home on July 30, 2022 at age 87. He was predeceased by his parents, Raymond J. and Beulah Long Lawson, and his sister and brother-in-law Ruth and Earl Hutsell.

Dan is survived by his loving wife Gaynell, and their daughters and families, Jennifer and Mitch Moore; Julia Lawson; Mindy, Joel, and Ava Stooksbury; and Ian Murphy. He is also survived by nieces and their children and many cousins. The family wishes to express special appreciation to Dan’s devoted caregiver, Acacia Beaver.

Dan’s ancestry was very important to him, having many generations in Blount County. Early families in Blount County included his family names Lawson, Myers, McCampbell, and Long.

Dan was a successful businessman, civic leader, and friend to many. But, he was first of all a Christian gentleman, who never failed to show courtesy and respect to everyone he met. He held leadership positions and was honored by Maryville Kiwanis, United Way, American Red Cross, Leadership Blount, and the Daily Times Alumni Wall of Fame. His career was as an independent insurance agency owner of Lawson Insurors.

Dan was an avid runner, familiar to many as he ran the roads of Maryville. He loved hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains, having great knowledge of the trails across the park. Following retirement, he volunteered for many years in the Smokies, maintaining trails and providing guidance for back-country hikers. Dan received The President’s Call To Service Award in 2009, recognizing over 9,000 hours of volunteer service to the GSMNP. He chaired the Great Smoky Mountains Association, serving on the board for many years.

A veteran of the Air National Guard, Dan was a 1953 graduate of Everett High School and earned a B.A. from Maryville College in 1957. He and Gaynell were faithful members of Peck’s Memorial United Methodist Church.

Theodore C. “Ted” McDaniels, of West Berlin, passed from this life to Eternal Life on November 16, 2013, age 78. Beloved husband of 52 years to Margaret “Peggy” L. (nee Longfellow). Devoted father of David M. (Deana) McDaniels of Huntsville, AL, C. Mark (Carrie) McDaniels of Hammonton and Karen L. (James) Bates of Van Nuys, CA. Loving and proud grandfather of Griffin, Mitchell, Miles and Mira. Ted was born in Millville, NJ. He received his B.S. in Political Science at Maryville College, TN, his M.A. in Government & Public Administration from S.M.U. TX and a certificate from The School of Banking of the South at L.S.U. LA. He was in the Army during Vietnam. He worked for 32 years as an Executive Officer for Robert Morris Assoc. in Phila. retiring in 1993. He was an active member of West Berlin Fire District #1 and a member the W. B. Fire Commissioners 77-97, and Chairman for several years. Ted was a member of Berlin Twp. Town Council 68-72, Mayor 70-72. Planning Board member 70-82, Chairman 79-82. Member of Delaware Valley Society of Association Executives, President 74-75. Longtime member of Friendship Community Church. Recipient of the Camden County Freedom Award in honor of Martin Luther King given to him by the Freeholders in 2008. Ted had Parkinson’s Disease for 25 years but with Peggy’s help he managed to live an active life. He enjoyed taking cruises with her, saltwater fishing, reading novels and John Wayne movies. Ted loved being with family and friends and was an inspiration to everyone he meet.

Jean Dildy McFarland, 88, of Alpharetta, GA, recently passed away on December 25, 2023.

Visitation will be held on January 9, from 1-3 pm and 6-8 pm at Northside Chapel Funeral Directors in Roswell. A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will take place on January 10 at 2:00 PM at Roswell Presbyterian Church. The Committal service will follow the reception at Green Lawn Cemetery.

Jean attended Milton High School in 1953, and went on to graduate from Maryville College with a B.S. degree in 1957. She later obtained her M.Ed. from Georgia State University in 1979.

reports that he and his wife are “busily retired” with church, managing a family fruit orchard, and singing in a community chorale. They are also “generally in excellent health, for which we thank God.”

Virginia Ann “Ginny” Nelson, 85, of Richmond, Va., died on Thursday, September 30, 2021, surrounded by her family. Born on November 8, 1935, in New York, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Maryville College. She retired from a 20 plus year career as an administrator at River Road Presbyterian Church. Her example as a Christian, a wife and a mother will have a lasting impact on her loving family. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed all of God’s creations, especially dogs. She was active in many churches/communities in her lifetime and was a key leader in her time at Zion Christian Church in Beaverdam where she was instrumental in the creation of the Western Hanover Emergency Action Team (“WHEAT”) whose mission was to serve the people of Western Hanover in times of need. WHEAT has grown tremendously and continues to thrive today.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren John (“Bud”) Nelson; and her sister, Dorothy Sedat (Eddie). She is survived by her three children, Debbie Stroop (Jerry), Richard (Cheryl) and Robin Carlton (Brian); six grandchildren, Adam and Corey Stroop, Daniel and Carrie Nelson, Kayla Pruett (Josh), Holly Carlton; and her sister, Marjorie Rogers.

Northcutt, Isabel Saville Easley, age 85, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 2, 2020. She was born on August 10, 1935 in Williamson, W. VA to Isabel Ritchie Saville Easley & Dr. George Washington Easley. She was married for 64 years to Dixon L. Northcutt and they had three sons, Benjamin, Phil, Larry, and a daughter, Anne. Isabel is survived by Phil Northcutt of Murfreesboro, TN; Larry B. (Kim) Northcutt of Knoxville, TN; Anne (David) Northcutt Hosfield of Brentwood, TN; daughter-in-law, Kirby Green Northcutt of Franklinton, LA; her sister and brother-in-law, Peggy and Phil Masenheimer of Tacoma, WA; seven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, multiple cousins, nieces and nephews all over the United States. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dixon Lyle Northcutt; her son, Benjamin George Northcutt; two sisters, Nancy Barton of Sherman Texas and Sue Candler of Lafayette, LA; one brother, George W. Easley Jr. of Anchorage, Alaska. Isabel grew up in Williamson, W. VA. As a teen she taught Sunday School in Mission churches in W. VA & KY and was very active in Presbyterian youth and held offices in Presbytery. She graduated from Maryville College in 1957 and graduated with a masters from UT School of Social Work in 1963. Isabel worked at Family & Children’s Service as a clinical social worker for 30 plus years. She was an active volunteer at Park Center and other helping organizations for a number of years. She was an active member of Brentwood United Methodist Church. She loved to travel and she and Dixon visited over 100 countries. They also took their children on camping trips to all 50 states. She loved playing with and reading to her children and their friends. In her work as a family therapist, she enjoyed making up metaphoric stories to help children and families through the bumps and tragedies of life. She believed that through stories, play and art much could be healed. She loved making and giving gifts to others. She felt the gifts helped people feel loved and as special as they are. A private memorial service was held on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 1 p.m. at Brentwood United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donationsbe made to FiftyForward, 174 Rains Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203 or online at fiftyforward.org/donate, an organization that supports and champions the lives of older adults in Middle TN.

Virginia Lee Owings, 85, formerly of New Manchester, WV, passed suddenly, Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at Stone Pear Pavilion in Chester, WV. Born December 4, 1935, in East Liverpool, OH, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Lillian Stephenson Beebout. Virginia was preceded in death by her son, William David Owings. She was a 1953 graduate of New Cumberland High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from Maryville College in Tennessee and a Master of Arts degree in communications from West Virginia University. Virginia retired from the Hancock County School District in 1996 after many years of service. She had an incredible passion for public education and enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a professional educator. She was a member of the former Fairview Presbyterian Church in New Manchester. Virginia was also a Master Gardner with the WVU Extension Service. Her hobbies were crafting, painting, gardening, and bird watching. Virginia’s love of animals was always present. All of the pets she had during her life held a special place in her heart and home. An ardent nature lover, Virginia spent summers traveling the US and made every trip into an educational opportunity for her children. The family memories she shaped will endure and be cherished forever. Virginia will be deeply missed by her loving husband of 59 years, William Owings; son, Jeff Owings and his wife Robin of Chattanooga, TN.; daughter, Alyssa Mick and her husband Brian of New Cumberland; daughter-in-law, Michele Cunningham Owings of Pittsburgh; grandchildren, Lucas Owings and his wife Stephanie of Syracuse, NY., Clay Owings and his wife Allison of Bridgeville, PA., Emmett and Ellis Mick of New Cumberland, Madison Owings of Pittsburgh, and great-granddaughter, Morgan Owings. Virginia’s family also offers sincere appreciation to the special employees of The Orchards at Foxcrest Pepperberry Suites and Stone Pear Pavilion. The nurses and aides became cherished friends. Due to Covid-19, private services will be held at the Arner Funeral Chapel on Saturday, December 12. Interment will be at the New Cumberland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Virginia’s family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Hancock County Animal Shelter.

Passed away May 16, 2015.

Nellie Jane Kirkpatrick Prochazka, 79, of Miles City, died Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014, after a very short battle with cancer. Her death was very peaceful and she was surrounded by her family. Jane was born Sept. 15, 1935, in Grand Rapids, Mich., the second of three daughters born to Raymond and Alice Kirkpatrick. She led a very adventurous life and enjoyed growing up as a holy terror in Waukesha, Wis., during her formative years. If you ever called her “Nellie,” she would throw something at you. She attended Maryville College outside of Knoxville, Tenn. One day, instead of walking all the way around the science building, she decided it would be shorter to go through an open window, where she happened upon a man who said, “My what beautiful eyes you have.” She married that man, George Prochazka, in November 1955, and together they had three children, and began a journey of adventure. After the children left home, Mrs. Prochazka finished her college education at Mary College in Bismarck, North Dakota, and moved from technician to administrative officer with the United States Department of Agriculture. She loved learning and enjoyed the details of scientific research. Her career continued her adventure of travel to many research stations and becoming an advocate for scientists, a job and career she grew to love. She retired in 1998, in Miles City, a place that allowed her to grow in many ways. She loved being outside and had a passion for gardening. She loved trying new things with fun people, but was mostly known as a left-handed avid sports fan. But nothing could beat a day with a good book. While here, she volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, the Art Center, and attended Grace Bible Church. She became a member of Global volunteers, traveling internationally. Through these endeavors her friends came in all sizes, shapes, nationalities and were spread wide and far. (Thank goodness for SKYPE!). Although she was a private person, she made good friends wherever she traveled, she was prolific in keeping in touch and had friendships that spanned her lifetime. She is survived by two daughters, Cathy Prochazka of Coconut Grove, Fla., and Cindy Ellsworth of San Antonio, Texas; a sister, Jean Blake of Palm Desert, California; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren; as well as multiple nieces, nephews and their children. Memorial services for her was held on Dec. 17, 2014 at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment was in the family plot in Penobscot, Maine. Should anyone desire, contributions can be made to Grace Bible Building Fund, Miles City, Montana.

Virginia Marshall Ramsey passed away peacefully on Friday, April 14, 2017. Virginia was a retired middle school art teacher who received the Middle School Art Teacher of Year award from the State of Georgia. She taught in Cobb County Public Schools, Marietta, Georgia, from 1972 until retirement — including Mountain View Elementary, North Cobb High School and Mabry Middle school. Virginia received her bachelors of art from Maryville College and went on to earn her masters in counseling from University of West Georgia and Ed.S degree from The University of Georgia. She was active in Cobb-Marietta Retired Educators as well. She enjoyed painting, traveling and photography. She was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church. She was preceded in death by her husband David Ramsey and is survived by daughters Stephanie Ramsey, Jennifer Ramsey Biddy, son Marshall Ramsey and five grandsons, Blake Biddy, Bryce Biddy, Daniel Ramsey, David Ramsey and Evan Ramsey. A memorial service was held on April 22nd, at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Marietta. The family requests donations to Covenant Presbyterian Church in lieu of flowers.

Jane Elizabeth Rusk Robinson, of Maryville, TN, died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, April 24, 2018. She was born May 29, 1935, in Knoxville Tennessee. She earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Mathematics from the University of Tennessee and taught math at the high school and college levels for 33 years. She was known for her hospitality and partnership in ministry with her husband, Ray, in the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church. World travel, sewing, quilting, cooking, and missions were her passions. She was always busy and productive. Jane is preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, The Reverend Ray E. Robinson and her parents Roger and Ruth Blake Rusk. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law Ann and Joe Leatherwood of Maryville and Joy and Bill Shultz of Birmingham; and her brother Bob Rusk of Seymour. She is dearly loved by her grandchildren Katie Shultz, Blake and Rachel Shultz, Hannah Shultz, Michelle Leatherwood, and Christopher Leatherwood. A service to Celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018, at 4:00 pm at First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. The Reverend Catherine Nance will officiate. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:30 and again following the service in Wesley Hall. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Missions Fund at First United Methodist Church, 804 Montvale Station Road, Maryville, Tennessee 37803 or to the Tennessee Wesleyan University Rev. Dr. Ray and Jane Robinson Scholarship Fund. McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home 982-6812, www.mccammonammonsclick.com

Shirley Lynn Scott passed away on July 15, 2010.

Guy T. Selander, M.D., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on March 29, 2024. Born the third child of Wilbur C. and Marie D. Selander in New Jersey on August 2, 1935, Guy dedicated his life to medicine, family, and his diverse interests.

Dr. Selander earned his undergraduate degree in pre-med from Maryville College in Tennessee, followed by his medical degree from Seton Hall College of Medicine in New Jersey. In 1962, he completed an internship at Fitkin Memorial Hospital in Neptune, New Jersey and served in the United States Army Medical Corps as a Captain from 1962 to 1964. After completing his military service in Jacksonville, Florida, he established a family practice in Jacksonville, where he served the community for 55 years.

In 1957, during his first year of medical school, Guy married the love of his life, Joan Elizabeth Polidor, from Short Hills, NJ. Together for 62 wonderful years, until Joan’s passing in 2021, they raised three children and were blessed with eight grandchildren.

In his professional life, Dr. Selander was very active in medical leadership roles at the local, state and national levels. He served as president of the Duval County Medical Society, the Florida Medical Association, and the Florida Academy of Family Physicians. He was also a member of the American Medical Association for 55 years and served as a delegate to that organization.

Dr. Selander served as chairman of the Professional Resource Network – Impaired Practitioners Program of Florida for 25 years. He was also involved in the formation of Memorial Hospital of Jacksonville serving as medical staff president in 1972, a member of the board of directors, and chairman of the board for 20 years. He also served on the board of Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital for 20 years.

In recognition of Dr. Selander’s lifetime of contributions to the provision of medical care in Florida, he received the Florida Medical Association’s Certificate of Merit, the organization’s highest award.
Beyond medicine, Guy was an accomplished pianist, an amateur paleontologist, and a passionate camellia cultivator.

Dr. Selander is lovingly remembered by his children, Sandy, Guy Jr. (Lori), Donna (Robert), and grandchildren Cameron, Robert, Stephanie, Sara (Alex), Catherine, Melissa, Nicolas, Yolanda, along with great-grandchildren Elizabeth and John.

Rev. Graeme Wilson Sieber, 80, Maryville, TN, retired Presbyterian (U.S.A.) pastor, died December 13, 2015. Graeme graduated from Maryville College, Pittsburgh Seminary, and Nova University. He devoted his life to helping others. Even as an Alzheimer’s patient, he comforted fellow residents and staff. He served Presbyterian churches in Pennsylvania, Knoxville (Graystone), Farner and Oak Ridge and as Director of Bachman Home in Cleveland, Tennessee. He served on boards of Midway Rehabilitation Center and Nancy’s House, for people living with AIDS, and led PFLAG Knoxville. He volunteered over 1,000 hours in the Smokies and joined Alzheimer’s TN walks. Once called “that hippie preacher,” he focused on social justice, peacemaking, civil rights and affordable housing; counseled Vietnam draftees; and sought full rights and ordination for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals. G ra e m e treasured family and friends, discussing current issues. Hiking, music, traveling. His confidence in God was clear, expressed in ways that were welcoming and accepting, not judgmental. Preceded in death by parents, Henry Wilson Sieber & Mary Louise Speer Sieber McClure, and stepfather William A. McClure. Survived by wife of 56 years, Mildred Lineal Beard Sieber; children, Mary Elizabeth Sieber and Robert Graeme Sieber and his husband Lucio Maramba; grandchildren, Katharine Elizabeth Sieber-Ford and Matthew Stephen Sieber- Ford; brothers and their wives, James Leo and Carole Sieber, Frank and Betty McClure, Al and Alice McClure, George and Barbara McClure; inlaws, Taylor and Kathie Beard, Robert and Jean Beard, Marvin and Susie Beard, Liz Heid; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews. The family thanks Asbury Place staff and Blount Memorial Hospice for their care. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Highland Presbyterian Church (highlandpresby.org), 721 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN, 37804; Maryville College, Advancement Office, 502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804 (alumniandfriends.maryvillecollege.edu); Alzheimer’s Tennessee (alztennessee.org), 5801 Kingston Pike; Knoxville, TN, 37919; or PFLAG Maryville (pflagmaryville.org/donate). Memorial Service: Highland Presbyterian Church, Maryville, 1 p.m. Saturday, January 9, 2016. McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home, Maryville, TN 982-6812, www.mccammonammonsclick.com .

Celebrated his 89th birthday this past August. He graduated from Wheaton College in 1960, with a Bachelors of Divinity. He is living in Fort Meyers, FL and is thankful to be active in his local church. He enjoyed his years at Maryville College and fondly remembers his time in a capella choir, friends he made on campus and being able to have a major in German, which was not commonly available at many colleges during his time on campus. While in the Air Force he met and married a wonderful woman, Hildegard and they were able to do evangelstic work for quite a few years together. He finds joy in every day of living!

Martha B. Spining, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, has finished her race and has heard the words, “Well done my good and faithful servant” at the age of 85 on March 15, 2021. A resident of Greenwood she was born on January 1, 1936 in Nashville, Tennessee to the late Vernon S. and Faith (Clarke) Brogden. She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, received her BA from Maryville College (TN), and was a Girl Scout leader for many years. She worked at H&R Block for 10 years as a tax preparer and also at Perry Meridian High School for 5 years in the guidance department as their secretary. She loved spending time with her family, supporting missions, traveling, reading, interacting with her friends at Greenwood Village and bringing a smile to everyone she met. Martha leaves behind to treasure her memory, her children, Dottie (Jan) Heman and Steve (Kelly) Spining; three grandchildren, Craig (Kathryn) Heman, Angie Hartvigson and Brian (Stephanie) Heman; four great grandchildren, Liam, Jameson, Brynlee, and Dylan. She was preceded in death by her husband of 31 years, Arthur M. Spining, III; son, Charles D. Spining; brother and sister-in-law, Morris H. (Katherine “Kitty”) Brogden; sister and brother-in-law, Marianna (Ed) Heerschap. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at G. H. Herrmann Madison Avenue Funeral Home, 5141 Madison Avenue, Indianapolis, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. She will be laid to rest next to Arthur at Mt. Pleasant Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to One Mission Society, 941 Fry Road, Greenwood, Indiana 46142 or to Asbury Theological Seminary, 204 N. Lexington Avenue, Wilmore, KY 40390.

William “Bill” Raiford Strickland Jr., 83, of Pinehurst, died at his home Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018, after a life well-lived. Born March 19, 1934, in St. Petersburg, Fla., to the late William and Rachel Strickland, Bill was a graduate of St. Petersburg High School, where he was a star athlete in football and basketball. He attended the University of Georgia on a football athletic scholarship and finished his college football career at Maryville College. He played a brief stint with the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams. Bill felt a greater call than football and decided to serve as a teacher of mathematics, science and religion at The Community International School in Tehran, Iran, where he also served as a field operative in clandestine services for the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. He was recognized for meritorious service in 1964. It was there that he met his first wife and mother of his three children. Upon returning to the U.S., he obtained a Bachelor’s in Divinity at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and then served a second tour of duty in Tehran. Bill continued his education by obtaining a master’s degree from Duke University and a doctorate in education at UNC-Chapel Hill. After his studies, he served as associate and campus minister at University Presbyterian Church in Chapel Hill. He also served as principal at Chapel Hill Senior High School for seven years and as associate vice chancellor at UNC-Chapel Hill. He later became the vice president of student development at Maryville College. Bill left the education field and became co-owner of a real estate firm in Chapel Hill. In the early 1990s, he served as a management consultant to the nuclear power division of CP&L Company, where he met his wife Gail. He later served as director of student development services for the North Carolina Community College System, where he retired in 1999. In retirement Bill worked with his wife as a consultant at Kiker, Strickland & Associates, and then worked as a teacher development coordinator for East Coast Migrant Head Start Project, where he finished his working career in 2004. He also enjoyed volunteering for the guardian ad litem programs in Wake and Moore counties. Bill was an avid sports fan, especially for his beloved UNC Tar Heels. He loved reading, music and theater. In recent years he was a frequent visitor to the Given Memorial Library. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and family at their home at Holden Beach. Bill and Gail moved to Pinehurst in 2011 to be closer to their grandchildren. Bill was predeceased by his parents, William Raiford Strickland and Rachel Knight Humphrey; and his stepfather, Willis (Bo) Humphrey. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Gail Bartholomew Kiker; three children, Colleen Gustafson (Gus), of Raleigh, Jennifer Mangum, of Durham, and Christopher Strickland, of Albany, N.Y.; stepsons, Jason Kiker (Holly), of Wadesboro, and Adam Kiker, of Pinehurst; and two grandchildren, Ansley and Harrison Kiker, of Wadesboro. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Jan. 28, at 2 p.m., at Community Presbyterian Church, 125 Everett Road, Pinehurst. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Given Memorial Library, P.O. Box 159; Pinehurst, NC 28370; or to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/pinkierides. Online condolences may be left at www.bolesfuneralhome.com.

Marian Hina Stuart passed in peace Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at the age of 84. She was surrounded in love by her family and staff at the Gardens at Courtyard Senior Living in Knoxville, Tennessee. From her birth in Kentucky on February 5, 1935 to her death on Wednesday, she nourished people around her with love, faith, and music. She was lovingly raised in a small town in western Kentucky by Joseph Weldon and Alice (Woods) Hina; she was the oldest of three children. After the death of her mother in 1945, her maternal aunt, Naomi Woods, married Weldon and became her step-mother. When her father died shortly after in 1951, Naomi became Marian’s source of strength and inspiration at age 16. Throughout her childhood and grade school years, Marian grew in intelligence and independence while following her passion of music through voice and flute. She finished her last two years of high school at Young High in Knoxville, Tennessee. She then attended Maryville College from 1954 to 1955, and graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1957 with a degree in music education. After college, she married and began her career working for the welfare department of the State of Tennessee and taught at Park City Lowery, Gibbs, and South Jr. High. With the arrival of her first child in 1958, she decided to dedicate her time to raising her family. Marian and Searight had three children. Later on, Marian reentered the workforce as an administrator for the Presbyterian Church, as well as several other roles. Outside of work, she enjoyed playing tennis, sewing, house painting, and reading. One of Marian’s proudest moments was her role in bringing Scottish pastor, John Stuart to Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville. She was preceded in death by her mother, Alice Woods Hina, father, Weldon Hina, step-mother, Naomi Woods Hina, and sister, Janet Hina Clarke. She is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, Thomas Searight Stuart; sons Tim Stuart (Kim) of Inverness, Florida, Tom Stuart (Rhonda) of Cartersville, Georgia; daughter, Alice Stuart of Maryville; grandchildren Phillip Stuart, Caroline and Jonathan Stuart; great-grandson Gannon Stuart. She is also survived by her brother, Edward Hina (Peggy) of Brevard, North Carolina and six nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life Service will be announced at a later date. Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com.

Douglas N. Stubblefield, age 84, of Largo died at Largo Medical Center on May 13, 2014. Born in Springfield, Tennessee, he graduated from Maryville College and Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. He was an ordained Presbyterian minister. During the Korean War he served in the army training in the mountains of Japan. The war ended before he was deployed to Korea. Upon returning home he married his college sweetheart, Helen Seay ’54. They both took missionary training and were sent to Thailand by the Presbyterian Church. They served in Thailand for 15 years. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, a brother, Lloyd Stubblefield, nephews Bruce and Steve Stubblefield and Rick Vaughn and several cousins.

Sidney Hamilton Tedford, age 91 years, a resident of Elkins, WV departed this life Saturday morning, March 3, 2018 at the Elkins Rehabilitation and Care Center at Elkins, WV. He was born Tuesday, August 13, 1926 at Pittsburgh, PA a son of the late Albert and Mary Elizabeth Mathers Tedford. He sang in choirs and studied violin as a child. Later he studied voice privately and played violin and viola in community orchestras in Pittsburgh, while employed as a banker at South Hills Trust. He sang in the Mendelssohn choir and at East Liberty Presbyterian Church before enrolling in Maryville College, Maryville, Tennessee, where he received a Presser Music Scholarship in 1953. He was a tenor soloist with the Vesper Choir, directed by Harry Harter, and was also a member of the College orchestra. He received the B.A. in voice in 1957. His graduate work includes the M.A. in musicology from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio (1960), where he was a graduate assistant, and graduate work at West Virginia University and the University of Pittsburgh, where he was an Andrew Mellon Fellow. He also studied violin at WVU and Carnegie Mellon University. He was a professor of music at Davis & Elkins College 1959-1970 and was adjunct instructor of music at Robert Morris College, Glenville State College, and Salem College. He directed choral groups at each college, church choirs in Indiana, Elkins, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, and college-community choruses that performed Handel’s “Messiah” (1961-1969 and 1974) in Elkins. His Davis & Elkins College A Cappella Choir toured annually in West Virginia and eastern states. He was a former choir director of Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church and Grace Episcopal Church, Elkins as well as of Christ Episcopal Church, Clarksburg. Among the instrumental groups in which he played were the Elkins Baroque Trio (violin, flute, and piano) in the 1960’s with Walter and Sandra Hartley and the Tanner Trio (oboe, violin, and flute) in the 1980’s and 1990’s. He sang for a time with the Clarksburg Madrigal Singers, developed madrigal singing groups in Elkins, and taught Elderhostel courses and gave programs to senior citizens groups in WV. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dr. Barbara W. Tedford, a retired English professor, of Elkins; a sister, Peggie Tedford Watson, of Pitcairn, PA; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jack and Albert Tedford, and a nephew, Ronnie Tedford.

Lavinia Lee Tomlinson, 88, was born on August 30, 1935, in Irondale, Alabama. She recently passed away on April 21, 2024. Lavinia attended school at Maryville College and the University of Alabama.