Class Notes

POTTER, Rosemary Byrd Lee, Ed.D., 81, of Clearwater, Florida, passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2020. She was born in Miami on November 22, 1938, daughter of Kenyon Molene and Virginia Catherine Van Hemel Lee. She was predeceased by her parents; her brother, David Colazzo Lee; her aunt, Lucile Tedder; her first husband of 29 years, Robert Ellis Potter; and her second husband, Marvin C. Harrison. She is survived by her two sons, Robert Ellis Potter II (wife Adriana) and Kenyon David Potter (wife Irma); and sister, Elizabeth Lee Burke; six grandchildren, Matteus, Anabella, Vinicius and Kayo Potter, and Emma and Isabella Salinas-Potter; nieces, Casey Cusack (husband Christopher) and Deborah Jones; nephews, David K. Lee and John P. Moss III; cousins, Hank Lee, Vernor Toland, Vaughn Toland (wife Melissa), Patricia and Alexandra Tedder, Jacquelyn, Lisa and Arne Stream; grand-nieces, Kennedy Cusack, Jessica Hughes (husband Kerry), Kimberley Moss; and grand-nephews, Christopher Cusack, John Moss IV and Nathanial Moss; great grand-nieces, include Elena and Keara Hughes. Also remembered by Jack Burke and Kathy Tucker, Kelly Skulas, Sean Burke (wife Gina) and the “greats”: Monica, Amy, Christina, Buzz, Steffi Jo, Amanda, Alexander, Olivia, and Millie, and by family friends and colleagues, Charlene Schombs, Carol Popaden, and Chuck and Bonnie Hannemann among many others. Rosemary took her first steps on Miami Beach, and though there were years in Michigan attending Ferris Elem. and Birmingham High, she was always coming back to Florida, visiting parents, vacation from college, from California to be married. She graduated from Coral Gables High in 1956 and then received her BA in Education from Maryville College, TN. Moving to Gatlinburg, she did her Master’s work at Univ. of Tenn. It was there, in the library she met and fell in love with a sweet Knoxville fellow and UT graduate, Robert Potter. They married in 1963 at the Coral Gables Presbyterian Church, and were blessed with twin boys, Robert and Kenyon in 1967. After teaching in California, she returned to Dade County and was teaching second grade while completing her doctorate from the Univ. of Miami. She was an innovative educator and could boast a 39-year teaching career in public education. Her creative spirit and energy overflowed the classroom and she was always an enthusiastic faculty member, joining with her colleagues in many extra projects like musical drama productions. She taught at Citrus Grove in Dade, and then Safety Harbor, Carwise Middle and Largo High in Pinellas. She also taught pre-professional, recertification and graduate courses in reading, children’s and adolescent literature and language arts courses at the Univ. of Miami, Florida Int’l Univ., Maryville College, Univ. of Tenn. and Saint Leo Univ. Rosemary inspired countless students including her own sons Robert and Kenyon who graduated with honors from Clearwater High and then attended MIT followed by graduate school. She and her Bob prepared her sons beginning at an early age with visits to museums and advancement in Scouts and encouraged them to pursue an education and their dreams. A prolific writer, she authored a number of books on educational topics and trends, texts of reading materials, college texts, and hundreds of newspaper columns and articles on subjects of television for children, parenting and antiquing. Her writings include “The Positive Use of Commercial Television With Children,” middle-school teaching materials, several children’s books, an auto-biographical youth novel, “4 the Rest of My Kisses.” She was an active member of the American Pen Women and Phi Delta Kappa who sent her around the US to present her PDK Fastback books. Her long-running columnist (368+) including “Making the Most of TV” and “Collecting Adventures” and was syndicated in the TV Dial, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Newport News, St. Petersburg Times, and Tropical Breeze. She felt her most meaningful bit of writing were not her plays or poems but her inspirational Christian book, “The Stubborn Ear,” a lively invitation to be still and deepen your relationship with God. She called it “the purple book” and would give it to people as part of her own joyous Christian mission. She was active in St. Paul United Methodist Church of Largo especially in their Pediatric Ministry. Rosemary always enjoyed conversing with others and especially interviewing hundreds of folks about their treasures for articles and storytelling such as “Cabin’s ghosts.” She loved the outdoors which began as a Girl Scout and led to a lifetime of swimming and swimming instruction. She was a YMCA leader Examiner and at 18 the Director of the Y’s Miami Swim Program. She taught lifesaving and was certified by the American Red Cross. She enjoyed water ballet, kayaking, rafting, and boating, owning a pontoon boat and jet ski at one point. Rosemary loved to travel including cruises and twice journeyed to Russia on tours with educators. She and her Bob had extended sojourn in London taking many walking tours and visited Alaska to see the glaciers and whales. Her other passions were family, church, writing, music, and dance. She could play piano and was known for the many beautiful poems and prayers written for family. For decades she planned the Christmas Readings gatherings of her friends and family at the Potter place to share holiday spirits. Rosemary found romance once again with 12-year marriage to Peter Hamman. They held a Renaissance-themed wedding at her 1800’s restored log home in Del Rio, TN. Her sons applied their engineering skills to build the foundation for the reassembled historic home. The family enjoyed many vacations there and, of course, Rosemary researched and wrote a book about it “Down Divers Meanders, Heard Tell-Tales of Rose Hill Cabin.” When in Del Rio, TN Rosemary worshipped with the wonderful folk of Mulberry Gap United Methodist Church. This October Rosemary and sister Libby would have attended her 60th Homecoming Reunion at Maryville. Well, it seems that a far greater homecoming and reunion was to take place on June 7, 2020 for our dear Rosemary. She was cherished for a well-lived life and will be missed by family and friends forever. A celebration of her life will be planned at a later date.

Anita Crabtree Potyen passed away in August 8, 2016.

Ronald Randon passed away on July 2, 2016, in College Park, MD.

Rosensteel J. Randall Died at his home, Cathedral Village, on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at the age of 84. The son of Clarissa (nee Galbraith) and Jack Rosensteel of Mount Union, PA. Mr. Rosensteel graduated from Maryville College (TN) and Drexel Institute of Technology, now Drexel University. Earning a Master of Science degree in Library Science, Mr. Rosensteel spent his entire career working in various positions in the Central Library of The Free Library of Philadelphia, retiring in 2001. Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1962, Mr. Rosensteel served on active duty and in the U.S. Army Reserves until being discharged as a 1st Lieutenant in 1977. Active with the First Presbyterian Church in Germantown, Mr. Rosensteel also served on the Board of Directors of the Choral Arts Society of Philadelphia and volunteered at Girard College, the Archeology Laboratory of Independence National Historic Park and Stenton, the home of James Logan. He also acted and directed at the Stagecrafters Theater in Chestnut Hill. He was preceded in death by his parents and only sibling Barbara Anderson. He is survived by nieces Gale Baker (Dan), Catherine Posey and Lynne Fleming and one nephew, Michael Anderson (Sharon) and numerous great nieces and nephews.

husband, Jim Schooler, passed away in September, 2013. In 2014 moved to Greenspring, a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Springfield, VA. She is in the Independent Living section and is enjoying making new friends.

Barbara Schooler “Lee” Passed away on May 4, 2020 at the age of 81 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and underlying health issues. Lee was born in Barberton, Ohio to the late Margaret and Paul Gageby. After the death of her father she was raised by the late Anna and Frank Gageby (Grand Parents). She spent much of her youth in Donnellson, IA where she graduated high school. She attended Maryville College in Tennessee graduating with a degree in Music. Lee went on to become a teacher and worked in both Missouri and Arizona as a music teacher. Lee met her husband, James H. Schooler, in Yuma AZ where they were married in 1963. Then they moved to Vicksburg MS, Los Angeles, CA, and finally to Annandale VA where they raised their children. They had been married for 50 years at the time of Jim’s passing in 2013. When her children were older, Lee returned to school at Shenandoah University to earn a degree in Music Therapy. She continued working for Fairfax County Schools, spending most of her years as a Music Therapist at the Northern Virginia Training Center. Lee’s pride and joy was her family. She was very proud of her children and grandsons. She always had pictures of them and loved to show them off to everyone. Lee was a faithful member of Providence Presbyterian Church for 40 years, where she enjoyed singing with the choir. She was very active in the church, serving on the Session for a number of years in addition to her work in the choir. Lee loved to cross stitch and made many beautiful pieces including outstanding Christmas stockings for each family member which will be cherished for many years. Music was one of her greatest passions. She also loved to read and watch Cub games with her husband. Lee was well loved and leaves behind many friends. Her ready smile and kind manner will be greatly missed by all. She is survived by her children, Sherri Schooler of Warrenton, VA and Jim Schooler of Ashland, MA and his wife Nancy. She is also survived by her two grandchildren James “Paul” Schooler, a soldier in the US Army and Thomas Schooler of Ashland, MA. She also leaves behind her beloved dog Pepper. Funeral arrangements to be held at a later date due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

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

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

3rd July 1938 – 14th April 2023

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

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

1 Corinthians 15:58

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

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

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

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