Class Notes

DiStefano, Dorothy, born September 19, 1923 went to be with the Lord on June 19, 2013. Dorothy was the beloved wife of Carmelo DiStefano and the much loved mother of Hank VanSant (Janet VanSant), Chris (David Gritzmacher), Margie (Bruce Smith). Dorothy had seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Dorothy was born and raised in Eddington, PA and was a lifelong resident of Boca Raton. In her professional life she was a grade school teacher. Dorothy will be remembered by her generosity toward family, her churches, and community.

On Friday, July 16, 2021 Mervyn Dixon, loving husband and father of four children, passed away at the age of 84. He loved his country, his family and God. Merv was born in Mount Holly, NJ to Theodore and Emma (Hughes) Dixon. He received his Bachelors of Science degree from Maryville College where he met his future wife, Eleanor Galbreath. They married the summer that they graduated from Maryville and he then attended University of Pennsylvania and graduated Dental School. Merv joined the United States Army and was Captain of the US Army Dental Corp and served as a Dental Forensic Officer in Fort Gordon, Georgia. He and his family moved to Fort Lauderdale where he practiced General Dentistry for over 50 years. He was a member of many Dental organizations and he was most proud of being inducted into the American College of Dentists. Merv was also very involved in the community. He was a longtime member and past president of the Southside Kiwanis Club, President of the National Alumni Association for Maryville College, member of the Executives Association of Fort Lauderdale, Commodore of the Lauderdale Yacht Club and many more local organizations. Merv was preceded in death by his father, Theodore and his mother, Emma. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Eleanor Galbreath Dixon, his four children, Scott (Camille Dixon) Merry-Carol (John Duce), Nancy-Lynn (Keith Kidwell) and Linda-Jean (Mike Long) and seven grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Merv Dixon’s honor to the Kiwanis Club of Fort Lauderdale Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward, 910 E. Las Olas Boulevard, Suite 200, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.

Eugene Boone Dixon passed away on November 19, 2021 surrounded by family and in the peace of his wooded home. Gene was a renaissance man of modern times as a respected attorney, generous servant to his community, reflective outdoorsman, accomplished athlete, outstanding chef, and beloved family man.

Gene was born in McMinn County and went on to graduate from Everett High School in 1961. He chose to attend Maryville College where he studied Education and wrestled, a tallent he later tried to pass along to his children and grandchildren. Gene was a proud Scot alum, graduating in 1966. Gene then attended the University of Tennessee for Law School, where he graduated in 1972.

While at Maryville College, he met and married his lifelong love and wife, Diane Wood Dixon. They planted their roots in Alcoa and Maryville where they chose to raise their 3 children and where Gene practiced law for 48 years at Koella and Dixon Attorneys.

His love of the outdoors took Gene on many trails, memorable campouts, and summers by the water as a camp lifeguard in New England. One of his favorite ways to spend time outdoors was through Scouting. Not only did Gene earn his Eagle Scout and the Silver Beaver Award, but he supported both of his sons through similar pursuits. On many afternoons and weekends, Gene could be found outside in one of two places: in his garden where he loved cultivating herbs, flowers, and produce or at a local fishing hole. Anyone who knew Gene knew he loved to fish. Gene could always be found with a fly rod in his car, and some of his greatest adventures involved fishing trips to the Bahamas, Mexico, and Labrador. Though, he would probably tell you his favorite outdoor adventures were with his grandsons on his “Hobbit Trails” that he lovingly built through the woods on his property.

Gene was known and loved for being funny, gentle, and genuine. He enjoyed hosting friends for Trivial Pursuit nights, bonfires, or to cheer on his favorite football teams – the Vols and Titans. He was a joy to have in the kitchen – pouring his heart and soul into a recipe and playing great music as he whipped up a sauce or cut homemade pasta noodles. You could always count on Gene to give to community members in need – through his generosity, time, and his legal services. Gene was proud to serve on the Girls Club Board of Directors, actively participate in the Blount County Bar Association, attend First Baptist Church of Maryville, and host gatherings for the alumni of Everett and Maryville College.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Billy and Avery Dixon, and by his son, William Boone Dixon. He is survived by his wife Diane, sister Ann Hammontree (Jerry), son Dr. Brandon Dixon (Mary Davis), daughter Emily (Mohit Pise), daughter-in-law Sarah (Troy Galyon) and four adoring grandchildren Abel, Ezra, Nyle, and Edie to whom he was affectionately known as “Duckie” thanks to Gene’s playful duck voice he would use with them as babies.

Victoria H. Doane Chatham – Victoria passed away at home on June 30, 2021. Born in 1921, she was the daughter of James and Eva Hoole of Bronxville, NY. She was a graduate of Maryville College, TN. A resident of Chatham, Victoria was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Oscar W. Doane Jr. They lived in W. Yarmouth for 35 years in the colonial house they built in 1949; then moved to Chatham in 1985. Their generosity knew no bounds. One of their special interests was the Cape Cod Regional Technical High School. Victoria was a competitive swimmer in her youth. While in Yarmouth, she was a volunteer swimming instructor for children with special needs. She managed the family-owned Bay Pines Cottages in Chatham from the ’60s into the ’80s. She had the gift of friends. She had friends from college, her Yarmouth neighbors, and Chatham aerobics group. She enjoyed reading and following the Red Sox and Celtics. We enjoyed her reports of the ever-changing Hardings shoreline, the sunset, and wind speed. Victoria exhibited a remarkable combination of strength, grace, and love. She was the loving mother of Katherine, June, John, and Ginger. She had six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sister Evelyn, Isabel, and Marguerite. A memorial donation may be made to The Eldredge Public Library in Chatham or to Cape Abilities by visiting www.capeabilities.org/waystogive/ or mail to Development Department Cape Abilities, 895 Mary Dunn Rd. Hyannis, MA 02601.

71, beloved and devoted husband, father, and grandpapi went to be with his Lord on April 9, 2014. Born in Sialkot, Pakistan, he is the son of the late Dean Newton and Mary McKelvey Dobson. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Betty Lou Cassaday Dobson, and his three children Andrew Newton Dobson and wife, Maricarmen Pintor Dobson, of Atlanta; Dana Dobson Baird and husband, Andrew Tice Baird, of Seneca; and Katherine McKelvey Dobson of Greenville. He is also survived by his 3 grandsons, Isaac, Rollins, and Ismael, and his 2 granddaughters Andrea and Reagan. Dean was predeceased by his sister Linda Dobson Krogh and is survived by his sisters, Ellen Livingston of Dallas, Texas; Janice Blankenship and husband, Duane, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Rosie Evans of Ontario, Canada. Dean graduated from Woodstock High School in Mussorie, India (1960), Wake Forest College (1964), Bowman Gray Medical School (1968) where he also completed general surgery training (1970.) Finally, he finished his urology training at University of Florida Hospital (1973). He began his practice of urology in Greenville, SC and then relocated to Oconee Urology, PA and Oconee Memorial Hospital to complete a career of 33 years. Dean’s professional career was highlighted by many foreign mission trips with VIMM and more recently by his service to the community with Our Daily Rest and Jobs for Life. He loved and served Crossgate Church in many areas as elder, home group leader and head of Community Outreach Mercy Ministry.

Robert Cummins Dockendorf, 94, of Columbus, NC passed away on November 2 from kidney failure. A kind and gentle man, with a sparkle in his eye, he was a role model for many. Bob was the first baby registered in Chicago, IL on January 1, 1926, the son of the late William Peter Dockendorf and Clara Derby. He grew up in Riverdale, MD and graduated from Maryville College in Tennessee in 1943. He successfully lived as a type 1 diabetic for 77 years. Bob taught English and Drama at Washington College Academy in TN for three years before beginning a 30+ year career working with and advocating for people with disabilities. He was originally affiliated with Easter Seals in Harrisburg, PA and moved to Baltimore, MD, where he served as executive director of the Maryland League for the Handicapped. He also served as treasurer and vice president of the National Council for the Handicapped and consultant to the National Association of Sheltered Workshops. Bob was honored by both the Governor of Maryland and the Mayor of Baltimore for his many services to the disabled. He was especially devoted to Camp Greentop in Thurmont, MD, a camp for children with disabilities where he also met and married his wife of sixty-seven years, Patricia. Upon retirement in 1981, Bob and Pat moved to Warren, Vermont for fifteen years where they operated a deli and restaurant at Sugarbush Ski Area, sold real estate, chopped a lot of firewood, and operated a bed and breakfast. Bob’s absolutely favorite job was as a tour guide for Ben and Jerrys ice cream. Upon moving to Tryon Estates, a life care community in Columbus, NC, Bob was a volunteer in the community and was inducted into the Second Wind Hall of Fame. He gave presentations on “Who’s Handicapped?” to service clubs and churches, worked with Meals on Wheels, House of Flags, and sang in the Tryon Estates chorus. Bob loved to hike in the mountains, he wrote poetry, plays and a novel. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s soccer and lacrosse games. Bob was very proud of the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. Survivors include his wife, Patricia, son John Dockendorf, (Jane) daughter Margaret Koenig, (Nathan) foster son Rev. Louis Alvin Rene, (Beverly) brother Charles, and sister, Vera Kribbs. His beloved grandchildren include Peter Koenig, Katie Koenig, Audrey Dockendorf, Ella Dockendorf, Ava Dockendorf, and Charlie Dockendorf. He is also survived by eleven nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Mae Hall. Anyone wishing to make a donation in his honor may contribute to Camp Greentop, c/o The League for People with Disabilities, 1111 E Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21239. An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com McFarland Funeral Chapel & Crematory Tryon, North Carolina.

Daniel Thomas Dockery, of Kennesaw, GA, passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2019. He was born on September 1, 1974 in Jacksonville, FL. Dan grew up in Maryville, TN where he played high school sports and later went on to play football at Maryville College and earned a bachelor’s degree. After college, Dan started his career in Cincinnati, OH and eventually settled in Atlanta where he met his wife, Lori Dockery. Dan and Lori settled in Kennesaw where they have been building a life together with their three beautiful children. Family was Dan’s top priority and he actively participated in all his children’s activities. There was not a sport that he did not enjoy and always encouraged all three of his children to give every sport a try. Dan nurtured a joyful and lively family. From allowing the family to have a 50+lb indoor pet pig, Floyd, to his memorable stay vacations where the family would drive for hours to finally arrive at a hotel in Kennesaw. Dan a 20-year tenured InfoMart executive led all accounting activities. He was a leader and a true friend that you could always depend upon. Dan’s blunt and quick wit always generated a laugh and a smile. He was known for his original and genuinely funny nicknames. Daniel leaves to cherish in his memory, wife, Lori Dockery; children, Jackson (15), Eliza (14) and Thomas (11), parents, Jack and Barbara Dockery of Madisonville, TN, brother, Doug Dockery and wife of Frisco, TX, nieces, Alyssa and Ashley and nephews, Alexander and Aiden Dockery, in-laws, Charlie and Janie Pertain, many more extended family members and close friends. The family of Daniel Dockery will receive friends for a gathering on Sunday, April 7, 2019 from 1 PM until 3 PM followed by a memorial service at 3 PM at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home.

Albert W. Dockter Jr., age 93 of Alcoa passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at the family home. He was a Veteran of the United States Army Air Corps 1943-1945. Albert was a member of the Maryville College Class of 1947, a former Townsend High School teacher, an active member of the Garst Sunday School Class at First United Methodist Church Maryville for over 70 years, a member of the Optimist Club, The Blount County Historical Society (Past President), Knoxville Ballroom Dance Club, Genealogical Society, author of historical and genealogical articles, and office manager at State Auto Mutual Insurance Co. for 35 years. He was a dedicated father and husband who will be deeply missed by all. Preceded in death by: wife, Dorothy G. Dockter ’44; infant son; parents, Rev. Albert and Elsa Dockter; sister, Betty Turner. Survivors include: daughter, H. Elaine Baker ’71; daughter and son-in-law, Diane and Larry West; son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Lori Dockter; grandchildren, William West, Warren Dockter, Kelli Dockter, Natalie Dockter, Madelyn Dockter, and Ben Dockter; great-granddaughter, Rachel West; sister, Dorothy Benner; caregivers, Debbie Hunt, Alicia White, Trisha Gresham; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Michael J. Dodson '64, died January 21, 2019, at the Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal, IL.

Kim Dolce ’79 is still working as a genealogy and reference librarian in Daytona Beach, FL. The library where she works had damage from Hurricane Irma in Sept. 2017, and the building was closed for renovation and repair for 8 months. Thankfully no materials were lost, and the library reopened in May 2018 to rave reviews. If in Daytona, she would love to show you around.

Ray and his wife just sold their home of 34 years in Maryland and will be living in New York temporarily until their new home in Maryland is built in mid 2016.

Writes in to say that he and his wife will be moving into their new home in Ellicott City, MD some time during the summer of 2016.

Passed away on June 19, 2016.

I am submitting information relating my Maryville College experience (Jan 1959 to May 1962) to my Peace Corps experience (June 1962 to July  1964).   My Peace Corps experience in Ethiopia was the defining time of my life.  After those two years I gave some thought to entering the ministry (two months at San Francisco Seminary) before deciding not to go in that direction.  The government then found a job for me.  In 1965 I was drafted and spent a year in Vietnam with the First Infantry Division working as a chaplain’s assistant.  I returned home in 1967, got married in 1969, and had a 25-year business career that took me to New York, California, and Maryland.  In 1998 (I think) I became an Associate Member of Westar Institute (https://www.westarinstitute.org) and have devoted much of my time to it since then.  They do most of their work through seminars, originally beginning with the “Jesus Seminar” in 1985 (I think).  Many seminars later they are now initiating something called the “Christ Seminar.”  No one knows what that may become.  On January 25, 2023, one of their Zoom programs was called “When Jesus became Plato.”  The presentation was well received, and some questions were raised.   The next day the executive director of Westar replied to eight of the questions.  He began by saying:

“One comment to make before we begin is that Jesus is not Plato, and there is no particular time when people thought about Jesus as one might think about Plato.  What we see in the historic transition of Christ communities into an official religion of an empire is the progressive molding of the memory of Jesus to fit the categories of Platonic philosophy.”

You may wonder how I got from the Peace Corps to Plato.  I applied to the Peace Corps in 1962 after graduating from Maryville College (where most of the classes were seminars) with a major in Philosophy and Religion.  After Maryville, the Peace Corps and Westar have been the focus of my life.

Ray Donaldson
Maryville College        Jan   1959 – May 1962
Peace Corps Ethiopia June 1962 – July  1964

James Ross James Ross Dooley, 89, an Atlanta area resident since the early 1950s, left this world better than he found it per Boy Scout Rule on August 17, 2017. Mr. Dooley, born March 5, 1928, in St. Petersburg, FL, also known as JR, Ross, Jim, Grandy, attended St. Pete High School, St. Pete Junior College, and graduated from Maryville College where he studied psychology, music ministry and cooking. He used these skills throughout his work and personal life. He served briefly in the U. S. Army and once discharged worked at Rich’s, the YMCA, and 3M. He retired from Retail Credit Company (now Equifax) in 1987. In retirement he enjoyed cooking for McDonald’s, singing in choirs, and AARP driver safety classes. But the passions of his life were baking birthday cakes, biscuits and gingerbread houses for his grandchildren, camping, and the Boy Scouts. Volunteering for many years as a scout leader and then a Wood Badge trainer long after his son had achieved Eagle Scout, Mr. Dooley achieved the highest honor, the Silver Beaver award. He is best known for his beautiful voice that he shared with many churches as choir director, song leader and featured soloist. A member of Northwoods UMC in Doraville for many years, Mr. Dooley was an active member of Kennesaw UMC until moving to Rome in May. For many years he traveled extensively throughout the United States and all around the world. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 63+ years, Frances Mitchell Dooley, children Eileen Walker (Steve), Rome, Patrick Dooley, Harwich, MA, and Shawn Dooley (Donald Neumeister), Atlanta. Celebrating his life are his grandchildren Elizabeth Chambers (Justin), Katie Womack (Ryan), Bess Neumeister, Fritz Neumeister, and Mary Margaret Hicks (James). He also leaves behind a namesake great granddaughter, Ava Ross Womack, and great grandsons William Womack, Henry Chambers and Patrick Hicks (due in October). He is survived by sister, Vivian Dick of Gainesville, FL, brother and sister-in-law, Alan and Carolyn Dooley of Johnson City, TN, and sister-in-law, Johnnie Mitchell of Miami, FL, as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Dorris Blood and Patrick C. Dooley, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Ron Dick, Sr., brother-in-law, Robert M. Mitchell, Jr., and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Beth and Joe Gardner. The family wishes to thank the angels of Visiting Angels, Tasha and Laura, Aloha to Aging, the staff and caregivers in The Harbor at Renaissance Marquis where he has resided since May, the nurses from Gentiva Home Health, the staff and caregivers at Heyman Hospice, and the Emory Body Donation Program for the love and comfort you gave to him and our family. We never felt alone. Mr. Dooley’s memorial service was held at Kennesaw United Methodist Church, Kennesaw, GA. Guests were asked to wear their Boy Scout Uniform or the color purple for Alzheimer’s awareness. Per his wishes, Mr. Dooley’s body was donated to the Emory University School of Medicine to further the understanding of Alzheimer’s. A private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to your favorite charity to Alz.Org , Atlanta Area Council Boy Scouts of America or Kennesaw UMC.

Paul C. Dopsch passed away from this life on October 7, 2017. He was a resident of East Meadow, New York.

When a loved one passes away, perhaps the thing you miss the most is their smile. So it is with our parents, Ralph and Ann Dorn, who passed on not quite four months apart, both at age 96. We are comforted by photos of their smiles together across a lifetime.

As members of the Greatest Generation, they were lifelong doers, helpers and givers. Without calling attention to themselves, they were good citizens who believed in honor, duty and contributing to the community. Ann lived her deep Christian faith in word and deed.

Ralph grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin and served in the Army Air Force during World War II as well as the Korean conflict and later retired after 20 years of military service. He was a broadcast engineer at KREX-TV in Grand Junction from 1965 until retirement in 1983, after which he remained busy with gardening, maintaining a small orchard and helping anyone who came to him with a busted appliance for repair in the “fix it” shop in the basement of his home. Many people benefited from his skill as a gardener and enjoyed fresh fruit, vegetables and walnuts. He was both gracious and gruff, and maintained his dry wit to the very end of his life. The depth of his knowledge on a great variety of topics was nothing short of amazing. He was a keen observer of nature. 

Ann was raised in central Florida and was often at the side of her country physician father, whom she dearly loved. She was an educator who began her career teaching home economics and health in Santa Fe, New Mexico and later taught at the Colegio Presbiteriano in Caibarien, Cuba from 1948 to 1953. She became fluent in Spanish and was well-regarded and much loved by her colleagues and students. During this time, she experienced the tragedy of her parents’ and grandmother’s death in a automobile accident. She continued teaching and happened to meet Ralph while on a visit to her sister Jean and family in Colorado. The rest, as they say, is history and they married in 1954.

Ralph and Ann experienced joys and endured great sorrows during their 65 years of marriage. They enjoyed travel and explored the region during their first years here, as they worked and raised a family. The death of their son Larry at age 14 was heartbreaking. Ann devoted much time to volunteer work that included Meals on Wheels, Church Women United and 30 years at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital, assisting the Chaplain’s Office and visiting patients. She confronted breast cancer and carried on. In 2007 she suffered a debilitating stroke that ended her ability to speak and severely limited her mobility. Even so, she persisted in participating in church and other activities and reaching out to care for others for the rest of her life.

It is pleasant to picture Ralph and Ann reunited now, him helping her to get settled in. “Welcome home, Ann, dear.”

They are survived by daughters Karalyn Dorn and Marian Dorn (Tom Merrill) and extended family across the country.

Stephen Rainey Dorner, age 69, of Maryville, passed away suddenly at his home on Tuesday, July 14, 2015. He was born and raised in New Jersey and came to Tennessee to attend Maryville College where he met his wife, Kathy (Hinger) Dorner (MC Class of ’67). They loved Maryville and the community of friends they had built here and decided to make Maryville their permanent home. After a career in sales, Steve opened Stevie D’s Pizzeria. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church and Heritage Sunday School class. Steve loved life, his family, his friends, a good joke and golf. He will be deeply missed. He was preceded in death by: father and mother, Charles & Judy (Rainey) Dorner; brother, Charles Dorner, Jr. He is survived by: wife of 47 years, Kathy Dorner; daughter & son-in-law, Caroline and Gene Miller; grandchildren, Harrison and Elizabeth Miller; brother and sister-in-law, Joe & Joyce Dorner; and nieces, Jennifer (Dorner) Iacono and Jackie (Dorner) Harker and their families. The family received friends at First United Methodist Church in Asbury Hall (804 Montvale Station Road) at 4:00 PM on Saturday, July 18, which was followed by a celebration of Steve’s life beginning at 5:30 PM. Memorial donations may be made to: Maryville College (Maryville Fund), Attn: Eric Bellah, 502 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy., Maryville, TN 37804 or First United Methodist Church, 804 Montvale Station Road, Maryville, TN 37803.

retired from teaching in June 2019 after a 42 year career and is currently pursuing volunteer opportunities in Blount County.

writes in to say that Alexandra Douglas, daughter of Steven C. Douglas (MC ’74) and Deborah Welch Douglas (MC ’77), graduated from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai in New York City on 5/13/2016, receiving a Master of Public Health Degree and her Medical Doctor degree. She will begin a 4 year residency in OB-GYN at the Albert Einstein Hospitals in the Bronx, NY beginning on 7/1/2016.

writes in to share that he is doing well after receiving a pacemaker on 12/7/2018.

Emily L. Dowdy of Panama City, FL was born on September 20, 1950, in Lebanon, TN, and passed away on September 8, 2021, at her home with her devoted and beloved partner, Joseph P. Sergo, by her side. Emily was the daughter of the late Roy Dowdy and Emmy Lou Cox Dowdy. She is survived by her brother Dr. William L. Dowdy and his wife, Teppy; nephew, Morgan Dowdy; numerous and loving Dowdy and Cox cousins; and loyal friends.

Emily graduated from Lebanon High School in 1972 where she lettered on her high school basketball team and played in a state championship game. At Maryville College, a private liberal arts college in east Tennessee, she majored in English and met her lifelong friends Dana McDade Battaglia and her husband, Richard. After completing her BA degree at Maryville College, she enrolled at the University of Tennessee (UT) where she earned a Master of Arts in College Teaching (MACT) degree and taught a freshman writing course. She later returned to the UT College of Law and was selected to contribute to the law review.

Until her death Emily was an accomplished private attorney, public defender, and public servant dedicated to representing the underserved in her community. In 1984 Emily became a founding board member of Advocates for Children, Inc. (501c3) which provides fundraising for Guardian Ad Litem for the 14th Judicial Circuit. Until her death, she served as board member and both pro-bono and an employed attorney for the organization. Through this productive partnership, Emily developed a lasting professional and personal relationship with June Lashbrook. Emily, June, and other community leaders provided vision and commitment to meet many needs of abused and neglected children in the 14th Judicial Circuit of Panama City and greater Bay County community.

For the last thirty-three years, Emily and Joseph, were actively involved in urban renewal and development projects in Panama City working closely with mayors and city commissioners. With the mayor’s appointment, Emily worked with a diverse committee to form a Community Resource Center to provide wrap-around services in one location for the homeless population. Emily was appointed to chair the Downtown Improvement Board, and with other community leaders established numerous award-winning community events to feature downtown Panama City. Together, Emily and Joe had the vision to acquire, renew, and develop property in downtown Panama City including the large 48,000 square-foot, steel structure near the courthouse that houses the offices of both state attorneys and public defenders.

Emily loved the sea, her pets, and the beauty of the earth — especially sunrises and sunsets. An athlete in both high school and college (where she was a star softball player), she was a life-long sports enthusiast who especially followed UT football. She was compassionate, dedicated, kind, and thoughtful, and will be long remembered for her empathy, grace, and dignity – as well as her tenaciousness should circumstances require.

Dr. Jean Boyd Dowling, age 89, of Sanderson, Florida passed away May 7, 2013 at her residence with family by her side. She was born in Jacksonville, FL on July 21, 1923 to the late Clarence Boyd and Elizabeth Stephenson Boyd. Jean has been a lifelong resident of Baker County and member of St. Peter’s Anglican Church. Jean obtained her education locally and a Doctorate Degree from the University of Florida. She retired after many years of dedicated service to the county as an Educator. Jean had a passion for education and she enjoyed traveling. She helped so many people in the community to obtain an education and she stayed abreast of educational issues. Jean was also very instrumental in the establishment of Heritage Park. She was preceded in death by her parents, her step-father, Walter Dopson; her spouse, Morris Dowling; and her grandson, Michael Dowling. Jean is survived by her children, Mark (Ethel) Dowling of Sanderson, FL, Meredith (Chet) Harden of Jacksonville, FL, and Bradford (Deborah) Dowling of Sanderson, FL; her brother, Alan Boyd of Seattle, WA; her four grandchildren, Ian Dowling, Sean Dowling, Lena Fish all of Sanderson, FL and Renee Lyons of Macclenny, FL; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Sue (Frank) Green and Melvin (Mattie) Green; her 8 great grandchildren; and a host of friends. Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2013 at 11:00 am at V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services Chapel with Pastor Tom Pope, Reverend Videll Williams, and Pastor Chet Harden officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Dr. Jean B. Dowling Scholarship Fund, Florida Gateway College, 149 SE College Place, Lake City, FL 32025 or Heifer International, 1 World Avenue Little Rock, AR 72202. The arrangements are under the care and direction of V. TODD FERREIRA FUNERAL SERVICES, 250 North Lowder Street, Macclenny, FL 32063 (904)259-5700. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guest book. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com

Grace Wilder Drennan, née Osborn, of Indianapolis, beloved wife, devoted mother, and treasured friend, died peacefully in her sleep, with family at her side, in the early-morning hours of Thursday, January 18, at age 92.

Grace was born in Morristown, New Jersey to Chester A. and Alice Harmon Osborn. Grace graduated from Morristown High School, then earned a degree in education from Maryville College. Grace’s career as an elementary-school teacher began in Morristown. She taught next in Chicago, Illinois, where she met her husband, Robert A. Drennan. After a few stops in Indiana and Ohio, in 1969 the couple settled in Indianapolis to raise their family.

Grace was an active member of Northminster Presbyterian Church for longer than 50 years, including many years teaching third-grade Sunday school, and later serving as a deaconess.

Grace displayed a life-long passion for teaching. She served as a volunteer reading tutor in public schools, and provided decades of tireless support of her children’s wide-ranging interests. Grace served in troop leadership in Girl Scouts, as a den mother in Cub Scouts, and in parent support groups for North Central High School’s band program, to name only a few.

A natural athlete from her youth (including tennis and basketball,) as an adult, Grace bowled in a series of leagues where she “continuously improved.” Grace said the same, about her many years in her neighborhood bridge club. An avid sports fan, Grace endlessly cheered for her Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, and Purdue University teams.

Grace’s wonderful, wry sense of humor, and kindness to all, remained with her, even through her final moments.

Grace is survived by her three children, Leanne C. Drennan (John W. Roth) of Glenview, Illinois; Bryce W. Drennan of Alexandria, Virginia; and Ward R. Drennan of Shoreline, Washington; and her four grandchildren (Alexander Roth, Ashleigh Roth, Kathryn Drennan, and Callum Drennan;) as well as admiring cousins, nieces, and nephews. Grace was preceded in death by her husband, and also by her older brother, Robert H. Osborn.

Bette Kennedy Dubel passed away on December 7, 1993.