Class Notes

After almost three years living with advanced lung cancer, Dr. Judith Elaine Mikeal Gross died peacefully and surrounded by family in her home in Fort Collins, Colorado, on October 8th, 2017 at the age of 76. She is survived by her daughter, Rosa Mikeal Martey, son-in-law Nii Martey, granddaughter, Rowan Martey, and brother, Stephen Mikeal. Judith’s love, support, and boundless wisdom will be deeply missed. Judith was born in High Coal, West Virginia in 1941 to Ruth Petty and Frank D. Mikeal. High Coal was one of the many “coal camps” of the region – towns created and run by coal companies in the first half of the 20th century – where her father worked as a coal miner for Anchor Coal Company. Judith attended Maryville College in Tennessee (’63), and then received a Master of Arts in history from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (’65), where she studied the labor union leader “Mother Jones.” She went on to get her Ph.D. in economics at Princeton University in 1975, and taught as a professor at Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ, for 6 years. She later received a Master’s of Education in English as a Second Language from the College of New Jersey and taught ESL at the local YMCA for several years. For over 30 years, she lived with her husband Graham Gross and their daughter Rosa Mikeal in Princeton, NJ. After the passing of her husband in 2015, Judith moved to Fort Collins, CO to be near her daughter and her family. Judith and her husband were active participants in the Civil Rights and anti-war movements of the 1960s and 1970s, and Judith worked for the “Poor People’s Campaign” of the Southern Poverty Law Center, organized by Martin Luther King in 1968. Although they attended fewer rallies, sit-ins, and protests after the birth of their daughter in 1970, Judith never stopped wearing her Birkenstocks. Throughout their nearly 50 years of marriage, the Grosses loved throwing lively parties, especially for St. Patrick’s Day. They hosted no fewer than 5 weddings for friends and family at their home, along with numerous graduation, New Year’s, Christmas Eve, 4th of July, and cast parties for their daughter’s musical and theatrical activities. Every party required a little Jimmy Cliff, a little Dolly Parton, and, if we were lucky, even some Pavarotti or John Phillips Souza. Judith loved music, and she attended almost every concert or show her daughter performed in for 35 years. Judith lived a life full of enduring curiosity, learning, and kindness that she shared with all those she encountered. Judith was an avid reader and a dedicated diarist. She left over 60 years’ worth of near-daily dairies chronicling her day-to-day life from age 15 onward. And she was proud to be a coal miner’s daughter. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Judith’s name to National Public Radio, which she listened to every day over most of her adult life: Colorado Public Radio, Attn: Specialty Giving, 7409 S. Alton Court, Centennial, CO 80112.

Mikel Glenn Grubb, age 38, of Knoxville, TN passed away Wednesday afternoon, May 6, 2020 at Turkey Creek Medical Center. Mikel was a graduate of Karns High School. He earned a BA from Maryville College where he played baseball, and a BS in Industrial Engineering at the University of Tennessee. Mikel served as Vice President of Integration and Transformation at Equian, LLC, where he was a well-respected leader and man of integrity, always poised under pressure. He was incredibly dedicated and passionate about his work. He was a remarkable man beloved by his Equian team. Mikel was also a talented musician and music lover. He had a love for writing and performing his own music, which was one of his wife’s favorite things about him. Mikel cherished the time he got to spend golfing, hiking, and playing volleyball with family and friends. Mikel was very proud of his family and friends and his light and joy was his beloved Dottie. His role as Dottie’s Dada was his most important and he had big plans for the two of them. His generous soul and eagerness to help others were evident even as he fought his own illness. Mikel will forever be loved and missed by his family and friends. Mikel is preceded in death by his mother, Kimberly Grubb; grandparents, Glenn Grubb and Doris Cornn Grubb, Ronald Lay and Virginia Smith Lay; and cousin, Kimberli Erin Cress. Mikel is survived by his loving wife and soulmate, Tyler Corn; best buddy and daughter, Dorothy Kimberly Grubb; proud father and stepmother, Rodney and Muffett Grubb; sidekick and brother, Nicholas Grubb (Elisha); aunts, Deanna Lay, Gina Lay (Gary Cress), Regina Edmonds (Chris), Robbyn Collins; uncle, Todd Lay; mother and father-in-law, Lynnette and Anthony Corn; brother-in-law, Brooks Corn (Rachel Loyal); sister-in-law, Whitney Beckett (Chris); nieces and nephews, Kingston, Dax, Finn, and Penelope; cousins, Alicia McGinnis (Steve), Kristen Wilson (Jed), Lauren Mathews (Ray), Erin Collins, Drew Collins (Brittney Smith), Heather Housley (Nate); second cousins, Austin, Hagen, Holden, Ruthie, Maylee, Mollee, Roderick, Bradyn, Kaydence, and Blayklee; and several lifelong friends he considered his family. In lieu of flowers, Mikel’s family is requesting that donations be made to Feeding America (https://www.feedingamerica.org) or the Melanoma Research Alliance (https://www.curemelanoma.org). Due to a strong desire to protect others with underlying health conditions from the novel coronavirus, a memorial celebrating Mikel’s life will be planned in the coming months when it is safe to gather.

Alma Lee Lancaster Grubbs went to be with her lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 18, 2015. She was the beloved wife of the late Merrill Howard Grubbs ’48 for 51 years until his death in 1999. Alma was born in Naples, NC, October 5, 1926, the older daughter of Oren and Lucy Lancaster, She graduated from Maryville College in 1947 with a B.A. in Bible and Christian Education, She and Merrill met there and wed in 1948. They settled in Hendersonville, NC. In 1961, Alma and Merrill went to S. Korea with their 5 children and began a 30-year career as Presbyterian missionaries. Alma primarily taught at Hanil Women’s Seminary: piano, organ, preschool methods, English conversation, and puppetry. The couple retired to Lynchburg, VA in 1992. Alma is survived by her sister, Edith Mussler, of Toccoa, GA; her children: Jeff W. Grubbs of Lynchburg; Cynthia V. Horvath of Salem, VA; D Scott Grubbs of Greenville, SC; Tim G. Lowly of Itasca, Il; Amy G Moore of Bedford, VA; and 7 grandchildren. A memorial service was held at Rivermont Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Lynchburg, VA on Saturday, January 2, 2016, at 1:30pm.

On August 11th of 2018, my dad died. He was my best friend for many years, and I was his baby girl. It broke my heart to see him in so much pain. By the grace of God I was able to see him one last time to say goodbye. The night before he died, I made him promise me he would hold on until I got there. In his hospital room, we joked about how I had grew wings and flew all the way from Ohio just to come see him, trying to make him crack a smile. By the time I got there, he couldn’t open his eyes and he could barely communicate. Before he left for Heaven, my dad opened his eyes one last time, to see me and took his final breath. I wrote this poem for him. I hope he can hear me reading it out loud, and know how much I love him and miss him. I love you dad! I can’t wait to see your wings… Wings I grew some wings and flew to the sea, So that I could see you and you could see me, I grew some wings and came as fast as I could, So on my promise I could make good, You held on tight and fought a good fight, Until I reached you on my long flight, Your eyes were closed and your breathing unsteady, In my heart I knew you were ready, I know you heard me, you knew I was there, To tell you I love you, the timing was fair, When you finally opened your eyes, It came to me as a big surprise, The picture of me you carry is your last earthly memory, As your glossy eyes made that 1,000 mile stare, I could hear your say you loved me with your last breath of air, As I cried out in pain I knew you weren’t there, I’ll never forget that last glance, and I’ll never forget our last dance, You know I love you and I miss you dearly, So I grew some wings and flew to the sea, So that you could grow wings and come visit me.

Joe Gunter
Bellewood and Brooklawn
Director of Fundraising

Bellewood and Brooklawn proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Joe Gunter as their new Director of Fundraising. With an extensive background that traverses academia, development, ministerial work, and athletics, Dr. Gunter brings a unique blend of leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills to the role. Holding a Doctor of Ministry from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Joe has dedicated much of his career to fostering community engagement, enhancing educational initiatives, and driving fundraising efforts. Joe looks forward to leveraging his broad experience to advance Bellewood and Brooklawn’s Brooklawn’s 175-year mission of healing the hearts and minds of Kentucky’s most vulnerable youth.

will also be starting a masters program at the University of Iowa for Music Therapy at the end of this month.

will also be starting a masters program at the University of Iowa for Music Therapy at the end of August 2013.

writes in to say that she graduated with her Master of Arts in Music Therapy from the University of Iowa in Aug 2016 and has accepted a new position working at Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital in Mayfield Heights, OH.

Florence Guigou Gwyn, age 98, of North Wilkesboro died peacefully at her home on Thursday, November 17, 2016. A memorial service was held Friday, November 25, 2016 at 2:00 PM at North Wilkesboro Presbyterian Church with Dr Benton J. Trawick officiating, assisted by Rev Steve Snipes. A private graveside service at Mountlawn Memorial Park was also held. She was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, William Blair Gwyn, brother John Harvey Guigou of Valdese, sister Louise G. Cox of Greensboro, and twin sister Elizabeth G. Friday of Hickory. Surviving are her four children, Carolyn Gwyn Bell of North Wilkesboro, William B. Gwyn, Jr. of Raleigh, Rosalyn Gwyn Schmidt of Greensboro, and Michael P. Gwyn and wife Lynn of Winston-Salem. Also surviving are her six grandchildren, Andrew Bell and wife Amanda (Meredith and Gwendolyn) of Kansas City, Martin Schmidt and wife Alexandra (Henry) of St Louis, Karl Schmidt and wife Allison of Atlanta, Michael Gwyn of Madison, WI, and Katherine and Rebecca Gwyn of Winston-Salem. Mrs Gwyn was born in Asheville on June 28, 1918 to Louis Philip and Lillian Sweeney Guigou. She was raised in Valdese, NC, graduated from Valdese High School, from Mitchell College in Statesville, and later attended Maryville College in Tennessee while her husband was serving in World War II. She was proud of her Waldensian heritage. Her father’s family was one of the original Protestant families who emigrated from Northern Italy to found the town of Valdese in Burke County. Her mother founded the Waldensian Heritage Museum in Valdese. Florence and Blair were married in 1942 and raised their children in North Wilkesboro. A devoted wife and mother, she was a longtime active member of North Wilkesboro Presbyterian Church and took an active leadership role at the historic Wilkesboro Presbyterian Chapel. An enthusiastic exercise walker for many years, she was also a Girl Scout troop leader, church youth group leader, and participant in her children’s lives. Friends and family members remember Florence for her many positive qualities. She was a loving, generous, kind and thoughtful friend who was also characterized by a spirit of determination. Her warmth will be missed. The family would like to express gratitude to the home care assistants who helped with her care, especially Anna Delacruz-Hernandez and Maria Carolina Greene. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the North Wilkesboro Presbyterian Church, or to the Wilkesboro Presbyterian Chapel c/o 804 E Street, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

William Hunter Dent, Jr, age 86, of Maryville, went home to be with the Lord on December 7, 2022.  Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, William attended Maryville College, where he met Margaret Dent, the love of his life, and wife of 61 years.  William had three sons and an extended family whom he loved dearly.  After graduation from Maryville College, where William majored in Math and was an accomplished baseball player, William earned a Master of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of Kentucky.  William completed his PhD in Mathematics in 1972 at the University of Tennessee.  William began his teaching career at the University of Kentucky and returned to teach Mathematics at Maryville College for 38 years, retiring in 2002.  From 1980 to 2000, William was the chair of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department.  William was active as a youth baseball coach, and in Church activities, having served as the Chairman of the Board of Deacons for a local Church.  William enjoyed teaching, gardening, traveling, playing bridge, and sports, especially the University of Kentucky and the Philadelphia Phillies.  William was preceded om death by his wife, Margaret; parents, William, Sr. and Eva Dent; and sister Dorothy Owens.  William is survived by three sons, William Dent III (Jane), Richard (Sheri), and John (Kelly); grandchildren, Nicole Schmitt (Matthew), David Hughes (Kristen), Megan Dent, and Ryan Dent; great granddaughter Eva Hughes; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of dear, close friends.  A Celebration of Life will be held at the Lamar Hall, Maryville College Chapel with a date and time to be announced.  The service will be a celebration of life for William and Margaret as on could not be held for Margaret due to Covid-19 concerns.

Passed away February, 2015.

Janet Egelston Haddock, 84, passed away August 5, 2017 at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland. Mrs. Haddock was born in McDonald, Kansas; into a family of professional ranchers, living all throughout the United States. Upon completion of the Elizabethtown High School in North Carolina, she pursed her passion for the fine arts at Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, North Carolina. Mrs. Haddock, in 1958, married the late AF Ret. T/SGT Jerry Lamar Haddock for which their military life in Colorado Springs, Colorado took them to Germany, Belgium, Texas, and Biloxi, Mississippi. Returning to Hazlehurst following Mr. Haddock’s retirement, she worked at the Hazlehurst Courthouse, was a member of the D. A. R., published her genealogical research and studied Computer Education at Co-Lin Junior College in Wesson. She was preceded in death by her parents, John W. Engelston, Opal Ines Carter and two of her five siblings, Russel Egelston and Ms. Anna Egelston Currie and her husband Jerry L. Haddock. Those remaining to cherish her loving memory are her; one daughter, Debra Haddock of Umbria, Italy; one son, Jeffrey Lamar Haddock of Hazlehurst; a sister-in-law, Darlene Harmon Haddock of Millington, TN; four grandchildren, Arien Haddock of Hazlet, New Jersey; Aja Mei Haddock of San Jose, CA; Luca Marsegagalia and Guilia Marsegagalia of Milano, Italy; and two great grandchildren, Avia Jean Haddock and Samantha Haddock of Hazlet, New Jersey.

Floyd Brown Hager, 89, of Bradenton, Florida, passed away Tuesday November 14, 2017. Floyd was the son of the late Clarence L. Hager and Ethel E. (Brown). Born May 5, 1928 in Daytona Beach, Florida, he was a graduate of Maryville College, the University of South Florida, and Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. Floyd served as a Presbyterian clergyman for 25 years, including churches in Indiana, Hobe Sound and Bradenton, Florida. Floyd met Barbara Ann Miller when they were sophomores in high school and on December 22, 1950 they were married. Floyd worked with the Manatee County School Board as a guidance counselor for Adult Education for many years. An active member in the community, he was a member of Civitan Club and served as the chaplain for the US Power Squadron. Floyd enjoyed building, inventing, exploring and traveling. During their retirement, he and Barbara Ann traveled as volunteers for the Dept. of the Interior conducting research for the US Park & Forest Services, taking surveys at many of our National Parks including Alaska and Cumberland Island, Ga. They also became ambassadors for Habitat for Humanity and for over 15 years helped build houses throughout the US and Canada. They were privileged to travel to England and aided the organization as it opened its international Chapter in Eastbourne, building the first houses there. We are so proud of Floyd as he was an integral part of countless programs that shaped and touched so many lives all over the world. Floyd is survived by his wife of 67 years, Barbara Ann Hager, 4 children: Emily Morgan (Tim Grimes), Edwin Hager (Caroline Renkin), Paul Hager (Tzu-Ching), Bruce Hager (Jane), Flavio Romano, four grandchildren, three great grandchildren, brother, Phillip Hager (Dorothy); brother, CL Hager; and many nieces and nephews. The family will have a private service at a later date. Memorials may be made to his favorite charitable organizations Habitat for Humanity or The Lighthouse at Manasota for the visually impaired.

passed away on March 29, 2014 in Horconcitos, Zacapa, Santa Barbara, Honduras, of complications following a stroke. He was buried in Horconcitos on March 30. Born in Sioux City, Iowa on Aug. 3, 1919, he moved to Saco at the age of 12 and was part of the Thornton Academy Class of 1937. He joined the Marine Air Corps after graduating from Maryville College in June 1941 and served through September of 1945, with tours in Guadalcanal and Majuro (Marshall Islands). Graduating from dental school at the University of Maryland, he practiced dentistry in Hazard, Ky., Elkton, Md. and Greenville, S.C. before volunteering his service in 1975 as a dental missionary at La Buena Fe Clinic in Horconcitos. A born-again Christian, he lived in Honduras for the balance of his life, treating patients, training dentists and coordinating medical teams, often returning to Maine to visit his children and spend the summer season. He is survived and dearly missed by: his wife of many years, Reina, and her children, Oscar, Josue and Haylin Hernandez, all of Horconcitos, Honduras; his daughter, Joy A. Page of Sanford; his son, James H. Hahn of Rumford, R.I.; and his grandchildren, Alex Page of Rochester, N.Y., Dean Page of Sanford, James W. Hahn of Washington, D.C. and Abigail Hahn of New York, N.Y.

was recently elected as a member of the Essex Conservation Commission for a 2-year term

Nancy Halliburton Hall, of Peachtree City, GA, passed away on July 26, 2015 while under the care of Serenity Hospice and Ashley Glenn Memory Care. She was born in Knoxville, TN on February 18, 1935 to the late Voreta Sharpe Halliburton and Alwyn Halliburton. Nancy was educated in the Knoxville City Schools and graduated from East High School in 1953. She performed as a majorette in Junior HS, HS, and at Maryville College. She was a loyal Delta Air Lines employee for 32 years, retiring in 1993. She used her flight privileges for extensive travel for as far away as Russia, Japan, and Australia. She enjoyed supporting various organizations in the Atlanta area including The High Museum, The Atlanta Zoo, and The Alliance Theatre. Nancy is preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Richard. She is survived by her brother, J. A. Halliburton; loving husband, Frank; daughters, Sharon (Brad) Logan, Hallie (Russ) Kimsey; grandchildren, Jenna (Blake) Meharg, Logan Kimsey, Caroline Kimsey; great-grandson, Colton Kimsey; and her step-daughters, Wendy (Bill) Martin, and Paige (Ralph) Mayercik.

After 12 years as an employee of a large firm, in April she opened her own financial advisory office in Montevallo, Alabama.

of Sacramento, CA died on July 12, 2015 at his home. He was survived by his wife Nancy, daughters Carla Leimbach (Jim – predeceased) and Stacey Jones (Dan). Survivors also include grandchildren Bryan Leimbach, Kyle Leimbach, Jacob Jones, Zachary Jones and Mallory Jones. MJ spend all of his working life in aerospace. The last 18 years of his career he served as Director of Logistics & Support for Litton Indfustries. A memorial service to honor MJ was held August 9, 2015 at Faith Presbyterian Church in Sacramento.

Myrna Boring Hall age 82 of Maryville passed away Sunday, May 5, 2013 at Little Creek Nursing Center. Myrna lived in Cades Cove until 1944. Her father, Murray Boring, was the postmaster for Cades Cove and their house was the post office. Myrna started school at Cades Cove Consolidated School, and later the students were moved to the Cable School near the Cable Mill. She started high school at Townsend High School until her family moved to Maryville where she attended Everett High School. Myrna graduated from Maryville College in 1951 with a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry. She worked for a period of time at K-25 Nuclear Facility in Oak Ridge. After raising her children, Myrna returned to the workforce as a teacher in Maryville City and Blount County Schools. During that time she earned a Master of Science from the University of Tennessee. She retired after 20 years as an educator. She was a member of Maryville First Baptist and the Blount County Retired Teachers Association. Preceded in death by: Husband, retired Command Sergeant Major Ralph L. Hall; Parents, Murray & Cordie Myers Boring; eleven brother and sisters. Survivors include: Daughters & Sons-in-law, Terri & Robert Bradshaw, Kathy & Jim Orcutt, Gina & David Wagner; Grandchildren & Pallbearers, Isaac & Nicholas Bradshaw, Clay & Cody Wagner, and Jonathan Orcutt. Funeral services were Wednesday, May 8, 2013, at Smith Trinity Chapel with Rev. Charles Ballard officiating. Internment at Grandview Cemetery.

Shirley Dean Dodson Hall died on May 20, 2017, in her little house. Born on October 20, 1935, to Frank and Effie Dodson. The widow of the love of her life, JT (John) Hall. Shirley is survived by Frankie (Gene) Wenzel and Jimmy (Mary) Dodson. Her children, Pat (Felix) Foster, Lisa (John) McDougle and Mark (Allan McClure) Hall, will keep her memories in their hearts. Her grandchildren, Sean (Renee) McDougle, Griffin (Erica) Foster and Callie (Mike) Webb, will cherish the memories of their Mimi. Her great-grandchildren, Ben McDougle, Landon Foster and Piper and Lilly Webb, will one day know the stories of this incredibly strong, outspoken, accepting and loving lady. A lady that was widowed at 28 with two small daughters and a son to be born in 11 days. A remarkable lady that had no choice but to “pull up her big girl panties” and work full time to provide for and raise her children with little to no help. A lady that was a stellar employee in the field of nursing, who obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Maryville College in her 50s. Per Shirley’s decision, her body has been donated to the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis, Tennessee. No services are to be conducted. As Shirley always said, “If people cannot come see me while I am living, I surely do not want them to come see me after I am dead.”

Kaylie Hall ’16 has accepted a full-fime therapist position at The Village Behavioral Health in Louisville, TN.

Miriam Nightingale Hall, 82, of Jefferson died Monday February 23,2015. Funeral service, 11 a.m. Tuesday, funeral home chapel. Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson.

Mark Richard Hall, age 68, of Maryville, passed away Friday, June 3, 2022. He was born on February 23, 1954 and was a resident of Maryville, Tennessee. It is impossible to summarize the life of someone who had us all convinced that he was invincible-from getting lost and surviving a January night in the Smokies with his cousin as a boy to being the first person to paddle a canoe over Abrams Falls to the almost 20 years he doggedly fought a chronic form of lymphoma/leukemia. Born in Champaign, Illinois on February 23, 1954 to Marian Jean Hall (Speer) and Ralph Franklin Hall, the family relocated to La Harpe, Illinois and eventually to Oak Ridge, Tennessee where Mark graduated from high school in 1972. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Maryville College in 1976 before earning a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Tennessee Veterinary School in 1980 where he met his first wife, Peggy Jackson. After veterinary school, the family moved to Baraboo, Wisconsin before returning to Tennessee in 1985 to open a veterinary practice in Sevierville. In 1992, Mark purchased Blount Veterinary Clinic in Maryville, TN which he headed until his death and through which he met his second wife, Jamie Lewis. Mark is survived by his children Aimee Hall of Rockville, Maryland and Erik Hall of Denver, Colorado, daughter-in-law Cara Hall (Turski) and his beloved granddaughter Eloise Hall. He is also survived by his sisters Katy Hall and Marilyn Hall; his brothers-in-law Peter Garst and Christopher Lewis; his nieces and nephews Jared Garst, Emma Garst, Acer Lewis, and Mica Lewis. Mark was an active member of Rotary International for nearly four decades with the Sevierville and Maryville-Alcoa chapters. An Eagle Scout, Mark led Erik to becoming an Eagle Scout while serving as an assistant Scoutmaster in Boy Scouts of America troops 81 and 87. Mark was an avid whitewater paddler from his early teen years with the East Tennessee Whitewater Club, often taking his kids rafting on the Nantahala and paddling alongside them until they were old enough to paddle themselves. In his later years, he was an avid motorcyclist, riding near and far at every opportunity. Mark loved traveling — venturing to Yugoslavia in 1975 to compete with the US whitewater team, traveling whenever he could around the US and more recently falling in love with Scotland and New Zealand. He was an avid family historian, planning trips to visit family homesteads in Montana and Kansas, or towns linked to Hall family history, and visiting his many cousins. Like his beloved Uncle Dick Speer, Mark was a repository for much of the Hall and Speer family history. When he wasn’t traveling, Mark could often be found hiking in the Smokies or attending Scottish Highland Games.

Martha Dean Hall, 99, of White Pine, passed away May 19, 2022.  She is preceded in death by her husband John Harold Hall, her parents, Rev. Walter M. Dean and Mattie St. John Dean, sister, Kathryn Dean and brother and sister-in-law, Walter and Anne Dean, and her son, John Robert Hall.  She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Bill Price of White Pine, and daughter-in-law, Louise Ruch, of Mount Pleasant, SC.  She had six grandchildren:  Greg (Michelle), David (Laura), Kevin, Connie (Karl), Tonja (Paul), and Traci.  She had seven great-grandchildren:  Lily, Parker, Kendall, Ava, Lizzie, Kaley, and Kate.  She is also survived by her nieces and nephews:  Dee (Janis) Hall, Susie (Mike) Anderson, Steve (Margaret) Dean, Doug (Kim) Dean, and Kristen Dean (Brent) Grossmann.

Born in Atlanta, GA, while her father was in seminary, Martha and her family moved about every four years as a MPK (Methodist Preacher’s Kid) to several locations in Tennessee and Virginia.  One of these moves happened during her senior year of high school where she graduated from Mosheim High School.  She attended and graduated from Maryville College after which she taught at Bulls Gap HS for two years.  During this time, she and her good friend Eleanor’s brother, John Hall, who was serving in the Navy during World War II, started a long-distance courtship through writing numerous letters to each other.  After the war, they were married on June 15,1947 and lived in Powell and Gatlinburg until they bought a farm in White Pine.  Martha worked hard as a wife and mother, helping her husband on the farm and taking care of their two children.  She was always involved in whatever activities her children were doing, serving as a Girl Scout leader during this time.  Martha loved to work in her yard and garden, growing vegetables and beautiful flowers.  She loved to sew and made almost all of her own and her daughter’s clothes.

Martha was a member of First United Methodist Church of White Pine for over 70 years, serving on many committees and other duties of the church.  She shared her talent of music by playing the organ and piano for church for several years, singing in the choir, and playing the piano for Sunday School and Bible School children to sing.  She was an active member of the United Methodist Women’s unit for as many years as she was able.  Widowed at the age of 43, Martha continued to help and take an active interest in her two teenagers.  Once they both “left the nest” for work or college, she went back to work as a first-grade teacher for 13 years at Talbott Elementary School.  “Mrs. Hall” loved working with young children and helping them learn to read.  She especially enjoyed playing the piano and teaching them new songs.  After retirement she spent her days working in her yard and helping to raise her three grandsons who lived next door.  She lived alone until the age of 95, when several falls and health issues led her to live at Jefferson Park at Dandridge.  The family would like to thank all of her caregivers there for the loving care and attention she received.

Jerica Johnson married DeMarcus Hall October 15, 2022