Class Notes

Col. (Ret.) Robert A. Bennett, age 93, died on Nov. 9, 2015, at Asbury Place in Maryville. Bob was a 30-year career pilot and commander in the Air Force. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart, in addition to other honors. Several magazine and newspaper articles have been written on his accomplishments. He attended Maryville College until WW II, then completed his college degree at the Univ. of Nebraska Omaha. Bob was an avid hunter and fisherman. Bob’s parents, James W. and Noreen Bennett, and brother Dr. James Bennett of the University of Tennessee preceded him in death. His survivors are his wife of 71 years, Freda; his daughter, Lee Sherry; his son, Bob; and two grandchildren, Jason Sherry and Tara Bennett. Bob Bennett was a long-time resident of Maryville and many people will remember the tall, slender, and distinguished figure. He will be missed. Arrangements are being made for a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia with full military honors.

Matilda Pearl Housch Benton passed away Monday, April 4, 2016. She was 91. Born in Chickamauga, GA on June 27, 1924, Mrs. Benton was the daughter of the late Walter Matthew and Pearl Cunningham Housch. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Thomas F. Benton, two sisters Marion Housch Hutcheson and Florence Housch Lukeman, and two brothers, Max Housch and Edison Housch.Growing up in Chickamauga, Matilda graduated Gordon Lee High School. She attended Maryville College, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics. Accepting a job in Jackson County as the County Home Demonstration Agent and 4-H advisor, she moved to Jefferson in 1947, where she met and later married Thomas Frazer Benton in 1949.Thomas and Matilda lived in Commerce the rest of their lives. Matilda was a homemaker in their early years and then later worked with her husband at the JB Hardman Insurance Agency and the Commerce Building & Loan, later Athens Federal. She was a licensed insurance agent. Mrs. Benton was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Commerce for over 60 years. She served as president of the United Methodist Women, Chairman of Worship and Membership Chairman. She served 30 continuous years on the Administrative Board. She was a member of the Church choir, Circle 2 (Hannah), Saints Alive, Alter Guild and Prayer & Care. She was also an active member in Pine Tree Garden Club for over 30 years, where she served as Secretary and Treasurer. She played an active role in their many gardening and nursing home projects.Matilda was an avid supporter of Girl Scouts, USA. She was a local troop leader and volunteer for 20 years. She instilled the Girl Scout motto, Be Prepared. in all her children; her three daughters received the First Class Honor Badge during her tenure. She served on the State Council and received the Thanks Award, the highest award given to volunteer adult leadership. In addition to her camping and outdoor activities, Matilda had many hobbies. She was an accomplished seamstress and baker. She also enjoyed playing the piano. She loved spending time with her family, cooking many a Sunday dinner for all to enjoy. She always looked forward to the annual family beach vacation, where she developed her video camera hobby, much to her family’s dismay. She was a competitive player of many card and board games and loved jigsaw puzzles. At 71, she joined the hospital fitness center, where she spent her mornings walking the treadmill and rowing. In later years, she enjoyed long rides, feeding the ducks and became an ardent bird watcher. Mrs. Benton is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Tommy and Karen Benton of Jefferson, daughter and son-in-law Kathleen and Jimmy Hooper of Maysville, daughter and son-in-law Matilda and Robert Wangerien of Sandy, UT and daughter Elizabeth Benton of Commerce; five grandchildren, LeighAnn Benton Allison, Thomas Housch Benton, Jr., Frances Hooper Whitlock, Wyatt Benton Hooper and John Wesley Terrell; six step-grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. The Housch-Benton family would like to thank her long-time caregivers, Judy Hicks, Heyward Barnett and Dorothy Haggard for all the love and support they gave to Miss Matilda and her entire family.

Richard “Dick” Berg, 73, passed away peacefully on April 23rd at Cloverhill Senior Living Facility, where he has been living for the past 3 years. He was born December 28, 1949 in Dover, NJ to Raymond and Vivian Berg.

He met Donna Hemenway during their undergraduate studies at Maryville College. They married and graduated the same weekend in May 1971 and spent the subsequent fifty-two years building a beautiful family together.

He spent his life building and growing things, creating things wherever they were needed.  His workshop and garden were places of pride. He designed and built them their dream home in Maryville, TN.

For over 2 decades he led BSA Troop 888, out of Fairview UMC, as Scoutmaster. He helped nurture many young men into maturity and achieving the rank of Eagle. He helped instill a love of outdoors to all the youth who went through his Troop.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Karin Stracco and brother, Bryan Berg.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Donna, son Brandon (Karoline) of Norris, TN, and daughter, Heidi of Maryville, his 6 adoring grandchildren: Noah, Sarah, and Rebekah Berg, and Phillip, Joseph, and Daniel Truett. Surviving siblings include: Kathy (Bob) Still, Alan (Linda) Berg, Eric (Lisa) Berg, Glen (Judy) Berg; and a plethora of nieces and nephews.

Terry Margaret Berggren, age 54, of Sweetwater passed Tuesday, October 24, 2017. Terry was raised in the Church of God and put her faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ. Preceded in death by her father, Alden Grey Pitcock. Survived by her mother, Lilan Beatrice Duckett Pitcock, of Sweetwater Sisters and brothers-in-law, Diane Bohannan and husband James, of Athens, Tammy Smith and husband David, of Knoxville, nieces and nephews, Randy Shaw, Barbara Rowland, Andrew Smith, Amy Smith Gilman,and Adela Smith Lunsford along with several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Eric Llewellyn Bergman formerly of Bethlehem, PA passed away at home on May 16, 2019. He had suffered from Parkinson's Disease since being diagnosed in 2011. He was the husband of Sylvia Sue Bergman with whom he shared almost 53 years of marriage. Born in Bloomington, Illinois to Kathleen and Allen Bergman on July 25, 1944, he was raised in Champaign, Illinois. He graduated from Maryville College, Maryville, Tennessee in 1966 and received a MA in history from the University of Tennessee in 1971. Eric and Sue moved to Pennsylvania in 1972 and raised their five children in Bethlehem. Eric retired from the Commonwealth of PA Department of Public Welfare in 2002 and continued working as a teacher's aide in Southern Lehigh School District and at Stabler Arena as an usher. A 2005 convert to Catholicism, Eric was a founding member of St. Thomas More Parish in Scranton.SURVIVORS: In addition to his wife, Eric is survived by his children Christine Duryea (Robert), Eric II (Kristina), Rebecca Huffman (Philip), David (Jane), Sarah Kaczor, thirty-six grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Kenneth (Champaign, IL) and James (Louisville, KY). He was pre-deceased by his parents and brothers, Kenneth Eric, Carl, and David.SERVICES: A Solemn High Requiem Mass will be offered at 9 A.M. on Saturday May 25, 2019 at St. Thomas More Catholic Parish, 116 Theodore Street, Scranton, PA 18508. Calling hours will be held on Friday evening from 6 to 8 P.M. at the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018 and also on Saturday morning from 8:30 A.M. until time of the Mass in the church. Burial will follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery in Bethlehem. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com.CONTRIBUTIONS: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the church.

of Lexington passed away Friday (November 21, 2014) after years of declining health. She celebrated a lifelong goal on July 9, 2014 as she reached her hundredth birthday. A celebration of her life will be held 11:00 am Tuesday (November 25, 2014) at Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church with Rev. Karen Roberts officiating. A private interment at Mt. Olivet will precede the service. The family will receive friends at Davidson Funeral Home-Hickory Tree from 6:00 until 8:00 pm Monday night. Annie was born in Davidson County, July 9, 1914 to David Madison and Flora Bell Craver Raper, the ninth of ten children. She was a graduate of Arcadia High School and Maryville College, Maryville, Tennessee. On June 27, 1940 she married Ernest Paul Berrier and lived most of her life in Arcadia. Anne was an active lifetime member of Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church where she served as church librarian and chairman of the Paul Evans Scholarship Fund. She was a member of the Women’s Society of Christian Service and the Suzanna Wesley Bible Sunday School Class. She enjoyed being a member of the Davidson County Extension Club and Margaret Ripple’s various arts and craft classes. She spent most of her career in the Davidson County Schools teaching at Midway and North Davidson Junior High School, retiring in 1976. Mrs. Berrier was an avid gardener of both flowers and vegetables, other hobbies included crafts, needlework, painting, traveling and reading. When Mr. Berrier went to the coast on his many fishing trips, she always accompanied him bringing a good book, not a fishing rod. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ernest Paul Berrier in 1987, her sisters, Mary and Pearl, brothers, Grady, Austin, Ira, Paul and Charles. Surviving are her children, Barbara Teal (Wilson), Becky Lewis (Mike), David Berrier all of Lexington and Phil Berrier of Santa Barbara, CA; grandchildren, CW5 Myke Lewis, Jr. (Sherrie) of the US Army, Lori Weaver (Robert) of Lexington, Randall Teal (Lisa) of Carrboro, Jeff Teal (Tracy) of Creedmoor, Rebecca Mabe (Jeremy) of Lexington, Chris Berrier (Kristin) of Lewisville and Christina Thomas of Tulum, Mexico, great-grandchildren, Benton and Anna-Jane Lewis, Kaytlyn and Avery Hester, Colson and Chase Teal, Charlie Teal, Olivia and Justin Mabe, Emma Eggers and Luca Thomas Maza, and 1 great-great-grandchild, Kyndal Leonard; sister, Margaret Hemingway of Charlottesville, VA; sister-in-law, Rachel Sink of Thomasville; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Former Sweetwater High School football coach King Berrong passed away this week, according to the school. Coach Berrong began his football career as a player at Everett High School in Blount County. He then earned a scholarship to Maryville College. While there, he and his teammates were selected to play in the first Tangerine Bowl. Berrong then secured a position as head football coach at Sweetwater High, leading the team to two consecutive state titles in 1971 and 1972. Two of his most recognizable players are Kippie Brown, who currently coaches with the Seattle Seahawks, and Gerald Brown who coaches with the Atlanta Falcons. Coach Berrong was a member of the Blount County Hall of Fame, the Maryville College Wall of Fame, the Monroe County Hall of Fame, and the TSSAA Hall of Fame.

Lynn Lambert Berrong, age 84, of Maryville, passed away Monday, January 16, 2017, at home with her loving family. Mrs. Berrong was a longtime member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and Maryville 1st Baptist for many years. She was an owner of Lambert Acres Golf Club and was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Berrong; parents, Lee and Ethel Lambert; brothers, Robert “Bob” Lambert and Lee Vern Lambert; sisters, Ann Waters and Martha Smith; and sister-in-law, Shirley Lambert. She is survived by her sons, James Lee Berrong and Nick Berrong; daughter-in-law, Gale Berrong; grandchildren, Chad and Brandie Berrong, and Caroline Berrong; great-granddaughter, Camden Lynn Berrong; several nieces, nephews and other family also survive. A private family service will be held at the Berrong Family Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Parks & Recreation Leon Berrong Scholarship Fund or to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Arrangements by Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 983-1000.

Lois Roberts Berry passed away on September 19, 2016.

Kenneth Lee Berry (Ken) passed away in his family home on Wednesday, July 19 in the evening surrounded by loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents, CK and Madge Berry and beloved brother, Charles Berry. His surviving family includes his wife of 60 ½ years, Dottie, and sons and daughters-in-law Mike and Audrey Berry and Tony and Karla Berry. Grandchildren; Chelsea and Brennan Berry, Anthony Berry, and Alex and Ben Cash. Great-grandchildren; Maddux Cash and Sawyer Berry. He also leaves brothers-in-law William (Susan) Byrd and Bobby Byrd.

He was a valued educator for over 40 years, serving at Gatlinburg Pittman High School, Everett School, and he spent the majority of those years with Alcoa City Schools. His tough love and compassion for his students was always evident and was his life’s mission. He influenced the lives of so many young people and their families over the years. As a football coach at Alcoa Junior High School for over 30 years, he portrayed strength, a hard work ethic, and fierce spirit of competition. He believed in always expecting the best, providing the best, and simply doing your best.

Family was also of the utmost importance to him. His valued respect for his extended family members, who helped mold him as a young child into the strong leader he became, was ever present. His appreciation and pride for his family was his legacy.

Daniel R. Besch Daniel R. Besch, age 76, formerly of Bellefonte and State College died on April 1, 2019, at Duke Hospice Hock Family Pavilion in North Carolina after a long stretch of declining health. He was born August 19, 1942 in Yeagertown, PA a son of the late Mabel A. (Reese) and John W. Besch. He married Mary "Frosty" Kent Besch in 1965 with whom he had two sons, Duffy and Doug. His second wife of close to 27 years, JoAnn McKnett Rozelle Besch, survives at home. Dan was a star athlete at Chief Logan High School where he played football and basketball. He attended Maryville College in Tennessee and later transferred to Georgetown College in Kentucky where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He played college football all four years and later earned a Master's and a Doctorate degree in Educational Administration from the Pennsylvania State University. He believed strongly in education and his mantra was always that a college education was an investment of "Four for forty"; representing four years of sacrifice for forty years of success. Dan enjoyed a life-long career in public education. He began as a ninth grade social studies teacher at Pulaski Academy and Central School, Pulaski, NY and then taught elementary physical education at Bald Eagle Area Schools, William Penn in Harrisburg, PA, and finally in Bellefonte Area School District. Dan coached football at each of his stops and finished after several years coaching at Bellefonte. He began a career in administration in 1971 as an elementary principal and progressed through the years as a high school principal, Director of Secondary Education, Director of Curriculum Instruction & Personnel, and Interim Superintendent. He also served in retirement as a part-time administrative mentor in the Bald Eagle Area School District. He was dedicated to the Bellefonte Area School District and cherished the memories of working with professional and support staff colleagues. He was an effective school administrator, not because of his education, but because of his practical experiences and his ability to work with and respect people. He was task-oriented and instilled a strong work-ethic in everyone he touched. Dan also served the Bellefonte community as a former Representative to United Way, past Board member of the Bellefonte Chamber of Commerce and Historical Bellefonte, Inc., former member of Kiwanis and CETA Advisory Board, and past Board Director of the American Red Cross and Bellefonte YMCA. He was a former member of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks 1094 and the Undine Fire Company. He touched many lives during his career and although known to be physically and mentally tough, he was always viewed as treating people fairly. His greatest joy was his grandchildren and his interests included cooking, reading, professional and college football, hunting, fishing, and thoroughbred horse racing. Dan often expressed that he was blessed to have the parents he had growing up; to have the family that he had with Frosty and later with Jo and her children in his life. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Daniel R. Besch Jr., and his wife, Susan of Bellefonte; a son, Douglas K. Besch, and his wife, Angela of New York, New York; a stepson, Joseph A. Rozelle, and his wife, Jennifer of Houston, TX; a stepdaughter, Nan Rozelle Besch Lujan, and her husband, Scott of Durham, NC; seven grandchildren, Catharine, John Daniel, and Colby Besch all of Bellefonte, Logan and Connor Lujan of Durham, James and Clara Rozelle of Houston; a sister, Debra R. Sheibley, and her husband, James of New Bloomfield, PA; a half-sister, Joyce M. Hertzler of Burnham, PA; and a half-brother, Robert L. Kohler Jr. of New Cumberland, PA. A private memorial and inurnment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the either the Centre County YMCA Backpack Program, which is part of the Anti-Hunger Program of the YMCA of Centre County, or to the Bellefonte Area School District for the Rogers' Stadium Project. YMCA OF CENTRE COUNTY, Attn: Mel Curtis, Branch Manager, P.O. Box 426, Philipsburg, PA 16866 Bellefonte Area School District, Attn: Ken Bean, 318 North Allegheny Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823

Mary “Frosty” (Kent) Besch, 78, of Bellefonte, passed away at her son’s home on Monday, June 6, 2022. Born on June 22, 1943, in Boonville, New York, she was the daughter of the late Byron and Thelma (La Quay) Kent.

Mary was a 1961 graduate of Boonville Central School. She pursued her education further and graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in French from Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee in 1965. She began her career teaching French and Spanish before taking time to raise her sons. She then returned to teaching as a middle and high school gifted teacher in the Bellefonte Area School District.

She is survived by her two sons, Daniel “Duffy” Besch, Jr. (Susan) of Bellefonte, and Douglas Besch (Angela) of Hopatcong, New Jersey, and three grandchildren, Catharine “Cati”, John “JD”, and Colby. Also surviving is her sister, Nancy Kent of Boonville.

Frosty enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved playing bridge and was an avid and competitive game player. She always loved going to the beach and returning each year to the Adirondack Mountains where she grew up.

Betty June Boone Best, 83, of Maryville passed away Sunday, January 23, at Shannondale Nursing Home, Maryville. She was born November 9, 1938, in Happy Valley in Blount County, Tennessee.

Betty was preceded in death by loving, patient husband of 60 years, Herman E. Best, and her parents, precious, Christian mother, Dorothy Ann Boring Boone, and father, Paul Boone.

She leaves behind a loving family, which includes her daughters, Elaine (Glenn) Nief of Loudon, and their three precious daughters: Ellery, Corrine, and Raina; and Sarah (Steve) Campbell of Knoxville; her brothers, sisters and in-laws: Jerri and Joel Horton, Lynda Boone (widow of brother, Paul Gene Boone), Phyllis Boone, Roe and Sharon (Guge) Boone, Ronnie Boone and the late Donna Raulston Boone, Gail and Gene Garland, and sister-in-law, Calberta Self Best.
Betty has been blessed with multiple, loving and caring nieces and nephews.

She was a graduate of Lanier High School, Maryville College, and University of Tennessee.

She was Librarian at Lanier School, Rush Strong School, Everett High School, and William Blount High School. She also taught at Chilhowie View School and Walland School.

Betty loved Tennessee and Blount County history and was encouraged from her early youth by historian, Inez Burns. She is the author of the books: Happy Valley In Blount County, Tennessee: Friends and Family, and Miranda of the Mountains—A Smoky Mountain Diary.

Betty was active in area historical societies, especially Sam Houston’s historical School House, Blount Historical Society, and Smoky Mountain Historical Society. She was a frequent writer of historical stories for the Blount County and Smoky Mountain Journals.

Betty became a Christian at age 9 and was baptized in cold Abrams Creek. Most of her life was spent teaching and leading Bible classes, especially the Best/Wilhite/Garmeson Sunday School Class at Monte Vista Baptist Church. At MVBC, she was ordained as a Deacon, sang in the choir, and was able to go on mission trips, including South Dakota, where she taught Bible School to the children, with the MVBC team, and other times, helping rebuild churches in Chile and teaching conversational English in Albania.

Betty lived a very blessed life and considered all of these opportunities to be gifts from God.

A special thanks to devoted sisters, Jerri, Phyllis and Gail and the amazing nurses at Shannondale-Maryville.

Caroline Best, age 72, died Sunday at Asbury Maryville health care center. Wife, mother, educator, advocate for peace and justice, a person filled with unconditional love, child of God: Caroline is all this and more. Seven years ago, she fell victim to a glioblastoma brain tumor. For most folks, this cancer results in death in a year. But for Caroline, she never gave in, never accepted defeat. For seven years she continued to teach everyone faith, perseverance to “run the race”, and to never grow weary. She crossed the finish line into eternity on Sunday October 9, 2022 (inspired by Isaiah 40:31).

Caroline was born in Atlanta GA June 2, 1950, and grew to young adulthood in Cartersville GA. She was first-born of six children to Al and Sarah Munn. She graduated from Cartersville High school in 1968. She graduated from Maryville College in 1972 with a mathematics degree. She returned to Cartersville and taught eighth grade. One of her students was her younger sister Nannette. She met her future husband at Maryville College when he returned from serving in the US Army. They married on June 16, 1973. Caroline returned to Maryville, where she taught at Carter Middle school in Knox County. Caroline and Edwin lived in Chattanooga TN for 6 years. Their three children were born there. Caroline received the Master of Science degree in mathematics from University of Tennessee Chattanooga and taught math at Chattanooga State. The family returned to Maryville in 1982.

In the mid-1980’s, she was coordinator of Blount County Ecumenical Action council. She resumed teaching math at Pellissippi State, Blount and Knox County campuses from 1990 until her retirement in 2009. In 2002, she began an advanced degree program, through Appalachian Collaborative Center for Learning, Assessment & Instruction in Mathematics (ACCLAIM). Caroline was ACCLAIM’s first Doctoral program candidate, earning her PhD in math education in 2006.

She served many programs at New Providence Presbyterian church (NPPC): Presbyterian Women (PW), was meaningful to her. She was Moderator of PW at NPPC. She served in leadership of PW of East Tennessee. She was an ordained Elder at NPPC. She sang joyfully in NPPC’s chancel choir. At NPPC, she organized the annual “Alternative Christmas Fair”. She was passionate about peace and justice through Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance (OREPA). She was awarded OREPA’s Peace Award in 2017. Caroline was actively involved in many Presbyterian peace initiatives, locally and globally. She made trips to Russia, the Holy Land, Uganda, Pakistan, and Central America to help others and to educate herself on society and the greater world.

Caroline is survived by her husband of 49 years Edwin, three children, Sarah (Sophia), Katherine (Ryan), and John (Mari). Also surviving are grandchildren, Rowin and Rose.

A memorial service to celebrate her exceptional life will take place later this Fall. Memorial gifts may be made to: New Providence Presbyterian church, Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance, Maryville College.

Janet Edman (Kihlgren) Beverage, daughter of Theodore E. and Lillian D. (Edman) Kihlgren, was born July 21,1930 on Staten Island, NY and departed this life on December 3, 2020. She moved to Berkeley Heights, NJ in 1940 where she completed her elementary and high school education. Janet graduated in 1952 with a teaching degree from Maryville College in TN, after which she taught elementary school for one year under Presbyterian Mission in Dixon, NM. She met John Beverage at Camp of the Woods (NY) in 1953 and they were engaged to be married on August 22, 1954. The next three years were spent corresponding with John through the mail and preparing to join him in Guatemala as a missionary. Janet’s preparation included candidate school for Central American Mission, Summer Institute of Linguistics, in Grand Forks, ND, a year at Philadelphia College of the Bible, and Spanish Language School in San Jose, Costa Rica. On May 25, 1957, she was united in marriage to John Miller Beverage at Long Hill Chapel in Chatham, New Jersey. Together they served as missionaries in Guatemala until 1972, when they moved to Dallas for John to take a position at Dallas Theological Seminary. The next twenty years were spent in Dallas, TX, raising their three children and being active members of Reinhardt Bible Church. In addition to being wife and mother, which Janet loved, she also used her organizational skills to assist in a doctor’s office and then at the Central American Mission headquarters in Dallas. In 1994, John and Janet retired to Go Ye Village in Tahlequah, where they enjoyed twenty more wonderful years together before John passed away in 2011. Go Ye Village continued to be Janet’s home until her passing. She is survived by her three children, David, Susan, and Peter; daughters-in-law, Tricia and Denise; son-in-law, Brad; and five grandchildren, Jett, Beau, Michael, Jonathan, and Joshua. A Graveside service will be held at 2:00pm, Thursday, December 17, 2020 at the Tahlequah City Cemetery. The Burial will be under the direction of Hart Funeral Home.

Thelma Roper Bianco was born to Preston and Inez Roper in Plainview on Feb. 27, 1940. She succumbed to death on June 23, 2021 in Broken Arrow, OK. In 1952, Thelma’s family moved to Tulia during her seventh-grade year. Thelma enjoyed many activities the Tulia community and school had to offer including Methodist Youth Fellowship, band, ensemble, swing band, FTA, FHA, annual staff, and all-region band. Additionally, she was in a musical trio called the Rhythmets along with Barbara Otwell and Lynda Cagle who boasted beating the notable Buddy Holly in competition in a Plainview talent contest. Upon high school graduation in 1958, Thelma matriculated to The University of Texas and subsequently finished her BS degree at Texas Tech with a major in Art Education in 1963. She taught at both Reese Air Force Base and in the public school system in San Angelo, and subsequently in the Arlington public school system. She received her master’s degree from Texas Women’s University in woodworking and paper textile relief. Thelma married Anthony Bianco in 1968, and they lived in Richardson, TX before moving to Satellite Beach, Florida, where she continued to teach in public school until moving to Knoxville, TN. She taught Art Education and had multiple art installations at Maryville College until she retired. Thelma was an adventurer and embraced her hobbies with enthusiasm. She was a pilot for many years and engaged in outdoor sports including boating, hang gliding, canoeing, skiing. She continued her love of music and through the years and enjoyed the pursuit of making various musical instruments (lap harps, mandolins, and other stringed instruments). She was an avid reader with multiple interests. In retirement, Thelma organized and taught in her home studio the Topside neighborhood women an extensive variety of ceramic, woodworking, and stained-glass presentations. She also volunteered to play her keyboard for the area’s nursing facilities. Thelma was active in the United Methodist Church, Knoxville Art Association, the Gatlinburg Zoo, and in making prayer shawls for hospitalized cancer patients. In 2017, due to her declining health, her brother, Doug, moved her from Tennessee to Broken Arrow, OK, to be close to family. He faithfully oversaw her care the past four years until her death. At a future date, graveside rites will be held in Plainview, TX, to bury her cremains in the Roper plot where her paternal grandparents and two Roper aunts are buried. Thelma is preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Preston Roper; former husband, Anthony Bianco; sister-in-law, LaJean Roper; niece, Cari Roper McLarty; and a host of Roper aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is survived by Doug Roper and Rodney Roper, Broken Arrow, OK; Hunter and Lauren Roper and daughters Reese and Wylie, Oklahoma City, OK; Hayley and Jeffrey Brooks and daughter Isla, Centennial, CO; Gay and Bob Doan, Frisco, TX; Lisa and Greg Dyar and sons Andrew, Peter, and Thomas, Austin TX; Amy and Patrick Lorenz and children Catherine, Allison, and Luke, Frisco, TX; Patrick and Meredith Doan and daughters Ellie and Julia, Blacksburg, VA; and Matthew and Alexandra Doan and children Cash and Sarah Doan, Bellaire, TX. Memorials may be sent to First United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 330, Tulia, TX 79088.

Perry Bigham, 87 was born Sunday, Nov. 7, 1920, in Marion, Ky., the son of William and Grace Clement Bigham. He married Evelyn Berry Nov. 9, 1950, at West Monroe, La., and worked 20 years as a certified public accountant for Shering-Plough. Mr. Bigham was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II who served in the Philippines. He lived in Mountain Home for 21 years, moving from Brick, N.J. Perry was a member of B.P.O.E. Mountain Home Lodge 1714, Alpha Tau Omega, Phi Kappa Alpha and Beta Gamma Sigma. He was a great family historian who learned from his father, a Presbyterian minister, to be meek and kind. Mr. Bigham is survived by his wife, Evelyn Bigham; sons Rod (Jean) Bigham of Concord, Calif., and Chris Bigham of Memphis, Tenn.; brother William M. Bigham of Morehead, Ky.; sister Barbara Bigham Simons of Murray, Ky.; and James, Doug and Jessica Bigham, his loving grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Carroll R. Bigham. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church.

a lifelong resident of Cincinnati, passed away on September 26, 2013, at the age of 65. He was retired from the B&O Railroad and Cincinnati Heat Exchangers. He was a graduate of Maryville College and the University of Cincinnati, and was a U.S. Army Veteran. Randy is survived by his wife Nancy, their daughters Beth Bingham and Katie Pedroza (Joe). His Mother, Carrie Bingham, brother Neil Bingham, wife Judy and daughter Brittany Wheeler (Gabe) also survive him along with sister-in-law Bonnie Chafin, husband Douglas and daughter Amy Howard (Todd). Randy was preceded in death by his father Ralph Bingham.

Rev. William Clyde Birch Obituary passed away Tuesday, December 25, 2012 at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. Born in Cincinnati, OH, Bill worked as a Minister of Word and Sacraments in the Presbyterian Church (USA) for 30 years, retiring in 2008. He was a pastor of several churches throughout the Mid-West, including Cincinnati, OH (as a student Pastor); Hanover, OH; Steelville, MO; St. Louis, MO; Howe, IN (as an Interim Pastor). Bill also served as a Guardian ad Lidem for the State of Minnesota for one year. After retiring and moving to Fort Wayne, he also served at Trinity Presbyterian Church as their Parish Associate. Surviving are his loving wife, Rev. Susan Guyer Birch; brothers, Robert (Louise) Birch of FL, Roy (Eleanor) Birch of WI; nephews, James (Deborah) Birch of OH and Eric Birch of WI; nieces, Deborah (Steven) Browne of OH, Amy (Matthew) Brueck of WI, Erin (Marc) Schreiber of MO and Brittany Guyer of MO and several great-nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Cecelia Birch. Services: A Memorial Service will be Saturday, 11 am, January 19, 2013 at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 9600 St. Joe Rd. with calling one hour prior. Pastor Kevin Boyd officiating. Calling will also be Friday, Jan. 18, 4-7 pm at the church. Committal service will be at St. John’s Cemetery on Neeb Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio.

Ross E. Birchfiel Jr., age 79, of Maryville, passed away May 11, 2016. He was born in Elizabethton, Tennessee and moved to Maryville as an infant. He graduated from Maryville High School, the University of Tennessee and the University of Tennessee College of Law. After serving as a Captain in the United States Army JAG Corps at Ft. Benning, Georgia, he returned to Maryville and entered the private practice of law. He retired from the law and joined his father, Ross E. Birchfiel Sr., in running the family business, Ross Furniture Company. He was a member of Broadway United Methodist Church and had been very active in the community. He loved watching Maryville High and UT play football, traveling, and fishing on Anna Maria Island, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ross and Edna Birchfiel. He is survived by his wife, Linda Lyke Birchfiel; daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy and Jim Webber of Maryville, Tammy and Jeff Wilkerson of Midlothian, Virginia, and Janie and Jeff Smither of Cumming, Georgia; grandsons, Jimmy and Alex Webber and John Ross Wilkerson.

age 85, of South Knoxville, passed away at her home on August 15, 2014. Our beloved Ann was born in Asheville, North Carolina, on December 18, 1928, to Howard Winston Cook and Lucy Howard Cook. She is an alumna of Maryville College and was an elementary school teacher at local Knoxville schools for 25 years. Ann met the love of her life, Robert J. Bird, at Maryville College, and at the time of her death they had been married for 62 years. Ann and her husband were avid hikers, in their younger years logging many miles in the Smoky Mountains. They enjoyed spending quiet time on the porch of their Norris Lake cabin, being in nature, boating and water skiing. She was an active member of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville. She was generous with her smile, colorful jokes, and gave generously to charities. Ann is survived by her husband, Robert J. Bird; daughter, Cheryl Bird-Sanchez; son-in-law, Bryan Sanchez; brother, Winston Cook; and sister-in-law, Marguerite Cook. She is preceded in death by a son, Robert Jr. Ann was a loving wife, mother, sister, and friend, and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Per Ann’s wishes, she will be cremated, followed by a private ceremony.

Robert James Bird, age 91, of South Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away January 25, 2016. Robert (known as “Bob” to those close to him) was born in Newark, New Jersey, on April 14, 1924 to Robert Bird and Marcella DeLuc. Bob served in the United States Army for four years. He is an alumna of Maryville College (Class of 1949), where he met the love of his life Ann C. Bird. He then graduated from the University Of Tennessee School Of Law and practiced law in Knoxville for 40 years. Bob and Ann were avid hikers, in their younger years logging many miles in the Smokey Mountains. He was also a gardener, nature lover, writer/author, boater, and traveler. Bob and his family especially cherished quiet time on the porch of their Norris Lake cabin. He was a longtime active member of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville. Bob’s humorous and playful nature will be missed by all who knew him. Bob is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Ann Cook Bird; and a son, Robert Bird, Jr. Bob is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Bird-Sanchez; and son-in-law, Bryan Sanchez, of Ramstein, Germany. Per Bob’s wishes, he will be cremated, followed by a memorial service on Saturday, January 30, 2016, at 2:00p.m. at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, 2931 Kingston Pike, Knoxville 37919, where his ashes will be laid to rest in the Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted at the Alzheimer’s Association.

Lois Corinthia (Miller) Bishop (1928 – 2016) After having struggled with Alzheimer’s for several years and a recent massive stroke, Lois Bishop died in the Mesilla Valley Hospice on September 21st, 2016. Lois was born in Knoxville Tennessee on September 3rd, 1928 to Fred Miller and Eva Goin Miller. Her father had recently returned from service in the U.S. army from the First World War in Europe. He found employment as an accountant for a shoe company in Knoxville. He married and had two children, Lois the eldest. When the shoe company went bankrupt, he lost his job; but as a war veteran he was hired as an accountant for the Blue Diamond Coal Company. He then moved his young family to Morley, TN; the company’s mining camp. Lois attended school in a one-room schoolhouse from 1st grade through 8th grade. She then attended the Jellico Tennessee High School, 30 miles from her home in Morley. Lois and her brother had to hike up a mountain in order to catch a school bus for an hour-long ride through the mountains to school everyday. During her high school years she was active in the Spanish Club and played on the Women’s Basketball Team. After graduation from high school in 1946 she enrolled in Maryville College in nearby Maryville, Tennessee, a Presbyterian related college that her mother had also attended. Lois became engaged in 1946 to a ministerial student, Jay Bishop, a senior at Maryville College. She finished 3 years at Maryville College in 1949. Throughout that time she played soccer and basketball while majoring in Sociology and Psychology. She married Jay Bishop on May 24th, 1949 at the First Methodist Church in Maryville. They went on a honeymoon for a week and returned to Chicago where Jay was a senior at McCormick Theological Seminary. She got a job in a bank in Pierceton, Indiana and later worked as a cashier at The Children’s Hospital in Chicago. After Jay’s ordination into the ministry in 1950, they moved to Crescent City Florida where Jay became pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. In 1952 Jay Bishop Jr., their first child, was born. In 1955 they moved to Toledo Ohio where Jay was the pastor of the Rosewood Avenue Presbyterian Church. Their second child, Rebecca Sue Bishop was born in 1955. Six weeks later, Lois was diagnosed with Tuberculosis and was admitted to the county T.B. Hospital for 9 months, where they were able to successfully cure her. Over the years Lois served as the minister’s wife at First Presbyterian Church of Niles Ohio; First Presbyterian Church of Las Cruces, New Mexico; and First Presbyterian Church of Visalia, California. During those years of service, Lois was very active in the women’s association; she taught Sunday school; and often provided musical support by playing the piano during Sunday school and other church related events. In all of the churches they served in, the most loved person was not the pastor, but the pastor’s wife. In 1987 Lois and her husband retired to their home in Las Cruces where they happily lived for twenty-six years. They sold their home and moved into the Good Samaritan Village of Las Cruses, NM in 2015. Lois had struggled with Alzheimer’s/Dementia for several years. On August 21st, Lois had a massive stroke, was hospitalized for two weeks and in hospice for another two weeks before she passed away on September 21st. Lois had celebrated her 88th birthday two weeks before passing. Lois’s greatest joy was spending time with her children and grandchildren. She loved animals (especially her Labradors,) music, old classic films, gardening, traveling around the world, shopping, dancing, sewing, playing the piano, and being a part of the church. She was fortunate enough to be married to the love of her life for 67 wonder years. She is survived by her husband Jay; her son Dr. Jay and wife Sue of Roswell, NM; her daughter Rebecca and partner David of Annapolis, MD; granddaughter Adriel Hill and husband Jeremiah of Clinton, MS; her grandson Sam and wife Anne of Long Island NY; grandson Matthew of Albuquerque, NM; grandson Nathan of Albuquerque, NM; grandson Ian of Roswell, NM; great-grandsons Judah, Levi, Simeon and great-granddaughter Naomie of Clinton, MS; her brother Jerome Miller of Mason, Ohio; and her niece Mary Ann Miller of Morrow, Ohio. Cremation has been chosen and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 15th at 3:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Las Cruces, with Pastor Norm Storey officiating. Arrangements are being made by Baca Funeral Services. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the sanctuary renovations of the First Presbyterian Church of Las Cruces.

Stephen Clarke Bishop, 70, a native of Baltimore, Maryland and a resident of Franklin, Louisiana, went to be with the Lord on Nov. 11, 2017. Stephen proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 12 years who was at his side when he passed, Jane Bishop of Franklin; three sisters, Beth Bishop, Dolly Bishop Hope, and Margaret Bishop Kennedy; nieces, Sarah Kennedy, Patricia Lynn Melton, Jennifer Parent, Bree Parent and Alicia Wurth; a sister-in-law; Anne Kleppinger and nephew, Paul Alan Hoffman. Visitation will be observed on Tuesday Nov. 14, 2017 at Hargrave Funeral Home in Morgan City from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM with dismissal following visitation. Stephen will be laid to rest in the National Memorial Park Cemetery in Falls Church, Virginia. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wounded Warriors Project P.O. Box 758516 Topeka, KS 66675. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hargrave Funeral Home of Morgan City, Louisiana.

Mr. Nathanial Jericho Bishop, age 32, of Dalton, passed away on Sunday, May 15, 2022, in Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital in Nashville, TN.

He is preceded in death by his grandfathers, James Clayton Winters, Sr., and James Franklin Bishop:

He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Sharon and Allen Green: father and stepmother, Rodney and Gina Bishop: sisters and brother in law, Jessica and David Grafton, Kristen Bishop: stepbrothers and sister in law, Ben and Kayla Patterson, Dustin Patterson: grandmothers, Barbara Winters and Effie Bishop. niece and nephew, Skylar and Des.  Numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins also survive.