Class Notes

Mrs. Judy Ann Ledford Owens, age 72, of Maryville, passed away on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at the family home. Judy is survived by her husband, Ron Owens; daughter, Jennifer and stepson, Brandon. No ceremonies are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Nashville, TN. Cremation Done ProperlyTM under the care of Dotson Funeral Home, Wildwood. (865-984-5959) Online Book of Memories – www.dotsonfunerahome.com

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

Raymond A Packard, 84, of Lynnwood, passed away July 31 after a long illness and is now singing in the Lord’s choir. Born October 10, 1928 in Philadelphia, PA, raised in Hammonton, NJ & graduated from Hammonton High. After graduating from Maryville College in Tennessee, Ray served two years in the US Army during the Korean War. He was stationed in Bremerhaven, Germany & surprised us with the German vocabulary he remembered even after his memory was diminished. He met Hilda Clauss as an infant(!) & enjoyed a 50-year marriage with her. They had six children: Brian, Eric, Janet Krueger, Nancy (Ron) Clinkenbeard, Stephen, Wanda (Joe) DeBoli, & six grandchildren, Heather, Chantal, Chris, Peter, Kendall & Thomas. Ray worked at Safeco Insurance for over 36 years. Throughout his life he was devoted to his family, friends, church & community. His life was filled with Music: singing & directing Barbershop choruses & quartets & church choirs, composing & arranging songs. He always had a song to sing or a joke to share, and he loved to make people smile wherever he went. He volunteered many hours in local food banks, hiked 500 miles of the Appalachian Trail, enjoyed long walks, reading, gardening & crossword puzzles. The family is grateful for the loving care provided by Edmonds Villa. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 11, 2013 at 2:00 PM, at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Shoreline. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Lewy Body Dementia Association, Calvin Presbyterian or your favorite charity .

Margaret Jacqueline (Jackie) Paddock, age 87 of Knoxville passed away June 7, 2019, at Life Care Center of Blount County. She was a member of Cokesbury United Methodist Church. She was a graduate of Maryville College and Duke University. She served as the Head Dietician at Fairfax Hospital in Fairfax, VA, until she retired and moved back to Knoxville. She was preceded in death by her husband, Patric W. Paddock; father and mother, Mack and Gaynelle Sparks; brothers, Gordon Sparks and Ed Sparks; sister, Betty Knight. Survivors include special nieces, Terri Sparks, Marti Sparks, Rhonda (Hal) Phelps and Linda (John) Roethe; sisters-in-law, Betty Sparks and Eloise Sparks; special cousin, Martha Ruth Sparks Cook of Jacksonville, FL; and other relatives in Oregon and East Tennessee. Services will be held on Tuesday June 11, 2019 at Cokesbury United Methodist Church Sanctuary, Knoxville, where she was a longtime member. The receiving of friends will be from 5:00-6:00 pm and a memorial service following at 6 pm with Rev. Charles Maynard officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Cokesbury United Methodist Church, 9919 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922.

Katherine Bonner Painter passed away on January 6, 2003.

Louise Lloyd Palm, 92, choral conductor, Presbyterian mission co-worker, conference center co-director, lifelong advocate for women’s rights, devoted mother and adoring grandmother, passed away of natural causes at her home in Washington D.C. on January 21, 2022. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Louise was born on March 26, 1929, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her family moved to Maryville, Tennessee in 1930, when her father, the Rev. Dr. Ralph Waldo Lloyd, accepted an invitation to be President of Maryville College. At an early age, Louise showed an interest in music and her mother began teaching her the piano at the age of four. At the age of seven, she was further mentored by Maryville College professor of music, Katherine Davies, who took Louise as a special student and worked with her musically for the next 17 years. Louise attend Maryville College, majoring in Music and she went on to receive her M.A. in Musicology at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York in 1954.

With a special interest in church music, Louise moved to New York City for further study at the School of Sacred Music of Union Theological Seminary where she met her future husband, Jim. They were married on August 20, 1955, in Maryville, Tennessee. The following year, they left on a freighter ship to begin their ministry in the Philippines, where they served at the University of the Philippines at Los Baños from 1956 – 1960, and later at the Church of the Risen Lord at the Diliman campus, 1962-1968. As a choral director, her gift of music inspired choirs which toured throughout the Philippines and won national awards. She was a resource person to Asian church music gatherings and she taught the art of choral conducting as a professor of Sacred Music at the Union Theological Seminary in Dasmariñas, Philippines from 1972-1974.

In 1974, Louise and Jim accepted the roles of Co-Directors of the Stony Point Center, a Presbyterian national conference center, where they created a safe space for the voices of church partners from around the world. Together with their international partners, they developed programs to re-imagine global mission founded on the principles of social justice. She remained at Stony Point Center until her retirement in 1992.

Throughout her life, Louise created a warm and welcoming home providing refuge for family, friends and strangers alike. In her retirement, she turned a renovated old barn in Cornwall, New York and a little cabin on a lake in Rhinelander, Wisconsin into an oasis for family gatherings and memorable holiday celebrations. During these years, she was also recognized for her outstanding musical leadership of the University of the Philippines Christian Youth Ministry (UPCYM) Choir, her contributions to the Rural Migrant Ministries, and was awarded the prestigious Alumni Award from her alma mater, Maryville College. Jim and Louise moved to Washington D.C. in 2010 to be closer to their family.

Louise lived her life dedicated to her faith and her commitment to justice and dignity for all, serving with her life partner and husband of 63 years, the Rev. James E. Palm (Jim) who passed away in 2018. Louise is survived by her daughter Eleanor and her son Samuel; son Carlton “Cobbie”, his wife Dessa and daughter Biannah; daughter Margaret, her husband John and daughters Olivia, Sofia and Isabella; and daughter Carolyn, her husband Miguel and daughter Eva. Her life has been a gift and a blessing to those who were touched by her gentle and compassionate spirit. She lived life with grace, humility and quiet strength.

Mary M. Palmer of Morris Plains, N.J., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012, in her sleep at her home, fulfilling her last wish. She was 83 years old. Mary was a lifelong resident of Morris Plains, N.J. She graduated from Maryville College in Tennessee in 1950. Mary was a home economics teacher for the Essex Academy in Irvington for 40 years before retiring in 1991. She was an active member of the Presbyterian Church in Morristown and the Morris Plains Museum. Mary is survived by her devoted children, Herbert H. Palmer Jr. and Elizabeth A. Bislick. She is also survived by her grandson, Stephen M. Bislick, whom she adored and cherished, and her beloved niece, Connie Shirtz, and nephew, Chip Mills. She was predeceased by her husband, Herbert H. Palmer Sr. (1994), and her brother, Raymond Mills Jr. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mary may be made to Morristown Presbyterian Church, Camp Johnsonburg Scholarship Fund, 57 Park Place, Morristown, N.J. 07960. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Jean McCutcheon Parker passed away on June 4, 2014.

Katherine Eisenhart “Kathy” Parse, 77, passed away Thursday February 16, 2017 at Grace Ridge Retirement Community following a period of declining health. Mrs. Parse was born on October 2, 1939 in Fulton County, Ga. to the late Paul Eisenhart and Louise Findley Eisenhart. She was a retired elementary school librarian at Rutherford College Elementary School and at Hildebran Elementary School. She was an active member of Waldensian Presbyterian Church where she was very involved with the children and youth programs, she also served as director of Christian Education for several years. She was a lifelong Girl Scout, being both a scout and leader. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. John Connett Parse; and one brother, Donald Eisenhart. Surviving are her children, Andrew Parse of Charlotte; Christina Cooke and husband Gary of Morganton and Julianne Sandlin and husband Brian of Portland, OR; two grandchildren, Johnathan Cooke and Charlie Sandlin; also surviving are several nieces, nephews and cousins. A Graveside Service was held at Waldensian Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Grandfather Home for Children, c/o Grandfather Home Campus, PO Box 98 Banner Elk, NC 28604. Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is serving the family

Passed away May 16, 2015.

Mrs. Ruth King Parten, 89, of Royston, GA passed away on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Mrs. Parten was born in Whitfield County, GA on April 14, 1933, daughter of the late William E. King and the late Erdice Williams King. She graduated from Dalton High School and Maryville College in Maryville, TN. After graduating from college, she moved to Royston, and worked as a Christian Leader in several United Methodist Churches around Franklin County and was a long-time member of Pennington Chapel United Methodist Church. She taught school for a total of 35 years and was a member of the Franklin County Retired Teachers Association, and Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority. Mrs. Parten was also a member of the Carnesville Women’s Club.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Travis Parten; sister, Elizabeth Holland; and brother, Edgar King.

Survivors include her children, William B. “Bill” and Jill Parten of Royston, Joyce and Tim South of Royston, and Mary and Harris Little of Carnesville, GA; grandchildren, James and Lindsay South of Marietta, GA, Ben and Hannah Parten of Savannah, GA, Lee and Katie South of Royston, Beth South of Royston, Sara Little of Athens, GA, Drew and Chappel Parten of Alpharetta, GA, Clint Little of Carnesville, Will South of Gainesville, GA and Robert Little of Carnesville; great-grandchildren, Luke and Caroline South of Marietta, and Travis South of Royston; brother and sister-in-law, John and Linda King of Cabot, AR; and sister-in-law, Winnie Patterson of Royston.

Lois “Debbie” Parvin
April 19, 1929 – September 28, 2021
Bradenton, Florida – Lois “Debbie” Parvin, 92, passed away on September 28, 2021. She was born on April 19, 1929, in Chicago Illinois. She was preceded by her husband, Charles “Chuck” Parvin, who went to be with God in 2006.
She retired as an occupational therapist in 2010 after working with children at the Easter Seals Society Southwest Florida and Manatee Memorial Hospital.
She is survived by three children; Rex Parvin, Jan Martinez and Scott Parvin, and their spouses, along with six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Laura Breanna Paslay, 34, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, June 3, 2020, surrounded by her loving parents and boyfriend. Laura was born on April 8, 1986, to R.J. and Janet (Bik) Paslay. She is survived by her parents of Winchester; her partner, Mark Schilling of Knoxville, Tennessee; her siblings, Melissa (Sean) Robman of Altadena, California, Chris Paslay of Springfield and Jenn (Matt) Barber of Winchester; her nephew, Gabriel, and her niece, Keelynn, of Winchester. She also is survived by her grandfathers, Frank Bik of Darien and Dale Paslay of Godfrey; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Preceding her in death were her grandmothers, Alice M. Bik and Mary Lee Paslay. Laura graduated from Winchester High School in 2004 and received her bachelor’s degree from Maryville College in Tennessee in 2008, and then her master’s degree, both in early childhood education. She was employed as a preschool teacher and as a coach at the YMCA in Knoxville at the time of her passing. Laura loved children, the hills of Tennessee, rock climbing, hiking and her dog, Lola. She was an outgoing, bubbly Christian who loved people and always had a smile for anyone. She will be forever loved and missed by all who met her. A private funeral service will be Thursday, June 11, 2020, at Coonrod Funeral Home in Winchester. She will be laid to rest at St Mark’s Cemetery in Winchester. In lieu of flowers and to honor Laura’s love of children and the outdoors, memorials are suggested to the Winchester Park and Recreation Committee for new playground equipment.

passed away on December 11, 2014, at her home on Pate Acres Dairy Farm, Maryville. She is survived by Scott Blair, whom she considered a second son; her sister, Nancy Wells Zern of Florida; as well as several nieces and nephews. Barbara was predeceased by husband, Mac Pate; a son, Mac Pate, Jr.; and her parents, Helen and Howell Wells. She graduated from Central High School in Fountain City, Tennessee, in 1943, and then graduated from Maryville College in 1947. Barbara taught at Bungalow Grammar School for three years and the Fairview Grammar School for twenty one years. She belonged to Fairview United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be graveside at Magnolia Cemetery on Sunday, December 14, 2014, at 1:30 p.m. where she will be interred next to her beloved husband, Mac. The service will be officiated by Rev. Jerry Russell.

passed away on March 22, 2015. Bob was born in Louisville, Kentucky on November 9, 1933. He graduated with the last all-boys graduating class of Louisville Male High school in 1951, attended Maryville College (Tenn.), Kentucky Wesleyan College (BA), the University of Kentucky (MA), and Vanderbilt University (PhD). Bob early exhibited a love of teaching, research, and writing and often remarked how lucky he was to be paid to do the things he loved to do most. He taught for over 50 years at various schools, including Kentucky Wesleyan College, the University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt University and Armstrong State University (GA). Upon retirement from Armstrong, Bob continued to teach part-time at the College of Charleston, Charleston Southern, and for over a decade at The Citadel. Over the years, he received several student-elected awards for teaching excellence, as well as publishing on topics ranging from anti-New Deal organizations in the 1930s, to radical and reform movements of the 19th and 20th centuries, to literary and political biographies. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Bob became active in human rights and political activities in Savannah, Georgia. He served as VP of the Chatham County Human Relations Council, drafted a model proposal for a Human Relations Commission in Savannah, served as the Co-Chairman of the 1968 Humphrey Campaign for President, and was elected to the Chatham County Democratic Executive Committee. One of Bob’s other interests included athletics. He played basketball in college and, later in life, tennis and golf. Along the way he showed a skill as a coach, beginning with his activity as a basketball playing-coach while in the U.S. Army, and extending to a six-year stint in the 1980s as men’s tennis coach at Armstrong State University while teaching full-time, during which he was twice named Coach of the Year (South Atlantic Conference and Big South Conference). He also captained several USTA league tennis teams, two of which were Georgia state champions. Bob was predeceased by his parents, B.H. and Ruby Chinn Patterson, his sister Thelma Patterson Ruble, and his first wife, Judith Burgos Patterson. He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Lee Rebl Patterson; three sons, Jonathan (Hana), David, and Thomas (Jennie); and two grandchildren, Phillip and Morgan.

Sara Cameron Patterson, age 94, was born November 5, 1922 to passed December 24, 2016. Sara was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, to James and Grace Gamble Cameron. She lived in Clearwater, Florida and Maryville, Tennessee. Following her graduation from Maryville College in 1944, Sara traveled to Alaska to work with Civil Service on the Elmendorf Air Force Base. She soon met and fell in love with Captain Vince Ignico and they married in Knoxville in 1945. Sara lived for adventure and had a captivating spirit. She was a voracious reader, world traveler, successful business owner, tireless volunteer, and philanthropist. Her passion was music and she was an accomplished pianist who loved to play for family, churches and community events well into her nineties. She is cherished by her four children: Robert Ignico (Kathy), Vince Ignico (Bonnie), Grace Ignico, Arlene Ignico (Kathy), and her six grandchildren. Friends are invited to join the family in a celebration of Sara’s wonderful life on Saturday, March 11, 2017 between 11:00 and 3:00 in the Smith Life Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Pat Summitt Foundation for Alzheimer’s Research 520 W. Summit Hill Drive, Suite 1101 Knoxville, TN 37902.

Willard “Rod” Patton, 78, of Canton, died Saturday, March 23, 2013. The funeral was at First United Methodist Church. South Canton Funeral Home

passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2014, at Gwinnett Medical Center following a brief hospital stay. Born in Lavelle, PA in 1922, Mr. Paul attended Gettysburg College (PA) for one year, and then transferred and graduated from Maryville College (TN) with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. At Maryville College he met his future wife, Evelyn Gregory, and they married following college. Immediately following graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy and attended Midshipman’s School at Notre Dame University. Mr. Paul served as a Second Lieutenant in the Navy during WWII, in both the Atlantic (Battle of Normandy) and Pacific theaters. Following the war, the Pauls moved to Atlanta, GA where Mr. Paul was employed by the Grinnell Company, and then accepted an accounting position at General Motor’s Fisher Body Division in Atlanta, retiring from GM in 1982. He was a longtime active member of Inman Park United Methodist Church in Atlanta, and later a member at the Snellville United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Masons. Mr. Paul was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Lewis Paul, his mother, Carrie Fertig Paul, and sister, Betty Renee Paul. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Evelyn Peeples Gregory Paul, his three children, Susan Gregory Paul Tyler, Pamela Renee Paul Bamberg, and Glenn Fertig Paul, Jr, his grandchildren Gregory Alman Duncan, Lauren Leigh Duncan Lounder, Lindsay Michelle Roberts, Nicole Roberts Miyata, Alexander Joseph Paul, and Abby Catherine Paul Miller, and great-grandchild Landon Robert Miller, and their spouses. Mr. Paul was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who always put his family first. He was loved dearly and will be missed. Services: A memorial service will be held on Wednesday May 7, 2014: visitation with the family at 10:00 am, followed by the service at 11:00 am, at the Tom M. Wages Funeral Home at 3705 Highway 78 W, Snellville Stone Mountain Freeway in Snellville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Inman Park United Methodist Church in Atlanta – See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/atlanta/obituary.aspx?n=glenn-f-paul&pid=170927590&fhid=5057&eid=sp_ommatch#sthash.aycLU6lz.dpuf

Evelyn Gregory Paul passed away at the age of 94 on Saturday December 30, 2017, at Delmar Nursing Home in Lawrenceville, GA. Born in Eton, GA. Mrs. Paul graduated from Maryville College (TN), earning a Bachelor’s degree in English and Education. At Maryville College, she met her future husband, Glenn F. Paul Sr., and they married following college. After WWII, the Pauls moved to Atlanta, GA. Mrs. Paul taught 5th grade in Fulton County, and later was a reading tutor in the DeKalb school system. She was a longtime active member of Inman Park United Methodist Church in Atlanta, and later a member at the Snellville United Methodist Church. Mrs. Paul is preceded in death by her parents, William James Gregory Sr., and Ella Peeples Gregory of Eton, and her loving husband of 69 years, Glenn F. Paul, Sr. She is survived by her three children, Susan Gregory Paul Tyler (Douglas), Pamela Renee Paul Bamberg (Harold), and Glenn F. Paul Jr. (Lee); six grand-children, Gregory Alman Duncan, Lauren Leigh Duncan Scudder (Darin), Lindsay Michelle Roberts (Scott), Nicole Roberts Miyata (George), Alexander Joseph Paul, and Abby Catherine Miller (Robert); and three great-grand-children, Landon Robert Miller, Ella Claire Miller, and Corbin Duncan Scudder. Mrs. Paul was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be dearly missed by family and friends.

G. Ben Paxton Jr., 88, of Normal, IL passed away March 5, 2016 at his home. Ben was born Aug. 3, 1927, in Harrisburg, Pa., the son of George Benjamin and Mary Canning Paxton. He married Anne Gates on May 30, 1950, in Fulton, Mo. She survives. Also surviving are their four daughters, Cathy (Richard Klyce) Paxton, Mary Paxton, Judy (John) Walker and Amy (Tom) Bower, and five grandchildren, Ben, Josh, Meghan, Erika and Tess. He graduated from Ferndale High School in Michigan, Class of 1945. After high school, he served in the U.S. Navy until 1946 and achieved the grade of seaman first class. His other educational achievements include a bachelor of arts from Maryville College, a master of arts from the University of Tennessee, and he attended the University of Missouri where he worked at a local radio station and put KOMU TV on the air. His other work experiences include his position as an announcer, program director and news director for WMBD, WCOD and WTVR in Richmond, Va., where he was the first TV newscaster. Ben served as an assistant professor at Creighton University from 1957 to 1965, then furthered his tenure at Illinois State University from 1965 to 1990 as an assistant professor. While at Illinois State University, Ben was instrumental in the establishment of WGLT 89.1, leading it through difficult times but always with a vision to the future. He served as general manager from 1966 to 1991. Ben enjoyed theater and performed in several Conklin Players Dinner Theater productions in Eureka. His other interests include sailing in Maine for more than 20 years, building more than 50 doll houses, painting and model railroading. Ben and Anne spent summers at the family cabin on Pike Bay in Minnesota, where he loved to fish. He had traveled to Scandinavia, Greece and Turkey. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Normal and the Golden Kiwanis. A celebration of Ben’s life will be at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made payable to Friends of WGLT and mailed to WGLT, 8910 Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790, or to First Presbyterian Church of Normal, 2000 E. College Ave., Normal, IL 61761. Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Kenneth Lee Paxton, Sr. passed into eternal life on September 11, 2020. He was born in Greeneville, Tennessee on September 27, 1925 to parents, Roy A. Paxton and Rena W. Paxton. He moved to Alcoa as a high school freshman with his parents and two siblings, Mary Royce Waltrus and Bob Paxton. At Alcoa High School he became senior class president and met his beloved, future wife, Charlotte Proffitt (1926-2010) who became class valedictorian. After graduation he joined the United States Navy, was sent to midshipman’s school and became a Lieutenant in the USN serving both in WWII and the Korean War. After graduating from Maryville College, where he taught for one year, he started a long career with ALCOA as a safety supervisor. He was a faithful member of New Providence Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon, elder and active participant in men’s work throughout the denomination. He was a proud, founding member of Alcoa Kiwanis where he received Legion of Honor and Distinguished Service Awards. His greatest accomplishment was the love and care he provided for his extended family, friends and anyone he found in need. Celebrating his life and legacy are his loving companion June Gerhard, his daughter Cynthia Freeman (Dale), sons Ken Paxton, Jr. (Karen) and Charles Paxton (Julie). His adoring grandchildren are Rachel Smalley (Robert), Sarah Woolsey (Craig), Matt Paxton (Brittany), Julie Black (Chris), Kyle Paxton (Allison) and Leah Paxton. His great-grandchildren who brought him such joy are Rob and Mary Charlotte Smalley, Emma Grace and Sam Woolsey, Everett, Landon, and Davis Paxton, and Sydney Black. He was loved uncle to eight nieces and nephews. A family graveside service and burial of ashes will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2020, In the New Providence Presbyterian cemetery. In memory of Kenneth’s faith and compassion and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Providence Presbyterian Church Memorials at 703 W. Broadway, Maryville, TN 37803 or Good Neighbors of Blount County at 320 W. Broadway, Maryville, TN 37801.

Susan J. Peairs, 86, of St. Petersburg, passed away Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, at her home.

Sue was born in Toledo, Ohio, on March 8, 1936, and was the daughter of the late William and Florence LeValley Short.

She was a graduate of Hampton High School in Allison Park and Maryville College in Maryville, Tenn., and later earned a degree in education and teaching accreditation at the University of Pittsburgh.

She was a beloved elementary and secondary art teacher, and retired from Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District in Foxburg.

For many years, Sue enjoyed teaching art classes in a variety of community settings, including a studio in Cranberry Township. She was a creative artist who enjoyed painting, sketching and teaching. Sue was an avid gardener, and enthusiastically decorated her home for various holidays throughout the year. She was an animal lover and was especially fond of her cats. Sue was a proud and loving mother and grandmother, and eagerly looked forward to her family’s gatherings.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald R. “”Jerry”” Peairs, who passed away on July 2, 2020. They were married on June 13, 1959, at the First Baptist Church in Oakland, Pa. They moved to St. Petersburg in 1971, where she continued to teach and share her love of art in the community.

Sue is survived by two sons, Dr. Randall Peairs and his wife, Mary Clair, and Scott Peairs and his wife, Paula; and a daughter, Dr. Kimberly Peairs and her husband, Dr. Landon King.

Sue was affectionately “”Grammie”” to her seven grandchildren, Emily and Harrison Peairs, Eric, Doug and Aiden Peairs, and Andrew and Margaret King.

Sue and Jerry also had a surrogate son, Major Steven Spiker (wife Christina, and sons Ben and Heath); as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Dean Shorts.

age 96, a resident of Columbia, previously of Morristown, Maryville, and Athens, TN, passed away Friday, June 19, 2015 at NHC Hillview. Born on October 26, 1918 in Greenback, TN, Ruth was the daughter of the late William Alexander and Julia Mae Bashor Woods. She was a 1940 graduate of Maryville College where she earned a degree in music education. She married Eldon Andrew Pearson on October 25, 1943, and they raised two sons. They resided in Morristown, TN for the most of their married lives. Ruth’s passion was music, and she had a beautiful voice which she shared at many weddings, funerals, and solos in her church choirs. Ruth was also the music director for First Presbyterian Church in Morristown for many years. In addition, she played the piano for her Sunday school classes until the age of 90. She is remembered by her sons: Andrew Woods Pearson of Chattanooga, Joseph “Joe” Franklin (Terry) Pearson of Columbia; granddaughters: Jennifer Hope Pearson of Memphis and Jessica Faith Pearson of Chattanooga; and many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Eldon Andrew Pearson; brothers: Douglas Woods, Edward Woods; and sisters: Alice Woods Hina, Edith Woods Smith, and Naoma Woods Hina.

Charles Patrick Pearson died on February 16, 2017 peacefully at his home. Pat was born on March 17 (St Patrick’s Day) 1937. His parents were Skip and Sara Pearson. He graduated from Maryville College where he won the prestigious Danforth Fellowship. He was preceded in death by his son Robert Ronald Pearson and his parents Skip and Sara Pearson. Pat is survived by his wife of 60 years Georgiana Young Pearson and their children Mike Pearson and wife Dutchess, Patricia Hobbs and husband Paul, David Pearson and wife Jennifer. He has five grandchildren whom he loved very much: Robert and Sara Hobbs, Maclaren, Christian and Ryan Pearson. His brother Ronald Pearson and wife Susan of Columbia SC and nieces Laura and Amy. A graveside service was held at 2:30 on Sunday, February 19th at Arlington Memorial Park – 201 Mt Vernon Hwy, Sandy Springs GA 30328.

COLUMBIA – Born in Detroit, Michigan, Susan Parkinson Pearson passed away Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at Agape Hospice in Columbia. Susan is survived by Ron, her husband of 62 years; daughters, Laura and Amy; son-in-law, John Rabalais; four grandchildren; and a brother, Peter Parkinson. She worked for fourteen years at various departments of the USC School of Medicine. Family memorial services are planned this summer in Alabama and Texas. Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, is assisting the family.