Class Notes

Passed away Tuesday November 5th. Dr. Podgorny immigrated to the United States after completing high school and then graduated from Maryville College in Tennessee. He attended Medical School at Bowman Gray School of Medicine and completed his residency in Cardiothoracic Surgery there as well. His interest in trauma surgery led him to becoming one of the pioneers of the specialty of Emergency Medicine. He served as the first President of the American Board of Emergency Medicine and was past President of the American College of Emergency Physicians. He was recently honored as one of the founders of the specialty at the Scientific Assembly of ACEP and was featured in a documentary film about the creation of Emergency Medicine. He was instrumental in developing the EMS system and First Responder Program in North Carolina. Also, he served as the Medical Examiner for Forsyth County for many years. Dr. Podgorny was a staunch advocate for medical education in North Carolina and Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University offers the George Podgorny Scholarship for highest achieving medical student pursuing Emergency Medicine. One of his varied interests was herpetology, and he became recognized as a global expert in snake bites often fielding phone calls at all hours seeking advice on the appropriate treatment of snake bites and spider bites. He was a Renaissance man who spoke seven languages, lectured around the world on the history of medicine, published prolifically throughout his life, and had a keen appreciation of the Arts. He travelled the world and recently visited his mother’s ancestral home in Armenia. He was a loving father and grandfather who devoted his life to his family. He is survived by his daughter, Adele (Keith), sons, Eman (Dianne) and George, Jr. and grandchildren Jordan and Sophia. The highlight of his later years has been doting on his grandchildren and watching them blossom into young adults. He was preceded in death by Emanuel Podgorny, Sr., Ernestine Podgorny and Gregory Podgorny.

It is with profound sadness and deep sorrow we announce the untimely passing of Cariamber Polak. She fought a valiant battle against cancer but sadly passed on April 3, 2023, in Scottsdale, Ariz. She was 53 years old.

Cariamber was born in Orange, California, and migrated to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, when she was 5 years old. Prior to her arrival in the Virgin Islands, she and her mother made their home in Venezuela, where she commenced her kindergarten education and quickly became fluent in Spanish.

Upon her arrival to St. Thomas, she was enrolled in Joseph Sibilly Elementary School. It was here in her formative years that Cari would sink her roots deep into the Virgin Islands community. Graduating from Sibilly School, she would further her education at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic High School, graduating with distinction in the class of 1988.

A love of finance and higher education was in her future and that was quickly realized with matriculation to Maryville College in Maryville, Tenn., where she graduated with a degree in business management in 1991.

Her career took her through corporate America for the next 30 years, working predominantly in the mortgage industry with both Chase Manhattan and Wells Fargo Bank and finally OneAZ Credit Union.

Traveling throughout the Caribbean, in particular Barbados, and finally the United States, she made her home in Paradise Valley, Ariz.

Cari had a way of making everybody feel special when they interacted with her, whether it be a recent acquaintance or a lifelong childhood friend, she treated everybody with love and affection. With that being said she would hate for anyone to be slighted with their names not being recognized in her memory and with friends so numerous it would be impossible to mention all.

She will be missed by ALL her cherished friends and family. This is the way she would have wanted it.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Teri Polak and adopted father, Ronnie Lockhart. She is survived by numerous family members to include Mike Boyle (uncle) of Long Beach, CA., Anne Pepper (aunt) of Las Vegas, NV, Justin Boyle (cousin) Long Beach, CA, Robin Johnson (cousin) of Wilton, CA., Twyla Jackino of Stirling, VA., Catherine Lockhart Mills and Henrik Lockhart of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, Denis Luz (longtime special friend) of Paradise Valley, AZ., and Victoria Cromwell Lane (longtime special friend) of Franklin, TN.

She is survived by countless special friends who dearly love and miss her, who are too numerous to list.

A graduate of Ss. Peter and Paul class of 1988, she is survived by several classmates too numerous to mention.

Cariamber was an ardent and passionate animal lover who advocated for the rights and protection of animals. It was her last request, in lieu of tributes or flowers, that you please donate to the St. Thomas Humane Society. Please mention her name in the memo section of your check as the St. Thomas Humane Society is aware of all incoming donations.

It was also Cariamber’s final wish to be returned to her beloved Virgin Islands. A private memorial service will be held in late June followed by a celebration of life.

A secondary notice will be posted in the Virgin Islands Daily News to provide additional details.

Our Creator saw fit to bless us with your amazing presence, your radiant smile, your unconditional love, but it was oh so short…

From whence you came you now return ….to Paradise. Love you and miss you (her favorite expression!)

Rest on high our beautiful friend…you will always be missed but never forgotten!

Joseph (Joe) Poland, age 87, died peacefully on the evening of April 20 in Fountain Hills. Joe graduated from Maryville College, near Knoxville, Tenn. in 1951, where he was class president his second year, and student body president his senior year. Joe acted in every school drama at Maryville, wrestled for the college all four years, losing only one match per year, and was named Who’s Who in American Universities his senior year at Maryville. Joe earned a postgraduate degree from the Wharton School of Business in Pennsylvania and became a CPA, a certificate he maintained until he died. Joe travelled to nearly every country in the world in the 1950’s with RCA Corporation, and he lived in Buenos Aires, Argentina for five years in his early 30s. Joe was an avid athlete his entire life, playing softball in his 30s, 40s and 50s, and running four miles every day before lunch on workdays. Joe took up tennis in his 50s, and playing doubles tennis with his friends gave him immense pleasure over the years since. Joe served as controller and as chief financial officer for several large corporations during his career. But his love for the Spanish language and knowledge of the US tax codes enabled Joe to help Spanish speaking locals with their tax filing each year. As only a tax accountant can understand, Joe’s involvement with local Arizonans in each of the past 22 tax seasons gave Joe great pleasure. Joe believed in and loved the Lord Jesus Christ, read his Bible daily and served churches in Indianapolis, Denver, Nashville and in the Phoenix area faithfully until his death. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Poland; his son, Ric Poland and wife, Tracie Poland; grandchildren, Ethan Joseph Poland and Zachary Poland of Denver, Colo.; and by his brother, George Poland of Ballwin, Mo. In addition, Joe is survived by the three living of Carolyn’s five children who hold Joe in high esteem for the father figure he was tor each of them. They are Brett Spears, Laura Spears, and Dixie Lee Devinney. A celebration of Joe’s life and of Joe and Carolyn’s 50th anniversary will be held at First Baptist Church of Fountain Hills on Saturday, May 6 at 2 p.m., followed by an informal gathering of all friends at the Poland’s home 11011 N. Zephyr Dr. #106, Fountain Hills. For directions, call 480 560-0835.

Del R. Poling, 90, a longtime resident of St. Petersburg, passed away peacefully Thursday, October 1, 2020. He was the beloved husband of Janet E. Poling with whom he shared 68 years of marriage. He was born in Maryland, the son of Renus and Armeda Poling. Del was a graduate of Sparrows Point High School, and continued his education later graduating from Maryville College, TN. There he met his bride, Janet, and embarked completing training at Western Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA, then continuing on a career as a Presbyterian minister, and trained counseling therapist. Del was mentored by several premier and pioneering therapists, and became a lifelong trainer himself, helping people solve problems, develop their gifts and potential. Change was not a negative word to Del, and he pursued change with great creativity and vigor. Del was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church in St. Petersburg. In addition to his loving wife, Janet, Del leaves behind three daughters, (Linda) Lee Ribal and her husband, Gil, of St. Petersburg, FL; Shirley Ann Handley of Richmond, IN; and Donna Jean McIntosh and her husband, Bruce, of Chelmsford, MA. He was well loved by his six grandchildren, Marian Eash and her husband, Jason, Matthew Ribal, Lauren Khoyi Noyes, Brian Khoyi and his wife, Stephanie, Timothy Khoyi and his wife, Ginger, and preceded to heaven by Elizabeth “Liz” Ribal Fitzgerald, Liz’s surviving husband Billy Fitzgerald and his wife, Juvy. As the grandchildren were considered the most amazing fun, Del’s great-grandchildren brought even more delight to his life, Jared Koster, Nathaniel Koster, Michael Ribal, Zadayah Khoyi, Daniel Khoyi, and Clara Khoyi. Del also leaves behind foster children, cousins, nieces and nephews, and many others loved as family. Condolences may be shared at www.andersonmcqueen.com.

Gail Hamilton Porter, age 64, of Farragut passed away Thursday, November 1, 2018. Gail was raised in Rockford and was a graduate of Porter High School and Maryville College. She was the former Program Director at Blount Memorial Hospital School of Radiologic Technology and Professor and Department Head at Roane State Community College, Radiologic Technology Department. She was the former pianist of Central Point Baptist Church and a Member of First Baptist Church Concord. Preceded in death by her father, Paul Hamilton. Survivors include her husband, Cleve Porter; mother, Betty Hamilton; step daughter and son-in-law, Heather and Matt McCleary; step son, Brad Porter; grandchildren, Meg and Katie McCleary; brother, Gary Hamilton. Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 6, 2018, at East Hall, Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com

Lawrence E. “Larry” Posey, 89, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, in Marietta, Ga.

He was born Jan. 14, 1935, in the mountains of Western North Carolina, in Murphy. Larry was the son of a line pole worker for the telephone company and a homemaker. He was up early to chop wood for the kitchen stove, milk Daisy, the family cow, and then walk to school. At Murphy High School, he was an athlete, playing third base and quarterback, and developing lifelong friendships with a group that would gather yearly for “Hanging Dog” reunions.

After a year at Maryville College, he served in the U.S. Army for two years. Due to his typing skills, his orders were diverted from being a clandestine radio operator in Austria to a clerk at HQ in Waterford, England, where he never lost an inspection. As he once said, “Being in the Army in peacetime isn’t bad. It’s actually fun.””

Following his service, he completed his undergraduate work at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C. While in college, he married Linda Ruth English, also of Murphy; they would be married for 55 years until her passing. Upon graduation, he got a job with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Larry and Linda moved to New York City.

For over a decade, he worked in the then Venereal Disease programs in New York City and Baltimore, Md., before completing a graduate program at the University of Virginia and then moved for good to Marietta, Ga.
Soon after arriving in Marietta, they welcomed a son, Drew Lawrence, and settled into a long pattern marked by Drew, family, CDC, real estate and the outdoors.

An avid outdoorsman, Larry enjoyed trout fishing in the spring and summer and hunting in the fall and winter with his beloved English Setters. Of these outdoor activities, his favorite was trout fishing. Larry once said on a Dec. 21, “It’s the shortest day of the year and I know that each day will get a little longer, and I start thinking about fly fishing.”” Larry loved leading family and friends on backpacking trips to the Smoky Mountains and telling tall tales of those adventures.

Outside of the woods, baseball was a passion, coaching Drew’s teams and then continuing to follow and support his former teams for years afterwards. While Drew was in high school, Larry and Linda were treasurers of the Lassiter Baseball Booster Club, and Larry played a leadership role in designing and building the original press box and locker room. Later, he was a steadfast supporter of the East Cobb Yankees.

A total fan of CDC and a true old-school Public Health Advisor, his love, appreciation and passion for CDC knew no bounds. Cups, visors, jackets and even a onesie for his granddaughters, CDC was never far from view.
For the last half of a long and distinguished career that spanned over 40 years, he worked in Environmental Health. His groups were involved in the original Love Canal investigation, hypervitaminosis D, responses to floods and natural disasters, and improving environmental conditions along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The last couple of decades were marked by his granddaughters, Katherine Ann and Ashley Kristen Posey, seeing them grow up and experiencing their milestones: baptisms, birthday parties, sports, and helping teach each of them how to drive.

It was also during this time he served as Chair of the Finance Committee at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church and was a regular at Men’s Breakfast.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, John Erwin Posey Jr., and Sarah Padgett Posey; his wife, Linda; brother-in-law, William A. “”Dub”” Sherrill; and nephew, Todd Patrick Gibson.

He is survived by his son, Dr. Drew (Kristen) Posey of Marietta, Ga.; sister, Sara Sherrill of Murphy; granddaughters, Katherine and Ashley Posey of Marietta, Ga.; sisters-in-law, Peggy Withrow of Holly Springs, Ga., and Janet Bennett of Canton, Ga.; brother-in-law, Ken English of Brasstown; niece, Paige (Brian) Sherrill of Robbinsville; nephews, Jeff (Katie) English of Athens, Ga., John English of Alto, Ga., Ryan (Arin) Johnson of Atlanta, Ga., Corey (Nai) Johnson of Johns Creek, Ga.; and a host of grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins and friends.

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

William (Bill) was born and raised in the State College area of central Pennsylvania. He received his undergrad degree from Maryville College and his doctorate degree from Temple University School of Dentistry.

After graduation, he served in the USAF at Elgin AFB, and then relocated his family to West Melbourne in 1963. In 1964 he started a successful 33 year dental practice. One year he was awarded ‘Brevard’s Best Dentist’ by Florida Today newspaper! For over 50 years, Bill was very active at Wesley United Methodist Church teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, and supporting community events.

After retirement, Bill volunteered his dental skills for humanitarian missions to Bolivia, Ecuador, and Mexico. He was a lifelong athlete and enjoyed golf, swimming, cycling and lifting weights. Bill was married to his high school sweetheart Dianne for 54 years and is survived by two sons Scott and Tim, five grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.

Anita Crabtree Potyen passed away in August 8, 2016.

Ruby Jean Harris Powell, age 94 of Conway, Arkansas, passed away December 13, 2023. She was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, to the late Luther B. and Ruby Montgomery Harris.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 51 years, Isaac Leon Powell, daughter, Alice, and son, John F. Powell.

She was a graduate of Maryville College and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, where she taught English. She also taught at Columbia College (South Carolina), Siena College (Memphis), the University of Memphis, and State Technical Institute (Memphis), and edited several academic annals and English books. She was a volunteer tutor following retirement. She sang in the choir of Balmoral Presbyterian Church, where she was a member. She enjoyed music, books, and travel.

Survivors include her son Richard W. Powell and daughter-in-law Beth Powell, Morrilton, Arkansas; daughter, Nancy Jean Powell and fiancé Alan Asher, Oxford, England; four grandchildren, Rhea Douglas and partner Will Garrard, Scott Douglas and wife Majin Lee, Anna Powell and husband Jose Ramirez, and Alex Powell and wife Payal Kakadiya; four great-grandchildren, Maya and Vera Ramirez, Emily Powell and Dora Douglas; brother James A. Harris and wife Margaret, Ft. Mill, SC; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Dr. Theodore (Ted) Beeks Pratt, 99, passed on July 14, 2021, in Ft. Collins, CO. He was born August 13, 1921, third child of Rev. and Mrs. A. Alden Pratt in Pasadena, CA. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Helen Tapp, brother James Alden Pratt, first wife Marion Hart Pratt, and second wife Sheila Clark Pratt. He is survived by his three daughters, Jennifer French, Melinda Swenson, and Kathleen Rautenstraus and spouses; as well as grandchildren Michael Maestas, Laura Simpkinson, Audrey Swenson, and Melody Rautenstraus and their families, nieces and nephews, Sheila’s family, and a worldwide collection of friends. A Celebration of Life service is scheduled at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time Zone, on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1709 West Elizabeth Street in Ft. Collins. A reception will follow immediately after the service at the church. The service will be livestreamed. On the day of the service, go to vesseyfuneralservice.com. Ted’s obituary will include a link to the livestream. Ted remarked that witnessing nearly 100 years of life was an incredible blessing. He often shared that his family, faith, and friends were central in his life. He grew up in Ohio and lived in ten states. He worked in publications, information, and editing most of his life – both in educational and religious settings, including an Information Officer for the World Council of Churches in Geneva, Switzerland, traveling through western Europe and reporting through stories and photos how Protestants in America were helping Europe’s ten million refugees. Ted earned his BA from Maryville College (TN), an MA from Ohio State, and a PhD from Syracuse (NY) University. He moved to Ft. Collins in 2003 after 13 years of happy retirement in Black Mountain, NC. He had a keen interest in a variety of pursuits: travel (most of Western Europe, a bit of Russia, Kenya, Scandinavia, Mexico, and Canada), photography, sports, music, the great outdoors, and intentional Christian communities in the USA and Europe. He was involved in peacemaking as a member of Veterans for Peace after serving as an infantry combat officer in WWII in Europe, as well as interfaith efforts. He was active at Westminster Presbyterian Church and at the Senior Center where he swam regularly and participated in many programs. In 2016 he went to Washington DC on the Northern Colorado Veterans Honor Flight. Ted/Dad/Grandad was known to his family for his impish grin which raised his bushy eyebrows, and the multi-colored tam hats that always stylishly matched his attire. He loved trying out new restaurants and sharing desserts, sometimes pretending to stab a dinner companion with a fork to get the last bite! A relentless chronicler of life, he leaves behind over 100 scrapbooks about his adventures spanning the century. He seldom complained, even in the last couple of years, which presented several health challenges. He was greatly loved and will be missed. And Ted would want everyone to know that he will miss them, too. In place of sending flowers, family and friends may consider donating in Ted’s honor to his church, Westminster Presbyterian https://www.westpresftc.com/ in Fort Collins, CO, to Veterans for Peace https://www.veteransforpeace.org/.

Charlene Williams Preston ‘For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.’ Ecclesiastes 3:1 Charlene Williams Preston joined the church triumphant Tuesday, October 15, 2019. She was born on April 18, 1948 to Edwin C. and Virginia Douglas Williams and was a lifelong resident of Weirsdale, FL. Charlene was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church, was a family citrus farmer, and owner of the Weirsdale and Fruitland Park Ace Hardware stores.Her most beloved titles were wife, mother, and Nana. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Kim Preston of Weirsdale; her sons, Brad (Rhonda), Seth (Kay), and Blake; daughter, Kelley (Thomas) Crone; six grandchildren, Nathan, Teagan, Jessica, Bella, Calla, and Alex. She is preceded in death by her sister, Patricia Smith; her daughter, Meredith; and her grandson, Isaiah Warren Dawson. A Celebration of Charlene’s Life will be held on Monday, October 21, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at The Douglas Estate, 16550 SE 122nd Terrace, Weirsdale, Florida. Private interment will be at Forest Hills Cemetery in Weirsdale, Florida. Sentiments may be left at hiers-baxley.com. Arrangements by Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services – Belleview.

Ruth Lane Prewett, age 100, of Maryville, died July 11, 2021 at Shannondale of Maryville. She was born in Greenback, Tennessee, and was a graduate of Maryville College. She had been an active member of New Providence Presbyterian Church for her adult life, and sang in the Chancel Choir. Her love of music was shared through her beautiful soprano voice. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Prewett. Survivors include son, Gary Prewett, and daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Bill Harris, all of Maryville; sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Gilbert Hartsell of Lenoir City. A memorial service will be held on July 18th at 2:00 PM at New Providence Presbyterian Church with Reverend Dr. Emily Anderson officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in Westminster Hall. A private interment service will be held at Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to New Providence Presbyterian Church Music Program,703 W. Broadway, Maryville, Tennessee 37801 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, Tennessee 38101.

Dr. Mary Jo Pribble, 85, of Bridgewater, Va., died August 11, 2015, at her residence. She was born Jan. 20, 1930, the daughter of the late E. Willis and Flora I. Skidmore Pribble. Mary Jo graduated from Harrisville High School in 1947. She attained her BA Degree from Maryville College, MA from Duke University and PhD from Louisiana State University. She had been a documentation chemist, at Ethel Corp., Baton Rouge, La. and then had a 35 year teaching career at Limestone College, S.C. and later at Glenville State College, W.Va. While living in Glenville, she was an elder at Glenville Presbyterian Church and was a Folk Festival Belle committee member. Mary Jo established The Dr. Mary Jo Pribble Scholarship at Glenville State College in 1998. She was also well known for her love of weaving. She is survived by a brother, Noble Franklin Pribble of Asheboro, N.C. She was preceded in death by a brother, Willis S. Pribble.

Mary Emily Leety Pribble of Phoenix, MD died on November 10, 2010.  She was the loving wife of Noble F. Pribble; loving mother of Jo Ann Pribble, Mark Pribble and his wife Eva, Steve Pribble; daughter in-law Daniele Pribble; sister of Roberta Graham; cherished grandmother of Lindsey Taylor Pribble.

Noble Franklin Pribble of Asheboro, North Carolina died on December 31, 2021 at the age of 96. He is survived by his children, Jo Ann Pribble, Stephen Pribble and his wife, Donna Pribble, Mark Pribble, his granddaughter, Lindsey DiTanna and her husband, Marco DiTanna, and his great granddaughter, Sofia DiTanna. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Emily Pribble in 2010. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Noble was a Corporal in the United States Army Airforce from 1943 to 1946 and served during World War II. He attended Maryvale College and was a Massachusetts Institute of Technology trained electrical engineer. He worked on the first phased array radar at Eglin Air Force Base during his time at Bendix. He also participated in the development of the first fuel-injected engine. After a long career, he retired and continued to enjoy his hobbies. He was an avid skier, golfer, windsurfer, photographer, snorkeler, sailor and bowler. He was a member of the Cockeysville Optimist Club and worked on scholarship efforts. He was a firm believer in supporting those in need. He was always endeavoring to make the world a better place with his many inventions. Most of all, Noble was known for his smile which was contagious.

Edwin R. Prichard of Madisonville, TN, went home to be with the Lord on May 26th, 2023. Ed was born in Montclair, NJ on August 24, 1941, to John H. And Dorothy M. Prichard. He was a Navy corpsman, trained as a medical technologist, and attended Maryville College. Ed lived many places including Utah, Wisconsin, Maryland, New Jersey, and Tennessee. He worked for the Department of Health and Human Services and at retirement was the head of Region X in Seattle.

Ed is survived by his brother David and his children, his two daughters Jill Brickhaus and Kathy (Russell) Stivison, his seven grandchildren: Danielle, David, Joshua, Gabe, Jessica, Luke and Toby, and his wife Peggy whom he had been happily married to for eight years and her four children Debbie Roper, Julie Allen, Donnie King, and Michelle Estes.

 Ed and Peggy attended Englewood First Baptist Church together.

Ed will be missed for many things, but mostly for his knowledge of all things Mopar, mechanical acumen, amazing storytelling, Scrabble expertise, and loyal companionship.

Nellie Jane Kirkpatrick Prochazka, 79, of Miles City, died Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014, after a very short battle with cancer. Her death was very peaceful and she was surrounded by her family. Jane was born Sept. 15, 1935, in Grand Rapids, Mich., the second of three daughters born to Raymond and Alice Kirkpatrick. She led a very adventurous life and enjoyed growing up as a holy terror in Waukesha, Wis., during her formative years. If you ever called her “Nellie,” she would throw something at you. She attended Maryville College outside of Knoxville, Tenn. One day, instead of walking all the way around the science building, she decided it would be shorter to go through an open window, where she happened upon a man who said, “My what beautiful eyes you have.” She married that man, George Prochazka, in November 1955, and together they had three children, and began a journey of adventure. After the children left home, Mrs. Prochazka finished her college education at Mary College in Bismarck, North Dakota, and moved from technician to administrative officer with the United States Department of Agriculture. She loved learning and enjoyed the details of scientific research. Her career continued her adventure of travel to many research stations and becoming an advocate for scientists, a job and career she grew to love. She retired in 1998, in Miles City, a place that allowed her to grow in many ways. She loved being outside and had a passion for gardening. She loved trying new things with fun people, but was mostly known as a left-handed avid sports fan. But nothing could beat a day with a good book. While here, she volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, the Art Center, and attended Grace Bible Church. She became a member of Global volunteers, traveling internationally. Through these endeavors her friends came in all sizes, shapes, nationalities and were spread wide and far. (Thank goodness for SKYPE!). Although she was a private person, she made good friends wherever she traveled, she was prolific in keeping in touch and had friendships that spanned her lifetime. She is survived by two daughters, Cathy Prochazka of Coconut Grove, Fla., and Cindy Ellsworth of San Antonio, Texas; a sister, Jean Blake of Palm Desert, California; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren; as well as multiple nieces, nephews and their children. Memorial services for her was held on Dec. 17, 2014 at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment was in the family plot in Penobscot, Maine. Should anyone desire, contributions can be made to Grace Bible Building Fund, Miles City, Montana.

Mary Virginia Wood Prochazka, age 96, died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday night, September 6, 2023, at Walker Nursing Home in Virginia, Illinois where she had received loving care in a family environment since February of this year. Virginia was born on September 28, 1926, in Hinton, West Virginia to the Rev. Welton Graham and Ruth Marsden Blanton Wood. As a child, she had asthma and was homebound for over a year during which time books became her gateway to the world! As she outgrew her illness, she loved adventures in the “creeks and hollers” of Greenville, West Virginia with her siblings and mischievous cousins. Being a Presbyterian “Preacher’s Kid”, she was involved in youth activities at church, and she learned to play the piano. It also meant she had to move from her beloved hometown when her daddy was called to a different church in LaFollette, Tennessee where Virginia then graduated from high school. She continued her education at Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. After a year of teaching, she attended the Presbyterian General Assembly’s Training School for Lay Workers, later known as the Presbyterian School of Christian Education, in Richmond, Virginia where she received her Master’s Degree in Christian Education. It was during her field work at First Presbyterian Church in Prince George, VA that she met a handsome young Czech farmer named Adolph Francis Prochazka, who often said he knew the moment he saw her walk across the church parking lot that she would be his wife! They did, in fact, marry on October 4, 1952, in Low Moor, Virginia, with her father officiating. From that day forward, they worked side-by-side on their farm in Chesterfield County, VA raising corn and soybeans. It became their dream to farm on the rich soils of the Midwest. In 1974, this dream was fulfilled as the family made the big move to Franklin, Illinois where they built up their farm where son, Adolph G., and grandson, Adolph F., continue to farm. Virginia loved farming and preferred that to housework any day! However, that did not stop her from being a wonderful cook and baker who learned early on from her mother-in-law how to make many of the traditional Czech recipes such as poppy seed buchta and kolace. Throughout her life, Virginia also loved to study the Bible. She was a faithful prayer warrior, who quietly and humbly set aside time for this each day.

Surviving are her children, Anna Ruth (Harry J.) Long of Virginia, Illinois and Adolph Graham (Theresa) Prochazka of Franklin, Illinois; and six grandchildren who knew her as “Grandmama”: Emily R. (Josh) Ayres, Bradley J. (Danielle) Long, Todd A. Long, Adolph F. (Gina) Prochazka, Jenny L. (Justin A.) King, and Laura B. (Aaron) Smith. Twelve great-grandchildren, who loved to eat her cinnamon rolls and slices of her huge loaves of homemade bread, also survive: Nathan and Adeline Ayres; Quest, Lennox, and Ledger Long; Millie Long; Kinze and Adolph Lee Prochazka; Justin M. and Sydney King; and Caroline and Madilynn Smith. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Adolph, and her sisters, Ann Irving Moffett and Ruth King Coffey. A brother, W. Graham (Donna) Wood of North Carolina survives, as well as nieces and nephews who have fond memories of childhood visits to the farm. Virginia was a long-time member of Unity Presbyterian Church in Woodson, Illinois.

Kathleen J. Procop Age 89, of Merchantville, NJ. Passed away on April 26, 2012. Funeral Services will be 10:00 am on Tuesday May 1, 2012 Viewing will be Tuesday on 9:00-10:00 am May 1, 2012 At World Harvest 7201 Westfield Avenue Pennsauken, NJ

Jane C. Proctor, born in 1924 to Walter and Delle Callahan in Erwin, TN, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on February 7, 2017, while under the compassionate care of the staff at Givens Highland Farms Retirement Community and CarePartners Hospice Services. She was pre-deceased by Harris, her loving husband of 67 years. She is survived by her three sons, Edward of Durham, NC, Thom and his wife Pam of Black Mountain, NC, and Ken and his wife Sandy of St. Petersburg, FL. In addition, she is survived by Helen Callahan, widow of her brother George, and Rich Proctor, widow of her brother-in-law Fletcher. After graduating from Maryville College in 1946, Jane went to work at the libraries of Duke University, Harvard, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She raised her boys in Boston, Durham, and Davidson, in addition to establishing households for the family in such faraway places as the West Indies, England, Egypt, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Scotland, and India. After traveling the world, Jane was perhaps most happy in her final years with Harris at Givens Highland Farms in Black Mountain, where she enjoyed the beauty of the mountains, the company of other residents, and the kindness of the staff. A service of remembrance for Jane was held in the Assembly Room at Highland Farms on Saturday, February 11, 2017. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CarePartners Hospice Services, 68 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28803. www.harwoodhomeforfunerals.com

Vera Lusk Proffitt, age 95, of Maryville, passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 17, 2017, at Shannondale Healthcare Center, Maryville, TN. Vera was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, on October 9, 1921. She and her beloved brother, Sherman, grew up in and around Rahway, NJ. Several years after graduating from Rahway High School, Vera was invited to consider furthering her education at Maryville College through the benevolence of local Fanwood (New Jersey) Presbyterian Church members. Astonished and grateful for their support and assistance, Vera soon found herself traveling 700 miles south to Maryville, Tennessee. Vera thrived at Maryville College, singing in the Vesper choir, working in the dining hall, and participating in many campus organizations and clubs. She was a cheerleader and was elected Homecoming Queen her junior year. It was here that she met her future husband, Bill Proffitt, a member of the football and track teams. After her graduation in 1949, and prior to her marriage to Bill in May, 1950, Vera worked as the Christian Education director at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in Knoxville. She briefly worked at the Aluminum Company of America in Alcoa after they were married. She actively served New Providence Church in many ways: as an elder, through Presbyterian Women circle groups, as the church librarian and on various committees. She and Bill have been members of a Geneva fellowship group there for over 35 years. A high point of their community service was the establishment of the Proffitt-Lusk Family Scholarship at Maryville College as a way to pay forward the educational opportunity Vera was so grateful to have received. Vera and Bill moved from Alcoa to the Shannondale community in 2012, where they were frequently spotted walking together in the early mornings. As a lifelong learner, a collection of books, Bible studies, games, beautiful music and crossword puzzles were never far from her reach. She loved needlework and many of her lovely projects have graced their home for years. Her sourdough bread and chocolate chip cookies were legendary. Travel was another pastime she and Bill enjoyed over the years, however, nothing pleased her more than spending time with her children and their families. She was a devoted wife and mother, gracious and caring. Always optimistic, calm, and joyful, Vera quietly brought love and encouragement to all who knew her. We will treasure her kind and gentle spirit, her wise counsel and most of all, her beautiful smile. Vera was preceded in death by her parents, Sherman W. and Lillian Valentine Lusk; and her brother, Sherman Lusk, Jr. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, William F. Proffitt, and their children, William, Jr. (Mary Jesse) of Maryville, Paul (Annette) of Suwanee, Georgia, and Jean Nunnally (Todd) of Houston, Texas; six grandchildren, David and Benjamin Proffitt, Jeremy Proffitt (Karene) and Lori Griffith, and Carson and Christian Nunnally; five great-grandchildren, Joshua, twins Eleazar and Nathaniel, Ebenezer Proffitt and Arya Griffith. Friends are invited to join the family in a service of celebration of Vera’s wonderful life on Saturday, January 28 at 3:00 PM at New Providence Presbyterian Church in Maryville. The family will receive friends after the service in Westminster Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be directed to the Proffitt-Lusk Scholarship at Maryville College at 502 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, Tennessee 37804, Attention: Office of Advancement. McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home, Maryville 982-6812. www.mccammonammonsclick.com

Robert D. Proffitt was born August 24, 1929 and passed away on August 16, 2020. He served the community as a family physician for over 58 years. “Dr. Bob”, as he was often called, had a profound interest in people and befriended everyone he met. He traveled widely and chronicled his many encounters and unique experiences in a short book titled, “A Family Physician’s Journey”. Bob and his former wife, Lucy Ellen Hatmaker (deceased), had four children. Preceded in death by son Bob, Jr. (wife Connie, granddaughter Megan). Survived by daughter Karen Proffitt, Monument, CO (grandson Austin), son Steve Proffitt, Cupertino, CA (wife Arnita, granddaughters Layla, Maya), and son Kevin Proffitt (wife Kimberly, grandson Kevin Scott, granddaughter Kelsey). Bob grew up on a farm in Louisville, TN and enjoyed his lifelong friendships with his six siblings and 16 first cousins. Preceded in death by sister Mary (Dr. Bob Wright), Mary’s twin sister Margaret (Ben Cunningham), brother Harry (Margaret), brother Dr. James N. Proffitt (Ruth), sister-in-law Vera Proffitt, and brother-in-law Dean Bell. He is survived by brother William “Bill” Proffitt, Sr. and Bill’s twin sister, Betty Bell. Bob cherished his relationships with all his nieces and nephews (too numerous to mention). He loved family gatherings at Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, as well as the Proffitt/Lowry/McGill family reunions often held at Mountain Homes. As a Captain in the U.S. Army, Bob served as a physician for the U.S. Embassy in South Korea, immediately following the war. He served as a Blount County Commissioner, Maryville City School Board member, Delegate to the Tennessee Medical Association, Past-President of the Blount County Chamber of Commerce, Chief of Staff for Blount Memorial Hospital and as a long-time member of the Maryville Kiwanis Club. Bob picked up tennis in his early fifties and ranked as one of the top five players in the state in his seventies. He would often pick up the phone at the last minute and call those on his “tennis list”, a group of friends he cherished. A special thank-you to Blount Memorial Hospital and Shannondale of Maryville for the great care Bob received during his brief stays. Many of his nurses, nursing assistants, and caregivers were former patients. Bob’s family is also grateful to all the office staff that worked in his practice over many years. Bob had a passion for Maryville College where he earned his undergraduate degree. He earned his M.D. from the University of TN, Memphis before completing his residency at the Medical College of VA. He played football and wrestled while attending Maryville College. Dr. Proffitt was a passionate supporter of the Maryville City, Alcoa City, and Blount County School systems. He was Past-Chair of the Blount County Education Foundation. He valued the administrators, students, teachers, and high school athletics. Bob was proud to have played for the Maryville High School football team which was undefeated in 1946. He often talked of his teammates and especially his dear friend Roy Kramer. Bob was a lifelong member of New Providence Presbyterian Church. Due to Covid19, a Celebration of Life may be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to: The Robert D. Proffitt Pre-Med Memorial Scholarship at Maryville College (www.maryvillecollege.edu/giving/give-today/; Maryville College Advancement Office, 502 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, TN 37804; Maryville City Schools Foundation, 402 Melrose St, Maryville TN 37803 (https://www.maryvillecityschoolsfoundation.org/) or Blount County Education Foundation, 831 Grandview Dr., Maryville TN 37803. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.

William F. Proffitt, Sr. Maryville, TN – William F. Proffitt, Sr., age 96 of Maryville, passed away peacefully Friday, November 13, 2020, at Shannondale Healthcare Center in Maryville. He was preceded in death by his wife, Vera, parents Harry H. and Lelia Proffitt, siblings James, Harry, Bob, Mary Wright, and Margaret Cunningham. He is survived by his sister Elizabeth Bell of New Orleans, Louisiana; children William (Mary Jessie), Paul (Annette) of Suwanee, Georgia, and Jean Nunnally (Todd) of Houston, Texas; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Born and raised in Blount County, Bill was a graduate of Maryville High School and Maryville College, where he and Vera met and where he was proud to have been a starter on the football team that played in the first Tangerine Bowl. Following graduation, he was a full-time farmer until 1962. Besides operating Proffitt Realty Company for over 35 years, Bill served the community in many capacities throughout his life. For 39 years he served on the Alcoa City Planning Commission. He also served on the Blount County Planning Commission, was a former chairman of the Blount County Chamber of Commerce, a former chairman of the Blount County Industrial Development Board, a former chair of the Blount County Board of Realtors and a past president of the Knoxville Chapter of Real Estate Appraisers. He was a member of the Leadership Blount Class of 1993 and received their Community Leadership Award in 2014. He was an active member of Alcoa Kiwanis for over 45 years and a member of New Providence Presbyterian Church in Maryville throughout his life serving as a deacon and an elder. From boyhood Bill loved airplanes and finally obtained his private pilot’s license at age 72. He was an avid bicyclist, riding for sport and fitness and winning awards in the regional and state Senior Olympics. He was also a gifted woodworker, known for some beautiful furniture and the dozens of carved birds he gave away over the years. A warm thank you to the staff at Shannondale of Maryville for the care and support that Bill received there. A celebration of life may be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be directed to New Providence Presbyterian Church or to the Proffitt-Lusk Scholarship at Maryville College at 502 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, Tennessee 37804, Attention: Office of Advancement.

Joyce M. Pullan (nee Hampton) a lifelong resident of Northfield, died on June 1st at her home. Born September 26, 1928 in Atlantic City, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence M. Hampton and Jewel E. Evans. Mrs. Pullan was a graduate of Mill Road School (1942), Pleasantville High School (1946), and Atlantic County Community College (1975). She also attended Maryville College in Tennessee (1946-1948) and completed genealogy courses through Brigham Young University. As a girl, Mrs. Pullan worked alongside her parents in the building and operation of their restaurant, The Log, in West Atlantic City, and during her high school years, she was a member of All State Choir. A lifelong love of history led Mrs. Pullan to the study of genealogy and membership in the General Lafayette Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, where she sometimes assisted others in researching their family histories. In 1972, when a call went out for a committee to work on Northfield’s observance of the Bicentennial, Joyce began the volunteer work that she continued until her death. In 1975, she served as General Contractor for the Northfield Bandstand project, and she oversaw completion of the job under budget and in time for the first concert held on July 4, 1976. In 1977 many of those involved in the planning for the Bicentennial stayed on to participate in the Northfield Cultural Committee with Joyce Pullan as Projects Director. In 1975, working along with fellow Committee members, she helped to establish the Northfield Bicentennial Museum. The Museum was moved into Birch Grove Park in 1989, and Mrs. Pullan was instrumental in the moving and addition of the historic Casto House to the Museum complex. She was a coordinator of the summer concert series in the Park and the July 4th parade for more than four decades. Joyce was also influential in the creation of the Northfield Historical Society, which supports the Museum with programs open to the public, serving as editor of their newsletter. In 2018, along with Eleanor Webb and Roy Clark, she edited Who is Buried in Northfield, NJ, a small volume that contains compiled information about residents who died in the Pine Rest Sanitarium and County Asylum and the Alms’ House and were buried in unmarked graves in a Dolphin Avenue cemetery in Northfield. In August 2015, Mrs. Pullan was honored for more than 40 years of service to the City of Northfield with the renaming of a portion of Birch Grove Park Way as Joyce Pullan Way. Mrs. Pullan held memberships in the Atlantic County and Northfield Historical Societies, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Northfield Cultural Committee. Her passions were travel, architecture and genealogical research and she was able to trace her American roots to 1703 in Runnemede, NJ and 1630 in Virginia. Joyce was married for 50 years to the late James Henry Pullan, Sr. and during his lifetime they traveled extensively making many friends and lasting memories. Mrs. Pullan was preceded in death by her husband and parents, by her son, Thomas, and by her brother, Lawrence Hampton, Jr. She is survived by her children: Kathleen Watkins (Ron), Patricia Regina (John), James, Jr. (Elizabeth), Margaret (Shelly Cooper), Joan Brennan (David Goldstein), John, Teresita Molina (Ovidio), Christina Veliz, and Zaida Alvarez; by her daughter-in-law, Melissa Pullan; by 17 grandchildren and many beloved great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Joan Vines, and cousins William Wassell, Barbara Pradelle, and Sophie Cordery. A memorial event will be planned for a later date. Donations can be made in her honor to The Northfield Museum Trust Fund, Finance Office, Northfield City Hall, 1600 Shore Road, Northfield, NJ 08225.