Class Notes

June Edwina Renner Spence passed away peacefully at her home in Sevierville, TN on March 27, 2023. Born at home on June 7, 1936 in Cleveland, TN, she spent her first 7 years on a small farm near her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. In 1944, her family moved to Pinellas Park, FL where they began a large dairy operation, Renner Dairy. Growing up with 5 siblings, there was never a dull moment on the farm with frequent baseball games and singing hymns around the piano. June was a member of the first graduating class of St Petersburg’s Boca Ciega High School (1954). With her parents encouragement, she returned to TN and attended Maryville College. June finished her undergraduate degrees in Bible, English and Spanish at the University of Florida (1958). Fluent in Spanish, she first taught school in Guatemala and Panama for the United Fruit Company. June taught in the secondary school systems of Dade County, FL and Sevier County, TN; at Cleveland State Community College, and Lee University; and ESL at Maryville College. Beloved by her students, June considered each a precious child of God and treated them as such. She was active in community work, including being a Girl Scout leader and a founding member of Save the Middle Prong, a grassroots effort that kept our river clean.

In 1972, June once again returned to East TN with her 2 young children and husband to his family’s roots in the Smoky Mountains of Sevier County. Forever in awe of God’s creation, she was thrilled to raise her daughters on a small farm along a free flowing river with many unforgettable experiences camping, horseback riding, and going on wagon trains.

June had an adventurous spirit: from climbing active volcanoes in Guatemala to horse camping on a secluded mountain with only a flashlight as defense. However, she would say her greatest adventure was embracing Christ as her Savior and growing her faith through Bible study and prayer.

Initially a Wesleyan Methodist, then a United Methodist, June’s Christian discipleship permeated all her endeavors. Her vibrant and engaging personality reflected the Love and Light of the indwelling Holy Spirit, enabling her to spread the Good News. June never met a stranger; the beauty of her soul outshined even her striking good looks. She faced life’s trials with an abundance of faith in God’s providence. A model of Mercy and Grace no matter the circumstances, June always counted her blessings, oft stating “My Cup Runneth Over” (23rd Psalm).

June was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. Her role as mother was of utmost importance. She encouraged her daughters to embrace all of life’s opportunities. June was honored to care for her mother during her final years and felt blessed by that deepened relationship. In 1995 and 1999, June was overjoyed at the birth of her two grandsons. She relished spending time with them playing games and telling them family stories.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul Luther and Edna Mae Massengill Renner; the father of her children, Homer Rule Spence, and son in law, Hoyle Rymer. She is survived by her aunt Amy Dean Pinkard, sisters Juanita Munroe and Velma Trotter, brothers Howard, Kenneth, and Arville Renner; daughters Sharon Rymer and Diana Spence; grandsons John Hoyle Rymer and Robert Atchley Rymer, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, all whom she loved deeply.

Gordon H. Rettke, 95, widower of Marian Pope Rettke, died Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at Covenant Place. Born in Blue Island, Illinois, he was a son of the late Frank and Marion Anderson Rettke. He attended Maryville College, TN, served as a Naval Aviator during WWII, graduated from the University of Tennessee, received a Master’s Degree from George Peabody College (now Vanderbilt University) and a Doctor’s Degree from Indiana University. He practiced School Psychology for the Delaware State Department of Public Instruction, taught and practiced Psychology in the Clinic and Counseling Center at Evansville College, IN (now Evansville University), served as Consulting Clinical Psychologist in Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Mental Health Services for Children, directed Psychological Services for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and served as Psychologist-Coordinator of their Employee Assistance Program. Finally, he retired from his practice of General Clinical Psychology in 1993. He and his wife moved to Sumter, SC in 2000 to be near their daughter and grandchildren. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church. Survivors include one son, Gordon H. Rettke, Jr. (Olivia) of Madison, AL; one daughter, Leslie Grogan (Steve) of Sumter; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at 3 P.M. Thursday in the Chapel of the Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home with Rev. Nick Cheek officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. The family would like to extend thanks to Dr. Mayes DuBose and to the nursing staff at Covenant Place Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church Stephen Ministry, 9 W. Calhoun Street, Sumter, SC 29150 or to the SPCA, 1140 S. Guignard Drive, Sumter, SC 29150. On-line condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com

Marian Pope Rettke, 87, wife of Gordon H. Rettke, died Friday, March 20, 2015, at her home. Born in Hazard, Kentucky, she was a daughter of the late Leslie and Aileen Rutherford Pope. Mrs. Rettke grew up in Etowah, TN, graduated from Maryville College, and received a Master’s Degree from the University of Tennessee. She worked as a television instructor for South Western Indiana Educational TV and as a Communications Instructor for Evansville (IN) College and an English instructor at Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte, NC. She wrote historical novels under the name of Marian Devon, published by Jove and Fawcett. Mrs. Rettke was a member of First Presbyterian Church, the P.E.O. Sisterhood, the Book Club, and the Sumter Art Association. Survivors include her husband of Sumter; one son, Gordon Rettke, Jr. (Olivia) of Huntsville, AL; one daughter, Leslie Grogan (Steve) of Sumter; one brother, George Pope of Murfreesboro, TN; five grandchildren, Steven, Brian, Sarah and Stephanie Grogan and Vincent Rettke; one great-grandchild, James Grogan. A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2015, in the Chapel of the Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home with Rev. Ray Fancher officiating. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 9 W. Calhoun Street, Sumter, SC 29150. On-line condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com

August 8, 2019 Dear Friends, It is with great sadness that I share that former Library and Curatorial staff member James T. Reynolds passed away this week. Jim devoted nearly 26 years of this life from August 1987-February 2003 to serving, supporting and contributing to the Heard Museum. He began his career part-time in the Curatorial Department inputting in the Argus database which operates as the foundation of the Heard Museum’s collection management software. A few years later, the Heard Museum Library was very fortunate to have Jim join the Library staff and manage the Native American Artists Resource Collection. He was the master of this great collection and became familiar with thousands of Native artists. He was here at the very beginning when the online version of the Museum’s artist files was launched; and new his way around the complex and sometimes mystifying database. Over his years in the Library, Jim spread his wings and served as a library volunteer coordinator and supervisor, provided expert assistance in processing archives, and participated in the general development of the Library. A most memorable example when he did an item by item inventory of the 900 pound Jeanne Snodgrass Collection. I think it holds the record for any inventory. Jim was instrumental in helping with the “great” move when the Library grew into its expanded area during the 2000 expansion. Jim, along with his sister Diane Reynolds, were major contributors personally and through their mother’s memory to the Heard Museum and its Library and Archives for purchase of equipment, acquisitions, and supporting the 2000 expansion campaign. Jim will be missed on many personal levels as a friend, kind person, good cook, political savant, voracious reader, database expert, and master confectioner of the best peanut-brittle in the world. Jim’s caregiver was his devoted sister Diane Reynolds whose legacy at the Heard Museum was equally as impressive. They shared a home together. For those that wish to communicate to Diane Reynolds, her address is Diane Reynolds, 14238 North 46th Drive, Glendale, Arizona 85306-5031.

Eugene Reynolds of Louisville, TN was born January 21, 1927 and passed away peacefully, July 4, 2021. Gene was a graduate of Alcoa High School. After serving in the Army during World War II, he enrolled at Maryville College where he was a three-sport athlete and played minor league baseball in Kingsport and with the Knoxville Smokies in the early 1950s. He is a member of the Maryville College Sports Hall of Fame and the Blount County Sports Hall of Fame. He owned Gene Reynolds Realty retiring in 1994. Gene loved his family and his church, where he taught Sunday School for over 30 years. Preceded in death by his parents, O.H. and Mabel Reynolds; brothers, O.H Reynolds Jr., Jack Reynolds; daughter, Sandy Reynolds. He is survived by his wife of 64 years Charleen Reynolds; son and daughter-in-law, Ken and Susan Reynolds; favorite granddaughter, Emily Reynolds. Memorials may be made to Alcoa First United Methodist Church Bill Bailey Scholarship Fund, 617 Gilbert Street, Alcoa, TN 37701. Family and friends will gather for a Memorial Service on Monday, July 12, 2021 at 1:00 PM, at Sherwood Chapel & Memorial Gardens with Rev. Todd Chancey and Rev. Joe Green officiating. Condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.sherwoodchapel.com

Jean Reynolds passed away on July 4, 2023, in Concord, New Hampshire.

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces the death of Mr. John Franklin Rhodes, Jr., age 57, of Blairsville, who passed away on Monday, June 29, 2015 in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Mr. Rhodes was born in Arcadia, Florida, on October 23, 1957, a son of John Franklin Rhodes, Sr., and Charlotte Joann Stewart Rhodes. He was a physical therapist.

Margaret Naomi Whitehead Rhyne passed away April 14, 2011 and joined her husband of 54 years, Fred L. Rhyne, in heaven. There to greet her were her parents, Burl and Melvina Lucinda (Mellie) Tipton Whitehead and her paternal grandparents James Alford and Lucinda Hall Whitehead along with her maternal grandparents Noah Harrison and Nancy Susannah LeQuire Tipton. Margaret was born at Chilhowee, Tennessee on December 13, 1914. Shortly after her birth the family moved to Alcoa (now known as Calderwood). Her father snaked logs for the building of the company dams in the area. The family made several moves after work ran out at Alcoa. They moved to Prospect and Hubbard where Mr. Whitehead was a furrier and blacksmith. The final move was to Union Community when Margaret and her siblings attended Everett High School. She graduated from Everett and then from Maryville College in 1936 where her major subjects were English and French. Walking to school each day, she worked in the college Maid Shop to help pay expenses. Teaching was a pleasure to her and she taught at Walland, Chilhowee View, and Bungalow. Her husband Fred L. Rhyne co-owned Rhyne Bros. Supermarket on Morganton road with his brother Joe. After retirement, she and Fred loved to jump in their motor home and travel, visiting all fifty states, some Canadian Provinces, Mexico, Guatemala, and England. A local genealogist, she wrote two books; Rhyne Families of East Tennessee and Whitehead and Related Families. She is the last surviving member of her family of six children who were: Earl, Georgia, Evelyn (married George Rutherford), Clyde (married Carleen Whitehead), and Don Whitehead. She has four children: Reba Carolyn Rhyne Meiller; Fred David Rhyne and spouse Vicki Breneman Rhyne; Clyde Thomas Rhyne and spouse Elizabeth Geren Rhyne, and Burl Timothy Rhyne and spouse Marsha Smith Rhyne. Four grandchildren survive her: Melissa Meiller Belandres and husband, Dennis; Anna Rhyne; Samuel Rhyne, and Margaret (Meg) Rhyne along with one great-grandson, Benjamin Belandres. Interment was at Grandview Cemetery.

Mary Jane Costner Ribble passed away on Friday, Aug. 16, 2013, at the age of 92. Mary Jane was a native of Maryville. She is pre-deceased by her husband of 70 years, George W. Ribble. Mary Jane is survived by her loving children, Carolyn and Stan Barnwell of Atlanta, Ga., George and Melanie Ribble of Weatherford, Texas; grandchildren, Alison, Colleen, Jonathan, Sarah and Lesley. She had four great-grandchildren.

Harry Emory Rice, Jr. passed away February 8, 1997 at the age of 79.

Rev. Frederick S. Richardett, Jr., 89, of the Holiday City Carefree section of Berkeley Twp., died on Thursday, May 3, 2018. He was born in Atlantic City, NJ and raised in Swedesboro, NJ. He lived in Old Bridge, Howell and Belford, NJ before moving to Holiday City 20 years ago. Fred was a graduate of Maryville College in Tennessee and received his Degree in Theology from Temple University. Fred was ordained in 1955 and was a Minister with the United Methodist Church for 46 years. His first assignment was the First United Methodist Church of Millville, NJ. He served as Pastor at several Churches, including Old Bridge, before retiring from the First United Methodist Church in Belford. After retirement he was an assistant at the First United Methodist Church in Toms River. Fred was also a member of the Camden Lions Club and an affiliate member in the Toms River Lions Club. He was the Chaplain for the State of New Jersey Lions Club since 1969. Fred was also Chaplain of the Lions Eye Bank of Delaware Valley for over 20 years and a Board Member of the Lions Eye Bank in Philadelphia, Pa. He is predeceased by his son Frederick III. Fred is survived by his loving wife Ruth Ann (Bratton) Richardett; his daughter Ruth Ann Shamey and her husband Michael of Old Bridge, NJ; his daughter in law Judith of Tinton Falls, NJ; his 5 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter.

Mary Jo Richardson, 87, died Thursday, May 31, 2018 at her home in Southbury, surrounded by her loving cats. Jodie, as she was known to her family and friends, was born November 7, 1930, in Clinton, Tennessee, near Knoxville. Her parents were Josephine Scruggs Richardson (a musician and organist) and J. Bailey Richardson (musician and insurance salesman). She graduated from Clinton High School and Maryville College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in music. After moving to Manhattan, she embarked on a 40 – year career at Reader’s Digest magazine. She began in the public relations department and for many years was a magazine research editor. In 1992, Jodie and her English friend, Marion Davis, moved to Heritage Village. Jodie was a director of her condo board, part of the Heritage Village Ambulance Association, a co-founding member of PAWS (an animal rights group) and sat on the Commission for Senior Services. As an active member of South Britain Congregational Church, she was at various times a deacon, chairman of the Outreach Committee and on the Music Committee. The church appreciated her recent major contribution for an enhancement to the organ. She leaves Gracie Scruggs Allen, her special cousin, and her family from Nashville, Tennessee. Jodie was a generous and kind friend. In her memory, please call a neighbor or friend today. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Welfare Society, 8 Dodd Rd., New Milford 06776.

Charles Ridings graduated to HEAVEN on September 30, 2016. He was in Chattanooga Memorial Hospital being treated for heart failure when Jesus took him from his wife Peggy's loving arms. Charlie, as many called him, married Peggy after they met in his church in Hixson (Chattanooga) and they have been together over 20 loving years. Peggy was constantly assisting Charles in dealing with his physical disabilities in a loving manner. Peggy was driving Charlie to the hospital on Thursday when one of his three heart stents failed and she called 911 to have him immediately transported to Memorial Hospital where he passed from this earth at 6 p.m. Born on December 14th, 1945, at Doctors Hospital in Maryville, Tennessee, Charles began a valiant effort to overcome his physical handicap with mental excellence and a humble, sweet attitude. He was a team member of the Rocky Branch Beavers (Elementary), Walland Indians (High School) and Maryville Scot's (College) basketball and football teams serving as equipment manager and trainer. Charlie survived many surgeries and braces (with funding assistance from the March of Dimes) growing up in Rocky Branch, Tennessee. He played all sports with his left arm and leg while moving his right limbs at a somewhat slower pace. He tried everything as the elder brother leading his brother and sisters to excellence in athletics and fishing! He was our HERO. Charles served as a missionary in Korea after completing his religion studies at Johnson Bible College. He had completed his BS in English education at Maryville College and wanted to expand his service career by spreading the love of Jesus in Asia. After completing that assignment he went to work for the Tennessee Department Human Services as a social worker. He completed additional service work and education chemistry at Pellissippi in preparation for an application with the TVA as a laboratory specialist. He retired from TVA after 25 years of service and spent the remainder of his life with his church, North River Christian Church in Middle Valley, raising his African Violets and taking Peggy on vacations to places like Hawaii. Charles was President of the African Violet Association and he and Peggy had memorable trips displaying the flowers at conventions throughout the U.S. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Avory (BUS) Ridings; sister Janice Ridings Andrews (Dan). In addition to Peggy, Charles is survived by his mother, Geneva Ridings; brother, Richard Ridings (Sharon); sister, Sherry Koerner (Kim); uncle, Bill Ridings (Rose); stepdaughter, Cheryl (Brian) Ault; step-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Zachary Ault; and all the cousins and children. Memorial Services were held at North Chapel Chattanooga Funeral Home 5401 Hwy 153, Hixson, Tenn. 37343 on Sunday, October 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. with Service at 4 p.m. At a later date a Memorial Service will be held at his childhood church Rocky Branch Bethel Baptist for those who could not make the Hixson service. In lieu of flowers, Charles would want donations made to the March of Dimes, or the African Violet Association.

Jean Carolyn Enfield Rieck, 92, of Fort Pierce Florida, passed on Monday, February 8, 2021.

She was born to the late Martha Susan Holland Enfield and Jacob Roy Enfield on October 18, 1928, at Forest Hill, Maryland.

She was the youngest of six sisters and graduated from Maryville College in Tennessee with a degree in Education. She was married to the late Rev. Carl A. Rieck and lived in Ft. Pierce, FL for fifty years. Jean is survived by five children: Carl A. Rieck Jr. of Palacios, Texas; Deborah Rieck Blinn of Ocala, FL; Stephen E. Rieck of St. Augustine, FL; Paul A. Rieck of Okeechobee, FL; and Nathan J. Rieck of Sebastian, FL. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Jean was predeceased by her five sisters, loving husband Carl in 1995, and her loving son Joseph E. Rieck, from Independence, Kentucky in 2018.

Jean was a devoted mother to five sons and a daughter. She was a faithful minister’s wife, an avid reader, who loved horses, the mountains, and the sounds of the ocean waves on the beach. She believed in family and fought to support and protect hers throughout her life.

Patricia Mae Riley, daughter of the late Robert Lee and Mary Frances Riley, dear sister of Allan E. Riley, Mildred (Jack) Skidmore, Michael (Ellen) Riley, Sueanne (Joe) Armistead and the late Robert Lee Riley Jr., dear cousin of Russell Riley passed away on March 21, 2009, at the age of 68. Family suggests donations be directed to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Mr. Riley was born on July 25, 1961 and passed away on Friday. September 1, 2017. Mr. Riley was a resident of Bowling Green, Kentucky at the time of passing.

William M. Robarts, 93, of Summer Street, died Thursday July 6, 2017 at the Country Village Health Care, in Lancaster. Born August 28, 1923 in Lake City Florida, he was the son of George Andrew Lites and Elizabeth (Engle) Robarts. He graduated from Lake City High School and went on to graduate from Maryville College in Maryville Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree and received his Masters in Library Science from Columbia University in New York City. For many years he served as the Assistant Librarian for Union Theological Seminary in New York City. On July 18, 1976 he married Barbara Reed in St. Johnsbury, VT, and they have made Lancaster their home since 1979. An active member of the Lancaster Congregational Church, William sang in the choir and served many years as the church historian. Gardening, especially african violets, stamp collecting and photography were special pastimes for him. Besides his wife Barbara, he is survived by three children; Margaret Turner and her husband, Michael of Northfield, VT, Daniel Robarts and his wife, Claire of Brunswick, ME and Jonathan Robarts and his wife, Emily of Guildhall, VT. Along with six grandchildren, Ellie Turner, James Robarts, William Robarts, Victoria Whitcomb, Madison Robarts and Liem Robarts and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by a sister Mary Margaret Miller and a brother George A.L. Robarts Jr. Services will be conducted by the family at a later date.

Eloise Burnette Roberson, 95, passed away Saturday March 3, 2012. A native of Chattanooga, TN, she lived most of her life in Buncombe County. She was a retired teacher from the Buncombe County Schools. She was a 68 year active member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church and longtime leader, serving in many capacities including church organist and was coordinator of the Senior Travelers for many years. She is preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Edwin Roberson who passed away in 1984. Surviving are her daughters, Mary Sampson and Ali Roberson; grandchildren, Lucinda Chafin, Leslie Black (Bo Boling), Brian Sampson and Karen Hannah (Davey); great grandchildren, Sarah Black and Melody Hannah all of the Asheville area. We appreciate the exceptional care given Mrs. Eloise by Grace Health Care and Rehabilation Center.

Died Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at St. Thomas West in Nashville, TN, he was 83 years old. Dr. Roberts is preceded in death by his parents, Judge George and Laura Roberts; and siblings, Irl Roberts, Mary Ella Roberts and Roy Roberts. Dr. Roberts is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mrs. Faye Frost Roberts; daughters, Mary Katherine Carson (Christopher) and Rachel Frost Roberts; son, George Myers Roberts, Jr. “Robby” (Meredith); grandchildren, Mathew George Roberts and Natalie Meredith Roberts; sister, Lois Roberts Berry; several nieces and nephews; and fur baby, Volcat. Dr. Roberts’s education consisted of Maryville High School, Maryville College, Vanderbilt – Peabody, and The University of Tennessee, where he achieved his EdD. Dr. Roberts was a teacher and coach at Georgetown High School in Georgetown, IN and the Associate Director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.

Diana Marie (Papas) Roberts, of Delmont, fell asleep in the arms of the Lord Monday, March 7, 2016, in Greensburg. She was 58 years old. Diana was born Oct. 24, 1957, in Chicago, Ill., to her parents, Petros and Irene Papas. She was the love of life to her husband, Thomas Roberts, of Delmont. She will be dearly missed by her siblings and their families; sister, Dina Papas, brother, Nicholas Papas with wife, Patricia, and sister, Athena with husband, Greg Conte. She loved her nephew, Noah with wife, Beth Ann, her nieces, Philothei with husband, Michael, Irene Rose, Anna and Maria, great-niece, Zoe, and great-nephews, Max and Anthony. She will be missed by her church family at St. Michael’s, Delmont neighbors, co-workers at Tuscano Agency, classmates from Maryville College and the many lives she touched with her warmth, humor, humility and generous spirit. Visitation was held from 2 to 4:30 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, 2016, with Trisagion service at 7:45 p.m., at St. Michael’s Orthodox Church, 1182 Ashland St., Greensburg, PA 15601, where a funeral service was held at 10 a.m. Thursday. Interment followed in Twin Valley Memorial Park, Delmont.If desired, memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael’s Orthodox Church in Diana’s name. www.hartfuneralhomeinc.com.

Linda Carol Roberts, age 77, of Alcoa, passed away Sunday, October 23, 2016, at her home. She was a member of Alcoa First United Methodist Church, was a school teacher in Alcoa, retired Librarian from Maryville High School and was an avid Lady Vol fan. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond H. and Mary Morton Roberts. Survivors include her godsons, Jeremy Stephens, Josh Stephens, and several cousins. Family and friends will meet at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 20, 2016 at Grandview Cemetery for a graveside service with Rev. Ty Harrison officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alcoa First United Methodist Church, 617 Gilbert Street, Alcoa, TN 37701. McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home, Maryville, 982-6812.

Charles “Charlie” Roberts, age 92, left his family and friends December 14 for a life in his new home in heaven. He retired from ALCOA (Arconic) after 43 years and served in the South Pacific during WWII. Charlie was dedicated to his family. His life encompassed service and enjoyment with family and friends in sports, civic responsibilities, church and Christian activities. Charlie was very humbled by the awards he received. He was a descendant of Cades Cove and was preceded in death by his son, Kent Stephen Roberts; parents, Wiley J. and Angeline Brown Roberts; brother, Henry H. and wife, Mary Kay Roberts. He leaves his wife of 67 years, Mary Gene Lawson Roberts; daughter, Dawn Bailes (Rob); daughter-in-law, Linda Roberts; grandsons, Andrew C. and Samuel J. Bailes, William L. and Wesley S. Roberts. The family expresses appreciation for all the support during the period of Charlie’s health decline. Funeral services at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Greg Long officiating. The family received friends immediately following the service. He is interred at Grandview Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church; Local Special Olympics, 316 S. Everett Road, Maryville, TN 37804; or to a charity of your choice. McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home 982-6812 www.mccammonammonsclick.com

Robert E. Roberts passed away December 11, 2002. He resided in Greenville, Tennessee.

Shirley Jewel Napier Robertson, born March 29, 1935, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2021, surrounded by her three children and husband of nearly 60 years. She was 86 years old.

Born in the Blue Ridge mountains of Kentucky, Shirley was the middle child among five brothers (John D. Junior, Oramus, Clif, Gordon, and Jess) and three sisters (Helen, Pat, and Vera). Her father, John D. Napier, worked as a coal miner during the day and barber in the evenings. Docia, her mother, managed their energetic nine children.

At the age of 18, Shirley left Harveyton and moved to Washington DC, where she found a job working as a secretary for the FBI. After a short period, however, a generous donor offered her a full scholarship to attend Maryville College. Shirley majored in elementary education – one of the few programs open and welcoming to women at the time. After graduation, she returned to the Washington DC area where she found teaching opportunities, developed a boisterous group of friends, and eventually met and married the handsome Texan Scotty Robertson.

In less than a year, Scotty and Shirley welcomed their first child, Sharon Jennifer, born in Washington DC in 1963. Soon after, the West beckoned and the young family moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, where Scotty began a new job with Motorola and they soon welcomed two new babies: Stacey Marie in 1965 and Scott Thomas in 1968.

Busy with three children, Shirley blossomed in the Arizona sun. She and Scotty built a vibrant group of friends who loved to square dance and socialize. The family drove a camper on many vacations, including to the beaches of Mexico. Shirley regularly and emphatically instructed Scotty on his driving, though he rarely accepted her advice. She was perhaps the most nervous person to ever ride in a car. As a passenger, she became quite skillful at pressing an invisible brake with her foot, pointing out the obvious to the driver, and generally making everyone in the car a bit crazy. Thankfully, she only passed this trait on to her oldest daughter.

In 1974, Scotty accepted a position with National Semiconductor in San Jose, California, and the family made another move. Once all the kids started elementary school, Shirley returned to teaching and successfully juggled home responsibilities and work. She endured yet another move in 1981 when Scotty, who had fallen in love with Arizona, had the opportunity to transfer to a new plant in Tucson. This would be the last move, insisted a frustrated Shirley. But life is unpredictable and after all three kids had left for college, they made one final move to Fort Walton Beach. This would be their last transition and Shirley’s favorite home.

After some grumbling about humidity, traffic, and the occasional hurricane, Shirley eventually found happiness in Fort Walton Beach through good friends, a welcoming church, and the regular visits of her children and, eventually, her grandchildren.

Shirley had a strong artistic voice. She loved to create macramé, quilts, stained glass, hand-sewn clothes, and much more. She enjoyed bluegrass music and she insisted that her children experience the wonder of playing the piano. Only Sharon, as it turns out, had any skill at that instrument.

Shirley was a Presbyterian her whole life. Her faith never wavered. She taught Sunday School to children and enjoyed the opportunity for fellowship through her church.

Shirley will be missed by many, but especially her loving husband Scotty; her sister Vera Stacy; and her children and their families: Sharon, David, Gemma, and Rider; Stacey, Stephen, Evan, and Isaac; and Scott, Michelle, Andrew, Megan, and Alex.

For those wishing to honor Shirley’s memory, please make a donation to Maryville College in her honor.

Rebecca Maddux Robertson passed away January 29, 2001