Class Notes

Peggy Smith, 65, of Chattanooga, passed away Saturday, November 11, 2023, in a local hospital.

She was born February 1, 1958, in Savannah, Georgia, to loving parents Herbert Smith, Sr. and Barbara (Faunce) Smith. Peggy was the second of five children in a family who lived a military life, moving between states and countries as their father fulfilled the expectations placed upon a Chief Master Sergeant in the US Air Force. Peggy was a graduate of Maryville College. She worked as a microbiologist before taking on her life’s work, raising her two daughters. Peggy will be remembered in her community as a selfless, altruistic woman who gave of herself graciously to the benefit of others. She never turned a neighbor in need away. Peggy also loved spending time at the ocean and was an avid watcher of rocket launches and turtle hatchings on the Florida beaches. One of her most recent joys was volunteering at her grandson’s school, Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences. CSAS always had a special place in Peggy’s heart, as both her daughters were K-12 graduates of the school.

Peggy was preceded in death by her father, Herbert Smith, Sr.; and her sister, Debra Smith Johnson.

She is survived by her daughters, Megan Beatrice and Heather Beatrice Pogue; her mother, Barbara Smith; and stepfather, Glenn Gordon; her grandson, August Wooten; and siblings, Sandra Miller, Herbert Smith Jr., and Michael Smith.

Elizabeth June Smith, 87, went home to be with her precious Lord and Savior on Friday, April 5, 2024. She was greeted at the gates by her beloved husband, John Smith; her brother, Dale Keeney; and her parents, Lillard and Edna Keeney who all passed before her. We are sure that it was quite a happy reunion. Heaven is a much brighter place with this new angel!

Elizabeth June Smith was born on May 29, 1936, in Clinton, Tn. She always went by her middle name of June which would sometimes become June Bug or Juney. Growing up, June loved sports and music. She was head majorette at both Clinton High School and Maryville College where she majored in Music.

After college June moved to Annapolis, Md., to teach and to, in her words, “marry a Navy man.” Shortly after she arrived in Annapolis she walked into a church and saw a tall handsome man singing in the choir. She immediately announced to her friend, “That is the man I am going to marry!” and she did! On June 10, 1961, June married the love of her life John Byron Smith. June and John eventually settled in Chattanooga, and had three children – Crystal, Jonathan, and Suzanna.

Life was quite busy with these three, but June was not one to sit around and do nothing. While carting her three children to all of their many, many activities she honored her love of music by teaching piano to multiple children and adults throughout Chattanooga and Pikeville. She also taught music at Dupont Elementary School and was the children’s choir director at St Luke’s Methodist Church. June loved performing and was in several musicals at the Little Theatre in Chattanooga. To show her love and support for her children, June was either the PTA president or an officer and attended every event they were in. And there were many! June was a staunch supporter of Bethel Bible Village and helped in the coordination of the Pat Boone Celebrity Golf Tournament for years. She also loved to play tennis and played in several tennis leagues.

June’s faith was always what drove her and led her to become the president of Chattanooga Christian Women’s Club for many years. Later, she was elected as president of the Chattanooga District of the United Methodist Women and then vice president of the Holston Conference United Methodist Women.

June excelled at everything she did.

June and John “retired” and moved to Pikeville, so that John could be a pastor of Mt. Crest United Methodist Church. Of course, June became the choir director as well as the Bible teacher.

Elizabeth June Keeney Smith was best known for her beautiful blue eyes, her pretty smile, her kind spirit mixed with a little feistiness. She will be greatly missed here on earth, but we know that she is in a much better place. We love you a bushel and a peck!

She is survived by her three loving children – Crystal Hall, Jonathan Smith (Joyce), and Suzanna Ellis (Tom) – her grandchildren – Hunter Hall, Kalli Hall, Connor Ellis, Beth Demonbruen, Laura Ferebee, Robin Harrington, and Andrew Ellis- and her bonus great-grandchildren- Kailey, Kassidy, Cody, Trenton, Preston, Carmen, Michael, Paul, and Luc.

Marie Jensen Smyrl, 98, of Willow Street, formerly of Tunkhannock, and Pitman, N.J., died Friday, March 11, 2016, at the Glen at Willow Valley Retirement Communities. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, the Rev. Robert R. Smyrl. A lifelong artist, Marie was instrumental in creating the Art Major at her alma mater, Maryville College, in Tennessee, and in 1940 graduated with one of the college’s first art degrees. That same year she and her husband, Bob Smyrl, were married. While raising their three children, Marie continued her creative pursuits and explored many materials and techniques. In 1970, Marie began a 12-year tenure as art teacher at the Tunkhannock Area Middle School; during this period she also taught night classes at Penn State, and wrote and illustrated a guide on creating optical illusion designs. At Willow Valley, Marie exhibited in several group art shows, and was featured in a 2015 retrospective at Meadow Ridge. Much of Marie’s artwork is now on display in the homes of her family and friends, who were the other great joys in her life. Her children and grandchildren were frequent visitors. Her sister, nieces, and nephews have many fond memories of receiving homemade gifts from Marie. Over their 64 years of marriage, Marie was actively involved in many aspects of her husband Bob’s work for the Presbyterian Church, including helping to start Camp Lackawanna, where a building is named in Bob’s honor. Marie and Bob made friends wherever they went, and felt fortunate to be part of a wonderful community at Willow Valley. Over the years Marie kept up treasured connections with friends near and far through get-togethers, phone calls, and letters. Marie is survived by her sister, Ann Williams; son, Peter and his wife, Eloise; daughter, Marieann and her husband, Stephen Cahoon; daughter-in-law, Jane Smyrl; grandchildren: Becky, Molly, Ken, Katie and her husband Chris, and Karen; and an honorary son, Walt Vetter. She was preceded in death by her brother, Knud Jensen; and her son, Robert Jr. A service will be held on Saturday, April 2, at 1:30 p.m., at Willow Valley Lakes Manor, 450 Willow Valley Lakes Drive, Willow Street. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Camp Lackawanna, c/o Lackawanna Presbytery, 816 Olive Street, Scranton, PA 18510.

Kathleen Snatchko, a resident of Glenshaw, Pennsylvania, was born on November 1, 1951 and passed away on Wednesday, October 6, 2010.

Fred Manget Snell M.D. Ph.D. of Eden, NY, passed away on November 5, 2003. He was the husband of Diana L. Bozian; father of Susanna (Al) Addesa, John Steven Snell, Cynthia (Steven) Weseman and Alexander B. Snell; grandfather of David & Stephen Ungvary; dear friend of first wife Mary Snell.

Robert Ellis Snow, age 68, of Lithia Springs, passed away Nov. 27, 2017. Services were Nov. 30, 1:00 PM, at Austell Presbyterian Church. Jones-Wynn Funeral Home, Douglasville, GA.

Sochocky, Betty Lou, 79 of Ventnor, passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2024 surrounded by her family.
Betty Lou was born July 5, 1944 to John and Edna (nee Filling) Sochocky in Pomona, NJ. She was a graduate of Atlantic City High School and Maryville College in Tennessee. She completed her Masters from University of Alabama. Betty Lou held a distinguished career as an Atlantic County Probation Officer, retiring as a supervisor. She loved traveling and took great pleasure in taking many nieces and nephews to the country of their choice for their high school graduation. She also enjoyed spending time with her family, watching ball games, reading and going to Broadway shows.
Betty was predeceased by her parents, Edna and John Sochocky; brothers-in-law John Rush and Roland Starr; and nephew Ryan Sochocky. She is survived by her siblings, four sisters: Ellen V. Rush, Edna V. (Ginger) Starr, Beatrice A. Petrella (Arthur), Donna L. Fisher (Mark); three brothers: John Patrick Sochocky, Stanley W. Sochocky (Terry), and Richard J. Sochocky (Ellen); eighteen nieces and nephews; nineteen great nieces and nephews; and one great great niece.

Longtime McLeansville, NC resident Ethel Mildred Shockley Sockwell died Sunday, March 7. She was born in Chester, PA and later went to Maryville College, TN, where she met the love of her life, Max Sockwell. After graduation from Maryville, they married in 1954 and moved to San Antonio, TX, where Max enlisted in the US Air Force. While stationed in San Antonio, both children were born. In 1959, they moved the family back to the farm in McLeansville. Ethel worked as office manager for the U.S. Treasury, Savings Bond Division for 30 years, retiring in 1987. Throughout her adult life, Ethel loved to travel, support the church with many volunteer positions, photography, all sorts of crafts, and being with family.

She is predeceased by her husband Max, sister, June Roop, brother Ralph Shockley and parents, Delbert and Ethel Shockley. She is survived by her daughter Vee Ann Nielsen (John); grandchildren Jennifer Rickman and fiancé Tony McCarty, her children Charleigh, Ila, and Maxton; Mandy Patterson (Justin), their children Raegan, Eleanor and Oliver; Tyler and Chris Nielsen; her son Jeff (Janet); daughter Sarah and fiancé Michael Wynant, son Daniel and partner Camille Muniz, and many nieces and nephews.

Ruby Roberts Sohler, 87 of Los Osos was born on July 2, 1932 in Newport, TN to Logan and Lenora Roberts and passed away Monday, June 15, 2020 at her house under the care of Central Coast Home Health and Hospice. Ruby grew up in Maryville and went to Maryville College and graduated in 1951 with a degree in Psychology. She worked at GE Cincinnati, Ohio for 5 years. She moved to California in 1960, worked at Rockwell International, where she met her husband-to-be, Jim. She was involved with Rocket Development and Heat Transfer Analysis of Space Shuttle Division until she and Jim retired in 1980. She was a proud member of PEO-Chapter VM for 35 years. Although she contacted poliovirus at an early age, it never deterred her from achieving what she wanted to be. Among her passions were solving the Tribune’s crossword puzzle and watching Jeopardy. Ruby is survived by her son Rey (Ruby); her beloved granddaughter, Justine; sister, Reba and nephew, Ashley and a very dear friend, Jai; many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband Jim, parents Logan and Lenora. Viewing will be at Reis Mortuary on June 22 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Funeral mass will be at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Los Osos June 23 at 11:00am. Burial will follow at the Old Mission Cemetery San Luis Obispo.

Tanner Chase Spalding, age 27 of Franklin, TN passed away unexpectedly from a medical condition on March 4, 2024.

Tanner grew up in Franklin, attended PGS Franklin High School and was a standout basketball player and was named defensive player of the year his senior year. He was recruited to play basketball at Berry College and then transferred to Maryville College where his team made it to the NCAA tournament.

He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Middle Tennessee State University. Tanner was a Surgical Sales Representative with Spalding Surgical LLC. Tanner always had a smile that lit up the room. He was known as the gentle giant with a soft heart except when he was playing sports. Soccer, baseball, and his absolute love of basketball brought out a fierce competitor.

He will be remembered by all who knew him for his infectious sense of humor, ability to make everyone laugh, and fierce loyalty, kindness and compassion. And of course, his love of Jordans.

Preceded in death by grandmother, Rebecca Evans; great grandparents, Johnny Gilmore, Earl & LaWanda Evans and Norman & Ina Hicks.

Survived by: parents, Corey and Kelly Spalding; brother, Jacob Spalding; sister, Audrey Spalding; grandparents, Joey & Donna Spalding and John Earl Evans; great grandmother, Jeanette Gilmore; aunts & uncles, Luke (Megan) Evans and Teri Spalding Davis; cousins, Brandon, Makinley & Colt Evans, Andrew & Ben Davis; other loving family members and longtime girlfriend, Ashley Scire.

age 43, of Erwin, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at his home. Born April 19, 1970 in Washington County, TN, he was a son of Bobby and Sue Davis Baucom and biological father Mickey Sparks. J. J. was graduate of Unicoi County High School and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Maryville College. He was a faithful member of Hulen Baptist Church, had worked at NFS, taught Spanish at Unicoi County High School, was an assistant football coach in 2000 and had worked at McDonalds for the last 2 years. He was a former football player at UCHS and at Maryville College, played Basket Ball at UCHS and was a Hot Shots Hoops champion. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Bynum and Geneva Sparks, Maternal grandparents Mina and Orley Davis, his brother Anthony “Tony” Sparks and very special uncle, Ronnie “R. D.” Davis.

Lois Speaker, died peacefully early Saturday morning Aug 20, 2016 at a hospice in Newnan, Ga., where she had been a patient for three weeks. Lois earned a master’s degree in chemistry at the University of Tennessee and later received her Ph.D. at Rutgers University in her home state of New Jersey. During her professional career, she worked for Southern Research in Birmingham, for Georgia Tech’s Research Center in Atlanta, and for Eastman Kodak in Rochester, N.Y. She was married to Joe T. Gilliland class of 1955 for seven years and live in Peachtree City, Ga., on the south side of Metro Atlanta. In the earlier years of her retirement, she was science officer for a citizen group that battled an air-polluting company. Later, she was instrumental in bringing about the dismissal of the incompetent county water system superintendent. Memorial contributions can be made to Maryville College or to her synagogue, Congregation B’nai Israel, P.O. Box 142481 Fayetteville, GA 30218

Lois M Speaker, Ph.D., age 81, of Peachtree City died in the early hours of Saturday, Aug. 20, at Brightmoor Hospice in Griffin, where she had been a patient for the previous three weeks. A retired chemist, Dr. Speaker had resided in Peachtree City for 16 years. She and her husband, Joe T. Gilliland, moved from their former residence in the Brookfield subdivision to the Somerby Assisted Living Facility on Rockaway Road in December 2013. Born near Neptune, N.J, Dr. Speaker was a graduate of Maryville College in Maryville, Tenn. Later, she earned a master’s degree in chemistry at the University of Tennessee and her Ph.D. from Rutgers University in New Jersey. She was a trailblazer for women in the sciences. During her professional career, she was a staff scientist for Southern Research in Birmingham, for the Georgia Tech Research Institute in Atlanta, and for Eastman Kodak in Rochester, N.Y. While at Kodak, she was lead scientist in the Chemical Technologies Department of the company’s Federal Systems Division. One of her accomplishments was the development of an anti-fouling compound added to paint that was credited with potentially saving the Navy millions of dollars annually in costs for scraping and repainting of ships, including aircraft carriers. This anti-fouling research also led to technologies used in the manufacture of contact lenses. She shared a number of other patents with Georgia Tech. Three of her technical publications, although out of print, are still listed on Amazon. After her retirement from Kodak, she moved to Peachtree City to be near her daughters, all of whom live in the Atlanta area. In those early retirement years, she was active in Peachtree City New Neighbors, tutored many students in chemistry, taught at Clayton State College and taught children’s Sunday School classes at Congregation B’nai Israel in Fayetteville. All her adult life, she had an active interest in the arts and the natural world, as well as in the history of Europe and the Middle East, where she traveled extensively. Two community environmental causes benefited from her skills. In one, she volunteered as science officer for a citizen task force formed in 2006 to battle a company that was aerosolizing a foul smelling, hazardous substance and releasing it into the air. More recently, she was a leading voice protesting the Fayette County Water Department’s casual attitude toward maintaining water purity standards-a protest that eventually led to organizational reforms in the water system. In addition to her husband, Dr. Speaker is survived by three daughters, Leslie Stewart of Decatur, and Alison Payton and Kathryn Stewart, both of Griffin; a step-daughter, Anne Gilliland of Durham, N.C., and a step-son, Don Gilliland of Birmingham; one sister, Ruth Sloan of Columbus, Ohio; one brother, Richard Speaker, Neptune, N.J.; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Her beloved dog, “Happy,” also survives. A memorial service for Dr. Speaker was held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, at Congregation B’nai Israel, located at 1633 Georgia Highway 54, east of downtown Fayetteville toward Jonesboro. The family has suggested that memorial gifts be made to Congregation B’nai Israel through its mailing address of PO Box 142481, Fayetteville, GA 30218, or to Maryville College, 502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804.

Jeannine Fiori Spencer, age 93, of Okmulgee passed away Sunday morning, February 13, 2022, at St. Francis Hospital, Muskogee from COVID complications.
She was born on November 27, 1928, in Niagara Falls, New York to Carlo and Rose Fiori. She was the second youngest eight siblings. After graduating high school, she continued her education and earned a Bachelor of Arts from Maryville College in Maryville, TN, and continued with Seminary studies.

She was married to the Reverend J. Rodgers Spencer on June20, 1958 and enjoyed 61 years of marriage and sharing his ministry. She worked teaching children, youth and adults in Bible study as well as serving as church clerk. She wrote many special programs for the seasons each year during their pastorates in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, and Oklahoma. Her home was always known as a place for fellowship and delicious food. As they left each church, those friendships always continued to be shared through the years. Jeannine enjoyed collecting nativity sets and would display hundreds of them. She also collected and wore crosses on her neck and had a large assortment.

Their marriage was blessed with the birth of twin sons, and the sadness of losing one of the twins, J. Morris, following corrective heart surgery as a young boy.
In Okmulgee, Jeannine enjoyed working as the Children’s Librarian of the Okmulgee Public Library. Often children would see her in town and run to “the lady that read them stories”. She loved books and her house was filled with hundreds of them. Her book reviews were very entertaining and nonprofit groups were able to raise money selling tickets to her book reviews. Jeannine was a faithful volunteer and officer of the hospital Auxiliary, Creek Council House Museum, Friends of the Library, and The Historical Society. She leaves behind a legacy of love not only for her family but also for community and fellow person. Her life teaches us to bless others with all the kindness we can muster.

Jennine was preceded in death by her husband, J. Rodgers, son J. Morris, parents, and all her siblings.
Mrs. Rodgers is survived by her son C. Rodgers and daughter-in-law Pam of Crossville, TN, grandchildren Anthony and Belen Spencer, Carrie Spencer, Karen and Jeff Fehner, Keith and Verena Spencer and Kyle Spencer and several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

Martha B. Spining, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, has finished her race and has heard the words, “Well done my good and faithful servant” at the age of 85 on March 15, 2021. A resident of Greenwood she was born on January 1, 1936 in Nashville, Tennessee to the late Vernon S. and Faith (Clarke) Brogden. She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, received her BA from Maryville College (TN), and was a Girl Scout leader for many years. She worked at H&R Block for 10 years as a tax preparer and also at Perry Meridian High School for 5 years in the guidance department as their secretary. She loved spending time with her family, supporting missions, traveling, reading, interacting with her friends at Greenwood Village and bringing a smile to everyone she met. Martha leaves behind to treasure her memory, her children, Dottie (Jan) Heman and Steve (Kelly) Spining; three grandchildren, Craig (Kathryn) Heman, Angie Hartvigson and Brian (Stephanie) Heman; four great grandchildren, Liam, Jameson, Brynlee, and Dylan. She was preceded in death by her husband of 31 years, Arthur M. Spining, III; son, Charles D. Spining; brother and sister-in-law, Morris H. (Katherine “Kitty”) Brogden; sister and brother-in-law, Marianna (Ed) Heerschap. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at G. H. Herrmann Madison Avenue Funeral Home, 5141 Madison Avenue, Indianapolis, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. She will be laid to rest next to Arthur at Mt. Pleasant Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to One Mission Society, 941 Fry Road, Greenwood, Indiana 46142 or to Asbury Theological Seminary, 204 N. Lexington Avenue, Wilmore, KY 40390.

Patricia (Lovette) Spoone, 91 of Orlando, passed away on June 9, 2023. She was born in Greenville, TN on March 15, 1932. She is survived by her son Dan Spoone and his wife Leslie Spoone, daughter Cathy Spoone and her husband Gregg Buckingham, 2 grandsons Ben Buckingham and Sam Spoone, and her exchange student daughter from Norway, Helga Brun. She is preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Bill Spoone, and her parents Raymond (R.B.) and Gertrude Lovette.

Until she was six, Pat and her parents lived on her grandfather’s farm in Greenville, TN. She lived in Morristown, TN until she was 11 when her family moved to Oak Ridge, TN where her father worked at the Y-12 Electromagnetic Plant to make enriched uranium for the atomic bomb. She described this time of her life as instrumental in molding her view of the world as people came from all over the country to work at the plant.

After the war ended her family returned to Morristown, TN, where she graduated from Morristown High School in 1950. She played on the girl’s basketball team, was editor of the school newspaper, and President of the 7 & 6 social club. She attended Maryville College in Maryville, TN for two years and then graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education. During this time she learned to fly a single engine plane.

Pat and Bill were high school sweethearts and married in 1955. They moved to Orlando in 1958 where they lived for the remainder of their lives. She worked at Jones Business College, Head Start, and as a business education teacher at Ocoee High School for 5 years. After she earned a Master’s Degree in Guidance Counseling from Rollins College, she was a high school guidance counselor at Evans High School for 14 years (Director of the Guidance Department for 13 years) and Apopka High School for 6 years.

Pat was a member of the Foundation Fighting Blindness and the Greater Orlando Council of the Blind, supporting her son and daughter-in-law who both have retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative retinal disease that causes blindness. She helped her daughter immensely with her grandchildren, who always loved going over to her house (the “Land of Yes”). She was active in the Alliance women’s group at the First Unitarian Church of Orlando.

Pat enjoyed being with her family, reading, traveling, bridge, animals (especially dogs), and learning to clog with her husband Bill. Pat was an incredible wife, mother and grandmother, loving and supportive and always a great listener. She was the center and the heart of a very close family.

James Creswell Spotts (Jim) was born March 2, 1948, in New Brighton, PA, to the Rev. Alfred Spotts and Martha Jean Creswell Spotts. Several years later the family moved to Sterling, KS, his “home.” Jim passed away on July 14, 2013, in San Francisco, CA, after a battle with cancer, at age 65. After graduating from Sterling High School, Sterling, KS, in l966, Jim attended Maryville College, Maryville, TN, graduating in 1970. His adventuresome spirit and love for all people was a motivation for his junior year spent at University of Ibadan, in Nigeria, and spending a summer in Ethiopia. An English major whose diverse interests led him to jobs including running a restaurant in San Francisco, Jim later became a skilled contractor, renovating and building houses in San Francisco. In 2005, Jim moved to Mariposa, CA, where he pursued his love of nature and the challenge of growing his food and flowers in a unique landscape. He was active in environmental, Audubon, and other community improvement and interest groups. Jim had many friends who, with his large family, valued his loving and caring nature and fun loving spirit. He loved animals, especially his dogs. Preceding Jim in death were brothers Joe and John in 2008 and his parents in 2012 and 2013. Surviving siblings are Al and wife, Maggie Steptoe, Louisville, KY; Ann and husband, Chuck Haspels, Cortez, CO; Andy, Chicago, IL; Jan and husband, Jim McHenry, Houston, TX, and Tim, Concord, CA. Jim was a special beloved uncle to ten nieces and nephews and a grandniece and grandnephew. Memorial gifts can be sent to Family Link, 317 Castro Street, San Francisco, CA 94114-1504. Jim was on the board and instrumental in the restoration of this guest house serving families visiting loved ones with life threatening illnesses.

passed on March 14, 2014 surrounded by family that loved him so dearly. Resident of Bridgetown for the last 25 years, he lost his wife Valerie Catherine to Cancer in 1985 after 30 years of marriage. Bob earned his master’s degrees in Physics as well as Organic Chemistry and taught school & coached in the Northwest School District (Colerain High School) for 30 years. His focus in life was family and the youth of America. He leaves behind five children: Robert (Cheri) Sprague, Catherine (James) Klein, Mary (Hans) VandenNoort, Victor (Debra) Sprague and Russell (Amy) Sprague, 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his sisters: Frances Wolfe, Margaret Greve, Lucy (Lloyd) Snyder and his brother Leon Sprague & brother in law of Irene (Charley) Wagner. He is the brother of the late: Byron, Richard and James Sprague & Dorothy Cosby and Laura Ross.

John B. Spratt, 92, died Friday, Jan. 15, 2016, in Las Brisas, Honduras. He was born Oct. 21, 1923, in Clinton, South Carolina, to John and Tallulah Spratt.
John graduated from Clinton High School in 1939. After graduation, he attended Clemson University in South Carolina for a year. He worked various places and was drafted into the United States Navy during World War II. After the service, he came home to South Carolina for a while and then hitchhiked from Clinton to Maryville, Tennessee, where he enrolled in Maryville College.

He married Louise Storey and they purchased a Christian bookstore. Louise preceded him in death in 1981. John sold the bookstore in 1982 and began working at Mission Services in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. After that he worked at Habitat for Humanity, ending up in Papua, New Guinea, with Habitat until 1984.

On Oct. 17, 1987, he married Madonna Burget at Johnson University near Knoxville, Tennessee. She was a missionary nurse/midwife working in Honduras at the time.
He is survived by his wife, Madonna; two sisters-in-law, Marianna (Burget) Gray, Kokomo, Marilyn (Burget) Nash and husband Danny, Tipton; 12 nieces and nephews; several great-nieces and nephews; and several great-great-nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Virginia Knopp, Francis Glover, and Elizabeth Fleishman; and a niece and a nephew.

Virginia Smith Spurlock, age 89, passed away May 29, 2015 at the Tri-Star Summit Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Virginia was born March 3, 1926 in Louisville, Tennessee to parents Summers Smith and Polly Smith. She was married December 23, 1950 in Maryville, Tennessee to Charles Hughes Spurlock. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from The University of Georgia and a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Tennessee State University. She was employed as a school psychologist with Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) from 1965-1989. She owned homes in Nashville, Tennessee and in Clifton, Tennessee. She was an avid reader, an author of several books, and a world traveler. She loved spending time with family and friends. Virginia is survived by her children, Dianne Spurlock Winstead and her husband John Neal Winstead of Goodlettsville, Tennessee, Jefferson Tarter Spurlock and his wife Amy Lynne Spurlock of Enterprise, Alabama, Stacy Spurlock Robbins and her husband John Kevin Robbins of Frankfort, Kentucky and John Summers Spurlock and his wife Julie Hughes Spurlock of Thousand Oaks, California. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Phyllis Spurlock and grandchildren Stephanie Renee Spurlock Baze, Jan Fulford Davis, Joseph Ethan Blaine Sharp, John Hooper Hughes Winstead, William Crossfield Jones, Robert Vincent Augustus Sharp, Chessman Hall Robbins, Charles Samuel Conly Sharp, and great-grandchildren, Phillip Davis and Shelby Davis. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles Hughes Spurlock; her sons, Charles Hughes Spurlock, Jr. and Clay Smith Spurlock; and granddaughters, Sarah Elizabeth Spurlock and Katharine Smith Winstead. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to any charity in Virginia Smith Spurlock’s memory.

Doris W. (Wright) Stamer, 94, of Linden, passed away on Sunday, April 1, 2018. Doris was born in Alvin York, Tennessee and lived in Linden for over 70 years. She was employed by Esso Refinery as a chemist for 8 years. She was a Member of the Eastern Star-Emmaus Chapter 183 Union, a member of the United Methodist Church of Linden, served on numerous committees and was also a Sunday School Teacher. She was a former Den Mother to Cub Scout Pack 35. She enjoyed working in her garden raising beautiful flowers. Doris was predeceased by her beloved husband, Carl W. Stamer (May 1994), and her sister Frances Cloyd. She is survived by; her loving sons, James F. Stamer and his wife Helen, Joseph W. Stamer and his wife Deborah, John H. Stamer and his wife Renee; her dear sister, Billie Ruth Bowen; her precious grandchildren, Tara and her husband Jorey, Brian, Megan, Carl, John Daniel and Samantha; her cherished great grandchildren, Aiden and Noah, also many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers donations to the United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 321 North Wood Avenue, Linden, N.J. 07036 in her memory would be appreciated.

George Stanfill, age 94 of Covington, LA and Violet, LA passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Gayle Desselles (Wayne) and Peter Stanfill (Trisha); grandchildren Amy Desselles Yager, Jacob Desselles, Evan Stanfill and Cameron Stanfill. He is also survived by his brother Dennis Stanfill, as well as cousins and life-long friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Olga Ormond Stanfill, and parents Sam Broome Stanfill and Hattie Carothers Stanfill.

George was born in a log cabin on a hill by the Duck River in Centerville, TN on July 26, 1929. He grew up an avid reader, loving the outdoors, & playing Football, Basketball & Baseball. George attended Maryville College in eastern Tennessee near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But before graduating, he volunteered to serve in the U.S. Marines Corps as an officer in the Korean War, during which he was wounded, and received the Purple Heart. After his recovery and honorable discharge, George returned to graduate from Maryville College.

One of George’s post-war jobs brought him to Louisiana, where he met Olga Ormond of New Orleans. They married after a brief courtship on November 23, 1957. George then began a lifelong career as an Educator, beginning with 5th graders at Covington Elementary. He earned a Master’s in Education from UNO after he and his new family moved to Violet, LA, where George taught Social Studies/History/Civics at St. Bernard High School for almost 30 years, making an impact on several generations of young folks in St. Bernard Parish. Many of his students fondly remember Mr. Stanfill & the many different activities he got them involved in, such as the Weekly News Quiz, & Local/Regional/State Social Studies Fairs, to enhance their learning.

George treated everyone with respect and was a kind southern gentleman throughout his whole life. He always knew the right things to say to folks to make them feel valued. An avid sports fan, George loved to pull for the Saints and LSU in Football. He coached youth basketball, and also enjoyed teaching the art of fly fishing. He was a fisherman from his early Tennessee days of freshwater and creek fishing to inland saltwater fishing in lower St. Bernard later in life. Golf was another source of pleasure, especially on Brathwaite Golf course and the N.O. City Park courses. He loved dogs, especially small dogs that reminded him of one of his favorites, “Gnat”.

He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. His family wishes to acknowledge and thank the wonderful staff at Restoration/Sage Lakes assisted living of Covington, and at Traditions Hospice, for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mr. George Stanfill may be made to: The Nature Conservancy (Louisiana) https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/louisiana/ or the NorthShore Humane Society https://www.northshorehumane.org/.

The Stanfill family invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.

Thomas Chisholm Stanley, 75, of Maryville, passed away May 2, 2018. He was a member of the 1st United Methodist Church and a Methodist Pastor for 30 years. He served the Holston Conference of The United Methodist Church in Southwest Virginia and in East Tennessee. He graduated Maryville High School in 1960, Maryville College in 1964, and Emory University School of Divinity in 1967. He was an active member of the P.J. Parkinson support group in Blount County. He was preceded in death by his Parents: Thomas and Barbara Stanley, Wife: Bettye Stanley in 2008, and Brother: Stephen Stanley. He is survived by Son: Greg Stanley and Terri, Daughter: Jennifer Holley and Del, 4 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, siblings: David Stanley and Marilyn, John Stanley and Ruth, and Anne VanCuren and Dennis. In lieu of flowers the family request donation be made to the P.J. Parkinson Support Group: P.O. Box 641, Alcoa, TN 37701, (865) 268-5588. Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences and donations may be made at www.maryvillememorialfuneralhome.com.

Brenda passed away on Friday, July 22, 2016. She was a resident of Greenville, Tennessee at the time of her passing. She was married to Robert Staples.

Carolyn Nelson Staples, 84, died March 18, 2000, in the excellent care of the staff at Bennington Health and Rehab Center in Bennington, Vermont. Formerly of Stamford, CT, and Fort Myers, FL, she was the widow of the late Thomas Galati and Frederick Staples. Born in Stamford, CT, on March 28, 1916, she was the daughter of Bernard Nelson and Caroline Swan Nelson. In addition, she is survived by three daughters, Alice McGovern of No. Bennington, VT, Faith Selmer of Stamford, CT, and Candace Morris of Salem, NY; a son, Donald Staples of Southbury, CT; a sister, Mildred Frost of Salem, NY; a sister-in-law, Muriel Nelson of Bradenton, FL; 15 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. A daughter, Nan Galati; two brothers, Ernest and George Nelson; and a sister, Dorothy Campbell, predeceased her. Mrs. Staples received her teaching certification from Maryville College in Tennessee and her nursing diploma from Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, where she was the recipient of the prestigious Guggenheim award. She was employed throughout her life as a registered nurse. She continued providing health care to the elderly, even in retirement as a volunteer at the Senior Friendship Center in Fort Myers, FL. She was a member of the Daughters of the Nile, the Eastern Star, and the Vasa Star. Well loved by her neighbors, friends and colleagues, Mrs. Staples will be remembered for her openhearted generosity and service to others.