Class Notes

was a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana at the time of his passing. He was preceded in death by his wife Eileen. A wake will be held at the Schoen Funeral Home in New Orleans located at 3827 Canal Street on Thursday, August 15th from 6-8 pm. Funeral services will be held at the Colboch-Price Funeral Home located at 101 West Main Street, Rogersville, Tennessee on Saturday, August 17th .

Edward Beeler Thompson, age 88, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, July 29, 2015. He was born on March 11, 1927, in Knoxville and was reared in the Corryton community. His father was a dairy farmer and his parents were active in the community and Washington Presbyterian Church. Beeler graduated from Corryton Elementary School and Gibbs High School and then worked at the Knoxville Post Office to get “real world work experience” and found it easy compared to working on the dairy farm. Beeler attended Maryville College for one semester before volunteering for the U. S. Navy. He came home after the war to continue his education at the University of Tennessee, while also working at the UT Creamery. Beeler later became a dairy farmer himself and had a herd of purebred Holstein. He served on the boards of many farm related organizations. In 1957 Beeler attended Reisch School of Auctioneering in Mason City, Iowa and became a licensed auctioneer. His auction career began with auctioning dairy cattle and in 1963 he established the Thompson Realty and Auction Service offering full service in auction and real estate. During his forty year career he sold cattle, liquidations of all types, real estate, land development and estates. He possessed an inquiring mind, love of learning and zest for life. Learning occurred everywhere all the time. His business took him all over East Tennessee; he loved the region, the natural world, the cultivated world and its people. Beeler seldom forgot a client. He was a charter member of the Tennessee Auctioneers Association serving as president and was inducted into the Tennessee Auctioneer Association “Hall of Fame.” Beeler’s auctioneer cry came to an end with a stroke in November, 1997, that took away his ability to communicate verbally. In 1970 he married Hazel M. Copeland Beets, who had three children, Sherra, Buddy and Rene. The family joined Eastminster Prebyterian Church and began their life together. They worked as a team and the business grew and remains today. His keen observation, mind and sense of humor remained sharp, but his ability to communicate verbally or in writing was lost to the stroke. However he kept a strong desire to maintain relationships with people and developed an ability to communicate without words, through touch, body language, eyes, drawing pictures and acting. His interest in people, activities and things continued. The “farm boy” loved reading, nature, birds, refinements, art, solitude, country music and growing things, especially anything that had a pretty blossom. He is preceded in death by parents, Walter and Lola Beeler Thompson; sisters, Ella Mae Worman (Harold) and Martha Donahue (H.V.); and first wife, Ruth Russell Thompson; mother of their daughter, Frances. Beeler is survived by wife and business partner of 45 years and marvelous, tireless caregiver for 18 years, Hazel Thompson; children, Frances Thompson and husband, Eric Shafferman, Sherra Beets, Buddy and wife, Ann and Rene Beets Jenkins and husband, Frank; grandchildren, Rachel McGill, Shelly McGill, Lauren Beets, Preston Beets, Grant Jenkins and Chad Jenkins; sister, Katy Gooch and brother-in-law, Bev; many wonderful nieces and nephews, and special family who helped Hazel take care of Beeler. A special thanks are given to Dr. Blake and his excellent staff. Also special thanks to Covenant Hospice for their attentive care and support for the family.

Mary Roseborough Thrall, 73, died January 8, 2021, in Jacksonville, FL. She was born in Knoxville, TN to Douglas and Barbara Roseborough and resided in Jacksonville from 1955 until her death. Mary graduated from Englewood High School in 1965 and was a graduate of Maryville College (TN) where she met and married David Thrall. Mary was a middle school English teacher for 37 years. She was an active member of Unity Church for Creative Living. Her interests included family, her horses, gardening, artwork, music, reading, and a host of many friends. Mary is survived by her mother, Barbara Roseborough; sister, Jenny Young (Noah); brother, Doug Roseborough (Jane); 4 nephews and a niece; 8 great-nephews and 6 great-nieces; and a favorite uncle, Jim Burnett (Sabina) of Batesville, AR. She was preceded in death by her father, Douglas DeVault Roseborough Sr. Donations may be made to Hospice, Unity Church for Creative Living, and/or Maryville College. A Life Celebration will be held for Mary in the spring.

87, of Tallahassee, died Sunday Oct. 2. 2014 after a long illness. A native of Philadelphia, she had lived in Tallahassee since 1955. Before moving to Florida, Maryjane taught at secondary schools in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Coatesville, Pennsylvania. She attended Maryville (Tennessee) College before earning bachelor's and master's degrees in home economics at Pennsylvania State University. She received a graduate teaching certificate from Florida State University. She was an icon in the Leon County Schools, teaching and guiding thousands of elementary school children during her 40-year career in the district. She was widely known for her progressive approach to curriculum design. Maryjane served as a 2nd and 5th grade teacher, assistant principal for curriculum, and district administrator for elementary school curriculum. She worked at several elementary schools, including Oak Ridge, Bond, Ruediger and Gilchrist. She also served on Fairview Middle School's first administration as its assistant principal when it opened. Maryjane was one of the first two women in Leon County to serve as an elementary school administrator, serving as assistant principal at Oak Ridge. When Maryjane learned she wasn't earning pay equal to her male counterparts, she challenged the superintendent, who said, "Well, you don't make as much because I figure you wouldn't be doing the same kinds of things the men would do." Maryjane replied: "I once escorted a sheriff's deputy to a classroom so he could take a fifth-grader into custody. I also stopped an armed student on campus who was planning to shoot a teacher, and I confiscated his pistol. Now, what is it that I wouldn't do?" After retiring from Leon County Schools in 1998, Maryjane continued to serve as a mentor for first-year elementary school teachers, and volunteering in her grandchildren's classrooms at Gilchrist, Hawks Rise and W.T. Moore. She was a founding member of Faith Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee, serving in numerous volunteer positions and as its interim Director of Christian Education. She served on the Faith Presbyterian Preschool Board of Directors and Presbyterian Women's Circle. An active member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary organization of outstanding women educators, Maryjane held several leadership positions and was a founding member of the Fidelis Omicron chapter in Tallahassee. Her favorite role as an ADK sister was "Mother Emeritus" for the ADK Scholarship House on the FSU campus. Maryjane's tender loving care, mentoring and mothering of the young women who lived there earned her the nickname "ADK Grandma." Throughout her life in Tallahassee, Maryjane generously gave her time and love to many charitable organizations, including the Junior Woman's Club, Brehon Family Services, Leon County Retired Teachers Association, Tallahassee Museum of History and Natural Science, and the Southern Scholarship Foundation.She was also actively involved in her daughters' organizations, Broken Hearts of Florida and The Compassionate Friends/Tallahassee Chapter. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Thurston III, her grandson, Jonathan Barch, her brother and sister-in-law, Samuel and Harriett Blizzard, and her brother, Robert Blizzard. She is survived by her four children and their spouses: Becky and Doug Barch, Tallahassee; Lee and Eydie Thurston, Tallahassee; Bob and Linda Thurston, Woodbridge, VA; and Karen and Joaquin Chavez, Tallahassee; seven grandchildren: Diane Crim and her husband, Russell, Virginia Beach, VA; Paul Thurston, Seattle, WA, and Lauren Thurston, Tallahassee; James and Eric Thurston, Woodbridge, VA; and Martin and William Chavez, Tallahassee; and three great-grandchildren: Russell and Ava Crim, Virginia Beach, VA; and Auroralei Thurston, Woodbridge, VA; her sister-in-law, Dee Blizzard, Denver, CO; and six nieces and nephews.

Celia C. Tiffany, of Saint Charles, MO, passed away Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the age of 78. Cherished daughter of the late Raphael John and Virginia Rose Tiffany. Dear sister of Virginia C. Tiffany and Jean Anne (Charles) Closz; loving aunt of David, Beverly, Rosemary, and Katharine Semon and Patrick and Aaron Closz; and great aunt of several.

Celia was a faithful member of Christview Christian Church. She graduated in 1966 from Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee with a bachelor’s in science in Mathematics. Celia was also a member of the Gem and Mineral Club and editor of the “Geode”. She was a computer programmer, computer user support, and technical writer/editor for McDonnel-Douglas from April of 1970 to January of 1991. Celia was a rockhound, a science fiction fan, an avid reader, and was active in fantasy gaming. She was a caretaker for her parents for many years. Celia was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Barbara B Timbie, 91, passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2015, in Newtown. PA. She was born in Washington, D.C. and had been a resident of Pennington from 1967 to 2012, when she moved to Chandler Hall. For nearly 40 years, Barbara could be seen walking one of her black dogs through Pennington. It is calculated she covered nearly 87,000 miles. Wife of the late Donald N. Tlmbie, Sr., she is survived by her four sons: Donald N. Timbie and his wife Darlene, Douglas J. Timbie and his wife, Marcia, Bruce Timbie and Mark Timbie and his wife Loy and two daughters: Barbara L. Click and her husband, Doug, and Mary A. Kawand and her husband, John. She is also survived by her brother, David Buchanan and his wife Linda. She had six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held Saturday, May 30, at 11:00 a.m. in Harbourton Cemetery, 1516 Harbourton Rocktown Road, Lambertville,08530. Arrangements are by the Blackwell Memorial Home. Memorial contributions may be made to EASEL Animal Rescue at P.O. Box 5903, Trenton. NJ 08638 or online at www.easelnj.org.

of Maryville passed away Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at Blount Memorial Hospital. Richard was a 32nd Degree Mason. He adored his grandchildren. The family would like to thank Dr. McCarty and his staff, and all the wonderful nurses that took care of him. Survivors include: Wife, Dicia Tipton; Son & Daughter-in-law, Craig & Penny Tipton; Daughter, Pam Roberson; Grandchildren, Dustin, Tina, Bill & Rick; Great-Grandson, Andrew; Three Step-Grandchildren; Brother & Sister-in-law, Wayne & Sandy Tipton; Sisters-in-law and Brothers-in-law, Twila & Bill Baker, Wanda Jeffries, Mable Wilson, Walter & Grace Wilson; one aunt and one uncle; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Special friends, Roger, Wayne Oliver, Joe, Billy & Diane, T.J. & Lola.

Kim Tisdale of Knoxville, went to the room that Jesus prepared for her on Friday, Nov. 21, 2014. Kim is a beloved child of God and disciple of Jesus. Kim’s devotion to God led her to give up her careers as a high school biology teacher and basketball coach nine years ago in order to raise her son Hunter and teach him in the ways he should go according to God’s word. Kim loved her family well and put God’s will for her life above all people and things. Kim is survived by her son, Hunter; husband, Michael; dad and mom, John and Linda Hunter; great-aunt, Joy Davidson; and grandmother, Cicelia Hunter, among others. A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, at Fellowship Church, 8000 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37909. Send a story for Hunter about how Kim touched your life to Kimstories2014@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Tijuana Christian Mission Construction Project through Fellowship Church or to an education fund for Hunter Tisdale. Please email Kimstories2014@gmail.com for details about making a memorial donation. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Broadway Chapel.

Lavinia Lee Tomlinson, 88, was born on August 30, 1935, in Irondale, Alabama. She recently passed away on April 21, 2024. Lavinia attended school at Maryville College and the University of Alabama.

passed away on Friday March 21, 2014 at her daughters home in Tellico Village, Loudon, TN where she resided for 2 years. Julia was born in New Jersey and raised in Erie, PA. She meet her Husband, Robert H. Toms in 1932 when she entered Maryville College, Maryville, TN as a freshman and he was a junior. Post-graduation, Julia trained to teach the deaf (oral method) at Clark School for the deaf, Northampton, MA ad then taught at Mystic School for the Deaf in Mystic Conn. In 1942 Julia and Robert were married and lived in Oak Ridge Tennessee during WWII. In 1945 the couple moved to Chattanooga. Julia taught Speech and Hearing for Chattanooga City Schools from 1961-1981. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert; parents, Warren and Martha Hilditch; sister, Barbara Dougan; and brothers Warren and Hugh (Hugh was killed in World War II) She is survived by her daughters Martha Toms (Morris Hudgins) and Barbara Toms Craig (David); Grandchildren: Julia Robertson (Phil), Jennifer Sanders (Bill Gupton), Jane Peavy (Derrick), Jonathan Craig (Melanie Jordan), Great grandchildren, Patrick Sanders, Hannah Robertson, Caleb Robertson, Seth Robertson, Elizabeth Peavy and Desmond Craig.

Robert “Bob” Woodrow Toney of Bergo, WV passed away November 6, 2020 after a lengthy illness. Bob was born on January 27, 1934 to Robert Woodrow “Pete” Toney and Logana (Clay) Toney Short in Raleigh County, WV. Bob was a 1951 graduate of Clearfork High School and attended Maryville College, Maryville, TN. He served in the U.S. Army in Europe during the Korean War and worked in the intelligence branch of the Army Security Agency and the CIA. He was recalled during the Cuban Missile Crisis during which he was stationed at the Key West naval Air Station monitoring Russian submarines. Bob was the Vice President over sales at the Rotary Printing Company in Norwalk, OH for 26 years. In 1989 he moved to Charlottesville, VA where he worked at Piedmont Farms and Graphics until he retired and moved to Bergoo. Bob is survived by his loving wife Susan Toney, six children, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren and three great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Jesse Louis Townsend, 34 of Bonita Springs, FL passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at Joanne’s House at Hope Hospice surrounded by family. Born and raised in Naples, Jesse was born November 17, 1988, a son of Roland T. and Lisa A. (Lechler) Townsend.

He was a 2007 graduate of Golden Gate High School and attended Maryville College in Tennessee, where he also played football. Jesse was the owner of Maintenance Matters, a home maintenance business that served Southwest Florida. He had a passion for helping others and a knack for fixing just about everything. He loved fishing, golfing, cooking and anything that involved a competition. Jesse was a huge fan of the game of football (go Gators), whether it was coaching or just enjoying the games with friends and family. Such a kind soul, big heart and a great friend to all who knew him. He could talk to anyone and brighten their day. Heavily involved in his church and community, but most important to him was his family and the memories they made together.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 10 years, Erin E. (Harnisfager) Townsend; loving children, Quinn, Walker and Lane; mother, Lisa A. (Lechler) Townsend of Naples, FL; step-mother, Lisa A. (Helber) Townsend of Bonita Springs, FL; paternal grandmother, Rachel Townsend of Lake City, FL; brother, Colby Townsend of Tampa, FL; sisters, Ashley Turner of Naples, FL and Haley (Jeffrey) Gubala of Naples, FL; half-brother, Sammy Townsend of Bonita Springs, FL; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Roland T. Townsend; paternal grandfather, Elton Townsend; maternal grandparents, Armin L. and Elizabeth J. Lechler; and brother-in-law, Robbie Turner.

Kathryn Adams Trent class of 1938, passed away at home on May 25, 2020, at the age of 104. Her love of Maryville College continued throughout her life.

TRIVETT, VIOLET FERN WOLFE, JOHNSON CITY, was born in Buhl, ID, July 15, 1921, to Bertha Kerr Wolfe Ambrose and H. Brunner Wolfe, Sr. After living a short time in Colorado, she moved to Monroe County, TN, where she lived with her grandmother, Martha Tennessee Wolfe. Mrs. Trivett graduated salutatorian from Vonore High School and later attended Maryville College and East Tennessee State College, where she met and married U. G. Trivett, Jr. Also predeceasing her are her sister Nellie Wolfe Rickman; and her brothers, Horace B. Wolfe, Jr. and Tommy Wolfe; three children and their spouses survive her, Grant and Margie Trivett, Ann and Lino Mancebo, Tyler and Sandy Trivett. She has five grandchildren. She has two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three brothers and seven sisters. The Funeral Service was conducted Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010 in Johnson City, TN. Burial was held in Monte Vista Memorial Park, Johnson City.

Jack Edward Truett of Suntree, Melbourne, passed away on April 4, 2019. He was born in Thomasville, Ga., on October 20, 1930 to Ethel and Burl Truett. A 1949 graduate of Seabreeze H.S., Daytona Beach, he was a standout football player and received a scholarship to The Citadel. He was a Korean War Veteran serving from 1951-1955 as a Mine Sweep and electrician. He received his BS from Maryville College, Maryville, TN, and his MBA from Rollins College, Winter Park, FL. He and his wife of 53 years lived in Kissimmee for more than 30 years where he was V.P., Tupperware Home Parties. They enjoyed traveling all over the world with Tupperware. After retiring from Tupperware, he joined his wife, Louise Brooks, at Truett Properties LLC where he developed Eagle Trace and Aultman Island in Kissimmee. He served on many Boards, including Florida Hospital, First Florida Bank and Valencia College. He was a member of Suntree United Methodist Church and Suntree Country Club where he loved his golf groups and also organizing weekly card games. He was formerly a member of First United Methodist Church, Kissimmee, FL where he served as Chairman, Staff Parish and Revelation teacher. Jack is survived by wife, Louise Brooks Truett; son, Jack Truett, Jr. of Atlanta; brother, Bob Truett of Titusville (Bonnie), granddaughter, Amelia Brooks Balch (father Jackson) of Gulfport, MS,; many nieces and nephews. He was pre- deceased by daughter, Kimberly Truett Balch; sisters, Dorothy Kleysteuber, Becky Knudsen, Mary Spence; and brother, Buddy Truett. In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Jack’s name. The service is to be held at Suntree United Methodist Church at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, April 23, 2019.

Fred W. Tulloch, age 91, of Naperville, IL, formerly of Maryville-Alcoa, TN, passed away Sunday, February 4, 2007 at Rush-Copley Hospital in Aurora, Illinois. He was born December 19, 1915 in Blount County Tennessee. Fred was the son of Walter and Lucy Kagley Tulloch. He went to Loudon High School and Maryville College where he played football, basketball, wrestled and threw the discus in track. Fred served his country in the Army Air Corps during World War II in North Africa and Italy. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He spent the majority of his career at West Chevrolet (formerly Murphy-West). In his free time he enjoyed spending time with his family and hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains. He was a member of the Maryville Lions Club since 1954. Fred became a member of First United Methodist Church in 1946 where he belonged to the Mitchell Sunday School Class. He is survived by Helen Dunn Tulloch, his wife of 65 years, son Douglas, daughter-in-law Karen and granddaughters Erin and Emily.

Vendeda Huskey Tulloch passed away Monday, July 24, 2017, at MorningView Village. She was a retired teacher from Blount County Schools with 38 years of service. She began her career at Townsend High School; then transferred to Porter High School; and completed her years of service at William Blount High School. She was a member of Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa honorary teacher sorority. She and Robert were members of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church where they participated in KIT Club, Sunday School, and other church activities. Vendeda was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lee Tulloch, parents, Beulah and Harley Huskey, sisters and brother, Sue Carico, Rose Huskey and Lewis Huskey. Mrs. Tulloch is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Karen T. and Jim Caldwell and Janet T. and Steve Small. Her grandchildren include Cliff and April Caldwell, Jennifer and Blake Tipton, Mary and Woody Cherry of Winchester, KY, and Thomas and Sarah Small. Great-granddaughters are Raelynne and Callan Tipton. Brother-in-law, Jack Tulloch and wife Betty; sisters-in-law, Jean Tulloch, and Irene Tulloch. Special thanks to her caregivers, the staff at MorningView Village, and Blount Memorial Hospice Nurses. Family received friends at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home. Funeral service followed with Rev. Greg Long officiating. Interment at Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, attn: Tribute Program, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148 or Alpha Delta Kappa Teacher Scholarship Fund in care of Jamie French, 255 Kings Grant Road, Maryville, TN 37804.

Audine Walker Tuscany, age 99, of Royal Oak, died May 25, 2015. She was born January 13, 1916 in Maryville, Tennessee to Rufus and Lenora Walker. Mrs. Tuscany was a teacher in the Royal Oak School System, a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church, Royal Oak and Royal Oak Chapter 392 Order of the Eastern Star. She loved to golf and enjoyed bowling. Surviving are her daughters, Anna (Edwin) Cline of Royal Oak, Michigan and Laurella (G. Thomas) Perser of Ball, Louisiana; 6 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her long-time friend and companion, John Olexy, in 2010 and by her siblings, Clarence Walker and twins, John Walker and Lenora Hurford.

Robert James Twitchell, 90, a lifelong Haddonfield resident, died on May 2, 2013. Bob Twitchell gently drew his last breath of life surrounded by the love, tears and laughter of his family. He lived his life the way he hiked his beloved New Hampshire mountains, at a pace that enabled him to fully enjoy the journey. Born at home on February 7, 1923, Bob was a lifelong resident of Haddonfield. After graduating from Haddonfield Memorial High School in 1940, he studied at Maryville College in Tennessee before serving in the Army during World War II. Following the war he attended Lafayette College and graduated in 1950 with a degree in engineering. Bob joined his father in the waste management equipment business and later passed on his company, R. J. Twitchell & Co., to his son. On February 24, 1951, he married the love of his life, Jan(nee Divers). During their 62 years together they raised four children, shared a love of the outdoors, music and travel, and supported their community through service in numerous local organizations. Bob was a former chairman of the Haddonfield Planning Board, an officer with Interfaith Caregivers, a member of the ambulance association, and had been involved with the Haddonfield Rotary Club for many years. He also served as a vestryman, warden, and chairman of the building and the finance committees at Grace Church in Haddonfield. In recognition of his civic involvement Bob received the Haddonfield Citizen of the Year Award in 1981 and the HMHS Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998. Bob was a voracious reader of biographies, commentaries and essays, and was never at a loss for words no matter the subject, or the ages or political persuasions of those participating in the discourse. He is fondly remembered for his ability to make anyone and everyone feel welcome and respected. In addition to his wife Jan, Bob is survived by their four children, Becky Roller (Paul), Philadelphia, Suzanne Hutter (John), Hopewell, Jamey Herdelin (Jeff), Louisville, KY and Jim Twitchell (Patty), Haddonfield. He was a special presence in the lives of his and Jan’s grandchildren; Elizabeth and Peter Roller, Louise Hutter, Nils, Kendall and Christian Herdelin, David and Tom Twitchell, and the late Andy Twitchell.

Mrs. Martha Anne Horton Tyler, 83, entered into her eternal home, Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. Martha Anne was a former resident of Wagener, S.C., until moving to live with her brother, James Jack Horton and his wife, Mildred in Gainesville. Martha Anne was the wife of the late John A. Tyler Jr. She was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Gainesville. She was a former member of First Baptist Church of Wagener where she held many offices. Martha Anne was on the board of Directors for the Aiken-Bamberg-Barnwell-Edgefield Regional Library System. She was a member and held many offices of the Wagener Garden Club. Martha Anne was a founding member of the Wagener Woman’s Club. She also was a S.C. State Garden Club flower show judge. A graveside service to honor Martha Anne’s life was held Sunday, Nov. 22, at Tyler Cemetery, Wagener, S.C. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 398, Wagener, SC 29164, or to the Helping Hands Foreign Mission, 5043 Bristol Industrial Way, Buford, GA 30518. Condolences may be made online to the Tyler family at www.blizzardfuneralhome.com. Blizzard Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Wagener, S.C.

Diane Kline Tylka, 79, of Bonita Springs, Florida (formerly of Mt. Lebanon, PA), went to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 11, 2024. Diane, daughter of Russell and Thelma Kline, was born in Washington, DC on May 24, 1944.

Diane graduated from Maryville College with a degree in elementary education. She ventured on to teach 33 years in Mt. Lebanon School District. After retirement, Diane instructed student teachers at Waynesburg University and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity.
She was a member of Mt. Lebanon Evangelical Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs and enjoyed singing in both choirs. In addition, Diane loved walking, exercising in the pool, and making new friends. She was always up for adventure and was an avid skier in her younger years. Assuming the role of the family’s travel agent, she booked many trips to tropical and interesting sightseeing destinations around the world. She adored her family and always enjoyed spending time with them.

Diane was predeceased by her husband, Thomas J. Tylka and is survived by her loving children, Matthew Tylka (Greta) of Venetia, PA; and Jennifer Welty (Douglas) of Ligonier, PA. She was “Nana” to her grandchildren: Elena, Bryson, Kate, and Daniel.

Melissa “Mel” Uner, age 35, of Sevierville, passed away Friday, November 19, 2021. Mel graduated from Sevier County High School where she played basketball, including playing on the 2002 State Championship team. She then went on to attend and play basketball at Maryville College.

Melissa is survived by her significant other, Krista Beck; children, McKinley and Katlyn; parents, Maria and Kevin Gregory, Timothy Uner; sisters, Catherine Tagg (Luke), Alexi Gregory (Jon Janutolo); brothers, Kyle Verde and Wally Requena; special family members, Amy Newman, Linda, Ashley, and Sheria; grandparents, Sharon Uner, Alan Uner (Blanche); extended family and friends, Heidi Davenport (Stephen), Minda Spinney (John), Joseph Norris and family, Joanne Cook and family, Troy Uner, and Todd Uner. Melissa is also survived by her dog, Byntlee, who she loved so much.

William Kennedy Upham, a long-time resident of Conway, Arkansas, passed away July 26, 2020 at the age of 89. Ken and his wife, Joy, moved to Austin, TX about a year ago to be closer to family. William Kennedy Upham was born October 8, 1930 in St. Pete Beach, Florida to William Woodbridge Upham and Rebecca (Becky) Brown Upham. Ken married Joy Hickman Upham in 1953. In their early years he was an ordained Presbyterian pastor in Miami, Florida at the Church of the Master. Later he went on to get a PhD in Sociology from the University of Florida. In the mid 60s Ken and Joy moved to College Station, Texas where Ken taught Sociology at Texas A&M University. In the mid 70s they had the opportunity to move to Conway, Arkansas where he could teach full-time at the University of Central Arkansas. This was most fulfilling, as he was able to help undergraduate and graduate students better understand more about relationships at home and in the community. Ken remained involved with his church by filling in for vacationing pastors by delivering sermons and conducting weddings, hospital visits, and funerals. Ken also served the local community by helping to increase the amount of low-income housing in Conway and working to improve the life of the elderly and needy. Ken was preceded in death by his parents William Woodbridge Upham and Rebecca Becky Brown Upham. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Joy Hickman Upham, his sisters Natalie Roberts and Mary Ann Will, his sons Bruce D. Upham and Steve K. Upham, and grandchildren Joshua Upham, Aaron Upham, Micah Upham, Taylor Upham, and Krisynda Collins, as well as great grandchildren Bailey Whittaker, Blair Whittaker. Funeral plans are currently undecided. In lieu of flowers, please direct a gift in memory of Ken Upham to Grace Presbyterian Church, 1010 Hogan Ln, Conway, Arkansas 72034.

Margaret Joy Hickman Upham “Joy” passed away Saturday, June 19, 2021, in Austin, Texas. She was born March 20, 1930, in Waynesburg, to Clarence and Mary Hickman. Her father worked as a lineman for the local gas company, and her mother was a schoolteacher. Her family was active in the Presbyterian church in Waynesburg. She began her lifelong passion for singing in high school in Waynesburg. She attended college at Maryville College in Maryville, Tenn., where she not only earned her bachelor’s degree, but met and married her husband, William Kennedy “Ken” Upham, a student in sociology at Maryville from St. Petersburg Beach, Fla., in 1953. At Maryville, Joy sang in the student choir and the a cappella choir. After graduation, they moved to Chicago, and both attended McCormick Seminary. She earned her Master’s in Christian Education while her husband earned a Master of Divinity degree. After graduate school, they moved to Miami, Fla., and Ken pastored Church of the Master. She gave birth to two boys, Bruce Douglas Upham in March of 1956, and Stephen Kirk Upham in February of 1958. Around 1962, they moved the family to Gainesville, Fla., so that Ken could work on a Doctorate degree in Sociology. His dissertation was based on original research he wanted to do in Central America. So, they moved to San Jos, Costa Rica for language school and to do the research. After returning to Gainesville for the summer, they relocated to College Station, Texas, where Ken was a professor of sociology and agricultural economics for 10 years. Joy and Ken became active in First Presbyterian Church of Bryan, Texas. Joy was also active in the League of Women Voters, the Junior Museum and the AAUW (American Association of University Women). Ken earned his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Florida while in College Station. After 10 years in College Station, Ken accepted a position as professor of sociology at UCA – the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Ark. While in Conway, they became active at First Presbyterian Church for more than 35 years. Eventually they transitioned to Grace Presbyterian Church, where they remained until they moved away. They had many friends from both congregations. While in Conway, Joy became a Realtor and was quite successful for several years. However, she was frustrated by the constant need to be showing houses on Sunday and this conflicted with her love for church and singing in the choir, which she did for about 40 years in Conway, so she eventually stopped being a Realtor and focused on her volunteer work. Joy and Ken lived in Conway until 2019, when they moved to Austin, Texas, to be closer to their two sons. Ken had developed increasingly more severe results from Alzheimer’s and was needing some daily assistance, so the couple moved to an assisted living center. Joy continued to make friends wherever they lived. Finally, on July 26, 2020, Ken passed away from Alzheimer’s. They were married for 67 wonderful years. Joy suffered a traumatic brain injury in a fall a few days before Ken passed away. This left her with limited communication and memories, and she had to relearn some basic skills. Her boys visited her regularly (except during the portion of the pandemic when no visitors were allowed). She slowly deteriorated and passed away peacefully due to the consequences of that brain injury. Joy is survived by her brother, Floyd Hickman; her two sons and their wives, Bruce Upham and wife Tracie Upham, and Stephen Upham and wife Becca Upham; her five grandchildren, Bruce’s boys Joshua Upham, Aaron Upham and Micah Upham, and Steve’s children Krisynda Collins and Taylor Upham; and her two great-grandchildren, the children of Krisynda Collins, Bailey Whitaker and Blair Whitaker. A joint memorial service for both Joy and Ken will be held in Conway soon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Grace Presbyterian Church in Conway, Ark., in honor of Joy Upham, at www.gracepresconway.org.

Thomas Eugene “Hub” Upton, 86, of Huntsville, AL, died July 19, 2016. Tom was born and raised in Maryville, TN. He graduated from Maryville High School, and attended Maryville College where he excelled in football and basketball until sidelined by serious ankle and eye injuries. While in college, Tom met the love of his life, Dorothy “Pinkie” Hoyle. They married in 1955 and had three children together. Tom enjoyed a varied career and found his niche in the travel industry, in which he worked for United Air Lines for 20 years; and in 1979, left to join Christopher Travel Agency. Tom was also active in the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce. He had a great singing voice and was active in the church choir and competitive barbershop singing. Tom was preceded in death by Pinkie in 2007. Survivors include sons, Bradley H. Upton of Corvallis, OR and Ben A. Upton of Las Cruces, NM; daughter, Elizabeth Upton Ambroz; and grandsons, Reid T. Ambroz and Evan C. Ambroz of Huntsville, AL.