The information below is an archive of submissions received through May 31, 2024. All new submissions received as of June 1, 2024 are located here.
Learn the latest news about your former classmates! Search the database below for class notes, births, memoriams and marriages reported by fellow alumni. If no filters are selected, all submissions are shown alphabetically by last name of alumni.
Please contact alumni@maryvillecollege.edu with any questions.
Browse Class Notes:
(Default list is alphabetical of all notes – sort by year or category to filter the list)
Class of 1952
Edith (“Edie”) Lancaster Mussler passed away peacefully in Wilmington, Del. on May 28, 2020, at the age of 89 from complications of COVID 19. Born in Naples, N.C. on October 25, 1930, her parents were Oren Wilson Lancaster (from Spartanburg County, SC) and Lucy Lancaster née Brittain (from Henderson County, NC). Edie grew up in the mountains of western North Carolina and graduated from Maryville College in East Tennessee. She began her career as a schoolteacher in Atlanta, where she met her first husband (B. Forrest Clayton). They had three children and moved between Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey and South Carolina. Upon her separation from Forrest in 1963, she and her children settled in the suburbs of Atlanta, where she taught elementary school in the DeKalb County School System for over 30 years. In 1991, she married Walter G. Mussler, and they moved to northern Georgia, where they enjoyed homes on Lake Hartwell (Lavonia) and Clarkesville. In every place she lived, Edie was an active member of the Presbyterian church. She was a devoted mother and had a love for music, animals, church and family, all of which she passed on to her children and grandchildren. Edie especially enjoyed singing hymns and had several dogs throughout her life that brought her tremendous joy. She also enjoyed watercolor painting, hiking, flowers, square dancing and traveling. She will be lovingly remembered for her bright smile, sense of humor, kindness, generosity and resilience. Edie is predeceased by her parents, her sister Alma Lancaster Grubbs, and her husband Walt. She is survived by her children and their spouses who mourn her death and give thanks for her life: David Clayton (Julie George), Randy Clayton (Tim Rodden) and Carole Turlington (Jack Turlington). Also mourning her death are her grandchildren: Stephanie Clayton, Joelle Clayton and Hannah Clayton. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Jeff Grubbs, Cyndi Horvath, Scott Grubbs, Tim Grubbs and Amy Moore. The family is grateful for the compassionate care Edie received at Parkview Nursing and Rehab (Wilmington, DE), Clary Care Center (Toccoa, GA) and The Oaks at Scenic View (Baldwin, GA). A memorial service will be held electronically via Zoom on Saturday, June 20, 2020, at 11:00 am. Please contact a family member for information on how to join the service virtually. Messages of condolence may be sent to: mccreryandharra.com
Class of 1964
Icie Peals Myers, 96, of Tellico Plains and formerly of Alcoa and Maryville, TN went home to be with the Lord Saturday, March 3, 2018 at the home of her son while surrounded by her loving family. The oldest of 14 children of the late J.C. “Lum” and Ellen Hamby Peals, Icie was in the first graduating class of the original Tellico Plains High School. With three teenage children at home, she enrolled and graduated from Maryville College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology and retired from Blount Memorial Hospital in 1987. After their retirements, she and her husband, Frank “Big Daddy” Myers moved back to Tellico to the Myers Farm. One of her greatest joys was quilting and giving all her children and grandchildren several “special” quilts. An expert seamstress, she made many custom clothes including cheerleading uniforms, wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses and she won several awards for her dresses in the Autumn Gold Festival. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Myers, Sr.; a sister, Clara Peals and six brothers, Elick “Red”, Clifford, Doug, Charles, Elzie and infant brother, Jerry Peals and daughter-in-law, Margie Myers. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Patsy and Dwight Broome of Maryville, TN, sons and daughter -in-law, Frank Jr. and Sharon Myers of Tellico Plains, TN and David Myers of Maryville, TN ; sisters and brothers-in-law, Eva Myers of Maryville, TN, Johnnie and Frank Fletcher of Trenton, KY, Robbie Boring of Beech Island, SC, and Delzie and Hubert Young of Tellico Plains, TN; brothers and sister-in-law, J.C. “Jr” and Betty Peals Tellico Plains, TN and Verlin Peals of Etowah, TN; sisters-in-law, Martha, Marilyn, Janie and Gina Peals and Dollie Myers; 7 grandchildren and spouses,Pam and Randy Shofner, Deborah and Randy Garland, Teresa and Billy Smith, Bud and Tammy Myers, Lee Ann and Tim Adams, Dana and Steve Ryan and Rebekah Myers; 12 great grandchildren, Bonnie Shofner, Maranda and Damon Shaw, Jodie Underwood, Amber and Jeb Best, Dalton and Leah Myers, Andrew and Alexander Yager, Ethan Garland, Will Smith; 3 great-great grandchildren, Maverick, Skyler and Mayvin Shaw; and several nieces and nephew. A special thank you to Home Health Care of East TN and Hospice and to all Granny Icie’s caregivers, Martha Harris, Debbie and Sally McLemore, Melissa Morgan, Lisa Abercrombie, Joyce Gourley, and Carrie Chapman. Internment at Brown Hill Cemetery. Great-grandsons and great-great grandsons served as pallbearers.
Class of 1961
Harriette Blankenship Myers, age 84, of Athens, Georgia passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2023. Harriette was born in College Park, Georgia.
Class of 1960
Muriel “Mimi” Louise Naber, age 84, of Newark, DE, passed away Thursday, March 16, 2023. She was born in Rochester, NY on August 19, 1938, to the late Earl and Louise (Adams) Mattes. Mimi is survived by her children, Lauren Muriel Adams, and Brian Lee Naber; granddaughter, Amber Nichole Naber; brother, Robert Mattes; and sister, Shelia Dunn. In addition to her parents, Mimi is preceded by her loving husband, Francis James Naber, Jr.
Class of 1962
Sandra Kring Nalley passed away October 1, 2019.
Class of 1979
Alvin J. Nance has been Elected as an Independent Director of FHLB Cincinnati Board of Directors. Alvin J. Nance is Chief Executive Officer of LHP Development LLC and LHP Management LLC (fka Lawler Wood Housing Partners) of Knoxville, Tenn. He was first elected to the Board in 2009, re-elected in 2013, and previously served on the FHLB’s Advisory Council, which advises the Board on housing matters. He serves on two Board committees, Housing & Community Development, and Business & Operations. Prior to joining Lawler Wood Housing Partners in 2015, he served 14 years as president and CEO of Knoxville’s Community Development Corp. A former commercial banker, Mr. Nance has served many business, civic and service organizations, including membership on the boards of the Tennessee Housing Development Agency, United Way of Greater Knoxville, First Tennessee Bank, Covenant Health, Fannie Mae Advisory Board, Boy Scouts of America, Habitat for Humanity, Maryville College, and the YMCA. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Maryville College, Maryville, Tenn.
Class of 1965
William Jackson Napier, 79, died Thursday, November 17, 2022 at home in the company of his devoted wife, Susan Kay (Quigg) Napier, from complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Sizemore Napier and Martha Jackson Napier. Those grieving his loss include Susan, daughter Ellen Bethany Napier and family (Robert, Theo, and Fletcher Chaney) of Philadelphia, PA, son Brian Jackson Napier and family (Kerry, Max, and Yana Napier) of Columbus, OH and brother John Sizemore Napier and family (Michelle, Tassie, and Will Jackson Napier) of Loudon, TN.
Bill was born January 17, 1943 in Knoxville, TN. The son of two educators, he studied at four different universities after graduating from Maryville College, and his career was largely devoted to advocating for higher education in Ohio.
Good Old Bill especially enjoyed: his 4 grandchildren, bluegrass music, country ham, Alabama Crimson Tide football, collecting miniature toy soldiers, New England autumns, photography, biscuits & gravy, knowing Jim Rhodes and Vern Riffe, the Grand Ole Opry, international travel, Cleveland’s West Market, banana pudding, and Susan.
Class of 1976
John S. “Rusty” Nash, Jr., age 74, of Glasgow, KY, passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at Jewish Hospital in Louisville, KY. He was born June 18, 1948, in Madison, the son of Ruth (Lohr) and John S. Nash, Sr. He married Ann Elizabeth Fowler in Thompson, Ohio on August 31, 1973.
John was a 1966 graduate of Madison High School. He received an Associate Degree at Lakeland Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree at Maryville College. He worked as an insurance agent, was a published author, teacher, District Executive for BSA, laborer, and a small business owner.
Active in his community, John was involved with youth wrestling programs, scouting, Rotary and Kiwanis. His favorite activities were with his family. This included supporting his two boys in sports, scouts, church, and any other activities they were interested in. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and writing. The thing he loved most was helping people, and that started with doing his best to provide a good life and foundation for his wife and children and making sure that family came first.
He is survived by his wife, Ann Elizabeth (Fowler) Nash; sons, Stephen (Kim) Nash, Matthew (Susanne Firestone) Nash; grandchildren, Chandler, Nathaniel, Alexander, Gracie, Luke, Michael, Logan; sisters, Debbie Reese, Eva Longer, Melissa Parish, Ethel Nash; brothers, George Nash.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ed and Andrew Nash.
Class of 1950
Doris Louise Smith Naundorf, 95, Canandaigua, NY entered eternal rest on June 2, 2020. Doris was born in Paterson, NJ in 1924 & married her next-door neighbor, Charles H. Naundorf, in 1946. Doris contributed stories, poems, & essays to newspapers in Paterson, NJ, Rochester, NY, the Henrietta Post, & the Canandaigua Daily Messenger. She was the editor of the Allstate Insurance Company employee publication for Western & Upstate NY. Doris & Charlie attended Maryville College, Maryville, Tennessee. Doris received her Bachelors of Communication degree from Empire State College at the age of 57. At the age of 86, she wrote a book, The Stories of Emmy. Doris is survived by three of her daughters Judy Klejment, Claire Streb, Lisa Taylor-Austin & was pre-deceased by her husband & eldest daughter, Geryll Norris. She is survived by her three grandchildren Courtney Lutz (Ed), Holly Scalzo (John) & Erin Nelson (Nathan), and two great-granddaughters, Lily & Olivia & one great grandson, Henry. Doris was very active in Mendon Church while her health allowed it.
Class of 1954
Nancy Jane Naylor Navratil passed away on Dec. 7, 2013, at 3:30 p.m. at Blount Memorial Hospital after suffering a massive stroke. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert Norman Navratil, her parents, Joseph Heschol Naylor and Sadie Pearl Jackson Naylor, and her daughter Becky Navratil Kerns. Survivors include her daughter, Angie Navratil Walker; son, Joe Navratil; granddaughters, Jessica Nicole Walker, Miranda Michelle Navratil; grandsons Jake Robert Walker, Bradley Ashton Kerns, Thomas Wayne Walker and Christopher Lynn Walker; great-granddaughter Sadie Jane-Lynn Walker. She is also survived by her Aunt Phoebe Jackson Jordan. Honorary mention: lifelong friends Sylvia Nicely Markey, Emma Jean Leek Huddleston, Mary Ann Wright Harding and Dillard Mynatt. Special thanks to Peggy Hypes, Martha Hess, Jean Wortman and Joanne Booker for countless hours of friendship, care and devotion to Mom. Nancy was born in Norfolk, Va., and moved to Knoxville with her family as a small child. She graduated from Central High School in 1950 in the top 5 percent of her class. In 1954, she graduated from Maryville College cum laude. She went on to teach high school English at several schools, including Powell High School in Knoxville. In the 1960s, she returned to Maryville College where she served as the editor of senior studies and taught English. In Chicago, she worked for the American Bar Association to conduct a membership drive. Nancy was an active member of Highland Presbyterian Church for 56 years, where she taught Sunday School, served as an elder, played handbells and participated in the Happy Highlanders group. Throughout her life, Nancy was an active participant in the performing arts: the Maryville College theater, the Maryville Playmakers, Chilhowee Club and directed a play at her assisted living home. Nancy was an editor of books and wrote a book of poems. She enjoyed playing the piano, dulcimer, knitting, board games, bingo, crossword puzzles and participated in mission project work. Nancy was involved throughout her life in many clubs and organizations. Nancy was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandma and great-grandma.
Class of 1943
Mrs. Naylor, born Oct. 26, 1921 in her grandmother’s house in Giles County, passed away quietly March 22, 2018 in her home in Lebanon. She moved to Lebanon from Nashville after she retired from the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools in 1985. She was a graduate of Maryville College, where she received her bachelor’s degree in high school education. She taught school at Goodlettsville High School for several years, and after she had eight wonderful children, she began to teach in the Metro Nashville Schools. She taught at Dalewood, Jere Baxter, Lockeland and Kirkpatrick Elementary schools. She taught special education classes for special needs children, and in her last two years, was principal at Lockeland and Kirkpatrick Elementary schools. Mary Ruth was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Mt. Juliet and had raised her family in Inglewood Methodist Church in Nashville. At Grace UMC, she was an active member of the Bible Seekers Class, Ruth Circle and Young at Heart. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, George W. Naylor II; two younger sisters, Doris Hayes, Esther Thompson; older brother, Buddy Baker; and grandson, George W. Naylor IV. Mary Ruth is survived by her eight children, George W. Naylor III, and his wife, Kathy, Walter Naylor, and his wife, Cinda, Steve Naylor, and his wife, Susie, Nancy King, and her husband, Bob, Linda Cagle, and her husband, Terry, Bobby Naylor, and his wife, Sharon, Bettye Naylor, Bill Naylor, and his wife, Sonya; 12 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren. Serving as active pallbearers will be her grandsons, David Naylor, Tyler Naylor, Steven Williams, Chris Williams, Rick Naylor and Brock Bates. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be members of the Bible Seekers Class: Rena Bass, Randolph Wilson, S.R. Daniels, Shirley Jaskolka, Jackson Zumbro and David Devine. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mary Ruth to Grace United Methodist Church building fund at 2905 N. Mt. Juliet Road, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 or Alive Hospice at 1710 Patterson St., Nashville, TN 37203. Hermitage Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please visit the online obituary at hermitagefh.com.
Class of 1949
Passed away on Sept. 29th,2012. Graduated from Maryville College and Louisville Theological Seminary. Alfred served as pastor to several Presbyterian churches He was also a WWII veteran. He went to Maryville along with other vets returning. His daughter Barbara Nead ’70 was 2 yrs. old at the time and always joked that she went to MC twice and even had some of the same profs as her father.Alfred is Survived by wife of 69 yrs. and four children, including Barbara Nead, class of 1970.
Class of 1970
retired from Nursing in 2010.
Class of 1955
shared that her son David died of pancreatic cancer in March of 2014. She and her husband Robert are thankful for the years they had with him. They enjoy their quiet place in Washington and say they have slowed down as they have gotten older. Donna feels that God has blessed them richly.
Class of 1945
John Neff, Jr. 99, Sheffield, passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Visitation will be Friday, March 10, from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Jeff Abrams officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Sheffield.
John was born in Sheffield in 1923. He attended Sheffield High School, Maryville College, and Auburn University. During World War II, he served with the US Army in Europe. At the conclusion of the war, he returned to the United States and married Helen I. McWilliams. John was employed for forty years with the Southern Freight Bureau, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Upon retirement, he and Helen returned to Sheffield.
John was a member of the Tuscumbia Church of Christ, VFW Post 4919 in Sheffield, and American Legion Post 31 in Tuscumbia. He worked with several volunteer programs in the area and was honored as Volunteer of the Year in 2007 by Colbert County Homeland Security RSVP.
John was preceded in death by his wife of seventy-six years, Helen I. Neff; his parents, Catherine Lee Neff and J.P. Neff, Jr.; son, Michael Lee Neff; sister, Rachel Lee Neff; and brother, Robert C. Neff.
He is survived by his nephews, Spencer Neff, Jon Neff, and Clay Neff.
Class of 1944
Jacqueline Odom Nelson, 90 of Cordele, Georgia passed away November 4,2016. Jackie was born June 1,1926 in Atlanta, Georgia to Ben and Rowena Odom. Jackie was a graduate of the University of Georgia where she was a member of Phi Beta Phi Sorority, and there she also met her husband, Ed Nelson. They lived in Atlanta, where Jackie taught kindergarten before they retired to Cordele, Georgia. There, she was a member of Pinecrest Baptist Church and the Sara Wiley Sunday School Class. She also volunteered as a Pink Lady at Crisp Regional Hospital and generally lifted the spirits of people she met with her wit, determined optimism, and curiosity about all things. She was preceded in death by her husband, her sister, Joyce Odom Christianson, and her grandson J.P. Barge. She is survived by her four children, Susan (John) Barge of Cordele Ga., Ben (Bonnie) Nelson of Canton, Ga., Ed (Cheryl) Nelson of Bay Minette, Ala., and Peggy (Paul) Craig of Edmonds, Wa., eleven grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Sunday, November 6, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm at the home of Susan and John Barge, and funeral services will be at Hughes and Wright Funeral Home on Monday, November 7 at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her name to Reflections Hospice at 202 East 4^^ Ave, Cordele, GA. 31015 or a charity of choice.
Class of 1950
Col. Ethel Alice Nelson entered eternal rest on January 31, 2022, in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 92.
She was born on October 19, 1929, in Jamestown, New York, to David E. Sr. and Ethel S. (Bratt) Nelson.
She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Edna Mae Nelson; brothers, Frank C. Nelson and David E. Nelson, Jr. Her sister, Nellie Jane (Nelson) Heppel, joined her in heaven on February 6, 2022. Ethel is survived by 8 loving nieces and nephews, their children; and other family members and friends.
Col. Nelson had a distinguished 27 year military career in the United States Air Force, serving from 1957 – 1984. She was a graduate of Maryville College, the University of Rochester, and a received a Master’s degree from Columbia University. She was stationed at many locations throughout her career such as Hickam AFB HI, Hill AFB UT, Travis AFB CA, Wright-Patterson AFB OH, Tachikawa, Japan and London, England, to name a few. She also founded the Society of Air Force Nurses Incorporated and held a number of prominent positions within the organization.
Col. Nelson was an advocate in community affairs and her church – Epworth United Methodist Church. She enjoyed reading, golf, travel and her 2 dogs – Little Boy and Little Girl.
Class of 1957
Virginia Ann “Ginny” Nelson, 85, of Richmond, Va., died on Thursday, September 30, 2021, surrounded by her family. Born on November 8, 1935, in New York, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Maryville College. She retired from a 20 plus year career as an administrator at River Road Presbyterian Church. Her example as a Christian, a wife and a mother will have a lasting impact on her loving family. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed all of God’s creations, especially dogs. She was active in many churches/communities in her lifetime and was a key leader in her time at Zion Christian Church in Beaverdam where she was instrumental in the creation of the Western Hanover Emergency Action Team (“WHEAT”) whose mission was to serve the people of Western Hanover in times of need. WHEAT has grown tremendously and continues to thrive today.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren John (“Bud”) Nelson; and her sister, Dorothy Sedat (Eddie). She is survived by her three children, Debbie Stroop (Jerry), Richard (Cheryl) and Robin Carlton (Brian); six grandchildren, Adam and Corey Stroop, Daniel and Carrie Nelson, Kayla Pruett (Josh), Holly Carlton; and her sister, Marjorie Rogers.
Class of 1948
Beverly Joan Nereng, 87, of Blair and formerly Arcadia died on Tuesday, December 10, 2013, at Grandview Care Center in Blair, Wisconsin. Beverly was born on June 7, 1926, in Toledo, Iowa to Myrrel and Edith (Weaklan) Muetzel. Beverly was a very caring and loving person who was open to share her heart with her family, friends and community. Beverly grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with her parents and five sisters. She graduated from High School and then proceeded to attend college in Tennessee receiving a Bachelors of Art Degree. She continued her education at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, graduating with a Masters Degree with a focus on church studies. She worked in churches in New York City, Texas, and Iowa. Eight years later she received another degree in teaching. She taught 2nd and 3rd grade in Cedar Rapids Iowa, Minneapolis and Arcadia. She taught for 25 years retiring in 1981. Beverly was a member of Presbyterian, Methodist and Lutheran Churches and where she could grow in her faith and share with others. Beverly married Richard R. Laurence (Mehtodist Minister who also attended Union Theological Seminary where they met) on June 9, 1951, in Cedar Rapid, Iowa. They had two children, Becky and Dawn and they were married for 6 years. Richard died on April 27, 1957. Beverly raised her two daughters as a single parent for 14 years. She then married Einar Lund (Dairy Farmer) on July 25, 1970, at the Tamarack Lutheran Church, Norway Valley, Arcadia. They were married for 16 years. Einar died on September 4, 1986. Beverly then married Harvey Ray Nereng on August 8, 1988, in Drummond Island, Michigan and they were very happily married for 25+ years. Beverly is survived by her husband, Ray Nereng of Blair, two daughters, Becky (Steve) Severson of Arcadia and Dawn (Allen) Shepherd of Arcadia, 6 grandchildren: Gretchen (Zack) Severson-Miller of Minneapolis, Hans Severson of Minneapolis, Stefan Severson of La Crosse, Robert Shepherd of Onalaska, Anthony (Cindi) Shepherd of Winona, and Travis (Barbara) Shepherd of Switzerland. Three great grandchildren: Devin Lemay of Cadott, Grace and ZJ Miller of San Diego, CA, 1 sister, Jackie Wims of Valencia, CA, nieces and nephews She was preceding in death by her parents, husbands, 3 sisters: Barbara McCauley, Jean Collinge, and Mary DeVries.
Class of 1946
Verne Nesbitt, born Verne Allen Feeback in Colville, Kentucky on May 16, 1925, died peacefully at home with her two daughters, Marcia Nesbitt and M.B. Nesbitt on Aug. 21, 2016. She grew up in Cynthiana, KY, where she was an active member of the Presbyterian Church. In high school, she was an A student, a member of the cheerleading squad, and played drums in the marching band. She went to Maryville College with the support of her community, and went on to attain her nursing degree at Vanderbilt University. Following that, she helped to set up the first experimental Geriatric Unit at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore Maryland. She then became engaged in Obstetrical Nursing, where she loved delivering and caring for babies. After moving to Syracuse, New York in 1960, she committed her life to volunteerism, and became the National President of Literacy Volunteers of America. Her next passion was working as the Director of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Her final position was as the Director of the Foster Grandparent Program, where she paired seniors with developmentally challenged children, in order to enrich the lives of both. Verne was an active member of Park Central Presbyterian Church for 50 years, where she participated in many groups and Church associations. Her vibrant and energetic nature endeared her to those around her, who affectionately referred to her as Mama Verne. She was a beloved friend and neighbor, whose home was open to all. She was always caring, interested, and involved in the lives of those around her. Verne is survived by her two daughters, Marcia Nesbitt of San Diego, California, and M.B. Nesbitt of Wilmington, Vermont, and her four grandchildren: Travis Beeman-Nesbitt, Jesse Dallam Nesbitt, Savannah Nesbitt, and Cade Nesbitt, all of Wilmington, VT. Services were held at Park Central Presbyterian Church in Syracuse, New York. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a small donation in her name to the American Alzheimer’s Association.
Class of 1953
Passed away Dec 10, 2007 due to a severe fall. He received his Master degree from Middle Tennessee State and EDS degree from University of Georgia. He was working on his doctorate in Physical Education when he passed. He retired after 42 years of coaching football, baseball and wrestling in Gwinnett County Georgia. He was married to the former Christine Stephens for 54 years at the time of his passing.
Class of 1943
Jean L. Newcomer (nee Barnes), of Madison, WI, died on May 23, 2020 at Agrace Hospice in Madison, WI. She was 99 years old. Jean was born January 28, 1921 in Wilkes-Barre, PA to Olin and May (Petersen) Barnes. She graduated from Maryville College in Maryville, TN, where she earned a BA degree in psychology. Later she did post graduate study in library science at Northern Illinois University. Upon graduation from Maryville, she moved to Illinois to become social editor of the Belvidere Daily Republican. There she met and later married Edward Newcomer. In 1950 she applied for a staff position at Ida Public Library. She served two years as reference librarian and 38 years as the library director. At her retirement she was surprised by an editorial in the Belvidere Daily Republican entitled “Give Your Regards to Jean”. In addition to her love of books she was interested in music, gardening and painting. She was co-author of two books, For the Love of Ida, a history of library services in her community and Speechless: Living with Spasmodic Dysphonia, about the vocal cord disorder she developed at the age of 15. In the latter part of her life she began painting oil landscapes and exhibited annually at area art shows. She sold most of her paintings and was pleased one year when she was runner-up for the “Best of Show” award. She has made over 600 decorative posters, using small colored squares, and posted them regularly on her apartment doors at Middleton Glen and Oakwood Assisted Living. Jean is survived by a son and daughter: Stephen Newcomer (Diane) of Burnsville, MN and Gale Barber of Middleton and two granddaughters, Amelia Barber (Matt Blango) of Jena, Germany and Maggie Barber-Hasanovic (Nedim Hasanovic) of Los Angeles, CA. She was preceded in death by her husband, sister Hazel Barnes, and brother Paul Barnes. Private graveside services will be held at a later date at Belvidere Cemetery in Belvidere, IL. Memorials may be made in Jean’s name to the Ida Public Library, 320, N. State Street, Belvidere, IL.
Class of 2006
started teaching full time at a small private Christian School and is working toward a private school teaching certification
Class of 2002
On August 29, 2013 of The Bard coffee house fame, was interviewed on Montana Public Radio today about his new book on “Montana Beer: a guide to breweries in Big Sky country”. He covers cultural legacies, economic impacts, environmental best practices in a state that is first in beer jobs/population.
Class of 1973
retired from the practice of Internal Medicine in June of 2013. Since then she has been traveling all over the U.S. with her husband for his contracts in architectural photography, enjoying museums, gardens, arboretums and good food along the way. In September she started helping (part-time) as a visiting scholar at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, where she got her PhD long ago. Carol has been teaching graduate students there and organizing a Journal Club for the Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities. She is also active at Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church in Baltimore, where Carol has served as an Elder, and recently spearheaded a project to help unaccompanied migrant children who are waiting to join family members. She would love to hear from classmates.