Class Notes

Nancy (Libbie) Elisabeth Baird Wells May 19,1926 – January 7,2016 Resident of San Ramon, CA Nancy (Libbie) Baird Wells, 89, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2016. Libbie was born in Kanggye, Korea to Rev. Richard Hamilton Baird and Golden Stockton Baird, who were second generation Presbyterian missionaries. After experiences of living and serving in Korea that would be shared throughout generations, the Baird family left Korea when Libbie was age 14 and returned to the States. Her remaining school years would be in the States while her parents continued to serve as missionaries overseas. Libbie attended Maryville College in Tennessee where she would meet her future husband, Samuel (Sam) David Wells from Riviera Beach, Florida. After college, she moved to Berkeley, CA where her family had settled and Sam followed the love of his life to Berkeley. They were married in the family home on December 4, 1948 by her father, Rev. Richard Baird. They would eventually settle and raise their four children in Concord and Walnut Creek for over forty years. Libbie enjoyed the mountains and particularly the ocean, and family outings often included looking for driftwood at the beach that would fill up the yard at home. She sang for many years in the choir at Concord Presbyterian Church where she and Sam were active and faithful members. Upon retirement, Libbie and Sam moved to a favorite family camping area over the years, Lake Almanor, and lived outside the quaint town of Chester on Lake Almanor West. They became active in the Elks Lodge and Lake Almanor West social scene. Libbie loved to travel and her last cruise was to Alaska with her daughters. Libbie and Sam moved to Brentwood, CA in 2003, and Sam passed away in 2005. Libbie moved to San Ramon, CA in 2014. She enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren, watching the Food Network channel, and the social activities at Brookdale Assisted Living. She remained feisty to the end as her body weakened due to heart and lung disease. Libbie was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Golden Baird; her twin sister, Emily Baird; sister Mary Golden Baird; and brother, Dickie Baird; her husband, Sam Wells, and daughter, Donna Wells. Libbie is survived by her sister, Rebecca Baird Bergstresser (Paul Bergstresser); her brother John Baird; her daughter, Nancy Parker (Dan Parker); son Hal Wells (Jaymie Noland); and daughter, Emily Head (Erik Head); seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren and much extended family throughout the U.S. A memorial service will be held for Libbie on Saturday, February 27, 2016, 2:30PM at Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church, 9015 South Gale Ranch Rd., San Ramon, CA 94582. Obituary can be found here: http://bit.ly/1XIKhSA

Mable Ruth Marshall Westbrook, age 92, of Lenoir City, passed away Sunday morning, July 24, 2016. She was the first woman to graduate from Maryville College with a degree in chemistry. Mable was state president of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. She was First Lady of Loudon County. Mable was owner and operator of Marbrook Frames and Gallery in Lenoir City. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Albert Westbrook; son, Edwin Marshall Westbrook; and parents, Rev. Thomas Oliver Marshall and Beulah Gay Watkins Marshall. Survived by her beloved daughter-in-law, Janice Westbrook Smith and husband, Cecil (Bucky) Smith; daughter, Judye Westbrook James; sister, Carolyn Marshall Bender husband, Joe Bender; grandchildren, Laura James Higdon and husband, John Higdon, and Jenni James; great-grandchildren, Eric Higdon, Frances Higdon, Charlie Higdon, Taylor Welk, and Brooks Welk; nephew, Dr. Michael Bender and wife, Martha Bender; nieces, Lise Bender and Joanna Bender; great-nephew, Adam Bender and great-niece, Angela Bender; and children by heart, Joe Trout and Steve Gillman. The family received friends on Wednesday, July 27th at Central United Methodist Church in Lenoir City. A celebration of her life followed with Rev. Micah Nicolaus officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church Music Department, 301 Hickory Creek Road, Lenoir City, TN 37771. Click Funeral Home, Lenoir City is in charge of arrangements.

Ruth Mary Weston was born on October 17, 1953, to John and Ruth Weston in Maryville, Tennessee, and died in her home surrounded by loved ones in Greensboro, N.C. on October 24, 2017. She graduated from Maryville High School and Maryville College with a degree in music. She started to follow in her mother’s footsteps by teaching (high school music and band), but soon decided she would rather follow in her father’s footsteps in the construction business. Over the years Ruth Mary built and remodeled many homes, and she developed a following of loyal customers who appreciated the quality she put in her craft. She loved fishing. She was a trusted and caring friend. She was brilliant and generous with her time and attention. She was a beautiful person with a beautiful soul. She will be greatly missed; we are glad we had her with us. Ruth Mary is survived by her partner of 24 years, Elizabeth Chartrand of the home; her mother, Ruth Henry Weston, her brothers Johnny (Carol) and Tom-Bill (Denise) of Maryville, and her sisters Gretchen (Steve) Williams of Dallas, Georgia; and nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews whom she loved dearly. She also leaves many devoted long-time friends. Ruth Mary’s family would like to thank her doctors and Hospice and Palliative Care for their compassionate and unstinting care, allowing her to spend her last months peacefully at home. Any donations would be welcome to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, N.C., or to New Providence Welcome Table in Maryville, or to a charity of your choice. Memorial services will be held in Maryville on Nov. 4 at New Providence Presbyterian Church. The service will be at 1 p.m., reception to follow in the atrium. Other services will be held at a later date in Greensboro, N.C.

Helen Hair Weston passed away on December 12, 2015.

Dr. Virginia Williams Wetmore, 94, formerly of Lemoyne, PA died Saturday, November 28, 2015 at Bethany Village, Mechanicsburg, PA. Virginia was born in Fort Springs West Virginia, May 18, 1921 to Edward E Williams and Minnie Roche McGraw. She grew up and attended public school in Alderson, West Virginia. She went on to graduate from Maryville College in Tennessee in 1943. Summers were spent working at the federal woman’s prison in Alderson where she cared for Billy Holiday and John Dillinger’s girlfriend. Planning to go on to medical school, she had to wait until after WWII as only men were accepted while the war was in progress. During this time Virginia relocated to Washington, DC and spent her time working in a munitions factory; later teaching Geometry in a one room schoolhouse in West Virginia. She eventually entered Temple medical school; one of five women out of a class of one hundred. Virginia graduated from Temple medical school in 1949 and began a residency in Pediatric medicine at Harrisburg Hospital. It was there that she met her future husband, Dr. Stanley Wetmore, who was a resident in Internal medicine at Harrisburg Hospital. Stan and Virginia married in 1951 and established a local medical practice, Drs. Williams and Wetmore, in Lemoyne, PA. They always said that they “Covered a family’s Ill’s”. Virginia and Stan faithfully served the Central Pennsylvania community for 46 years, retiring from medicine in 1997. Both served as hospice volunteers for years after retirement. Another of Virginia’s hobbies during retirement was baking. She spent many hours baking cookies for deployed military members. Virginia and Stan were members of Mount Calvary Episcopal Church in Camp Hill for over 60 years. During this time Virginia participated as the first woman member of the vestry and taught Sunday school to the children of the church well into her 80s. Virginia and Stan relocated to Bethany Village in 2004 where they resided until Stan’s death in March 9, 2007 and her passing November 28, 2015. She is survived by a son, Edward and wife Ann of Mechanicsburg; daughter Margaret Chappen and husband Theodore of New Berlin, Pa; 4 grandchildren Caroline, Austin, Eleni and Jack. Memorial services were held Saturday, December 5, 2015 at Mount Calvary Episcopal Church in Camp Hill. Burial was at Mount Calvary Columbarium adjacent to the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Calvary Episcopal Church, 325 N. 25th Street Camp Hill, PA. 17011.

died July 13, following a brief illness. Mary grew up in Butler, MO, where she excelled in music at an early age. She attended Maryville College in Tennessee to major in music with an emphasis on organ and church music . At Maryville she met William C. Wheatley, Jr., of St. Petersburg, FL, and they were married in 1956. Mary’s music career included being organist at First Methodist Church, St. Petersburg, FL, 1959-62, Organist-Choir Director First Christian Church, Jacksonville, FL, 1978-92 where she supervised rebuilding of the pipe organ at the church’s new location in Mandarin, and Organist-Choir Director Avondale Methodist 1993-98. In the latter two positions she took great pride in her work with children’s choirs and hand bell ensembles. In addition to her music career, Mary was also an active volunteer. She helped found the Volunteer Community School in Chattanooga, TN, a preschool for inner city children. After retiring in 1998, Mary had time to devote to her interest in native plants and xeriscape gardening as well as cultivating plants to host butterflies and attract hummingbirds. She was an active member of the Florida Native Plant Society, participating in plant exchanges and giving advice to new native plant gardeners. She created a wildflower and butterfly garden in Nathan Krestul Park in Jacksonville’s Southside, and in 2003 it won first prize from the FNPS in the non-professional butterfly habitat category. She is survived by her husband Bill; their four children, Edward Wheatley and his wife Mary Mackay of Chicago, IL; Gene Wheatley and his wife Becky Hayward of Knoxville, TN; Gail Wheatley of Columbus, OH; and John Wheatley and his wife Sarah Song Wheatley of Taipei, Taiwan; sisters Roseanna Viggers and Elizabeth Melinsky; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Gifts in Mary’s memory may be given to the Florida Native Plant Society, P.O. Box 278, Melbourne, FL 32902. In lieu of a traditional funeral, a wake will be held at a later date to celebrate Mary’s life. To receive notification of the time and place of the wake, send your email address to mwheat9584@yahoo.com .

Elizabeth H. Wheeler age 96 of Maryville passed away Thursday, March 12, 2020, at Blount Memorial Hospital. She was a member of Broadway Baptist Church for 69 years. Elizabeth taught high school in Blount County for 30 years. She was an avid hiker for over 30 years. Preceded in death by: Husband, Enoch Wheeler; Sisters, Mary Ann Hood, Maxine Conley, Ethel Kissel; Brother, Russell Helton, Jr.; Son-in-law, Harold Pitcher. Survivors include: Son & Daughter-in-law, David & Pam Wheeler; Daughters & Son-in-law, Rebecca Pitcher, Letha & Allan Hancock; Grandchildren, Ethan Wheeler, Erin Burket & husband Derek, Michael Hancock & wife Chelsea, Katie Coyle & husband Samuel, and Joseph Hancock; Six Great-Grandchildren; Sister, Josephine Edwards. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 3736 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN 37804 or Friends of the Smokies, 3099 Winfield Dunn Pkwy #2, Kodak, TN 37764. Family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 PM, Sunday, March 15, 2020 at Smith Trinity Chapel. Funeral service will be at 3:00 PM with Rev. Tony Collins officiating. Family and friends will assemble for interment at 11:00 AM, Monday, March 16, 2020 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneral&Cremation.com.

passed away on August 3, 2013. She left behind Husband, Roger, sons Andrew of St. Cloud Florida and Daniel of Miramar Florida and her Father, Rev. James Marvin of Lakeland Florida. Bonny was a teacher at Miramar High School.

died at home last October 19, 2014.

Oneda Gail (Whitehead) White, faithful servant of her Lord Jesus Christ, was called home to her eternal reward Sunday, April 25, 2021. Oneda was born February 7, 1924 in Rosslyn, KY and grew up in Happy Valley. A graduate of Maryville College with a B.A. degree and the University of Tennessee with a Masters Degree, Oneda dedicated her career to elementary education, teaching for many years at Eagleton Elementary School. She was a long time member of Everett Hills Baptist Church where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. In retirement she volunteered with AARP’s Tax Aide program. She is preceded in death by her parents, David Roy Whitehead and Roxie Iowa Whitehead; infant sister, Joan; sister, Violet Whitehead Holman; brothers, D.C. Whitehead and Dwight Whitehead; grandson, Andrew Daniel Koopman; husband of 59 years, Elmer Lee White. She is survived by her brother, Stanley Whitehead of Athens, TN; sister, Freda Whitehead Lindley of Florence, KY; children, Donna Gail White Koopman (David) of Maryville, TN, Richard Lee White (Jean) of Baltimore, MD, and Randall Lynn White (Kathy) of Maryville, TN; grandchildren, Christopher Koopman of Knoxville, TN, Matthew White (April) of Maryville, TN, Travis White (Katie) of Catonsville, MD, Kelly Jackson (Nick) of Knoxville, TN and Mia White of Houston, TX. She has four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friends may call at your convenience, Thursday, April 29, 2021 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home to sign the register. The funeral service will be held 11:30 AM, Friday, April 30th at Everett Hills Baptist Church with Rev. Doug Hayes and Dr. John Franklin officiating. The interment will be Friday, April 30th at 1:00 PM at Grandview Cemetery. The family will be present at the funeral and graveside services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Elmer Lee White Memorial Scholarship Fund at University of Tennessee or Everett Hills Baptist Church.

Samuel J. Whitehead passed away on November 27, 2021.

Carleen S. Whitehead, age 99 of Maryville, passed away Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Blount Transitional Care. She was an active member of East Maryville Baptist Church. Carleen was a graduate of Everett High School. She went on to graduate from Maryville College with a degree in education. She taught school at Grandview Elementary and in her younger years, she enjoyed mission work in the Appalachia area. Carleen married Rev. Clyde F. Whitehead in 1953. They pastored churches in East Tennessee and throughout North Carolina. She was a dedicated volunteer and loved her work at Chilhowee Baptist Center from age 75 to 97. Carleen was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be deeply missed by family and friends. Preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Clyde F. Whitehead; parents, Thomas R. and Lucille T. Stephens; son and daughter-in-law, Philip and Susan Whitehead; daughter, Rebecca Lynn Harmon; daughter and son-in-law, Mary and David Parsons; 7 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Christine Newberry of Snellville, GA.

The Reverend Alan Walter Whitelock, age 76, died November 19, 2010 at his home in Port Isabel, Texas after a prolonged battle with Multiple Myeloma. He was born in Philadelphia, PA, grew up in Delanco, NJ, attended Maryville College, TN, was a graduate of Wheaton College, IL, and of Princeton Seminary, NJ. He pastured churches in Elmer, NJ, Baltimore, MD, and Castle Rock, CO. He retired to Port Isabel, TX where he joined the First United Methodist Church. He continued his service there as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher and as a spiritual resource to its members.He is survived by Patricia, his wife of 26 years, son Paul Whitelock and his wife Mary Lou of Aurora, CO, daughter Julia Brown and her husband Dennis and their two sons Matthew and Connor of Marriottsville, MD, stepdaughter Lani Halloran and her husband Larry and their three children, Sarah, Patrick, and Joshua, of Tucson, Arizona. A memorial service, officiated by the Rev. Sue Huntsman, was held on Sunday, November 21, 2010. Memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 101 W. Adams, P.O. Box 1074, Port Isabel, TX, 78578.

Marjie was born on November 25, 1948 in Biddeford, Maine to Tom and Marjorie (Sherwell) White. She graduated from Maryville College in 1970. On December 22, 1970, she and Lucas Venning Whitney were married in Greenville, SC. They raised three children, Lucas, Sarah, and Anna. Marjie enjoyed heirloom sewing and taught lessons and made and sold items in LaGrange, GA for five years. She also loved children and served 18 years as a teacher at St. Mark’s Episcopal Kindergarten in LaGrange, GA. Marjie was a member of the Altar Guild at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, as well as a part of the Eucharistic Visitors, Meals on Wheels, and Clothing Center ministries. Marjie’s family was her world. She enjoyed spending time with them for all occasions, particularly holidays and annual beach and ski trips, and she loved taking family photos and snapshots of precious memories. Marjie was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Marjorie White. She is survived by her husband Lucas, her son Lucas and his wife Lorri Whitney and their two children–Luke and Lilly–all of Signal Mountain, TN; her daughter Sarah and her husband Jeremiah Wojnarowski and their three children–Savannah, Gabriel, and Elijah–all of Burns, TN; and her daughter Anna and her husband Izz Noland and their son, Imran, all of Birmingham, AL; her brother Tom and sister Sally, and twelve nieces and nephews. She was also beloved by her friends and caregivers Jean Sivell and Leola Broughton and the Wellstar/West Georgia Healthcare Home Hospice team. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM January 4, 2020 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in LaGrange, GA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, LaGrange, GA, or Wellstar Community Hospice.

Harold Wicklund, retired Lieutenant Colonel, USAF, of Waco, died at his home on Saturday, May 12, 2012. Colonel Wicklund was buried at Waco Memorial Park next to his wife. Born in Garner, Mass., Harold was one of ten children. After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Business and a teaching certificate from Eastern Kentucky University, Class of ’40, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps on May 31, 1941, as an Aviation Cadet. Harold completed his Primary Flight Training at Corsicana, Texas. He was transferred to Navigation School at Albany, Ga., where he graduated on April 1, 1942, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. On April 2, 1942, he married Dorothy Armstrong of Bradenton, Fla., a graduate of Maryville College, Maryville, Tenn. Harold joined HALPRO, the code name for the very first American bomber unit designated for duty in the Middle East, on April 3, 1942, in Fort Myers, Fla., and was assigned to the crew of Ed Cave and V. Ziesel as navigator. On June 11, 1942, during the first bombing raid over the Ploesti, Hungary oil fields, his plane was forced to land in Turkey where he was interned for eight weeks (Life magazine, Sept 1942). He escaped making it back to the 376th Bombardment Group, 513th Squadron, in Libya. Harold continued flying low-level raids on Ploesti and became the lead navigator for Operation Tidal Wave in August 1943. Career assignments include four years at the University of Florida, Gainesville, as an AFROTC instructor. He served with the Air Rescue Service in England, four years at the Pentagon, was Squadron Commander for Radar Intercept Squadron at James Connally AFB in Waco, Cadet Training Officer at Headquarters, Civil Air Patrol, Ellington Field, Pasadena, Texas, as Base Executive Officer, Naha Air Base on Okinawa, and Executive Officer at the Electronic Systems Command, Hanscom Field, Bedford, Mass. Col. Harold was invited twice to the White House under the Kennedy Administration for his work with the Foreign Cadet Exchange Program. He was a decorated World War II veteran, earning a Silver Star Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, and two Purple Hearts. After serving nearly 27 years in the United States Air Force, Harold retired on Jan. 1, 1968, from Hanscom Field, Bedford, Mass. Along with his wife, Dorothy, and the youngest child of their four children, they returned to their home in Waco, where they remained as active participants in the community. He served as Deacon, Elder, teacher, and devoted member of Central Presbyterian Church for 44 years. With his wife, Dorothy, Harold was a life-time member of the Berean Sunday School class. The Wicklunds were beloved by their neighbors who affectionately called Harold the “Colonel.” He enjoyed teaching golf to his two sons, two sons-in-law, and grandchildren in his backyard. Harold was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Dorothy, on July 28, 2008; and all of his siblings. Survivors include daughters, Linda Beavers and husband, Alex, of Bradenton, Fla., and Judy Crochet and husband, Ren, of Austin; sons, David Wicklund and wife, Ruby, of Holmes Beach, Fla., and John Wicklund and wife, Krissy, of Waco; 13 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two step-sons; and six step-grandchildren.

Raymond Wilbar ’36 of Newton on Jan. 25, 2013. Husband of the late Doris (Finn) Wilbar. Father of Raymond M. of CA, Nancy Whooley of West Newton, Susan Holm of Newton, and Stephen of KY and also survived by 7 grandchildren. Brother of the late Elizabeth LaTona. Interment in Newton Cemetery.

Helen Miller Wilcox, “Loving wife, devoted mother, exceptional teacher, amazing friend.” After bravely battling increasingly challenging health conditions, Helen Miller Wilcox passed away peacefully December 31, 2023. Helen was born in Jacksonville, FL on February 29, 1932. A 1950 Clearwater High graduate, she began dating Albert, the love of her life, in 1949 while they both were in high school. Helen graduated from Maryville College in Maryville, TN in 1954 with a BS in Biology. Helen and Albert began their married life in Valdosta, GA where Albert was stationed at Moody Air Force Base. Helen taught in a one-room school house and drove the “Bingity-Bangity School Bus” to work. They returned to Clearwater after Albert was discharged from the military and spent the remainder of their married life in Pinellas County. Helen taught advanced Biology with great passion and extraordinary dedication for 20 years at Clearwater High. Helen thoroughly enjoyed life, living each day to the fullest. She and Albert treasured their wonderful family and many friends. She delighted in her numerous students over the years. Helen and Albert traveled extensively, both in the U.S. and abroad. She never met a stranger and could engage anyone in a stimulating conversation. She had a marvelous sense of humor and an incredible work ethic. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Ruth Miller. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Albert, and their two children, Leigh Wilcox and Byrd (Gloria) Wilcox. Helen had two grandchildren, Celeste Wilcox and Chloe (Bobby) Campbell, and two great-grandchildren, Bridget and Rory Campbell. An active community member and volunteer over the years, Helen was involved with the March of Dimes, Clearwater Community Woman’s Club, Clearwater Historical Society, Delta Kappa Gamma and North Pinellas County Retired Educators Association.

On September 5th, 2022, Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Wildman, age 96, of Fountain City was joyously welcomed into heaven by her family, friends, and her Savior in whom she found strength and peace throughout her whole life. She passed away surrounded by loved ones. While her family grieves her passing and will miss her smile and laugh more than anything, they find peace in the fact that she is free of sickness and has been reunited with all of those who loved her in life. Betty was born on December 29th, 1925 in Maryville, TN to Mr. and Mrs. AC Montgomery. She graduated from Lenoir City High School in 1944 and attended both Maryville College and the University of Tennessee at Memphis. She graduated with a B.S. RN and, during her senior year of college, enlisted as a US Cadet Nurse with the intention of serving in WWII. The war ended prior to her graduation, but, as she loved to remind everyone, she would have jumped at the chance to reenlist if her country ever needed her again. She was the first woman in her family to earn a college degree and was immensely proud of this fact. In 1949, she married Charlie Wildman and together they raised three children: Cynthia, Fred, and Susan. The most important aspects of Betty’s life were her family, her faith, and her community. Betty worked for most of her life as a nurse which was the perfect profession for her caring heart. She served as a RN at Fort Sanders Medical Center, St. Mary’s hospital, and for the City of Knoxville as a school nurse. She was a member of Fountain City United Methodist Church for over 70 years and faithfully served in the choir, church kitchen, United Methodist Women, and as a member of the Christian Fellowship Sunday School Class. To go to FCUMC any time in the past 7 decades was to know Betty Wildman, and she was known to let others know just how their gifts could be utilized for the service of the church. Betty loved the outdoors and was a member of the Fountain City Sportsman’s Club at Norris Lake, her home away from home and the place where her chosen family spent time. She traveled every chance she could, venturing as far as the seas of Alaska and the volcanos of Hawaii. Betty found joy in her flower gardens, any type of UT Vols sporting event, baking for others, maintaining her home, and spending time with her family and friends. She sent thank you cards to every person who had ever done her a favor and always wanted others to know just how valued they were. Her favorite title was “Mee Maw” and she loved being a grandmother more than anything else. Betty exuded positivity, grace, and joy. Even amid her hardest days and most difficult trials, she never complained, never spoke an ill word, and never stop praising the Lord. Betty is preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Charlie Wildman, as well as her sisters, Virginia Breazeale and Lucy Cusick, and her brother, Andrew Montgomery. She is survived by her sister Vivian Clark, her children Cynthia Schultz, Fred Wildman (Annette), and Susan Shipman (Doug); grandchildren Chuck Wildman (Stacie), Ben Wildman (Laura), Matthew Wildman (Katie), Katie Anzalone (Ryan), Beth Maldonado (Joe), Suzy Schultz, Sarah Shipman, Molly Searcy (Carlton), and Rachel Shipman, as well as 8 great grandchildren and many close friends, including her dear friend Polly Kelly.

Dr. James Ovid Wiley, 84, of Purcellville, died at home early Tuesday morning, October 10. Doc, as he was locally known, was well respected in the community for his many visible and not so visible contributions he and his wife Betty made since moving to Purcellville in 1958. Jim was born in Covington, Tennessee on November 28, 1932, to Virginia Witherington and Lawrence Wiley. He attended Maryville College in Tennessee where he met his future wife Betty Hammers. Betty and Jim married his last year in dental school at the University of Tennessee. Jim was drafted into the U.S. Naval Dental Corps and served at Parris Island, South Carolina. His first office was located on the second floor of what is now the Purcellville Family Restaurant. While he practiced, he was a staff member for the Loudoun Memorial Hospital for 20 years and a volunteer at the Loudoun Free Dental Clinic for 15 years. Jim had a passion for being involved in the community in a variety of ways. He was active in local sports, first as a member of the Town of Purcellville baseball team from 1959-1960 and then as a Little League baseball coach from 1969-1974. Jim served as Chairman of the Purcellville Area Commission, helped establish the first County Parks & Recreation Department, and was a member of the Loudoun County Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee from 1966-1972, serving as chair for three years. Additionally, Jim was the first appointee from Loudoun County to the Board of Directors for the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority at a time when there were 23 regional parks and seven parks in Loudoun. One of the hallmarks of this time was developing the W&OD Bike Trail for the community. He also served on the Purcellville Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee from 2003- 2007 and on the Purcellville Town Council 2006-2014. Golf was his passion and on the course he was only called Doc. He served on the Board of Directors for the Loudoun Golf & Country Club and served as president from 1986 to 1992. A tournament to benefit youth sports, an original initiative of Doc’s while on the Town Council, was named in his honor. In 1966, Jim helped found and became a Ruling Elder of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church where he served in various capacities until 2012. He was also a founding member of the Purcellville Business Association. In 2014, Jim became a founding member of the Purcellville Arts Council and served as the first chairman. Besides his wife, Betty, Jim is survived by three children: Karen Wiley-Eberle of Cary, North Carolina, David L. Wiley (wife, Camille) of Key West Florida, Judi Crenshaw of Richmond, Virginia and seven grandchildren, Meg and Brennan Eberle, Mariel and L.J. Wiley, Gray, Emlyn and Aidan Crenshaw, and a brother, Dan Wiley and his wife Gray, along with many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Dr. Wiley’s memorial service will be held Saturday, October 14 at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian at 3p.m. and he will be buried in Hillsboro Cemetery.

Daniel Witherington Wiley December 12, 1936 – August 25, 2020 Resident of Pleasanton, CA Dan Wiley has always loved to travel and, when he departed this earth on August 25th, 2020, he went on the crowning journey of all. A true Southern gentleman, Dan was born in Covington, Tennessee on December 12, 1936. He lived a Mayberry-like childhood in Munford, a small town near Memphis, then traveled 500 miles away to attend Maryville College, a historic,Christian college located in the foothills of the Smokies. Dan acquired a B.S. in Biology and a wife, Gray Clarke, during his four years there. Dan and Gray moved back to Memphis where he joined Schering Plough Pharmaceutical’s (later Merck’s) sales force. He was a natural in sales and served in many corporate positions in Memphis, Omaha, and Dallas, ending his career as a national director in Danville, CA. While in Memphis, three children came along: Linda Gray of Danville, CA.; Daniel Mark. M.D., reunited with his Dad now in heaven; and James Allen of Danville, CA, who with his wife Melanie Anne (Serres) has two sons – Daniel Marc and David James. Dan retired early so that he could really go to work doing the things he enjoyed. Within a week of retirement, Dan was working on a house for Habitat for Humanity. This project inspired him to use his sales skills to raise funds for and then join in the construction of homes after Hurricane Katrina. He did the same for a complete restoration of a large, dilapidated building into a hope-giving school in the center of San Francisco’s Tenderloin. Then onto Mexico, where he worked on projects dedicated to transforming the lives of the rural poor. At his home church, Community Presbyterian Church in Danville, Dan served as Deacon, Elder and Clerk of Session. He also taught pre-K Sunday School with Gray, served on the Mission Committee, and on several building campaigns. Dan treasured his and Gray’s Small group of 30+ years. Dan’s passions were dedicated to any work which furthered God’s Kingdom here on earth. Pleasure trips international, national, and local were frequent as Dan’s thirst for travel never dimmed. One trip did not end without a plan for the next. Dan was loving, kind, wise, smart, very funny, humble, patient and friendly. He loved to whistle (you could always tell where he was); he loved to tend his plants and flowers, he loved to play golf and loved all sports, he loved Gray, he loved to gather with friends and especially family. All of this grew out of his deep love of our Lord, Who loved him in return and abundantly blessed him and his. Memorials may be sent to Plant with Purpose (San Diego, CA) or Extollo International (Pleasanton, CA). Flowers may be sent to Munford Funeral Home. Dan will be buried in his hometown of Munford, Tennessee. Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020 from 5-8pm at Munford Funeral Home. Private, family burial to follow at Helen Crigger Cemetery in Munford, next to his son, Mark.

Betty Hammers Wiley, age 90, longtime resident of Purcellville, passed away in Cary, NC, on December 22, 2021.

A self-described small town girl, Betty grew up in the tiny hamlet of Stewartstown, PA, living above her parents’ seafood store. It was a dream come true to travel to the “slightly larger” Maryville, TN for college (‘53), where she sang her heart out in every organized choir and mether husband, James O. Wiley. In 2018, Maryville College honored Betty with its Distinguished Alumni Award and Betty wowed the crowd with one of her signature meaning-of-life stories (click here for video of remarks).

Betty and Jim arrived in Purcellville in 1958, when Jim became the town dentist and Betty – literally – didn’t miss a beat, as a member of the First Loudoun Chorale Group and children’s choir director at Leesburg Presbyterian Church. She volunteered for the Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Arthritis Foundation Drives and others. She served as President, Vice President, and Community Service Chairman for the Loudoun Jr. Woman’s Club. The Wileys were one of six families that started St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Purcellville. Betty went on to become longtime choir director of St. Andrew’s.

Always the organizer, Betty was the founder and first Organizing Director of the Loudoun Valley Community Center (LVCC) after serving two years on the first Parks and Recreation Board. She initiated a senior citizen program featuring day trips, speakers, and parties, and renovated a kitchen to serve seniors and teens. She organized grants and worked with the American Hearing Society in DC to start the Blue Ridge Speech and Hearing Center in Leesburg, where she served as President of the Board of Directors for a number of years. She was named Outstanding Jr. Woman in Northern Virginia for the depth and breadth of her contributions to the community.

In later years, Betty suffered from significant hearing loss, which was a big challenge given her love of music and conversation. She worked on self-help projects for the Hard of Hearing Chapter in Loudoun and after two years, other volunteers developed a group now known as NOVA WEST in

Fairfax/Sterling. Betty also worked on the state committee for the American Disabilities Act. Although she dabbled in art throughout the years, Betty’s creativity blossomed through late-in-life painting. She became a serious artist, known for oil paintings of local pastoral scenes and colorful floral still lifes. Her in-home gallery was a must-stop on the Western Loudoun Artists Studio Tour (WLAST), as much for the elaborate homemade food spread as for Betty’s numerous paintings hung (by Jim) in every room. “PaintingforJoy” became her life mantra as well as her email address.

In 2017, the Town of Purcellville recognized both Betty and Jim“Doc” Wiley with the key to thetown, which was a true highlight for Betty and fitting tribute from the place in which she invested her whole heart.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband Jim and is survived by her brother Bob Hammers of Red Lion, PA (wife Hazel) and by her children Karen Wiley-Eberle of Cary, NC, David Wiley (wife Camille) of Key West, FL, and Judi Crenshaw of Richmond, VA, along with grandchildren Meghan and Brennan Eberle, Mariel and Loren Wiley, and Gray, Emlyn, and Aidan Crenshaw (Granna 7 forever!).

Wilkinson, Kenneth J., of Columbus, born February 28, 1933, died December 11, 2015 following a brief illness. He is predeceased by his parents Parker and Janet Wilkinson, and his beloved wife of 51 years, Claudia McLaughlin Wilkinson. Survived by his children, Jennifer (Ronald Smith), Paul (Kate) and John (Bonny Claxton); and his six beloved grandchildren, Kenneth, Claudia, Wesley, Ann, Parker and Calla. Kenneth was born and raised in Akron, Ohio. He graduated from Maryville College (B.A. in political science) and Western (now Pittsburgh) Theological Seminary. Kenneth was a Presbyterian (PCUSA) minister, serving congregations with distinction in Pennsylvania and in several Ohio communities. He also provided leadership for several regional Presbyterian bodies, focusing on mission and stewardship. He was a gifted preacher, a compassionate pastor and a leader committed to the church’s mission. In retirement he became more deeply committed to the justice witness of the church. He was active in retirement with the Worthington Presbyterian Church, along with his family. He was a lifelong Rotarian, most recently with the Olentangy Rotary Club. Ken leaves behind a distinguished ministry which bore much fruit, and a wide circle of family and friends. He will be missed, but his good works go before him. A Memorial Service was held 11 a.m., December 30, 2015 at the WORTHINGTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 773 High St., Worthington, OH 43085. Graveside Services were held at Rose Hill Cemetery, Akron, Ohio. Memorial gifts may be made to Worthington Presbyterian Church, designated to the Mission Fund. Please visit www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com to send condolences to the Wilkinson Family.

Lee Wilkinson, 74, of Maryville, passed away Aug. 28, 2015. Preceded in death by his parents: Earl L. and Sena M. Wilkinson. He was a lifelong member of Pecks Memorial United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday school for 35 years. He was a HAM radio operator. He was a graduate of Brooks Institute of Photography and University California Santa Barbara, past president of Tennessee Professional Photographers Association, won numerous National and Regional Awards. He enjoyed music, and spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by Rose Ann Wilkinson, wife of 53 years. Daughters and sons-in-laws: Kelley and Mike Headrick, Jo and Larry Holsonback; grandchildren: Andrew and Abbie Headrick, Evan and Amy Headrick, Brianna Holsonback, Catharine Holsonback; great-grandchildren: Owen Lee Headrick, Hannah Lee Headrick.

Oliver Ruth (Stribling) Williams passed away Wednesday, September 26, 2018, of natural causes at the age of 97. She was a homemaker and devoted wife, and a loving mother. Born in Union, MS, she received a Bachelor’s degree in music from Maryville College in 1943. While living in Maryville she worked at Proffitt’s Department Store and at the Maryville Courthouse. Preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Charles E. Williams, Jr., and by her siblings Mary Blanche Stribling, Robert Stribling, and Clayton Stribling, of Union, MS. Survivors include daughter Charlotte E. Williams, of Maryville, TN, son James W. Williams of Bowie, MD, and several nieces and nephews.

Mary Annis (Ann) Beals Williams passed away October 31, 2018. She was born and raised on a rural dairy farm in the lowlands of eastern Tennessee, on land that is now underwater and owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority, Mary Annis was the eldest of three children. She left Tennessee and lived in Pakistan and Ethiopia (each for a couple of years) before settling in the Washington, DC, area. She was married twice – and divorced twice. She enjoyed being single and remained so for the last 36 years or her life. Ann was a brilliant artist, writer, and poet. It was believed that she was blessed with synesthesia because she would talk about the taste of words and how colors sounded. She never took an art class yet always needed to be working on one of her projects. She was a fabulous painter but never sold her art. It was believed to be a kind of therapy for her or perhaps a type of active meditation. When asked about any of her work, she often quoted the novelist Ann Patchett: “I’m a bit like a turtle. Once I drop that egg, I crawl away. It doesn’t cross my mind again. Ann’s art resides with her daughter, Jennifer. An art collection that spans decades and represents segments of her Mom’s life when she was her happiest. Her technique was the result of several of her favorite endeavors: spending time alone, using what is found in one’s own paintbox, and rejoicing in how light plays with us – and returns to us each day. On Leaves and Leaving All fall I watched the fading, preening leaves In costumed clumps and spunky single acts Perform above waiving throngs of shadow. Then one day, as if on cue – holding hands, They staged the ancient revels unrehearsed – Joining its grounded twin in nothingness. And I thought: Not a bad plan for leaving. Maybe the end is not black after all But dappled light and flowing color, so Beautiful, so intense that we are glad To close our eyes, fix tight on memories And ddrop silently into the long, long Continuum of chroma. – Ann Williams (1926-2018)