Class Notes

Jennifer Spirko, of Maryville, flew out to Los Angeles where she was a contestant on “Jeopardy.” She initially took an online test of 50 questions which she was required to answer in 15 seconds. Next she received a request to go to Nashville to take a 50 question written test and play a pretend game of “Jeopardy.” A few weeks later she was asked to be a contestant on the show. Her episode ran Wednesday, October 30th.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

is excited to announce that he is now part of the D1Baseball.com staff, covering 12 states on the West Coast.

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

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

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

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

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

Bernard was electrocuted after his band completed their gig in April, 2012. Since that time he has been awarded permanent disability due to damage of the frontal lobe. He has been left with a 24/7 migraine type headache. Some days he can’t get out of bed due to pain.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

is the Executive Director of the Children’s Montessori School of Georgetown, Georgetown, KY

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

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

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

Walter was born on October 18, 1920 and passed away on Wednesday, May 17, 2017. Walter was a resident of New Jersey. He was attended Maryville College. He joined the US Navy. Services private at the convenience of the family.

Dr. Larry Stearns, 76, died on April 14, 2016. He was born April 25, 1939, in Sumter, SC, to the late Lester and Frances Lee Stearns. Larry graduated from Hillsboro High School in Nashville, TN, in 1957. He received a BS degree from Maryville College in 1962, an MS degree from the University of Tennessee in 1965, and a Ph. D. in Zoology from Clemson University in 1970. He taught in the biology departments at North Georgia College and Central Piedmont Community College. Larry loved being outdoors, especially in the mountains. He was an avid bicyclist and hiker. He was always ready to challenge family members to a game of Backgammon. He was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church. Larry is survived by his wife, Martha; his son, Carl Stearns of Chapel Hill, NC; his daughter, Laura Stearns of Pensacola, FL; granddaughters, Olivia Hodnette of Pensacola, FL and Raquel Stearns of Chapel Hill, NC; brother, Fred and his wife Diane of Germantown, TN; and sister, Jayne Stearns of Madison, AL. A service to celebrate Larry’s life was held in the chapel at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 2:30 on Thursday, April 21. The family received friends in the church parlor after the service. The family expresses their grateful appreciation to Hospice and Palliative Care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 East Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28204; to Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 1420 East Seventh St., Charlotte, NC 28204; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Celebrating 94 years now surrounded by greatgrandbabie, I love watercolor painting and family gatherings.

Sara Jean (nee Heinekamp) Steidle of Cincinnati. Beloved wife of the late Daniel Steidle. Loving mother of Daniel (Carol) Steidle, Patrick (Kim) Steidle and Beth Ward. Cherished grandmother of Bradley, Katie, Brett, Tera, Ryan, Derek and Sarah. Great grandmother of Ava, Sophia, Payton, Grayson, Ainsley and Landon. Dear sister of the late Shirley Smith. Passed away April 25, 2020 at the age of 91.

Gerry Steigelman passed to a better life June 26, 2016 after a brief illness. Gerry was born in Chester, Pennsylvania but spent the majority of his life living in Texas. Gerry was a proud 1969 graduate of Maryville College. Immediately upon graduation he joined the United States Air Force, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam. Upon completing his military responsibilities he relocated to Houston, Texas where he owned and operated a successful restaurant franchise for many years. In his later life Gerry became actively involved in providing guidance and support to those affected with dependency addictions helping many individuals find the right life path. He also loved his time boating on Lake Conroe. Gerry was predeceased by his parents Howard and Virginia. He leaves his brother Terry (Kathleen), his son Grant (Sherrie) and their son Dalton. A private family service in memory of Gerry’s life was held at Arlington Cemetery in Springfield, Pennsylvania. Anyone wishing to contact his brother Terry can do so at steigelt@gmail.com.

Risa has created a mental health support website, www.GenuineU.com where college students who feel alone in their suffering, can view personal videos from peers with live mental health experiences. Risa's partner in this endeavor is Matthew Barksdale, a Kansas City serial entrepreneur. She is also backed by the Rockhurst University Chapter of the Year, Active Minds student organization, for which she serves as faculty sponsor. You are invited to check out the site and send a note of support.

Risa Stein, PhD has earned a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership from the Rockhurst University's Helzberg School of Management in Kansas City, MO. Risa has also published a self-guided therapy workbook entitled the Best Damn Life Workbook. It is available on Amazon.

Esther Sommers Stemple passed away from this life on January 16, 2018. She was a resident of Woodbridge, VA.

Ms. Norma Nunn Stephenson, age 88, of Tyler, TX passed away Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at her home in Tyler, TX. Ms. Norma was born June 7, 1934, in Ripley, TN. She is the daughter of the late Hugh Stewart Nunn and the late Corolea Lewis Nunn of Ripley, TN. Her late husband was Joseph Edmond Stephenson. Also preceding her in death was her former husband, Arthur Justin Fisher, Jr.

She is survived by daughter, Lea (Jan-Harry) Kastmo of Tyler, TX, and two step-daughters, Elizabeth “Beth” (John) Bettridge of Bow Mar, CO, and Laura Thomas of Sunriver, OR; and four sons, Art Fisher III of Pigeon Forge, TN, Kyle (Barbara) Fisher of Wilkesboro, NC, Stewart Stephenson of Tyler, TX, Keith (Nadia) Stephenson of Ballwin, MO and step son, Joe Stephenson of Daytona, FL,; Sister of one brother, Stewart Lewis (Madeline) Nunn of Memphis, TN, and two siblings-in law Stanley (Judy) Stephenson of Boston, MA and Martha Anne (Ken) Carmichael Highlands, NC.

Ms. Norma was also welcomed to heaven by her daughter, Lauren Fisher West.

She also leaves 16 grandchildren: Arthur (Megan) Fisher IV, Julia Fisher, Bradford Fisher, Nicholas Branam, Kathleen West, Scott West, Joseph (Heather) Fisher, John (Lindsey) Fisher David (Simone Styr) Fisher, Bethany Kastmo (Fletcher) Jonson, Christopher Kastmo,Alisia Kastmo (Brian) Kemper, Katrina Kastmo (Kaleb) McClain, Evelina Stephenson,Joseph Stephenson, Ella Stephenson and 14 great-grandchildren: Kalen Partridge, Abigail Fisher, Emily Fisher, Samuel Fisher, Noah Fisher, Logan Fisher, Mason Fisher,William Fisher-Styr, Anton Fisher-Styr, Alexandra Jonson, Emily Jonson, Audrey Jonson, Rhoades Fisher and Adair Fisher.

is President of Puget Sound Pipe Organs in Stanwood, Washington. There, they refurbish the organs and give them renewed life and reliability for much longer than any digital or electronic imitation. They also specialize in organ, chest, regulator, bellows releathering and renewing any portion of the organ to return it to good service. Their special expertise is in older organs particularly of the 19th and early 20th century.

joined the Capital Financial Group, LLC. in 2009. Chelse works primarily with pharmacists and other medical professionals in Eastern Tennessee. She understands the financial pressures and concerns her clients’ have and is especially attuned to helping them develop strategies and solutions for budgetary constraints, risk management, and appropriate investments as well as concerns such as debt repayment, saving for retirement, and college. She is well versed in the areas of life, disability income, and long term care insurance in addition to investments which in turn help her focus on comprehensive financial planning. Chelse puts forth every effort to earn the trust and respect of her clients. Her love of helping individuals, meeting new people, and constructing effective plans allows her to develop strong relationships with clients for the long term. Chelse has been seen on WBIR-TV answering questions about Financial Issues and is a candidate for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Women of the Year. .