Class Notes

John George Wolfe, III, of Kernersville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 5, 2022, under the watchful care of his family and a loving healthcare team.
He was born on September 23, 1945, in Winston-Salem, NC. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Maryville College, where he met and married the love of his life, Bobbie. He went on to receive a Juris Doctor from Wake Forest University.
John was a licensed attorney for more than 50 years with a private practice in downtown Kernersville, NC, including service as the Town of Kernersville’s legal counsel for 43 years during that tenure. A fixture in Kernersville and pillar of the community, he played a substantial role in many successful initiatives to benefit the community he loved so much, often working behind the scenes.

John was the recipient of a multitude of awards, recognitions, and honors. These include the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the state of North Carolina and their communities through exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments. He was generous with his time and talents, serving in volunteer and board leadership capacities with many local, regional, and national organizations.
He loved the arts and history, was an accomplished photographer, and had a special love of music, especially folk and bluegrass music. He took in the wonders of the world that travel offered, always taking the road less traveled in search of unique experiences and adventure instead of the well-beaten paths in new places.

He is preceded in death by his father, John G. Wolfe, Jr. and his mother, Polly D. Wolfe. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Bobbie Wolfe, his sisters Pamela Browne and Patty Peeler (David), his sons J.G. Wolfe (Erin) and Cary Wolfe (Mindy), and his beloved grandchildren Bryan, Emma, Ashton, Grayson and Emerson, as well as a large extended family.

has had a lot of changes in the past year. Her mother's health deteriorated to the point that she had to go into a nursing home, which is still hard for her to deal with. Her niece and 8-year-old daughter moved in with her in June. The duplex she shared with her mother was too small for 3, and they feel very lucky to have found a really nice house and moved in August. Right before we moved I had to help my beloved 20-year-old cat Zack pass from this world. Still have Maynard, who is now a 4-year-old kitty and my girl Kate, my herding breed mix is still with me. Still looking for a job, but my transcription business has picked up in the meantime. Would love to hear from MC friends….

Mary Pauline (Polly) Hudspeth Wood, age 95 of Yadkinville, N.C. died at her home on Friday, May 13, 2016. Polly was born May 26, 1920 in Yadkinville, N.C. to the late Nelson Lawrence Hudspeth, Sr. and Hattie Brandon Hudspeth. She graduated from Yadkinville High School in 1936 and attended Maryville College, Maryville, Tennessee where she met her future husband, William Lupton Wood (Bill) from Birmingham, Alabama. She graduated from Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina, Greensboro in 1940. She and Bill were married July 6, 1940 and lived in Birmingham a brief time prior to moving to Winston-Salem enabling Bill to attend Bowman Gray School of Medicine. In late 1946 they moved to Yadkin County where he practiced medicine for 38 years serving on the staff of Hoots Memorial Hospital while maintaining an active office practice. Polly, of necessity, became his appointment secretary and answering service nights and weekends until his retirement in 1984. Polly was a faithful lifetime member of First Baptist Church, Yadkinville. She was the first woman in the Church to be ordained as Deacon in which capacity she served for 17 years. She also taught Sunday school and was leader of several youth organizations. She was chosen as “Woman of the Year” in her church in 1980. Out of a sincere desire to help those in need of medical and spiritual care, she accompanied her husband on two of his five overseas Medical Mission assignments through the Southern Baptist Convention as Volunteer Missionaries. She was a co-owner and partner with her husband in several business ventures which included the operation of Woodlyn Farm where they raised, trained and showed Arabian Horses. She and her husband also developed and promoted Woodlyn Industrial Park and Woodlyn Heights Residential Development. When her husband was elected as a Yadkin County Commissioner, Polly served as his campaign manager. She and her husband also established the Dr. William and Polly Wood Humanitarian Award scholarship for a senior at Forbush to attend college. The scholarship fund is through the North Carolina Community Foundation out of Raleigh. Polly taught Home Economics and was Home Economist for Birmingham Electric Company. Later, she worked for the Yadkin County Department of Social Services and retired from DSS after ten years. Civic and volunteer services claimed much of her time after their five children grew up. She was a charter member of the Yadkinville Business and Professional Woman’s club and remained a member for many years. She was involved in various activities: PTA, served as a tutor in the Reading Program of the Yadkinville Elementary School, Yadkin County Service Unit of the Salvation Army and helped to establish a Salvation Army Thrift Store in Yadkinville. She was also a member of the Yadkin County Historical Society, Yadkin Medical Auxiliary, a charter member of Yadkin Christian Ministries, Yadkinville Extension Community Association, Morehead Scholarship Committee, neighborhood Girl Scout Chair, an organizer of the Yadkin County Council on aging and served on the Board of Trustees at the N.C. Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem for 12 years. She received the Outstanding Senior Citizen award by the Yadkin County Jaycees in 1995. She was one of five Outstanding Senior Citizens of the N.C. State Jaycees. She also served on the Task Force of Yadkin County Healthy Carolinians which was established as the “Dr. William L. Wood Health Education Center” in 1999, Honorary Chair for Yadkin County March of Dimes in 2000, Member of Yadkin Sesquicentennial Commission and member of Yadkin County Board of Health. Following Dr. Wood’s death in October 1996 she was able to continue her endeavors in the community, church and home life with the aid of her children. She continued to live in the family home for 60 years. Later in life, Polly was involved with the Red Hat Society in Yadkinville. Surviving are her children, William Lupton Wood, Jr. and wife Charlot, Yadkinville, N.C.; Diane Wood Dixon and husband, Eugene , Maryville, Tennessee; Leonard Lees Wood and wife Nancy, Salisbury, N.C.; Amy Wood Salazar, Greensboro, N.C.; Rebecca Hudspeth Wood (aka Sat Kaur Khalsa), Yadkinville, N.C.; Great Niece Dr. Katherine Merrill, Birmingham, Alabama. Nine beloved grandchildren: Ben Wood and wife Anna; Caroline Wood and husband Angel Escamilla; Dr. Brandon Dixon and fiancée Mary Davis; Emily Dixon and husband Mohit Pise: Boone Dixon and wife Sarah; Anna Wood Humphrey and husband Jay Humphrey; Seth Wood and wife Kristen: Gabrielle Salazar and Rebecca Salazar and two step grandchildren: Christopher Salazar and Jean-Paul Salazar. Seven great Grandchildren: Benjamin Wood, Corinne Wood, Clara Rose Humphrey, Lea Humphrey, Theodora Humphrey, Abel Boone Dixon, Leo Wood. She cherished each and every child, grandchild and great grandchild. She was fondly called “Grannie Polly” by her Grandchildren. Also surviving is one brother, Dr. Sherrill Hudspeth and wife Kathryn of Winston-Salem; two sisters-in-law, Edna Hudspeth, Yadkinville and Margie Hudspeth, Winston-Salem. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were four brothers: N.L. Hudspeth, Jr., Jack, and Harold Hudspeth of Yadkinville, George Hudspeth of Jacksonville, Florida. Following the death of her Mother in 1985, she assumed the role of Matriarch in her family. Polly would like to be remembered as an Encourager and for her love of Service to Others. Polly also loved her church family. It was rare she missed any church activity or church meeting. It deeply saddened her when she was unable to attend church as her health declined. Instead, she avidly listened to Dr. Charles Stanley on TV whom she dearly loved. The Wood Family wishes to express their gratitude to their friends and loved ones for their love and kindness. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Waite and staff of Yadkinville, Yadkin Valley Pharmacy, Becky and Penny and Reverend Mark Brown from Hospice, Yadkinville Baptist Church, her Sunday school class, Yadkinville Cops Care, Brenda Wooten, Wayne and Kathy Jones and other loyal friends who visited. Most of all the family wants to thank the sitters who took exceptional care of our mother: Angelica Almarez, Mel Dyson, Maria Garza, Michelle Groce, Jo Matthews, Charlotte McCurry, Clem Seats, Betty Steelman, Candice Vogel, and Jenny Williams. In lieu of flowers a memorial gift may be made to First Baptist Church of Yadkinville: PO Box 668 Yadkinville, N.C. 27055: Mountain Valley Hospice of Yadkinville, 320 West Maple Street, Yadkinville, N.C. 27055, North Carolina Community Foundation for a scholarship fund for a yearly Forbush high school student, address is Landmark Center, 4601 Six Forks Road, Suite 524, Raleigh, N.C. 27609.

Professor Emerita Nancy E. Wood died on November 22, 2011. Wood came to USC in 1964 as director of research at the John Tracy Clinic. She later held appointments as professor of ontology and professor of communicative disorders, as well as director of language pathologies. When those units were reorganized in 1975, she was appointed as a professor in the School of Journalism, where she served as its director from 1980 to 1982. She was appointed professor emerita in 1991. Wood was a member of many university-wide, divisional and Faculty Senate committees. She served as president of the senate in 1987. She authored or edited a dozen books, 22 articles in scholarly journals, and 75 addresses and keynote speeches. She also was principal investigator on 12 funded grant projects.

Evelyn Wood passed into the arms of her Savior on July 6, 2021, with her daughter, Jamie, by her side. She was born in the Belgian Congo, Africa (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) to Presbyterian missionaries. She spent her early childhood hearing leopards call while hunting across the valley; seeing unbelievable sunsets (gold, silver, scarlet) brought, in part, by the explosion of Krakatoa; and riding bareback on the family bull, Mutomba. Service was literally in her blood: a great-great-grandfather was an early missionary to Hawaii, an uncle and grandfather were missionaries to Korea, a nephew was a missionary to Brazil, and a cousin gave 10 years to the Peace Corps in Taiwan. Evelyn was stranded in the United States during World War II while her parents returned to the Congo to complete several more terms of service. She attended Maryville College in Tennessee, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. For thirty years, she taught elementary physical education, arts, and crafts for the Dade County School System here in Florida. Additionally, she wrote instruction manuals for the school system as well. Upon retirement, Evelyn moved to Gilchrist County with her husband. She was one of the original members of the “Joyful Hearts” group of women meeting weekly for crafts, quilting, food and fun. Though Evelyn no longer belonged to a church denomination, she tried to instill in her children and others, the love of God and all His wondrous creation; and a conviction that His Son, Jesus, can ensure our spending eternity in God’s presence. She appreciated the friends, and neighbors who always made her feel loved and welcomed. Evelyn was preceded in death by a son, Kim B’Smith, and her husband, Mitchell F. Wood. She is survived by daughter Dorothy Lynn (Dunn) Williams and husband John Williams. Evelyn is survived by son Kit B’Smith and his wife Carolyn (Rose) B’Smith. She is also survived by daughter, Jamie (B’Smith) Mathis, who cared for her the last several years of her life. Evelyn leaves behind 2 great-great grandchildren; 4 great- grandchildren, and 11 grandchildren.

Ruth Wilson Woodard passed away on March 27, 2018.

Mary Anne Browne Woodring, 88, of Chenoa, KY, died October 3, 2019, at home with her family. She grew up in North Carolina but spent most of her life in the mountains of Eastern KY. Dr. Woodring, as she was most widely known, started her career at a mission clinic in Puerto Rico. In 1965 she moved with her family to Eastern KY and continued practicing medicine in clinics and hospitals throughout the tri-state area for over 40 years. She also taught at ETSU medical school in Kingsport, TN. She brought to the medical profession a compassionate desire to serve others, with no regard to status. As one of only 4 women in her med school graduating class of 1957, she helped break down barriers in the male-dominated field of medicine. She delivered many of the babies of the area. And she gave birth to 8 babies herself. In her 50s and 60s, she was a world-class triathlete, who could often be seen jogging or biking the roads of Bell Co. She was passionate about being active and she cherished the mountains, plants, and animals. She continued to walk in the pasture and swim in the lake until she died. She was a 2-time cancer survivor, artist, musician, mother, wife. She attended Hope United Methodist Church. Her faith in God guided her with fearlessness. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Jim; 8 children; 16 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild. A celebration of her life will be held Saturday October 12th at Arnett and Steele funeral home in Pineville. Visitation is 11am-2pm, with the memorial service at 2. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Bell County Peace & Kentucky Homes Network.

Given Marcus Woodward, Jr., 72, died, Saturday, September 25, 2021 at KDMC in Ashland, KY. He was born in Maysville, KY on April 23, 1949 to the late Given Marcus and Anna Campbell Woodward, Sr. He was a lifelong Presbyterian and member of First Presbyterian Church in Ashland, Insurance Broker at Woodward and Associates, where his wife will continue to operate the business. He was also a 25 year elected Member of the 4th CD Democratic Party State Executive Committee, and Chairman of the Finance Committee of the KDP. He was also the Sole Broker Agent Navigator appointed to the Commonwealth of Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange Advisory Board, and NAIFA-KY Member and 17 year Pro-Bono Lobbyist, and was awarded a “Medal of Honor” Insurance Agent of the Year in 2000 after successfully lobbying to pass Kentucky’s High Risk Pool Legislation for “Kentucky Access”.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra Profitt Woodward, whom he married January 28, 2004, and his step-son Rondell Clark, both of Ashland, KY. He is also survived by special cousins, David Woodward of Brooksville, KY, Jim Robinson of Richmond, IN, and Gerald Rose of Campton, KY. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by two siblings, Wendell Woodward and Anne Woodward.

Lacy Donald Woody passed away on Monday, January 29, 2018. Lacy was born on May 9, 1931, in Del Rio, TN to Ernest and Bertie Murr Woody. He graduated from Cocke County High School in 1949, received a BS Degree from Maryville College in 1952, and an MS Degree from Wayne State University in 1960. He taught science at Thomas School in Detroit for 16 years, the last four years were as a supervisor working with student teachers. He moved to Hillsdale, MI and served as Junior High Principal at Jonesville, MI. During the summers the family enjoyed spending time on Scott’s Lake in Northern Michigan, where they owned and rented 6 cabins. The family moved to Maryville, TN in 1971 and Lacy taught 6th grade science for three years at Alcoa Elementary School. Another interesting venture was the opening of three Orange Bowl Fast Food Restaurants. The first was in the Kingsport Mall, then the West Town Mall and later one in Foothills Mall. He retired in 1990 after closing the last Orange Bowl. One of Lacy’s greatest interests was flying. He earned his private Pilot’s License in 1962, later purchased his own plane and earned his Instrument Pilot’s License. Other interests included water sports like boating, skiing and water rafting, camping, and taking the family on many trips in their motor home. Lacy always had a winsome smile and made friends wherever he went. Lacy was preceded in death by his parents and his late wife, Esta Tomblin Woody. He is survived by his three children: Don Woody (Diane), Morristown, Randy Woody, Suwanee, GA, and Barbara Taylor (Tony), Maryville. Grandchildren include Michelle Woody Byrd (JR), Allison Woody Williamson (Alex), Ryan Woody, Savanna Woody, Hudson Woody, Senior Airman Wesley Taylor and Meredith Taylor. He has 5 great grandchildren. He is survived by two sisters, Betty Russell Endsley and Barbara Lowe. Special thanks to the doctors and staff at Thompson Cancer Center and to 9 North Transitional Care Unit at Fort Sanders for the excellent care he received. Lacy was an active member of Monte Vista Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Monte Vista Baptist Church Building Fund, 1735 Old Niles Ferry Road, Maryville, TN 37803. McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home, Maryville 982-6812 www.mccammonammonsclick.com

Jean K. Wooton, age 94 of Buckhorn, KY passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at the Greg and Noreen Wells Hospice Care Center in Hazard, KY. She enjoyed playing the piano and music, which led her to go to college and earn a music degree and was also a member of the Buckhorn Lake Area Presbyterian Church. She was born on December 9, 1924 in Buckhorn, KY to the late Crit Keen & the late Osha Begley Keen. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her husband: Dr. Clyde Darraugh Wooton; as well as four brothers: Quinten, Edwin, Robert “Bobby” & Leon Keen. She is survived by two sons: Robert D. Wooton & Dwight D. Wooton both of Buckhorn, KY; one daughter: Denise Redd of Upper Second Creek, KY; three grandchildren: Dwight D. Wooton Jr., Rebecca A. Redd & Robert A. Redd; as well as two great-grandchildren: Benjamin H. Wooton & Bryce H. Wooton. Visitation: 1-2PM Saturday, June 8, 2019 at the Buckhorn Lake Area Presbyterian Church- Buckhorn, KY Celebration of Life Service: 2PM Saturday, June 8, 2019 at the Buckhorn Lake Area Presbyterian Church with Tom & Gail Burns officiating In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Buckhorn Lake Area Presbyterian Church: 300 Buckhorn Lane Buckhorn, KY 41721

Elizabeth (Betty) Work died Tuesday, October 26, 2021, under the skilled and loving care of the staff at Swaim Health Center, Green Ridge Village, Newville, PA.

Betty was the eldest of four daughters of the Rev. Dr. Ira M. Dinkle and his wife, Elizabeth Somerville Dinkle. During high school she did her bit for the war effort, “spotting planes” with her father; civilian volunteers memorized the shapes of Allied and enemy planes, and took shifts watching the skies for any possible air threat against the Eastern seaboard. Betty graduated from Stewartstown High School (PA) in 1948.

She matriculated in 1949 at Maryville College, TN, as a home economics major. At the end of her sophomore year, she changed her major to math. She graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

She dated Galen R. Work for four years, then they married in 1953, just before Galen entered Lincoln Theological Seminary. They recently celebrated their 68th anniversary.

Betty was active in the church throughout her life, including her role as a “preacher’s wife,” as a valued member of the choir, and as chairperson of the Self-development of People Committee for the Scioto Valley Presbytery in Ohio. She showed her adventurous side as an adult leader in two Presbyterian
wilderness canoe expeditions for teenagers through Algonquin Provincial Park in Canada.

Her jobs over the years showed Betty’s varied talents and abilities. While waiting for Galen to graduate from college she worked for the Frontier Nursing Service in Hyden, KY. After their marriage, she worked on the Oriole Missile for Glenn L. Martin aerospace in Baltimore. She taught mathematics at Henry C.
Conrad High School, in Wilmington, DE, at J.P. McCaskey High School in Lancaster, PA, and at Hocking College in Nelsonville, OH. She also taught kindergarten in Marietta, Ohio. She was a superb seamstress, an excellent watercolor artist, an avid gardener, a freelance genealogist, and a very committed wife and mother.

After retirement in 1996, she moved with her husband to Galena, Ohio. Then in 2006 they moved to Green Ridge Village in Newville, PA.

In addition to her husband, Betty is survived by her children Galen, Jr. and wife Jill Work, and Elizabeth (Beth) and husband Randy Martin; four grandchildren, Zia and Quinn Work, and Michelle and Eric Martin; a foster grandson, Brett Mathias; and three sisters, Peggy Judge, Ruth Dove, and Emmy
Sherwood.

Workman, James F (J.F.) age, 73 of Knoxville passed away on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 in Bonita Springs, FL. He was a loving father, brother and uncle. He was a United States Navy Veteran, he was a 50 year member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and an avid golfer. He worked as a Purchasing Agent for the City of Knoxville, and the City of Naples. He was a TSSAA Football Referee for 20 years. Later in his life he went back to school to earn his degree from Maryville College. He was also a member of a Sea Turtle Rescue in Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents Frank C. Workman and Minnie R. Workman, and niece Dana Henegar. He is survived by son Stephen Workman and wife Sandy and son Michael Workman; grandson Aaron Johnson, brothers Dale Workman and wife Linda and Lee Workman and wife Jan, nephews Brandon Workman and Jason Workman, and nieces Michelle Wilson and Rachel Brinkley. The family will receive friends Saturday, February 23, 2019 from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm at ROSE MORTUARY BROADWAY CHAPEL, immediately followed by a 2:00 pm funeral service officiated by Rev. Mike Segers. Family and friends will follow in procession to Lynnhurst Cemetery for an interment. Full military honors will be presented by Volunteer State Veterans Honor Guard. An online obituary may be viewed and condolences made at www.rosemortaury.com.

SALISBURY, MD—A few months before he was assassinated, President John F. Kennedy made a historic trip to Europe, which included his ancestors’ homeland in Ireland. The event left an indelible impression on the Gaelic country, which recently hosted the nationwide anniversary celebration “JFK 50: The Homecoming.” Invited guests included the Kennedy family, singer-songwriger Judy Collins, Riverdance choreographer Michael Flatley … and Salisbury University voice instructor John Wesley Wright. A singer with the American Spiritual Ensemble, Wright joined three other hand-selected members of the group during four days of performances for the high-profile celebration. His one-of-a-kind experience was made possible by Dr. Pearse Lyons, owner and president of international company Alltech. Born in Ireland and now living in Kentucky, Lyons is a supporter of the American Spiritual Ensemble. When he learned of plans for the 50th anniversary celebration, he recommended the group because of its musical excellence and symbolic representation of Kennedy’s support for civil rights. They sang songs that the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and others used to punctuate meetings and demonstrations in the 1960s, including “Walk Together, Children” and “I Know I’ve Been Changed.” Wright and his colleagues began their whirlwind tour shortly after landing in Ireland, joining a community chorus outside Dublin for a cultural exchange concert that evening. The next morning brought a performance on an Irish radio show featuring a panel of Kennedy experts. They then were guests at a 280-person dinner held in the Kennedys’ honor. Afterward, once all the clinking of glasses and silverware had stopped, they performed for what, by the standards set the next day, was an intimate crowd. “All the Kennedys were sitting three feet from me,” Wright recalled, adding that the ensemble representatives received accolades from Kennedy’s daughter, Caroline. On Saturday, June 22, some 15,000 gathered before a stage at the Kennedy Monument in New Hope, Ireland, where the president had spoken five decades prior, for the main event of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration. “The magnitude felt like that of our presidential inauguration,” said Wright. Millions watched the nationally televised ceremony as representatives from the Peace Corps, Special Olympics and others carried a fire that originated with a torch lit from the Eternal Flame at Kennedy’s graveside at Arlington National Cemetery. Irish Prime Minister Edna Kenny joined the president’s sister, Jean Kennedy Smith, and Caroline Kennedy in lighting Ireland’s own version of the Eternal Flame, the Emigrant Flame, inside an iron globe. Ireland, Wright noted, is “a singing nation.” The crowd sang along with Collins during her performances and, following the lead of former Maryland Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, all 15,000 in attendance stood and joined the American Spiritual Ensemble in a powerful post-slavery song used heavily during the civil rights era, “Oh, Freedom.” Most Irish may not have experienced the slave conditions that gave birth to American spirituals, but the historical hardships their country has suffered helped them understand, Wright said. The ceremony culminated as Wright and others joined Collins in a heartfelt rendition of “Amazing Grace.” As Collins clutched Wright’s hand, a squadron of Irish Air Corps jets flew in formation, with one breaking off from the group to symbolize the loss of Kennedy. “It was one of the most touching things I’ve ever experienced,” said Wright. He was not the only one who thought so. Afterward, he and other members of the ensemble were recognized by Irish citizens who had attended the ceremony or watched it on television. From the cab driver who drove them back to their hotel to men gathered in a nearby pub, nearly everyone had the same reaction. “They would say, ‘Irish men don’t share their pain … but you moved me,'” said Wright. (PLEASE SEE PICTURES IN MEDIA SECTION)

Sandra B. Wright, "Sandy," beloved by all who knew her, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2014, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, January 1, 1947, the only child of the late Clarence H. and Frances C. Boatman. Sandy graduated from the University of Tennessee (Knoxville) with a B.A. in Music Education in 1967. She was a certified music teacher in several states, and most recently taught for 25 years at Immanuel Lutheran School in Colorado Springs. Family, friends, and church were the centers of her life. She loved music, both vocal and handbell, and her passion was sharing the joy of music with everyone. She was a founding member of Pike's Peak Ringers. As Music Director at Immanuel Lutheran Church, she led vocal and handbell choirs for both children and adults. She is survived by her husband, Cliff Wright of Colorado Springs, daughter Donna Cook, and granddaughter Madie of Dallas, Texas, as well as beloved friends, whom she always referred to as her family.

Nancy S. Wright, of Knoxville, made her heavenly bound journey, Tuesday, August 23, 2016. at West Hills Rehabilitation Center. An extraordinary servant, leader and mentor, known and appreciated for her unselfish giving. Nancy was a dedicated social worker and educator, who tried to live her life by her Christian values. Longtime member of Shiloh Presbyterian Church and was currently attending Eastminster Presbyterian Church, until her health declined. Extremely active in the community, as evidenced by her long time membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., her membership on the board of Beck Culture Center, and as president of the East Knoxville Chapter of AARP. Graduate of Austin High School, class of 1954, and remained active with her class and school reunions until recently. She re-integrated Maryville College, as part of the "Maryville Six", and went on to earn her master's degree at the University of Pittsburgh. When she returned to Knoxville, she joined the faculty of the Department of Human Services at the University of Tennessee, and later, as an academic advisor in the College of Business. She retired from UT after more than 20 years of service. Her belief in youth and education led her to volunteer and give her time to Knoxville College and Sarah Moore Greene Elementary School, as a substitute teacher. In addition to mentoring and teaching, she was active in the Holston Hills Community, as an advocate, and was a member of the K Trans board, on behalf of senior citizens. She was an active supporter of many friends within the Susan G Komen Foundation. Each year, Maryville College, awards the Nancy Smith Wright Unity Award to the organization, group, or individual who has done the most to advance "community with diversity" at Maryville College. The award has been presented each year by Mrs. Wright, at the annual Leadership Awards Ceremony. Preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Helen Jones Smith; aunts, who reared her, Nellie B. Jones, and Anita Greene; sisters, Ella Mae "Bunnie" Smith McCanelley, and Shirley Smith. Survived by her daughters, Shirley Wright (George) Davis, Atlanta, GA, and Gretchen Wright, Washington, DC; sister, Adonna Maxine Alford, Philadelphia, PA; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends; very devoted niece, Carla Alford, whom unselfishly cared for her during her illness. Family will received friends at Eastminister Presbyterian Church, 4904 Asheville Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37914, followed by a celebration of life with Rev. Sean White, officiating. A Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Omega Omega service also took place at Shiloh Presbyterian Church, 904 Biddle Street, Knoxville, TN 37915. In lieu of flowers, scholarship memorial gifts in the name of Nancy Smith Wright, may be directed to Maryville College, Office of Advancement, 502 East Lamar Alexander Pkwy., Maryville, TN 37804. Arrangements by Jarnigan & Son Mortuary.

Kelly graduated from the University of Kentucky in May 2017 with an MA in Linguistic Theory and Typology. During her time there she presented her work at several national conferences and an international conference in Sarajevo. She also taught Linguistics, Rhetoric, and Communication courses as a primary instructor. Most recently, she was asked to lead a three hour workshop at the Linguistics Society of America Summer Institute, a month-long, biannual gathering of the field. This workshop () was on using digital tools for Humanities–things like ELAN, CLAN, RegEX, Python, AntConc, etc. Currently, she has begun a PhD in Experimental Sociolinguistics at the University of Michigan. All of her work focuses on how institutionalized racism shapes the way language is used, and how the way language is used maintains racism in society. She was recently chosen for a high prestige competition in Linguistics–The Five-Minute Linguist. () Similar to Ted Talks, it happens annually at the LSA Annual Meeting. She will be competing against seven other researchers for substantial prize money and an interview with the New York Times about her work. The title of this work is Covert Segregation: Investigating Dialect Discrimination in the Housing Market. More information about this work and her teaching can be found here:

John Wesley Wright ’87 was a featured performer with the National Chorale, New York’s premier professional choral company, during the 50th presentation of “Handel’s Messiah Sing-In” on Dec. 15 at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. The presentation included an audience-chorus of almost 3,000 voices under the batons of 17 eminent conductors from around the country who each conducted a movement. Wright, a tenor, is coordinator of the voice and opera programs at Salisbury University in Maryland. A member of the internationally acclaimed American Spiritual Ensemble, Wright is also an active clinician, consultant and leader of workshops on voice production, song interpretation and African-American song tradition.

Charlsie Spencer Wright age 90 of Blount County passed away November 10, 2020. She was a member Unitia Free Holiness Church where she played the piano and taught children’s Sunday school. Charlsie had a 40 year career at ALCOA (Aluminum Company of America). Preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth D. Wright; parents, Hester Louise and Thomas Carl Spencer; brothers, Kenneth Ross Spencer, Raymond Arthur Spencer and Donald Endsley Spencer, and sister, Barbara Spencer Morton. She is survived by her sisters: Gene Spencer Roberts, Clara Spencer Dunlap, Vivian Spencer Cloninger, Sharon Spencer McKamey, and Betty Spencer Salada; many nieces and nephews. Family and friends will gather at 1 p.m. on Friday, November 13th at Friends Meeting House Cemetery for graveside services. Click Funeral Home, 109 Walnut Street, Lenoir City is in charge of arrangements. www.clickfuneralhome.com

James Lawrence “Larry” Wright passed peacefully in his sleep on Sunday morning, the Lord’s day, November 26, 2017 from heart failure after having braved several heart surgeries over the past 5 years. Larry was born on March 2, 1959 in Gainesville, Florida to Rose Marie Vernier and Donald Drew Wright. He attended Maryville College in Tennessee where he played football as starting middle linebacker and graduated with a BA in History. He also played semi-professional football for the West Virginia Rockets as middle linebacker. In 1978, Larry received a Congressional Nomination and Appointment to the US Military Academy at West Point, New York where he completed Beast Barracks and played football for the Black Knights of Army, but elected to pursue a career in law rather than the military. Larry attended University of Houston Law School and graduated at the top of his class. There, he met the love of his life, Belinda Davis Wright, when they became Moot Court partners, and they were married on August 29, 1987 in Austin, Texas. They moved to Elgin, Texas in 1989 where they established their family home on a ranch and were blessed with five daughters who are forever the light and joy of their father’s life: Savannah Marie Wright, Sarah Frances Wright, Alexandra Rose Wright, Lauren Mary Wright and Lacey Allison Wright. Larry began his law career as a Judicial Clerk for the Honorable Judge Jim Wallace on the Supreme Court of Texas, then became an associate attorney with Vinson & Elkins. He devoted the bulk of his career as a trial lawyer to helping the oppressed and those who’d suffered injury or wrongdoing, first as a partner with Mithoff & Jacks, then with the Watts Law Firm, and finally at Environmental Litigation Group before retiring last year. As a strong Christian man, Larry always endeavored to fulfill his calling by blessing others with his God-given talents as a brilliant lawyer and trusted friend. Larry was a member of First Baptist Church in Elgin and will be remembered fondly in the community as the doting father who took all five of his daughters to church and the City Cafe every Sunday when they were growing up. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends who drew strength from his wisdom and courage as one who loved others unconditionally and was always ready to lend a helping hand. Larry is survived by his wife, Belinda, and his five daughters, Savannah, Sarah, Alexandra, Lauren and Lacey; his mother Rose Vernier; his brothers Sam Wright and wife Yi Zhu, and Drew Wright and wife Bridget McKinley; his sister Alice Wright and husband Joga Rao; sister-in-law Beverly Garrett Feltis and husband Al Feltis; brother-in-law Jim Davis and wife Mary Davis; nephews Joshua Garrett and Devin McKinley-Wright, and niece Nola McKinley-Wright. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Wright; grandmothers Carrie Wright and Marie Fallin; aunt Mary Wright Butler; cousins Susan Lonon and Michael Lonon; brother-in-law Mark Garrett; and nieces Glorianne Davis and Elizabeth Garrett. A Celebration of Larry’s Life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 9 at Family Worship Center in Elgin, Texas. A private family burial will be held on the family ranch at a later date.

Wright passed away peacefully January 17, 2014. Her husband, Curtis Wright, graduated from Maryville College in 1946 after serving overseas during WW2. He died in 1993. Her father, Augustus Sisk, taught Mathematics and Physics at Maryville for many years before his unexpected death from a heart attack in 1955. Frances is survived by her sister, Catherine; her three children, Bill, Barbara and Don; eight grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She loved the Lord Jesus and is now in His presence. Praise the Lord.

Stanley Wrinkle, passed away November 2, 2017, the result of an automobile accident on I-75 near Calhoun, GA. Born November 5,1942 in Knoxville, he was a 1960 graduate of Fulton High School where he was an “all city” guard on the 1959 football team. After high school, he attended Mars Hill Junior College in North Carolina and Maryville COllege before completing his undergraduate and ED.D. degrees at the University of Tennessee. Stanley’s professional life was as teacher, football coach, high school principal, and he served 18 years as assistant superintendent of the Cobb County, Georgia school district. After retiring he was an adjunct professor at Kennesaw State University, co-principal of the school at Roswell Street Baptist Church, board member at Mount Paran Christian School, and very special to Stanley was his work as a board member and mentor in the Marietta Mentoring for Leadership program, 1171 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta, GA 30064. Preceded in death by parents Charles and Lillian Wrinkle, sister Cynthia Jane Wrinkle, half brothers Howard and Charles Wrinkle, jr., he is survived by his wife of 52 Years, Kaydell Wrinkle, daughters Jennifer (Kaz) Hzanani and Kirsten (Dennis) Alongi, brother Jerry (Pat) Wrinkle and five grand children. Stanley had many Knoxville friends, growing up in North Hills, attending Fifth Ave. Baptist Church as well as friends from his high school days at Fulton.

Dr. Freeman T. Wyche Sr. ’58 has retired after 38 years of service as the minister of the Liberty City Church of Christ in Miami, Florida. According to the church, “Our brother has tirelessly served the Liberty City Church of Christ for the past 38 years, and his service has blessed not only the local congregation, community, and civic municipalities but has changed many lives for the better by sharing them with them the most precious gift of all, Jesus Christ.” On Feb. 11th, a gala was held in his honor to celebrate his dedication to the church. Dr. Wyche is now Minister Emeritus at the church.

Will Yager received a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Double Bass Performance & Pedagogy from the University of Iowa in 2021.

Paul Abt Yambert, 95, passed away recently in Nixa. He was born in Toledo, Ohio, to Dale William (“Dale”) Yambert Sr. and Pauline (Abt) Yambert. His older brother was Dale William (“Bill”) Yambert Jr.

Paul attended Central High School in Fountain City, near Knoxville, Tennessee, and then went to nearby Maryville College. Growing up in east Tennessee, Pop developed a strong attachment to the Great Smoky Mountains, where he became an avid hiker and camper. His deep interest in the natural world led him in 1948 to enroll at the University of Michigan, which offered the nation’s first courses in forestry. He graduated with a degree in forestry, followed by a master’s degree in conservation.

Paul met Carla Wikstrom in a botany class at Michigan. They married at her parents’ house in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and had five children: Carl (aka Karl), Nels, Laura, Jon, and Jens(Jay).

Paul served as a professional Boy Scout leader and then taught biology at Ann Arbor High School. In 1957, the Yambert family moved to Stevens Point, Wisconsin, where Paul taught forestry at what was then called Central State College (it is now the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point). Even in his new job, Paul was able to finish a second master’s degree and a doctorate from Michigan. In 1961 he became the first dean of the new School of Applied Arts and Sciences at the Stevens Point campus. He would also serve as acting dean for fine arts and acting vice-president of academic affairs, and he was recognized with the outstanding faculty member award. He was instrumental in gaining accreditation for a new Department of Natural Resources at Stevens Point. In 1969 Paul took a new position at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, where he taught until his retirement in 1987.

Surrounded by four generations of his family, Paul happily celebrated turning 95 shortly before he died. He was preceded in death by his brother Bill and sons Nels and Jay. He is survived by Carla, his wife of more than 72 years, son Karl (Helen), daughter Laura (Vern), and son Jon (Connie), as well as eighteen grandchildren and nineteen (and counting) great-grandchildren.

Charles (Chuck) Yates ’98, owner of Concrete Craft of Knoxville, was recently presented a Heart & Home Award from Home Franchise Concepts (HFC) in recognition of extraordinary service to his local community on behalf of his Concrete Craft franchise. The inaugural award recognizes Budget Blinds®, Tailored Living® and Concrete Craft® franchisees who best embody HFC’s core values of caring and giving back to their communities. HFC is the Orange, Calif.-based parent of Budget Blinds, Tailored Living and Concrete Craft.