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As a Wesleyanne, there is nothing better than keeping up with classmates. Online class notes give alums the opportunity to read the full, unedited versions of news and announcements from classmates. Many of these are included in the most recent Wesleyan Magazine. Unfortunately, due to space constraints, some class notes may be edited prior to inclusion in the printed magazine.
1920s
Atlanta resident Irene Sewell Hobby ’22 generously donated her personal collection of Wesleyan memorabilia to the college archives. Her gift of letters, scrapbooks, alumnae association minutes, her alumnae award, and many other treasures provides a wonderful insight into Wesleyan’s history. Mrs. Hobby is 105 and always enjoys visits from other Wesleyannes.
1930s
Congratulations to Julia Munroe Woodward ’34 of Quincy, FL, who received the Spotlight Award for Significant Contribution to Local Community Theater awarded by the American Association of Community Theaters. “Miss Julia” has been involved with the Quincy Music Theater for many years and has participated in several stage productions.
“Hail, Wesleyan,” writes Margaret Munroe Thrower ’35 from her home in Atlanta. “We so enjoyed the activities surrounding the dedication of the science center in November. Randolph and I enjoy pretty good health. We still get around – but much slower than in the past.”
“My children gave me a large and beautiful 90th birthday party in March,” writes Dorothy Dupuis Mackin ’38 from Silver Springs, MD, who enjoys her three adorable great granddaughters and anticipates the birth of her great grandson in July 2008. Still driving, she enjoys visiting with her family, who all live close by. “I still miss my good friend, Mary Kay Thornton Porter ’38. She was a great gal.” At almost 91 years of age, Dot is the Wii champion at Riderwood Retirement Village!
Dorothy Rountree Budd ’39 remembers her Conservatory days with great fondness. Dorothy was the post graduate valedictorian in 1940, and received scholarships in piano and organ.
Kathleen Grady Horne ’39 lives in Savannah, GA. She looks forward to the next reunion.
Maryan Smith Harris ’39 fell in September and broke her leg. She is home now in Dublin, GA, after a lengthy stay in rehab. “I will not be able to go through airport security any more since I have a metal plate from my knee to my hip! When you get to be my age, please be careful.”
Mary Lovett Sharpe Robinson ’39 has 23 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. She recently enjoyed having 48 members of her family (all but two families) at her 15-acre lake home in Sylvania, GA.
1940s
Wilda Maddox Wilson ’40 is 89 and now resides at Legacy Heights Assisted Living in Charlotte, NC, near her son, Guy, her granddaughter, Anne, and three of her great grandchildren - Elisabeth, Wil and Jordan. Another son, John, lives in Pittsburgh and has three children. Her niece, Katherine Wilson Johnson ’68, daughter of the late Frederick and Henry Kate Wilson ’84 (HON) resides in Macon.
Sara Elizabeth “Betty” Smith Jennings ’42 and husband Robert of Gainesville, GA, miss their son, Dr. Robert Mansfield Jennings, Jr., who died last spring. Bob was a graduate of Duke University and the University of Virginia Medical School. He was a noted orthopaedic surgeon and medical consultant for the Atlanta Falcons, and served as team physician for area high schools and colleges. (See Sympathy.)
From Gainesville, GA, Angela Wilkerson O’Kelley ’43 writes that she keeps in touch with Sarah Ann White ’43 and Jean Overstreet Adams ’43. “My husband, Rev. John F. O’Kelley, and I enjoyed Christmas family gatherings, although “Mr. Freddie” experienced poor health and then went to be with his Lord in February. We were grateful for every day that God gave us. We pray God’s blessings for each of you with special thanks to and for Cathy Coxey Snow ’71.” (See Sympathy.)
Alda Alexander Harper ’44 continues to live in Macon after the death of her husband of 65 years, Joseph Wheeler Harper, Jr., in October. Her daughters, Mary Elaine Harper Barnard ’69 and Meredith Lee “Susie” Harper ’76, live nearby. Her son, George, and his wife, Wanda, live in Tallahassee, FL. Alda is blessed with 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. (See Sympathy.)
Frances Bush Wood ’44 of Macon recently celebrated the birth of her great grandson, William Bruton Holmes, Jr., who is also the grandson of Pamela Easmann Holmes ’66.
Virginia “Ginny” Martin Lawrence ’45 reports from her home in Cincinnati, OH, that she and her husband continue to spend summers at their cottage in Michigan but are always glad to get back into hometown activities. She recently retired from her volunteer job of more than 20 years at an area hospital and now has “time to do something else.”
Lila Longley II ’45 lives in Atlanta, where she manages three properties, plays bridge weekly, and cared for her mother, Lila B. Longley, until her death in February at the age of 102. (See Sympathy.)
Elizabeth Milton Paden ’45 and her husband, Robert, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on August 8, 2007. Congratulations!
Mary Tappan Garrison ’46 of St. Simons Island, GA, lost her beloved husband, Jerry, on July 31, 2007. (See Sympathy.)
Lou Matteson Jones ’46 and husband Harry sold their big house and farm and moved into a smaller home in the town of Rockmart, GA. “It is atop a small mountain and we love it. We have six grandchildren – our greatest achievement! One, Bekah, will complete work for a Ph.D. at Cornell this June; two have graduated from LSU; one is a freshman at the University of Charleston; and the youngest is a sophomore in Savannah. Granddaughter Dora Ward ’94 is commuting from Atlanta to Angola and Madagascar for C.A.R.E. and will be going to Nepal in the spring. I can’t wait for our 65th reunion!”
Joyce Daniel Mann ’46 of Macon proudly reports that her granddaughter, Christy Mann ’11, is on the Wesleyan Equestrian Team, and enjoys competing and performing.
Dan Traver, husband of Betty Howell Traver ’46 of Gray, GA, died in February 2007, after a long illness and was buried in his home town with full military honors. Betty writes, “While en route to the services our car was totaled and my left leg was injured. Then in August, I had a cancer operation on my right leg.” However, now she reports that she is “a happy resident of Stone Brooke, an assisted living community in Gray, a few blocks from relatives.” (See Sympathy.)
Asheville, NC, resident Anne Carlton Blanchard ’47 invites classmates to view her website about her late husband’s hymnal music at richardblanchardmusic.com.
Congratulations to Margaret “Peggy” Derby Champlin ’47 of Los Angeles, CA, whose husband, Charles, was honored with a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame on August 3, 2007. He was recognized for his service to the film industry as arts editor, film critic and columnist for the L.A. Times, and for his interviews with film personalities on his 1990’s Bravo Cable TV program, Champlin on Film.
President Ruth Knox welcomed Martha Bradford Swann ’47 of Spartanburg, SC, and her out-of-town guests as they lunched and toured Wesleyan’s campus last fall. The group was in Macon for the dedication of the new par three, nine-hole course at Idle Hour Golf and Country Club, named in honor of Martha’s late husband, Albert J. “Duck” Swann, Jr. Among other friends and alumnae attending the celebration were former Wesleyan College President Dr. Robert K. Ackerman and his wife, May; former Wesleyan Alumnae Association President Gena Roberts Franklin ’71; Emeritus Trustee Frank Cater Jones and his wife, Annie Anderson Jones ’48; Fran Callaway McCommon ’47; Lucile Dismuke Neighbors ’45; Margaret Joiner Smith ’46; Carol Johnson Poe ’73; Becky Watson Bowdre ’49; and Corky Dessau Holliday ’48. “It was a very special occasion,” writes Martha.
Mary Nims Hogan ’48 loves living in Asheville, NC, at Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community. She writes, “I teach watercolor class at UNCA Center for Creative Retirement at Deerfield and now have three great grandchildren - Aiden and Audrey, who live in Colorado, and Isabel, who lives in Seattle. My daughter, Mary-Davis, lives in Atlanta and works at the CDC.”
Maconite Anne Whipple Murphey ’48/49 shares that her grandson, Adrian Gill, has had successful treatment at St. Jude’s Hospital for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Anne and her daughter, Amelia Anne Alderman ’75, who is Adrian’s mother, are optimistic about his full recovery. They appreciate prayers from classmates.
Elizabeth “Liz” Hean Stone ’48 of New Cumberland, PA, looks forward to her 60th reunion in April. With many ancestors who attended Wesleyan, including her mother, Petrona Garrard Humber Hean (1912), two grandmothers, and a great-grandmother, Liz is proud of her Wesleyan heritage.
Class of ’49ers have a standing invitation from Wayne Aiken Burdell ’49 to stop by for a visit in her new condo at Clairmont Place in Atlanta.
Atlanta residents Virginia “Ginny” Cole Barrow ’49 and her college sweetheart, Tom Barrow, have been married nearly 60 years. They have three children and five grandchildren with whom they enjoy yearly beach vacations at Hilton Head.
“All eight of my grandchildren are in colleges or prep schools,” writes Betty Buntyn Googe ’49 from Knoxville, TN.
Jim and Mildred “Mimi” Roads Griffith ’49 have built a new home in a Baptist residential complex in Palmetto, GA. Jim is a retired executive director of the Georgia Baptist Convention. “The residents are very nice, the food is good, and we feel we have the best of both worlds,” reports Mimi.
“We are in a retirement community and thoroughly enjoying it,” writes Betty Strom Marlow ’49 from Lewisburg, PA. She and her husband, Bill, still go to craft Elderhostels where he does woodturning and she does watercolor painting. “At Wesleyan I found out that learning can be fun and exciting. Because of that, at age 80, I’m still learning. Life is still fun and exciting!”
Martha Barrett Woodard ’49 and her daughter have recently returned from a nine day cruise to Nova Scotia ending in New York City. Martha continues to volunteer at the Nature Museum in Charlotte, NC, where she lives.
1950s
Peggy Wells MacLeod ’50 writes from Nashville, TN: “Greetings to fellow classmates of 1950 at the Conservatory. I am remembering the happy years at Wesleyan.”
Courtney Knight Gaines ’51 of Savannah, GA, enjoyed chatting with good friend and classmate Nancy Wyatt Ezzard ’51 on their mutual birthday, October 6, 2007. “Hooray for us Golden Hearts!” says Courtney.
Allee Gardiner Hollis ’51 and her husband, Bill, say volunteering has widened their horizons. The retired couple was featured in an article in the Macon Telegraph last August, which focused on their work with the Red Cross and highlighted their service for the past 10 years with the Red Cross Disaster Action Team. They have been to Ground Zero twice to assist at the Red Cross family assistance center. They have been involved with Hurricane Katrina efforts, assisted with search and rescue missions, and other activities that have taken them to points outside of the states. Allee says, “We don’t just sit on the porch and rock.”
“Wylie and I took a wonderful canal cruise through the Netherlands and Belgium,” writes Robin Chesney Hopkins ’51 from Bel Air, MD. “Bruges and the Keukenhoff Gardens were the highlight of our trip. The tulips were in bloom and the art at The Hague was grand. I wish Mrs. Bosch had been our guide!” Robin’s daughter, Adrienne, has 3-year-old twins who keep her busy. Her oldest daughter, Amanda Wylie, is a director at Bay State Health System in Springfield, MA.
LaVonne “L.C.” Collins Jolley ’51 of Signal Mountain, TN, is still an active real estate agent in Chattanooga. She has eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. A past president and now journal editor of the Chattanooga Area Historical Association, she is also president of Chattanooga Chapter of the English-Speaking Union, and is active in several genealogical organizations.
Nancy King Flanders ’52 is still singing in the choir and doing volunteer work in Los Osos, CA. She and husband Bill are expecting their first great grandchild in June 2008.
“I’m having a great life,” writes Atlanta resident Jean Armstrong Smith ’52. “I am retired from my company (Atlanta Arrangements) but still own 2/3 of it – so I stay busy but find time for tennis. Our three grandchildren (a tennis star, an equestrian star, and a scholar) make us proud and happy!”
Mayson Thornton Bissell ’53 of Cordele, GA, writes that her very dear friend, Joann Wilkes Williams ’53, lost her husband, Billy Williams, in a fishing accident on Lake Blackshear. (See Sympathy.)
Merrilyn Welch Eastham ’53 of Marietta, GA, has had a lot to celebrate. Her granddaughter, Samantha Burt, graduated from Auburn University and is in law school. Her family took a cruise to Alaska to celebrate the 50th birthdays of her son, Nolen, and his wife. Her grandson, Lt. Jamie Eastham, returned from Iraq and married Juliana Beem in Roaring Gap, NC. As if that weren’t enough to celebrate, Merrilyn is looking forward to her upcoming reunion in April!
Claire Houser-Dodd ’53 of Fort Valley, GA, and her daughter, Emily Griffin, recently opened a day spa, Malibu Maui on Main, in Byron. She writes: “It’s adorable. You think you are on the island. You can have your hair done, a facial, a massage, a detox . . .” – the list goes on! Claire invites everyone to enjoy a day in “Malibu!”
Joan “Jen” Jennings Norton ’53 of Green Cove Springs, FL, is a self-described “political junkie,” and says she loves the l-o-n-g presidential campaign. Jen knows the joys of retirement and enjoys hobbies, friends, and family. She also writes, “My daughter, Jeanne Norton Rollberg ’79, who works at University of Arkansas in Little Rock, came home for a Christmas visit – what fun!” Jen looks forward to her reunion in the spring, health permitting. “Happy 2008, sister Wesleyannes!”
From her home in Augusta, GA, Ann Harrell Saunders ’53 says she is still globe trotting and enjoying every “trot.” She’s also looking forward to reunion. “Love to all!”
Syd Willis Blackmarr ’54 of Tifton, GA, writes that she and Helen Blackmarr Outler ’53 of Murrayville, GA, recently spent four fabulous days in West Palm Beach, FL, at the home of Julie Withers Roland ’53, reminiscing about “our Naiad fun and our great time at Wesleyan.” In September, Syd’s daughter and Helen’s niece, Amy Blackmarr ’78, who is an award-winning Georgia author, spoke to Wesleyan students in the Benson Room. Amy is also a familiar public radio voice, where she has been a popular speaker on the subject of the personal essay and the relationship between the natural world and the creative life for more than ten years.
“I feel like Humpty Dumpty,” writes Ann Parsons Odum ’54 from Duluth, GA, after sacroiliac surgery in 2006 and double knee surgery this year.” Fortunately, unlike the rhyme, she did get put back together and can walk well again. “Thank God for doctors and Wesleyan!”
“Donnie” Donaldson Porterfield ’54 of Savannah, GA, frequently talks with Ruth Forehand Miller ’54 of Dawson, GA, and recently had lunch on St. Simons Island with Carole Coleman Bruley ’54, who lives nearby on Sea Island. “Thank goodness for Wesleyan and the good friends made there!”
“My 11th annual list, Best Books in Print about the Indians of Georgia, is on the web -- Google “Best books print Indians Georgia.” This is important to all students in the 4th and 8th grades in Georgia, as they are required (by the Georgia Dept. of Education) to study this topic,” writes Louise S. White ’54 of Atlanta.
Carole Broadwell Hollis ’55 of Macon misses her husband, Robert David “Bobby” Hollis, who died in August. Bobby was a World War II veteran, worked as an engineer in the propane industry, owned his own plane, worked at Ace Hardware in retirement, and traveled extensively. (See Sympathy.)
Bruce Yandle, Ph.D., distinguished adjunct professor of economics for the Mercatus Center’s Capitol Hill Campus program and dean emeritus of the Clemson College of Business and Behavioral Sciences in Clemson, SC, addressed the Wesleyan community during convocation in September 2007. Dr. Yandle’s topic focused on the ethics of capitalism. His wife, Dorothy Smith Yandle ’55, accompanied him on this visit back to her alma mater, where they met as students.
Two stories written by Lucy Neely Adams ’56 of Lake Junaluska, NC, were recently published in a new book, When God Steps In. The book, released in September 2007, is from Standard Publishing by Bonnie Bruno. Lucy is also the author of 52 Hymn Story Devotions, which was featured in the California Parent Educator Magazine.
Lloyd Young Flanders ’56 of Darien, GA, reports that she was quite busy during 2007 traveling to Key West and Nassau, enjoying an Alaskan cruise, and visiting Oconomowoc, WI, as well as Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Usher Thomasson Winslett Jr., husband of Linda Stoner Winslett ’56, of Georgetown, SC, died in September. Linda is proud of his career as a civil engineer, where he worked in the cement and construction materials business. His work took them to many countries, including an eight-year stint in Argentina. An avid volunteer, he also received the Silver Beaver Award for his lifetime of service to the Boy Scouts. (See Sympathy.)
“It was wonderful seeing my classmates and spouses at our 50th reunion last April. Now we’re looking forward to our 55th. We need to plan ahead - it will be here before we know it!” writes Julie Adams Hawk ’57 from her home in Flowery Branch, GA.
Joyce Reynolds Davidson ’58 of Coral Gables, FL, sends her love and deep appreciation for the support she has received from her classmates during this past year. “The prayers have brought me through 12 surgeries with only three more to go. God bless you and your families.”
Jean O’Keefe Fraser ’58 is very busy with her husband, Joe, in Hilton Head, SC. “We have nine children, 16 grandchildren, and one great grandchild. The community, state, and nation remain most important to me.” Jean spends time on the boards of the College of Nursing at Medical University of SC and the Children’s Center at Hilton Head. She also sends her love to all.
“In Paul’s writings to the early church, concerning tithing and giving to the church, he commented that ‘they first gave themselves.’ I have always purposed to give my time, my talent, and my treasure to Wesleyan. I so look forward to celebrating the Class of 1958’s golden year festivities. I love you, dear Wesleyan,” writes Medra Lott Keyser ’58 from Fernandina Beach, FL.
“Fourteen days of sleeping on the ground convinced me I’m not as young as I used to be!” writes Dr. Anne L. Nalls ’58 of Las Cruces, NM. Her comments were inspired by the two weeks she and her husband, Steve, spent rafting down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.
“Boy! Isn’t old age fun!” writes Harriett Johnson Bell ’59 of Greenville, SC. “Who would have thought we would reach it so quickly! All I can say is keep on keeping on.”
1960s
Mary Jo Porch Floyd ’61 of Macon is depicted in the 2008 calendar from the Central Georgia Health System. Her debut in print is found on the December 2008 page, where she is demonstrating expert inpatient cardiac rehabilitation at Central Georgia Rehabilitation Hospital where she works. Mary Jo appreciates prayers from classmates for her husband, Rodney, who is back home now from the hospital and rehab.
“My visit with Martha Kinsey Skirven ’61 (Fernandina Beach, FL) was wonderful,” writes Jean Cain Gaddis ’61 of Norcross, GA, who also enjoyed a visit with Bonnie Butler Ridley ’61 of Amelia Island, SC, and her mother. In addition, Jean and Norma Mullings Hunt ’61 of Warner Robins, GA, attended their 50th high school reunion together. “Blessings always come from being with Wesleyan friends,” writes Jean, whose classmates should be on the alert for e-mail pictures and a bit of news from her soon.
“Tom and I have had a busy fall,” writes Judith Roe Phillips ’61 from Louisville, KY. “We took an Alaskan cruise in September and watched the whales perform and panned for gold. October was our 50th high school reunion. What a hoot, and what a thrill to see friends after all these years!” November found the Phillips’ at the beach, where Tom caught up on golf and tennis and Judith met with old friends in Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra, FL. They returned home just in time for the first snowfall with plans to enjoy the season.
“I visited the Grand Canyon for the first time this past summer,” wrote Nancy Bowden Wiley ’61 of Dunwoody, GA. “It was awesome - especially the Skywalk on the west rim that was built by the Hualapai Indian Nation.” Nancy’s travels also took her back to Greenville, SC, for her fabulous 50th high school reunion.
In Littleton, CO, Marybelle Proctor Menzel ’62 enjoyed a wonderful Christmas with 16 Menzels there. “I look forward to my annual ‘Suitemates Reunion’ with Dottie Rhoden Hicks ’62, Charlotte Jolly Hale ’62, and Rhoda Morrison Joyner ’62, and to a big family reunion of the Proctor/Evans tribe this summer.” Marybelle’s cousin, Jane Kreiling Mell ’45 lost her battle with cancer in February 2007. (See Sympathy.)
Harold Searcy “Buddy” Brown, husband of Sylvia Maxwell Brown ’63 of Howard, GA, and father of Mary Beth Brown Swearingen ’89 of Reynolds, GA, died in October. After a banking career, he returned to Howard to join his father in the Howard Sand Company and Butler Sand Company, and was an active volunteer in the community. (See Sympathy.)
Myra Hicks Korb ’63 continues to serve as organist at First Presbyterian Church of Brunswick, GA, and plays the tin whistle with a Celtic band (Malarkey), along with her daughter, who is the harpist. Harlan Hambright, husband of Rhonda Helton Hambright ’82, from St. Simons Island, is also in the group. Myra wouldn’t miss her monthly “lunch with the girls,” which includes Marsha Tankersley Tucker ’63, also of Brunswick.
On October 27, 2007, Trustee Diane A. Lumpkin ’63 of Charlotte, NC, represented Wesleyan College at the presidential inauguration held at Davidson College.
Earle and Virginia Barber Perkins ’63 of Tallahassee, FL, spent two weeks in Argentina and Chile in February. They also look forward to becoming new grandparents in July.
Robert Ogden Persons Jr., husband of Eva Turpin Persons ’63 of Forsyth, GA, died in February 2007. An alumnus of Sewanee, he earned an MBA from Emory School of Business before serving as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. He was an active member in the Forsyth community and in the First United Methodist Church there. (See Sympathy.)
“Since retiring from Pasco-Hernando Community College as dean of institutional technology in June of 2006, Bill and I have enjoyed four delightful cruises. In February we took our 14th. Both of our daughters live in Atlanta, and we sometimes drive through Wesleyan’s beautiful campus on our trips to Atlanta. Thanks to “Moon” (Carol Burt) for keeping the ’64 Green Knights connected online,” writes Dorothy “Dottie” Groh Cutler ’64 from San Antonio, FL.
The Atlanta Arts Institute has named an award in memory of Helen Cousar Wells ’64. The Helen Wells Award, a quarterly student success award, recognizes the contributions Helen made to the Institute as an instructor, reports Carol “Moon” Burt ’64 from St. Simons Island, GA.
“I am a happy woman!” writes Eugenia “Gena” Sewell Davidson ’64 of Lynchburg, VA, in reference to the birth of her first grandchildren - Russell Neal Davidson, Jr. and Bella Rose Davidson, both born in 2007.
Ann McDonald Hurt ’64 of Sheldon, SC, writes, “We are thrilled to finally have a grandchild. Our son, Clay, and his wife, Meredith, recently had a baby girl named Josephine Ann “Josie” Hurt, who was born on October 6, 2007, in Alexandria, VA.
Nancy Van Aken Marti ’64 is back playing tennis following hip surgery last winter. Being team captain keeps her busy. She also volunteers at an elementary school and continues to enjoy Florida living in her home in Fort Myers.
Elizabeth “Sissy” Sims ’64 is living in LaGrange, GA, where she is caring for her mother, Pearle Sims. In October 2007, Sissy helped her mother celebrate her 100th birthday.
“We enjoy life in Florida, where we have lived for 36 years. We also spend the summer in Banner Elk, NC, where our five grandchildren visit,” writes Elizabeth “Betsy” Godbold ’65 from Tierra Verde, FL.
Carolyn Martin McCrea ’65 of Irmo, SC, wrote: Known to their husbands as the “Fab Four,” Jean Webb Tippins ’65 (Wilmette, IL), Ruth Ellen Philpot Compton ’65 (Columbus, GA), Joanna Looney Reynolds ’65 (Fredericksburg, VA), and Carolyn Martin McCrea ’65, along with their respective husbands, enjoyed a wonderful reunion at Turtle Bay Resort in Grand Rivers, KY. This May meeting was the 6th in as many years.
Nancy Fizzell Pugh ’65 shares that her oldest granddaughter, Savannah, had her fifth birthday in January. Her little sister, Madison, who is 3, helped her celebrate!
Lynn Ramsey Stowers ’65 of Thomasville, GA, retired from teaching full-time after 41 years in the high school English classroom, but returned for her 42nd year to teach half-days. “Half-days are great!” she says, “as it keeps my mind busy, but leaves time for family and my dogs.”
Hilda A. Wright ’65 of Washington, GA, recently lost her brother, David Wright, and his wife, Jane. Hilda retired from the state to care for her mother, who died a few years ago, and later cared for her brother and sister-in-law after their own terminal diagnoses. (See Sympathy.)
Congratulations to Douglas, GA, residents Beth Childs Brooks ’66 and husband Leo on the birth of their second grandchild, Lillie Elizabeth Buffington, born January 25, 2007, in Columbus, GA, to Lundy and Kevin Buffington. First grandchild and big brother Brooks (3 1/2) was so proud!
Congratulations to Kathryn “Kay” Stripling Byer ’66 of Cullowhee, NC, who received the Hanes Award for Poetry from the Fellowship of Southern Writers Conference in April 2007. She has also been awarded the Lamont Poetry Selection, the Roanoke-Chowan and Brockman Campbell prizes, and the Southern Independent Booksellers Association Award. Kay, the current Poet Laureate of North Carolina, has co-edited a book entitled The Movable Nest: A Mother/Daughter Companion about the bond that exists between mothers and daughters.
According to Dr. Barbara Clinton ’66, she had a most informative three-week visit to Egypt in December. “Finally learned the scoop on the ‘Blue and White Nile.’ The pyramids are truly a wonder and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina was especially delightful.”
Barbara Sneden Exum ’66 of Juliette, GA, and her family spend the majority of their Saturdays in Thomson, GA, with Belle Meade Hunt. “It is a total family involvement and so we all go. My three daughters are staff members and field masters, my granddaughters now ride in the Hunt, my husband drives the Tally Ho, and my son attends as often as possible. “The Christmas Hunt was like a movie with all the color and merriment.”
Congratulations to Virginia Goulding Johnson ’66 of Albany, GA, on her retirement from Bank of America on July 1, 2007.
Dona D. Vaughn ’66 of New York, NY, represented Wesleyan College at the presidential inaugural at Sara Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY, on October 5, 2007.
Congratulations to Helen Neal Kleiber ’67 of Sky Valley, GA, who is the newly elected councilwoman for Sky Valley City Council, serving a two year term. “This is a new, challenging, and exciting chapter of my life,” writes Helen. Classmates Jane Inman Young ’67 of Atlanta and Maribeth Wills Lowe ’67 of Macon were present to cheer her on when she was sworn in on January 14. In November, Helen traveled to LA for the gala opening of the Nancy Reagan exhibit at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, CA. Helen’s son, Klaus, works full time in NYC at Bear Stearns and also does graphics for Rush Jenkins, designer of the Reagan exhibit. Limos, red carpet treatment, and meeting Nancy Reagan – proved to be another very exciting time for Helen!
Maconite Susan Kirvin Ogburn ’67 reports “life is good.” She has two granddaughters, two grandsons (namesake “Kirvin” was born in January), and is expecting another grandson in April.
“With great pride I read each issue of the Wesleyan Magazine. We’ve gone so many places in heart, mind, soul, vision - and body. I’m looking forward to the next part of the quest – when do we grow up and feel our age?” asks Helen Harwell Smith ’67, from Washington, DC.
Susan Cobleigh ’68 resides in Decatur, GA, where she has been the executive director of the Decatur Preservation Alliance since December 2006.
“Our first grandchild was born to daughter Margaret – a son: Miller Jaus Baldwin. Husband Hal was honored a second time as a finalist for the Bank of America Award for Teaching Excellence at UNC-Charlotte,” reports Vicki Page Jaus ’68.
“In November, Skeet retired after 23 years with Fluor Corp and was royally honored,” reports Ellen Beard Martin ’68 from Greenville, SC. In March, the Martins took a trip to Greece. Ellen stays busy with church, volunteer work, and her family. “We recently moved my parents to assisted living. Daughter Page and her husband, Greg, came home (2006) from three years in the Middle East and we love spending time with them and our three grandchildren - Jordan (5), Chloe (2) and Caroline (5 months). Greg is a full-time student working on his doctorate in ethics; he also works in the missions department at Southeastern Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC. Son Louis and his wife, Janell, continue to thrive in their optometric practice in Spartanburg, SC. They celebrated their 30th birthdays in October by running in the 30th anniversary Chicago Marathon.”
“It’s so very hard to believe that our 40th reunion is on the horizon. I am a new member of the ‘retirement’ club. After 33 years in high school, I finally graduated with the class of 2007! I loved the students but I now love the excitement of the blank page of each day. My husband has not retired, so we’re not traveling - except to Va. Tech football games! My older daughter, Sarah Taliaferro, is a law clerk for Judge Anderson in Macon. This follows her undergrad at Brown, four years living in Russia, and then Emory Law School. Younger daughter, Laura Elizabeth, graduated from MIT with a degree in physics and performed community service for AmeriCorps in CA for two years before turning to Georgetown for a master’s program in linguistics. Next stop for her is Italy. I enjoy reading notes from the Class of ’69. See y’all in 2009!” writes Louisa Abney-Babcock ’69 from Perkiomenville, PA.
She’s still employed full time at the Health Department, but Lou Ellen Semler Boyes ’69 is getting a jump on “retirement” travel. So far, she’s enjoyed wonderful trips to Holland, China (as a people-to-people ambassador), New Zealand/Australia and, most recently, to Greece.
“Richard and I had a wonderful visit from Pam Finlayson ’71 and her husband, Ed Hurn,” writes Nancy Greer ’69 from Alexandria, VA. “They recently moved to Marion, NC, where Pam is a new ‘young retiree’ from teaching, so we had a lot to celebrate!”
Linda Hiller LeSueur ’69 of Marietta, GA, unexpectedly lost her husband, Paul, last June, due to a massive heart attack. In October their son, Will, got married. Linda still directs the preschool of 330 children at Marietta First United Methodist Church and is a breast cancer survivor. (See Sympathy.)
Linda Lee Rich ’69 of Honolulu, HI, is the executive director of a family treatment agency that provides alcohol and drug treatment for pregnant and parenting women with their children. The agency also provides developmental and mental health services for children. “I’ve been to Tanzania with Heifer International and then to Samoa last year with Habitat for Humanity.” Linda hopes to return to Africa this fall with Habitat.
Pat Ondo Snyder ’69 of Columbus, OH, retired from her legal position with the State of Ohio and is developing additional markets for her humor column, Balancing Act, which has been running in area newspapers for eight years. She is on the web at www.balancingactpat@blogspot.com.
Congratulations to Dr. Barbara Marble Tagg ’69 of Camillus, NY, who received the Chorus America ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming in Los Angeles last June. In October, she conducted the Spivey Hall Treble Honor Choir in Atlanta. She also conducts the Syracuse University Women’s Choir, and the Syracuse Children’s Chorus, now in its 27th season.
Janice Perry Veal ’69 of Forsyth, GA, and her husband sold their Forsyth horse farm a few years ago. Janice is active with the Back Lot Theatre and plays the piano for the Presbyterian Church in Forsyth, as well as professionally. Her husband has been taking clarinet lessons for four years from Don Johstono ’49, a graduate from the Wesleyan Conservatory.
1970s
Carole Lee Byrd ’70 (Pelham, AL), Sherry Greene Harrison ’70 (Eufaula, AL), and Donna Ross ’70 (Sylva, NC), began an annual tradition for a reunion beach trip a few years ago. After careers, children, and outside involvements, the group meets at Sherry’s condo in Ft. Walton Beach, FL, for several days filled with nothing but sun and relaxation. “With lots of reminiscing, we’ve picked right back up where we left off after all those years of ‘busyness,”’says Carole.
Susan McMahan Fink ’70 of Greenville, SC, celebrated the birthday of her first granddaughter, Madison, who was born on Feb. 15, 2007. Susan retired in 2001 after teaching high school math for 30 years. For 25 years she and her husband have been Christmas tree growers.
“My father, Charles E. Wills, Jr., died October 4, 2007,” writes Carolyn Wills Garrard ’70 from her Athens, GA, home. She also shares that all four of her children are thriving: Henry is a pediatrician in Athens; Andy is completing his MBHA at the University of North Carolina; Lauren teaches first grade in Jefferson, GA; and Patrick is a law clerk for a federal judge in Savannah, GA, and plans to return to Athens and practice law with his dad’s firm. (See Sympathy.)
Congratulations to Kathy Arnold Hale ’70 of Macon, who passed the Certified Financial Planner exam on the first try!
Memo to the Class of 1970: “Please plan to attend the reunion in April ’08. It is our Big Sis class’ 40th reunion, and it would be great to see them again and show our love to this very special class. Also, I can’t wait to show pics of my five wonderful grandchildren! See you there,” writes B.J. Molpus Posey ’70 from Prairieville, LA.
Elizabeth Rogers Kelly ’72 of Jasper, TN, loved seeing her classmates at Alumnae Weekend in April. “Adored Eileen Vickery’s Christmas card – it should be available for retail purchase!”
Susan Sanders Mathews ’72 wrote that her husband, John, retired after 35 years as an oral surgeon in Montgomery, AL. All their sons live close by: Son John III and his wife, Beth, in Montgomery; Sanders in Pike Road, AL; and Jackson in Atlanta. “I stay busy with many Bible studies, civic activities, and gardening,” adds Susan.
“Susie McDonald Sheehan ’72, Eileen Vickery Thurmond ’72, and I just got back from our second annual ‘mother-daughter’ weekend. Last year we went to Daytona, this year to Chattanooga,” writes Mary Catherine “M.C.” Collins O’Kelley ’72 from Snellville, GA. “Our daughters are all good friends and we had such a good time! My daughter, Catherine, and her husband, Brooke, love Chattanooga. They closed on a 1940s house on Signal Mountain in September. They will be doing lots of work on it, but the potential is amazing – plus they enjoy doing it!”
Janet L. Riddle ’72 of Smyrna, GA, recalls her best Wesleyan memory: Sharon Bey Boyer ’72 in her robe of many colors doing yoga on the balcony of Jones!
“My husband, Dr. Cameron Shropshire, has retired but I still practice medicine. My older son, Mac, is a junior in the business honors program at U.T. Austin. Youngest son Grady is a senior at All Saints Episcopal,” reports Susan Moses Shropshire ’72 from Ft. Worth, TX.
“I’m so sorry to miss our 35th reunion but I will be at my parents’ 60th wedding anniversary celebration that weekend. I’ll have you all in my heart,” writes Mary Graham Ponder Foster ’73, who resides in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Residents in Thomasville, GA, can tune in to see a new cooking show featuring Carol Bacon Kelso ’73. “It’s local and lots of fun,” says Carol.
Mathew Dodd, son of Elizabeth Lilly ’73, skied his way into the July 2007 edition of People Extra magazine by getting married skiing downhill. Elizabeth has been up to some exciting changes, too, as she gave up her job in higher education to become project director for an Early Reading First grant at Smart Start GA, the early learning division of United Way Metropolitan Atlanta. Friends should note that she has relocated from Marietta to Atlanta.
Tulin Coruh ’74, a former Rotary student at Wesleyan, lives in Ankara, Turkey. She remembers her Wesleyan years studying English and American literature with fondness.
Dr. Beverly “Bev” Hinley MacMahon ’74 retired as a school psychologist from the Hampton, VA, schools in June 2007. Letting no grass grow under her feet, she embarked on a mission trip to Holy Cross Anglican School in San Pedro, Belize, in July. She and husband Mark (whom she met at a Georgia Tech mixer at Wesleyan), enjoy cruising on their American Tug 34.
Debra Stockton ’74 lives in Marietta, GA, and works as executive director for AT&T Government Solutions. She received her MBA degree from Kennesaw State University in May 2005.
“Whoever thought I would graduate!” declares Carrie Gilman ’75 of Smyrna, GA, on her graduation from Barry University. “I know women power from Golden Hearts ’71. Please get in touch – I still miss ya’ll. Love, Carrie.”
“Greetings to all from Kenya!” writes Sister Mary Joseph, OP (Ruth Powers ’75). “I want to let you know that the Dominicans here in Kisumu are well and safe. We have adequate food, water, and medicine. Our hilly location has removed us from the violence in town. We have four German Shepherd guard dogs, a wall topped by an electric fence, and have watchmen 24/7 from a northern tribe called the Tucans. At night they are armed with bows and poison arrows, and NO ONE comes near the place. We have given shelter to a number of people who have fled the situation for one reason or another. Please pray for a peaceful resolution of the unrest here. As always in such situations, it is the innocent who are suffering. God bless you all.”
Trustee Bryndis Roberts ’75 of Atlanta represented Wesleyan College at the inauguration of Morehouse College’s new president in February.
Nan Dixon Souma ’75 of Macon is the proud new grandmother of John Ryan Lewis, born to Elizabeth Souma Lewis ’05 of Chapin, SC, in September 2007. (See Births.)
Our son, Wakeford, graduated from UGA with a double major. We are delighted to have him back in Houston, TX, where he is a credit analyst for Amegy Bank, and magically appears most nights for dinner! Our other joy is watching daughter Michelle’s four-year-old twins, Georgia and Cooper,” writes Betsy Wakeford Thompson ’75.
Robyn Sullins Bish ’76 of Jonesboro, GA, retired from Delta Air Lines after 27 years of service. She traded her airline profession for that of her first career – teaching. Robyn currently teaches 2nd grade in Henry County, GA, and loves every moment with the children.
Maconite Jane Speir Brook ’76 and husband Arthur toured Spain in September 2007 with a great group of people from Canada, Australia, and the USA. Making use of the information highway has been an exciting product of the trip for Jane, who keeps in touch with these new friends by e-mail.
Mikako Okayama Kinoshita ’76 of Japan recently visited with classmate Carrie Anne Parks-Kirby ’76 of Alba, MI. Mikako has completed her M.A. in English Literature and is now working toward her doctorate, all while continuing to manage the office of her husband’s medical clinic. Mikako’s two daughters, Yoko and Eiko, are both pursuing medical studies, and Mikako is enjoying her first grandchild, Kazari. She would love to hear from Jenny Phelan Locklear ’77, Patsy Powell Bell ’77, Vicki Wiggins Bishop ’77, and Stefni Olson Stephens ’78.
Lynn B. Moses ’77 of Atlanta, GA, writes “It was great to see friends at our reunion in April ’07. Keep in touch.”
Former Wesleyan student and acclaimed nature writer Amy Blackmarr ’78 of Tifton, GA, read from her work and talked with Wesleyan students in September 2007. Amy is an award-winning Georgia author, who became a familiar public radio voice when she left her Kansas paralegal business and turned to writing full-time. She was a Madison A. & Lila Self Fellow at the University of Kansas, holds a Ph.D. in English, and has been a popular speaker on the subject of the personal essay.
Debba Davis Ulrich ’77 lives in Marietta, GA, where she is the director of choirs at Marietta Middle School. In January, Debba visited with Nadine Cheek Whitney ’79, chair of Wesleyan’s music department, at the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) Conference in Savannah. Debba is excited about the organ restoration in Porter Auditorium. “I have fond memories of my time at Wesleyan!”
Janet Friberg Jarrett ’77/78 of Louisville, KY, reminisces about her wedding day on October 1, 2006, when she married Henry Kinzer Jarrett, III, in the Benson Room, with a reception following in the Manget Dining Room. It was the 30th anni | | |