In Memoriam

Millsaps shares in the loss of our loved ones and friends. If you are aware of the passing of an alumnus/a, parent or friend, please send the information to alumni@millsaps.edu.

Perry Neil Duggar ('61) went to be with the Lord on May 15, 2012. A 1961 graduate of Millsaps College and a 1966 graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, Perry completed his residency in anesthesiology at the Wilford Hall USAF Hospital and served as staff anesthesiologist at the Air Force Academy Hospital in Colorado Springs.

Perry moved back to Jackson in 1970 and served his community at a number of locations including University Hospital, Woman's Hospital, Baptist Medical Center, St. Dominic's Hospital, and Mississippi State Hospital at Whitfield. Retiring from medicine in 1997, Perry became an avid horse enthusiast and developed a special love for Friesian carriage horses. He was an active member of the Carriage Association of America.

Perry is survived by wife and love of his life Carol, children Patty, Greg, and Brad, and grandchildren Matthew, Andrew, Neil, Sam, Jesse, Sarah Rose, and Luke. He is loved by all and will be missed by all.

"Betty" Sara Elizabeth "Betty" Noland ('44) was born at her parents' home in the National Military Park in Vicksburg MS on February 4, 1924 to Elisha Livingston Brien and Elizabeth Watkins Brien. She died at home in Alexandria VA of breast cancer on April 25, 2012.

She moved to Washington, DC, with her parents in 1933 and attended various schools in DC and graduated in 1941 from Gunston Hall School for Girls. She was school mates with Margaret Truman, Margaret Jones, and Lillian Somoza. She graduated from Millsaps College in Jackson MS in 1944 with Majors in chemistry and mathematics. Her grandfather, Rev. A. F. Watkins, had been an early president of Millsaps for 12 years.

In early 1942 she along with other young ladies from Phi Mu Fraternity helped entertain Lt Col Doolittle and his pilots who were practicing in and around Jackson for their soon to be famous raid on Tokyo. As a student assistant, she graded math papers student assistant, she graded math papers of Johnny Carson, a student in the Navy V-12 unit at Millsaps. Upon graduation, she enlisted in the Cadet Nurse Corps, a program to train nurses for the U.S. Army, and trained at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. She resigned after 6 months and was employed as a chemist at the U. S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Branch, testing quality of various rivers, until her marriage in 1950 to Peyton Noland.

She devoted the rest of her life to her husband and children. She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Ann Brien Britt, her brother-in-law and his wife Thomas Vaughan and Anngie Noland, and nephew Bruce Andrew Noland, her sons-in-law Jeffery Alan Downs, Theodore Leopold Lavallee and Donald L.A. Shifflett.

She is survived by Peyton Noland, her husband of 61 years, her son Henry Noland, Jr. and daughter-in-law Tracy Y. Gorman, her daughter Elizabeth (Liz) Shifflett, her nephew Robert Britt and his family, wife Suzanne and children Kelsey, Ryanne, and Holden, her niece Nanette Crocker and children Jenni and Robbie, her nephew Tommy Noland and children Phillip and Ryan, step grandson Paul Lavallee, wife Giuliana and great grandchildren Lucas and Emma, and her first cousins once removed, Neal and Livingston Brien and Marjorie Luck, and their children, among them Corinne Elizabeth, Peyton E.L., and Celia, (all Brien) and James, Brien (and his wife Emma), and Lauren Luck, and first cousin twice removed, Sam Luck and numerous other cousins. Donations may be made in her memory to Arlington Forest United Methodist Church, 4701 Arlington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203.

Mike P. Sturdivant, Millsaps College Lifetime Trustee, died peacefully at his home in Glendora, MS on May 1, 2012 at the age of 84.

Mike was born in Memphis, TN on September 10, 1927. He graduated from Clarksdale High School, Miss. State University, and attended the Harvard Business School. Following graduation and after returning to Glendora to farm, he served as 2nd Lt. In the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.

Mike was a life-long farmer and businessman. In 1956 he built his first Holiday Inn and was a founding member of Mississippi Management, Inc., a hotel management group, which continues to operate throughout the Southeast.

He was very active in his community, state, and region. Mike served as President of the International Association of Holiday Inns, member of the Millsaps College Board of Trustees, Director and VP of the Delta Council, President of the Glendora Lions Club, member of the board of directors and executive committee of Union Planters Bank now known as Regions Bank, member of the board of directors and executive committee of Staple Cotton Association, member of the MS Board of Trustees of Institutions of Higher Learning, member of the Southern Regional Education Board, President of Minter City Oil Mill now a part of Delta Oil Mill, board member of the Miss. State University Development Foundation, member of the West Tallahatchie County School Board, Vice-President of the Delta Area Council of Boy Scouts, and member of the Fiscal Management Board of the State of Mississippi under Gov. Bill Allain.

Mike was an active member of the Glendora United Methodist Church where he served as Sunday school teacher, lay leader, and Chairman of the Church board. He also served as lay delegate to the North MS Methodist Annual Conference, member of the Board of Pensions of the MS Methodist Conference, member of Methodist Healthcare Foundation of Memphis, member of the board of MS Methodist Senior Services, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Methodist Health Systems of Memphis, TN.

Mike Sturdivant was the recipient of the following awards: Distinguished Citizen Award by the Boy Scouts of America, The Living Award from the Methodist Hospital Foundation, and the first recipient of the Life Inspiration Award from Methodist Hospitals of Memphis.

Mike was an avid sportsman. He loved hunting, fishing, tennis, snow skiing, playing bridge, and golf. Mike had the rare experience of making two holes-in-one during one round of golf. Mike also enjoyed his summer visits to Asheville, NC.

Mike is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ygondine Walker Sturdivant, and his five children: Mike and Jan Sturdivant of Itta Bena, MS, Walker and Lanie Sturdivant of Greenwood, MS, Sykes and Cindy Sturdivant of Glendora, MS, Gaines and Lynn Sturdivant of Jackson, MS, and Ygondine Sturdivant Creasy of Lynchburg, VA. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be sent to the Glendora United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 89, Glendora, MS 38928, Methodist Healthcare Foundation, P.O. Box 42048, Memphis, TN 38174, or MS Methodist Senior Services, P.O. Box 1567, Tupelo, MS 38802-1567.

Leslie Everett Burris ('50), 84, died April 22, 2012, after a prolonged illness. He was born in McComb, Mississippi, of parents Lawrence Homer and Ruby Butler Burris. He was a resident of Baton Rouge, LA, from 1965 until recently, and taught in the Baton Rouge public school system for seventeen years, retiring in 1987 after 11years at Baton Rouge Magnet High School. He graduated from Mars Hill School (where he was valedictorian), Southwest Junior College, Millsaps College (B.A. in English with honor), and the University of Mississippi (M.A. in English). He was a member,and at times officer, of various civic and professional associations. He was a member of University Presbyterian Church, Baton Rouge, where he was ordained a deacon and later an elder. After moving to Jackson in 2008 he became an affiliate member of Fondren Presbyterian Church.

He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Heather Anne Burris. He is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Shirley W. Burris; a son and daughter-in-law, Jeff Burris (Cynthia) of Denham Springs, LA; daughters Iris Brenneman of Huntingdon, PA; Lida Gibson of Jackson, MS; and Holly Burris, also of Jackson; granddaughters, Hannah and Sophie Brenneman, Grace Gibson, and Laine Nicole Garland (Stephen); a grandson, Maxwell Brenneman; and two great-grandsons, Dylan and Preston Garland. He is also survived by a sister, Alice Burris Hewitt of Gulfport, MS; a nephew, Dr. Benton Earl Hewitt, Jr. (Mona), of Nalerigu, Ghana; and a niece, Patricia Rachuba (Gary) of Gulfport. The family gives a special thanks to his long-time caregiver, Mattie Ward of Jackson.

Jack B. Brunt ('58), born August 28, 1931, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 28, 2012. He was a native of Attala County, graduated from Kosciusko High School, attended Millsaps College, and was a graduate of Mississippi State University. He served in the U.S. Army at Fort Rucker, Alabama, during the Korean Conflict. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Jim and Lillie Shearer Brunt, brothers Edward and Durward Brunt, and sister Juanita Towne.

He is survived by his wife, Pauline Standard Brunt, of 59 years; son, Dr. Michael (Beth) Brunt, St. Louis; daughter, Cindy Brunt (Pete) Melby, Starkville; grandsons, Eric (Lindsey) Brunt, St. Louis; Timothy Brunt, Tampa; granddaughters, Hannah and Caroline Melby, Nashville; nieces, Linda Ballard, Glenda Sanders, Janice Brantley, Nita Towne; nephew, Ed Brunt.

Jack was a member of First United Methodist Church, Kosciusko, the Men's Bible Class, served as a Sunday School teacher, Church Lay Leader, and delegate to Annual Conference. He was Plant Manager for Kosciusko Hosiery Mills from 1957-1973 and Universal Electric Company from 1973-1979 and subsequently was an agent for the Lamar Life Insurance Co. He was past-president of the Kosciusko-Attala Chamber of Commerce, KHZ Band Boosters Club, Kosciusko Rotary Club, and Kosciusko Country Club. He was also a member of the Board of Directors and Area Vice-President of the Mississippi Economic Council. He was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award Kosciusko Jaycees; the Golden Shovel Award for implementing a landscaping plan for the Attala County Courthouse grounds, and the Seed Sowers Award FUMC.

Pansy B. Taylor ('58), beloved mother, grandmother and sister, died Tuesday April 17, 2012 at Baptist Hospital. Mrs. Taylor, a resident of Madison, was born in Jackson September 23, 1937 to the late James Fountain and Doris Valentine Barksdale. She was a graduate of Central High School and Millsaps College and went on to earn a Masters of Education from Mississippi State University. She was a school teacher for the Jackson Public Schools and Manhattan Academy and later retired after working 23 years at the Mississippi Employment Security Commission. She was an avid reader who enjoyed gardening and spending time with her grandchildren. She is survived by her children Tara Hackney (Mike) of St. Augustine, FL, Adair Sulhoff (Matt) of Marietta, GA and Jack Taylor, Jr (Tanya) of Madison, grandchildren Noah, Rachel, Anna, Daniel, Joseph and Jacob, a sister Carol Lawson (Jim) of Meridian, and a brother Fountain Barksdale (Sandy) of Madison. The family wishes to give special thanks to Dr. Jon Beall for his care over the years and to her friends at Ridgeland Pointe and Sunnybrook Estates for making her last years such happy ones. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society . Online guestbook www.wrightferguson.com

Lewis Nordan ('63), a Mississippi-born writer whose fiction conjures a dreamlike world that straddles the whisker-thin margin between a legend and a lie, but whose best-known novel was based on a historical murder of national import, died on Friday in Cleveland. He was 72. The cause was complications of pneumonia, his wife, Alicia, said. Mr. Nordan, who did not begin writing until he was in his mid-30s and did not publish his first book until he was in his mid-40s, was the author of four novels, three volumes of short stories and a memoir, "Boy With Loaded Gun" (2000).

Though he was also known as a teacher of writing- before his retirement in 2005, he had taught for more than two decades at the University of Pittsburgh - his work attracted critical praise and a cult following.

Mr. Nordan's fiction is characterized by a tall-tale outrageousness that shades seamlessly into magic realism (llamas sing, the dead can share narrative responsibilities, a wayward elephant is hanged), along with recurring characters and places, in particular the fictional Delta town of Arrow Catcher, Miss.

The town is at the center of his first book, the story collection "Welcome to the Arrow-Catcher Fair." Published in 1983, it displays Mr. Nordan's characteristic lyric vernacular and his penchant for narrative that is swampy brew of sexual yearning, death, guilt and grotesquerie.

When one reads Mr. Nordan's work - his memoir, by his own account, included - it can be difficult to tell the real from the fantastic, and that is precisely his point. Throughout his writing (and here too his memoir is no exception) dark humor veils, though only just, a layer of pervasive pain.

His best-known book is the 1993 novel "Wolf Whistle," based on the murder of Emmett Till in 1955. It concerns a black teenager, who, like Till, is murdered by Southern whites for allegedly making a suggestive remark to a local white woman.

The novel explores the nexus of race, sex and violence through a many-faceted narration. As it unfolds, it even includes the point of view of the dead youth himself: "The dead boy saw the world as if his seeing were accompanied by an eternal music, as living boys, still sleeping, unaware, in their safe beds, might hear singing from unexpected throats one morning when they wake up, the wind in a willow shade, bream bedding in the shallows of a lake, a cottonmouth hissing on a limb, the hymning of beehives, of a bird's nest, the bray of the ice-man's mule, the cry of herons or mermaids in the swamp, and rain across wide water."

Lewis Alonzo Nordan, familiarly known as Buddy, was born on Aug. 23, 1939, in Forest, Miss., and reared in Itta Bena, Miss. His father, a letter carrier, died when Lewis was 18 months old, and he was reared by his mother, a schoolteacher, and his stepfather, a housepainter.

Till's murder, in Money, Miss., less than 20 miles from Itta Bena, would haunt Mr. Nordan all his life.

"I knew the murderers," he told National Public Radio in 1993. (The two white men accused of killing Till, Roy Bryant and J. W. Milam, were acquitted by an all-white jury.) He continued: "But I didn't know that a little white boy growing up in the South who was in some ways even implicated in the guilt just by my whiteness had the right to write such a story, and so I repressed it, I kept it in my heart and in my memory for all these 38 years since the event, but I was obsessed with it."

Mr. Nordan earned a bachelor's degree from Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss., followed by a master's degree from Mississippi State University and a Ph.D. from Auburn, where he wrote his dissertation on Shakespeare's dramatic poetry. He taught at the University of Arkansas and elsewhere before joining the Pittsburgh faculty.

His other books include the novel "Lightning Song" (1997), the story collection "Sugar Among the Freaks" (1996) and his memoir, in which, amid the sly hyperbole (the text to the contrary, his wife said, the young Mr. Nordan did not attempt to shoot his stepfather with a handgun ordered for that purpose), he writes candidly of his fight to overcome alcoholism and the deaths of two of his sons, one in infancy and the other, by suicide, at 20.

Mr. Nordan's first marriage, to Mary Mitman, ended in divorce. He is survived by his second wife, Alicia Blessing Nordan; a son, Lewis Eric, from his first marriage; two stepsons, Josh and Adam Conn; and six grandchildren.

Though interviewers often asked Mr. Nordan which aspects of his work were real and which were less so, he was quite reconciled to the uncertainty that his work seemed to entail.

"For a long time I thought I was somehow defective for not being able to tell the truth- the 'truth,' I should say - without changing it, amplifying it, or romanticizing it," he said in an interview with the reference work Contemporary Authors. "This seemed to be a flaw in my character. Now I think that it may be a flaw, but it is also a gift for which I am grateful."

Lt. Col. Frank K. Walsh (USAF Retired) ('62) of Jackson passed away April 2, 2012 at home. Col. Walsh was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Aug. 8, 1920. He served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps during WWII. He was captured after a mid-air collision and was a POW in Italy and Germany for 27 months.

He married Doris Whaley, the love of his life, in 1942. April 11th would have been their 70th wedding anniversary. Col. Walsh settled in Jackson in 1960. He taught at Hinds Junior College and retired as the Chairman of the Social Sciences Department. Affectionately known as "the Colonel" by his students and friends, he was known for his love of history. "He was a hero to all of us," one of his grandsons shared. "We grew up hearing stories of his experiences as a pilot and as a POW in WWII."

He was known as a quiet, family man with a devout Catholic Faith and a strong sense of patriotism. He was a great gentlemen - his legacy of honor, integrity and "doing your duty" was passed down to his children and grandchildren. Four of his five children served in the military and three of his grandsons are currently serving.

He was preceded in death by three of his children, Clair, Sam and Ed. Survivors include his loving wife, Doris, and two daughters; Frankie Walsh and Rebecca W. Reynolds (Bob), a daughter-in-law, Katia M. Walsh, seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. The family expresses our deepest thanks to Jimmy Smith, Bill and Pat Dixon, the caregivers of Gentiva Hospice, CMMC, VA staff, family and friends for their support.

Nell Permenter Smith ('38) passed away Sunday, April 1, at MS Baptist Medical Center. Nell was born on October 19, 1916, in Clarksdale, MS. She attended Central High School and graduated from Millsaps College in 1938. At Millsaps, she was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority and named Most Beautiful. She was retired from BellSouth and was a Life Member of the AT&T Pioneers.

While single in the early part of her adult life, Nell met a former classmate, Arthur Smith, at her 40th high school reunion and married him several months later. They enjoyed many years of traveling and various clubs and organizations until his death in 2003. Over the years, Nell was a member of many social clubs which included The Monday Club, Cosmos, High Noon, Maids and Matrons, and Colonial Dames. She was also a member of the Jazz Society of Mississippi and The Caledonia Society of Mississippi. She served as the Magnolia State Chapter Regent of the DAR from 1969 - 1971 and received a certificate for their 50 Year Member Club.

Always one to light up the room, Nell loved her friends and family and enjoyed great independence in her life until her recent illness. She believed it was important to trace family history and always looked for connections with people she met. As she once said to a dear relative, "Mississippi isn't a state - it's a social club!" because she always found that connection. Her soft spot was stray animals and she had many stray dogs and cats become family members over the years.

Survivors include nieces Amy McMahan (Roger), Suzanne Hickox, Walterine Odom (Doug), and Frances Smith, cousin Robert Kersh (Kelly), many great nieces and nephews, and her sweet cat Callie. The family wishes to thank all of her caregivers at Brandon Court and in lieu of flowers requests that memorials be sent to ARF of MS, 1317 Greymont Street, Jackson, MS 39202. Online guestbook www.wrightferguson.com.

McCarrell L. Ayers, professor emeritus of voice, passed away on February 24, 2012 at American Village nursing home in Indianapolis. He was 86.

A native of Washington, PA, Ayers received his B.M. from the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, NY, and his M.M. from Indiana University, Bloomington, where he studied with Margaret Harshaw.

In 1965, after various musical experiences and awards, he began a 27-year tenure at Millsaps, shaping the musical lives of voice majors and non-majors alike. He sang tenor in the choir at St. James Episcopal Church, and in Musica Sacra of Jackson, a semi-professional choral music ensemble specializing in English cathedral music. After retiring from Millsaps in 1992, he moved to Indianapolis, maintaining a private vocal studio and singing in various choirs under the direction of his partner Donald D. Kilmer. He joined the choir of All Saints Episcopal Church in 1998, where he sang until he suffered a stroke in 2000.

Many will remember McCarrell as a professor who was always educating himself, refining his vocal techniques, trying different ones. Even after his stroke, he continued to listen to his CD's and study his vocal scores, his Italian and German dictionaries always within reach. "He was certainly one of the most influential and important people in my life. The gifts he gave me are innumerable and it is always with great honor and gratitude that I refer to him as my teacher and friend. A great man!" said Grady (Chip) Bailey (class of 1986).

Others will remember his sense of humor. "McCarrell added brightness to our years together at Millsaps College. We shared many evenings at musical events, sang together in Musica Sacra, and had good laughs at the humor that was inherent in our life experiences. I greatly value those times together and the memories that have grown out of them," wrote The Reverend Don Fortenberry, retired chaplain. A memorial service will be held in McCarrell Ayers' honor at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 28, in Episcopal Church of All Saints, 1559 Central Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46202. Friends may visit his guest book page at www.harrywmoore.com.

Dr. Dean Calloway ('48), 87, died Monday, February 27, 2012, at Winston County Nursing Home in Louisville. Dr. Calloway was born September 25, 1924, in Louisville, MS. He received his B.S. degree at Millsaps College, and his Ph.D. at the University of Alabama. Most of his 30 years of teaching were at Birmingham Southern College in Birmingham, AL. His last five years of teaching were at Baker University at Baldwin, KS. Before he retired in 1987, he was an emeritus member of the American Chemical Society, and was a member of Sigma Xi, the scientific research society. He and his wife, Virginia, retired to Aldersgate Retirement Community in 2001, after being retired in Columbus, MS, for 14 years.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia; and his parents, J. E. Calloway, Sr. and Clyne Richardson Calloway. He is survived by his brother, Dr. J. E. (Edwina) Calloway of Louisville; niece, Ann Calloway Perrier of Vicksburg, MS; nephews, J. E. "Pepper" Calloway of Durham, NC, and Dr. Edwin Sand "Sandy" Calloway of Cleveland, GA; one grandniece and five grandnephews. Memorials may be made to Mennonite Disaster Service, 1018 Main Street, Akron, PA, 17501-9983.

Rebecca Campbell Blake ('66)departed this life at home on March 22, 2012. Her short but heroic struggle with cancer was an inspiration to all who knew. Even throughout her illness, she continued to concern herself only with the welfare of others. This was the portrait of her life.

On October 1, 1944, she was born in Tuscaloosa, AL, to Sharon and Audie Nell Campbell. Though raised initially in Tuscaloosa, her Mississippi roots were deep. Bex graduated from DeKalb High School in 1962, attended what was then MSCW for one year, and graduated in Biology from Millsaps College in 1966. She raised two daughters in Winston-Salem, NC, and Meridian, MS.

In 1989, thirteen years after moving to Meridian, she began a storied nineteen year career as a representative for Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals. This took her first to Mandeville, LA, then to Jackson in the year 2000. In 2004, she married Kendall Blake of this city. She loved this man, and he loved her. She gave of herself to family as few do, and for this she will be most remembered.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister Rachel. She leaves her husband Kendall, daughters Paige Lang of Jackson and Erica Gressett of Meridian, stepdaughter Barbara Bequette (Brian) of Nashville, TN, and stepson Thomas Blake (Joy) of Rochester, NY. There are nine grandchildren; Keaton Lang of Philadelphia, MS, Isabella Haynes of Meridian, Taylor, Mitchell, and Savannah Gressett, all of Meridian, Caroline and Kendall Bequette of Nashville, TN, and Townes and Elizabeth Blake of Rochester, NY. Nieces are Kim Ryan (George) of Tuscaloosa and Kristen Lancaster-Weiss (Bill) of San Antonio, Tx. Nephew is Joel Lancaster of Tuscaloosa. Finally, Bex is mourned by her dogs...Chaos, Emma, and Bentley.

The family appreciates unrestricted contributions to St. Philips Episcopal Church of Jackson, or a contribution of one's choice. Service is overseen by Wright and Ferguson.

A memorial service for Bettyann Weilenman ('50)of Stoneville was held at Trinity United Methodist Church in Greenville on Friday, March 23. She died on March 19, 2012 following a brief illness. Bettyann was an eager world traveler, avid reader, delightful companion, charming southern Christian lady, treasured friend and devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

She was born on October 5, 1928 in Memphis to Crawford and Irene Williams and moved at age three to Greenville. She graduated from Greenville High School in 1946 and graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from Millsaps College in 1950.

She married Edwin Poteat Turner of Jackson in 1951. He was listed as missing in action during a combat mission in Korea in 1953 and later declared dead. She and Turner had one daughter, Ellen Turner Walker.

Following his death she was employed at the Washington County Welfare Department in social services. She married Bill Weilenman on November 20, 1954. The couple and Ellen moved to Stoneville in 1955 and began raising a family that grew to five children. She worked with Bill in their family business, Oaklane Nursery. Bettyann began teaching in 1970 at the Leland Elementary School. She taught special education and children with learning disabilities. With three children still at home she completed her master of education degree at Delta State University. She also served as a Washington County election commissioner during this time.

Following her retirement she and Bill began traveling the world, visiting Europe, Japan, Russia, Canada, New Zealand, American Samoa and most U.S. states. They wrote a travel column together for several years entitled "Backpacking Seniors" that appeared regularly in the Life in the Delta magazine. She was able to take many of these trips with her children and grandchildren as well. Following Bill's death in 2007 she continued to travel, visiting Egypt and Israel.

Bettyann was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church where she played piano for the Aldersgate Sunday School class. She served as the historian for the Greenville Garden Club, was a founding member of the Bon Vivant Supper Club, active in several Bible study groups, and several bridge clubs. She was a former member of the Beta Gamma Book Club and was involved with the Walk to Emmaus community, a Christian ministry to nurture church leaders. She did volunteer work at Delta Medical Center. She was preceded in death by her husband Bill Weilenman of Stoneville and her first husband, Edwin P. Turner, as well as her parents, Crawford and Irene Williams; and brothers Bill Williams and Crawford Williams.

She is survived by five children: Ellen Walker of Madison; Beth O'Reilly and husband Guy of Leland; Will Weilenmann and wife Sharon of Prescott, AZ; Mark Weilenman and wife Ginny of Brandon; and Jane Weilenman and husband Dick Hanna of Savannah, GA; sister Rene Baird of Inverness; brother-in-law Joe Weilenman of Pago Pago, American Samoa; sister-in-law Jane Head of Monett, MO and sister-in-law Helen Williams of Greenville. She leaves her dear friend and companion Bobby Pruitt of Germantown, TN. She also leaves her grandchildren Jane Britt Warren, Anne Stevens, Molly Meredith, Will O'Reilly, Rob O'Reilly, Shannon Horton, Elijah Weilenmann, Chris Weilenmann, Delaney Vampran Foster, Michael Vampran, Ellen Ens, Oliver Ens, Hannah Card and eight great-grandchildren: Olivia, Crawford, Lucy, Max, Parker, Nevin, Jaci and Aiden.

Known by family and friends as Van, Joseph S. Vandiver ('40) passed away on March 12, 2012, at his home, just weeks before his 93rd birthday. He was born on March 31, 1919 in Moorhead, Mississippi to Joseph Sloan Vandiver, Sr., and Laura Blanche Feemster Vandiver, both dedicated educators. His mother was an elementary school teacher and his father created the first Junior College in the South, serving as State Superintendent of Education from 1936-1945.

Achieving the Army rank of TEC 4, Vandiver proudly served his country in the WWII campaigns in Algeria-French Morocco and Tunisia in North Africa, and Rome Arno and the North Apennines in Italy. Back from the war, he continued his education, receiving his Ph.D. in Sociology from Louisiana State University in 1948. After teaching at LSU, Vanderbilt, and Oklahoma State University, he joined the Department of Sociology at the University of Florida in 1962. Dr. Vandiver's area of specialization was demography, but he was especially dedicated to teaching and served for many years as the department's graduate coordinator. He retired from the University of Florida in 1989 but continued to teach part-time through the Fall of 1995. In 1996, his colleagues in the Sociology Department honored him by establishing the "J.S. Vandiver Teaching Assistant of the Year Award," which is given to a graduate student to recognize outstanding instructional performance. Throughout his life, he championed human rights and his passionate dedication to social justice was a source of inspiration to generations of his students, who looked to him as a model for their lives as citizens no less than for their intellectual development.

Dr. Vandiver was preceded in death by his wife, Marylee Mason Vandiver. He is survived by his daughters (both College educators), Margaret Vandiver of Memphis and Elizabeth Vandiver of Walla Walla, Washington; his sister, Margaret Vandiver Buchorn (Douglas) of Houston, Texas; his nephews, David Angulo, Richard Angulo, and Steve Angulo (Sandy); his niece, Laura Terrell (Ed); several great-nieces and nephews; many other friends, and his dear friend, Joseph Wider of Columbia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Doctors Without Borders (www.doctorswithoutborders.org).

Stuart McIntyre ('59), 74, died on Sunday March 18, 2012 at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland, Ms. Mr. McIntyre was born March 22, 1937. Stuart grew up in Jackson and graduated from Central High School in 1955. He attended Millsaps College, served in the Navy and continued his education at Ole Miss in Pharmacy. He worked at several drug stores in the area and retired from the VA Medical Center. He is survived by his brother Lamar Calvert MacIntyre, his nieces Trish, lee, and Jamie, and many other cousins. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be sent to: Animal Rescue League, 5221 Greenway Dr. Jackson, Ms. 39204, Mind Study at University Medical Center, 2500 North State St. Jackson, Ms. 39216 or Hospice Ministries, 450 Town Center Blvd, Ridgeland, Ms. 39257.

Thad Morris Amacker, Jr. ('69) passed away on Monday, March 19th, 2012 at Baptist Medical Center in Jackson after a brief illness. A family memorial service will be held at a later date. Thad was born on July 25, 1945 in Akron, OH. He was raised in Shelby, MS and later in Jackson, MS where he graduated from Murrah High School in 1963. He attended Southwestern at Memphis (Rhodes College) and graduated from Millsaps College in 1969. Thad will be remembered as a loving husband and father with a passion for art, literature, and humor. He is survived by his wife, Alice Holder Amacker, his three children, Petrina Amacker, Ariana Amacker, and Drew Amacker, his mother Mary Helon Roberts, and sister Carol Coursey. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders, P.O. Box 5030 Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030.

Bethany Byrd Lambdin Overton ('59) 74, of Natchez, MS died Monday March 5, 2012 at Natchez Regional Medical Center. Bethany was born August 8, 1937 in Vicksburg, the daughter of Knollis Edward and Bessie Laura Misterfeldt Byrd. She was raised at the Misterfeldt Home in Richland, MS. She later moved to Jackson, MS and lived with her mother Bess Misterfeldt Bailey and her stepfather Sam Bailey. Bethany attended Central High School in Jackson and graduated from Gulf Park College with a high school diploma, attended Millsaps College where she was active in her sorority, Chi Omega. She graduated from the University of Mississippi with a BS and BA degrees in 1959.

Following graduation, she took a good job as the Home Economist for Mississippi Power and Light Co., marking time before going to New York to study interior design. She was swept off her feet by Waldo Putnam Lambdin, who she married in 1960. During the happy 22 married years, Bethany and Waldo had 3 daughters, who are the world's finest mothers, Mary Bisland Lambdin of Madison MS, Laura Lambdin Burns, and Selah Henderson Lambdin Willard of Natchez, MS. She has two wonderful son-in-laws Paul A. Burns and R. James Willard who were her pride and joy.

She was a devoted grandmother to Clifton Steele Partridge, her first young traveling companion; Bethany Bisland Partridge, her beautiful traveler; Peter T. Burns, her English map reader; Harrison Lambdin Burns, her red-headed charismatic heart; Catherine Cameron Willard, her bright shining star; and Sarah Bethany Willard, another name sake with a sparkling personality and loving disposition.

In 1986, she married James William Overton, the love of her life, who won her heart, thus giving her years of love, happiness, fun, companionship and a life full of delightful surprises. He added to her life, Deborah Overton Vollmer, a special step-daughter and her husband Kris E. Vollmer of Biloxi, MS and her wonderful children, Sherrie Thomson, the brightest and the beautiful; Shaun Thomson, the tall and the handsome; and Alexandra Vestal, the blue-eyed delight.

In her adult life her career choices were wife, mother, teacher, flower arranger, home economist, museum house curator, researcher, author, lecturer, tree farmer, sheep herder, Farmer of the year (1984), interior designer, corporate executive (real estate and oil), "golfer." Gardener, non-profit volunteer, restoration consultant- one of her most extensive projects was the preservation of King's Tavern in early 1970s. Bethany was the acknowledge expert on Profilet silver. She received a National Endowment of the Arts grant, Trustee of the National Trust for historic Preservation, Director and Board member of B. & K. Bank, Director and Officer of the Pilgrimage Garden Club and Garden Club of America. Being a wife and a mother gave her the most satisfaction.

Survived by: her husband James "Jim" Overton, her three daughters: Mary Lambdin and fiancé George Dennis, Laura Burns and her husband Paul; Selah Willard and her husband Jim. Step-daughter Deborah Overton Vollmer and husband Kris E. Vollmer. Grandchildren: Clifton Steele Partridge, Bethany Bisland Partridge, Peter T. Burns, Harrison Lambdin Burns, Catherine Cameron "Cami" Willard and Sarah Bethany Willard, Sherrie Thomson, Shaun Thomson, and Alexandra Vestal.

Other survivors are brother, K. Edward Byrd, her hero and his wife Stella of New Albany, MS and her beloved sister, Thelma Bailey Akers Crum, her husband Jim Crum of West Point, MS. Numerous nieces and nephews, relatives and friends who were all loved dearly.

Pallbearers will be: Steele Partridge, Harrison Burns, Peter T. Burns, Shaun Thomson, Wheeler Parker, Harry Lambdin, Karl Byrd, and Lester Spell.

Honorary pallbearers are all friends, men and women, unable to serve but who loved and respected Bethany for her love of honesty and integrity, her willingness to return true friendship with true friendship and her deep desire to keep the best of the world safe and unspoiled, ranging from ecology to politics, from life to death from the least known to the most treasured.

Please note that this obituary was written by Bethany which shows her desire to be always prepared.

Charities of choice are Trinity Episcopal Church, Cathedral High School, MS Children's Museum.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lairdfh.com.

John Bown ('75) of Billings, MT died on the morning of February 23, 2012. Bown was born June 26, 1953 in Corvallis, OR. As a child he lived with his family in Oregon, Hawaii, and Mississippi. He graduated from Millsaps College in Jackson, MS in 1975 and earned a Master's of Science in Geology from the University of Missouri at Rolla (Missouri School of Mines) in 1977. Bown began his career with the Federal Government in China Lake, CA working on geothermal exploration for the US Navy. He was a career geologist of over thirty years with the Bureau of Land Management working in Montana, North Dakota, and Washington, DC. He was instrumental in creating and implementing the National Environmental Policy Act. Bown greatly respected and enjoyed working with the tribes of the Great Plains Region. Bown loved his work and took pleasure from the many people he worked with.

Bown leaves his parents (Al and Maxine Bown of Portland, OR), one brother and sister-in-law (Tom and Beth Bown of Portland, OR), one sister and brother-in-law (Cathy and Leonard Thomas of Jackson, MS), three nephews (Chris and Cheryll Thomas of Norcross, GA; Brian and Sumati Thomas of Jackson, MS; Father Scott Thomas of Madison, MS), one great-niece (Isabella Thomas of Norcross, GA), and one great-nephew (Zachary Thomas of Norcross, GA). He also leaves the many dear friends he made throughout his career.

Friends wishing to remember John may make a donation in his name to Fisher House Foundation, 111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420, Rockville, MD 20850-5168 or www.fisherhouse.org. Fisher House provides housing for families of military personnel at VA hospitals around the country.

Annie (Ann) Ruth Cook ('49) departed this world on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012, at her home after a lengthily illness due to a stroke. She was surrounded by her family.

She was born on July 8, 1928, in Hattiesburg, to Hattie Helen and Walter Dewitt Callahan. She grew up in Jackson, where she graduated from Central High School and graduated magna cum laude from Millsaps College at the age of 19. In her teens, she was a gifted musician and gave piano concerts and accordion concerts. After her marriage to Edsel Cook, she moved to Meridian. She was a public school teacher and Sunday school teacher at Poplar Springs Methodist Church, where she was a member for 50 plus years.

Mrs. Cook was the owner of the A&I Antiques/Interiors. She was a member of the Phi Mu Sorority, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Junior League. She will be remembered for her devotion to her family and friends, her great style, beauty, artistic talents, bright blue eyes and sweet smile.

Survivors include her daughter, Rebecca Ann Cook; son, Walter Edsel Cook (Debbie) of Meridian; son, Woodrow Edsel Cook (Gena) of Houston, Texas; granddaughters: Katherine Rae Cook of Lafayette, La., Anne Brighton Cook and Kathryn Rebecca Cook of Houston, Texas; one sister, Helen Sue Steele (Archie) of Banning, Calif.; and, several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Woodrow Edsel Cook; her parents; maternal grandparents, Oliver and Suzy McGowan Phillips of Flora; and, paternal grandparents, Joseph and Annie Laura Grandberry Callahan of Columbia.

Dr. Roy Alfred Berry, Jr, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry, was born on December 11, 1933 in New Hebron, Mississippi to Roy Alfred Berry and Fannie Belle Newsom and passed away March 3, 2012 in Carmichael, California after a long battle with Dementia.

He graduated from New Hebron High School, Mississippi College and received his PhD from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill on June 4, 1962. He was a Chemistry Professor at Millsaps College, Jackson, Mississippi from 1963-1999, and lived in New Hebron, Mississippi from 1999-2008.

He is survived by his wife Marian Jean Berry of Carmichael, California, his son and daughter in law, Dr. Roy and Traci Berry of Sacramento, California, his son and daughter in law, Jefferson Hord Berry and Dr. Peggy Elam of Nashville, Tennessee, his three grandsons, Calvin, Mark and George Berry of Sacramento, California, his step grand children, Mari and Trent Tateyama of Sacramento, California and his honorary children, Dr Andrew Wynn and Robert Bloodworth.

Al spent most of his free time at "The Place," his land at New Hebron, where he hunted and raised beagles. He survived many adventures, hunting and otherwise, with his best friend, Bill Orr, and most of their stories appear to be true.

His other hobby was serving on committees. He has served as Chairman of the Millsaps Chemistry Department, Spring Break Chaperone for Kappa Sigma, Assistant Scout Master of Troop 23, President of the New Hebron Cemetery, Treasurer of the New Hebron Baptist Church, Sunday School teacher, member of Price's Creek Hunting Club, the Tri-County Hunting Club, the Jackson Civitan Club, and as a New Hebron City Alderman.

A Graveside Service will be at 10 am, March 17, 2012 at the New Hebron Cemetery and a memorial service will be held Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 11:00am at the New Hebron Baptist Church, New Hebron, Mississippi.

Memorials may be made to the Allen Bishop, Gene Cain and Al Berry Scholarship at Millsaps College, 1701 North State Street, Jackson, Mississippi 39210-0001 or the New Hebron Baptist Church Building Fund.

Lee L. Railsback ('48), age 89, went to be with His Heavenly Father on Wednesday, February 15, 2012, after an extended period of declining health. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, February 18, 2012. Visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00a.m. preceding the funeral at 11:00 a.m.

A native of McComb, MS, he had lived in Jackson for 64 years. He spent the last 4 ½ years of his life living in Raymond, MS.

He was a member of Raymond Road Baptist Church where he participated in all the activities that his health would allow.

He graduated from McComb High School in 1940, then attended Southwest Junior College from 1940-1942. He spent the following three years in the South Pacific in the Army Air Forces as a Staff Sergeant. Following his service in the military, he attended Millsaps College majoring in history and graduating with honors. He then began a career in freight sales and retired at 62 years of age.

He was an avid reader until macular degeneration robbed him of his favorite past time. His knowledge of the Bible was extraordinary, and he led his life as a humble follower of Jesus Christ. His telephone ministry to friends and church members were a blessing to all recipients. He never met a stranger and always placed others ahead of himself.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Maude and Lee Railsback, Sr., and brother William Perry Railsback, all of McComb, MS.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Maudell, of 59 years. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on April 19, 2012. His daughters, Denise Nix (Joel) of Raymond, MS and Lisa Campbell (Fon) of Brandon, MS, and a sister-in-law, Faye Railsback of McComb, MS. The light of his life were his grandchildren, Tiffany Stevens (Rob) of Clinton, MS, Hayes Nix (Melissa) of Flowood, MS, and Ashley Campbell of Birmingham, AL, and Meaghan Campbell of Brandon, MS.

On February 17, 2012, Thomas Riddell Mullins ('62), a Greenville, Mississippi native, went to be with the Lord at the age of 72 in his home in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. Tom graduated from Macon (Mississippi) High School in 1958, Millsaps College in 1962, and Vanderbilt University with a Master's Degree in Physics in 1964. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Order, social fraternity and Omicron Delta Kappa, leadership fraternity.

In September 1964, Tom accepted a job with the IBM Corporation in Birmingham, Alabama, and worked for IBM for 42 years as a Systems Engineer. He was an elder and Sunday school teacher of Liberty Church in Birmingham for over 30 years, and was very passionate about teaching. He was an author of a Christian book named The King's Heart. He had a heart for the ministry at Wellspring for Women.

Tom was also known for his home engineering projects. He enjoyed singing in the choir, playing golf, and spending time with his grandchildren. The family wants to thank Hope Hospice for their services during this difficult time. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, William S. Mullins, Jr. and Maurine Riddell Mullins; the mother of his children, Martha Moyer Mullins; and his brother-in-law, Richard Drew Blackwell. Survivors include Tom's wife, Carol Erwin Mullins; his children and their families, Kathleen Tenner (Jeff), Thomas R. Mullins, Jr. (Hayley), and Diane Rigdon (Eric); Tom's brother, William S. Mullins, III (Barbara Helen); sisters, Mabel M. Greene (Doug) and Martha M. Blackwell; sister-in-law, Mary Moyer Yancey (Alton); brothers-in-law, Robert and James Moyer; and grandchildren, Zoe Tenner, Cole Tenner, Elise Mullins, Arden Mullins, Nathan Rigdon, and Caleb Rigdon.

Memorial gifts may be made to Liberty Church in memory of Tom Mullins and for the Wellspring for Women ministry. Please mail gifts to Liberty Church, 2732 Old Rocky Ridge Road, Birmingham, AL 35216.

Jeffrey E. Newman ('65) died quietly January 22nd at home in a room filled with love. With him were his beloved, Cheryl; his daughter, Holly; his first cousin, Ruth E; and his former wife, Mardi. They sat by his side, holding his hands. Jeff was a mountain of a man. He was generous, gentle, caring, and kind; a great seeker of adventure; and a lover of nature, especially the mountains.

With his family and friends, he went on regular trips to ski, snowshoe, climb mountains, forage for chanterelles, dig for razor clams, and always catch the most trout in mountain lakes. Whether in the Northwest or travelling worldwide, he always found a mountain to climb. His philosophy for life was 'When in doubt, go higher.' It was the nature and mountains that drew Jeff to the Northwest, but his roots are in Mississippi. He graduated from McComb High School in McComb, Miss. in 1961.

Jeff began working summers in Yellowstone National Park the summer between high school and college; it was his introduction to the Northwest. He went on to graduate from Millsaps College (1965), University of Mississippi Medical School in Jackson (1969), and an internship in Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas in 1970. Then, on a week visit to Seattle in 1970, he caught his limit of trout and salmon and summited Mount Rainier. He stayed.

Jeff brought his easy-going demeanor and family recipes for gumbo and sweet tea to Seattle. Here, he worked as a family practice physician at Group Health, where he nurtured his patients for forty years. Jeff wrote of his philosophy of care, 'My goal is to provide informed, realistic and practical medical care for diverse groups of people. I respect an individual's personal opinions and perspectives regarding healthcare.' He was admired and treasured by both his patients and coworkers for his compassionate nature and willingness always to listen.

Jeff became a father in 1977 with the birth of his daughter, Holly. She has always brought him immeasurable joy. He shared with her his love of the outdoors and sense of adventure, and taught her never to let the turkeys get her down. This summer, Jeff had the honor to walk Holly down the aisle and see her marry the love of her life. Holly is her father's daughter: with her own quiet strength and warm heart. Jeff was preceded in death by his father 'Big John' Newman, and his grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Haley Newman and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Burris, all from Mississippi. He is survived by his daughter Holly Kleiman (David & children); his mother Nellie Jean Newman; brother Michael Newman; nieces Nina (Joseph & son Clay) Savoie, and Megan Newman; nephew Hunter Newman; first cousin Ruth E Lenoir; cousins Lola Easley and Andre Wall; former wife Mardi Newman; and the love of his life, Cheryl Jean Smith.

Gloria Walton Singletary ('48), wife of the late Dr. Otis A. Singletary, 8th President of the University of Kentucky, passed away on Feb 10, 2012 after a brief illness. Born in Lanett, AL on Aug 6, 1923, she was the eldest child of Irma and Robert Walton. Gloria grew up a Methodist minister's daughter on the southern gulf coast of Mississippi and attended Perkinston Junior College where, in 1940, she met her future husband. She and Otis were married on D Day, June 6th, 1944 in Moss Point, Mississippi in her father's church.

Both were active members in the United States Navy at that time. In 1948 she graduated from Millsaps College in Jackson, MS with a bachelor's degree in history. Prior to arriving in Lexington in the summer of 1969, Gloria and Otis enjoyed the numerous and varied locales to which his academic path and pursuits led them, including Staten Island, NY; Princeton, NJ; Baton Rouge, LA; Austin, TX; and Greensboro, NC.

Warm and enduring bonds were formed during those early years with a number of very special friends, including Charles and Allie Lee Roland, Sonny and Virginia Wallace, and Ansel and Marty Braseth. From 1969 until 1987, Gloria served as the First Lady of the University of Kentucky, a role that she cherished and for which she was imminently suited.

During her tenure as First Lady, she was a staunch and active supporter of all things UK and a tireless campus volunteer -- whether delivering chicken salad sandwiches to students camped out in the cold waiting in line for basketball tickets or delivering mail to patients at the Chandler Medical Center, she was a cheerful and warm presence wherever she appeared. Her efforts in the community beyond the campus were equally expansive, and she contributed her time and support to numerous and varied organizations and causes, including The American Red Cross, Baby Health Service, Central Kentucky Blood Bank, Hospital Children's Fund, International Book Project, Junior Achievement, Kentucky Arts and Crafts Foundation, Kentucky Citizens For the Arts, Kentucky Commission on Women, Lexington Child Abuse Council, Lexington Fund For the Arts, Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra, YWCA, Lexington Philharmonic Society, and United Way of the Bluegrass. Her greatest passion was the arts, and her love for and commitment to The Living Arts and Science Center, in particular, was constant and abiding for over 40 years. The Gloria W. Singletary Gallery, located in the Center, was created in recognition of her many contributions - from fund raising to raking leaves to painting walls, she cheerfully did whatever was necessary to keep the Center growing and thriving. Gloria's poise, grace, charm and genuine warmth will be greatly missed and long remembered by all who knew her.

She is survived by her children, Bonnie Singletary Robertson, Robert Scot (Donna) Singletary, Kendall Singletary (Max) Barret; four grandchildren, Jill Robertson Stokes, David Robertson, Jeffrey Robertson, and Addison Singletary Barret; five great-grandchildren Jordan Stokes, Katie Robertson, Riley Robertson, Andrew Robertson, and Noelle Robertson; her sister, Barbara Walton (P.K.) Marbut, her brother, Robert L. (Alice) Walton and many, many dear friends. Her family wishes to extend their thanks to Ida Byrd, Rachel Williams, Wanda Brown, Aldene Underwood and Susan Perez for their patient, gentle and loving care. Most of all, our heartfelt thanks to her devoted and loving caregiver and dear friend Rena Arnold, who filled her last years with laughter and love. Visitation will be on Mon from 5-8pm at Milward-Broadway, and a private burial service will be held at the Lexington Cemetery on Tue. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to The Lexington Living Arts and Science Center, Lexington, KY.

Born June 10, 1930, William Holmes Holland Jr. (Bill) ('52), died January 23, 2012 at his home in Bastrop, TX. Dr. Holland was born in Rosedale, MS, grew up in Vicksburg, MS graduating from Carr Central High School in 1948. He earned a BA in English from Millsaps College where he was a member of ODK Leadership Fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha social fraternity, served as editor of "Stylus" literary magazine and the yearbook. He also wrote for the school paper and participated in theatre. He enlisted in the army during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany where he used his word skills as a code breaker. He served with the Happy Hundred and was honorably discharged.

He received a Master's Degree from the University of Mississippi and his Doctorate in English from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Dr. Holland taught at several schools before settling at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN where he taught until retiring in 1993. While at MTSU he initiated and was the first Chair of the Honor's Department and was selected outstanding Honor's teacher. Dr. Holland was instrumental in creating the Community Theater where he acted, directed, constructed and even cleaned up once in a while.

Dr. Holland was a published poet and his writings enjoyed critical acclaim from the many writer's organizations in which he was active. He and his wife, Anne Sisson Holmes Holland , moved to Bastrop, TX in 1996 where he continued to write, edit and participate in various writer's guilds; to travel widely; to hunt for gemstones and crystals; and strive to garden in the arid Texas sand.

Dr. Holland was preceded in death by his parents, William H. Holland, Sr. and Mary Wilcox Holland, and a son, William H. Holland III. He is survived by his wife, Anne S. Holland of Bastrop, TX; a son, James E. Holland (Anna)of Walls, MS; daughters Mary T. Hatcliff (Pat)of Murfreesboro, TN; Carolyne Raney (Eric) of Louisville, KY; D'Arcy H. Simpson (Chuck) of Murfreesboro, TN; daughter-in-law Patricia K. Holland of Murfreesboro, TN, step-son, W. M. (Matt) Holmes (Donna); sister, Shirley H. Carley (C.T.) of Starkville, MS; 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Charles Durr Hudspeth ('51), age 82, of Jackson, MS, died February 10, 2012 in Jackson. Mr. Hudspeth grew up in Jackson, Mississippi and graduated from Central High School and attended Millsaps College where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order Fraternity.

He was in the textile business for most of his life, owning businesses in Rolling Fork and Vicksburg, Mississippi. He served as a board member of Merchants Bank in Vicksburg for 20 years and he was a member of the Rolling Fork Rotary Club. He was president of the Mississippi Orchid Society and growing orchids was one of his many hobbies. He also enjoyed traveling and fishing.

Mr. Hudspeth was preceded in death by his parents Charles Seth Hudspeth and Mary Durr Hudspeth. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Laura Ceil Allen Hudspeth; a daughter, Melissa Hudspeth Applewhite (Ron) of Flowood, Mississippi; a son, Charles Allen Hudspeth (Sheila) of Vicksburg, Mississippi; grandsons, Brad Applewhite of Madison, Mississippi, Breland Applewhite of Jackson, Mississippi, Seth Hudspeth of Scottsdale, Arizona; and granddaughter, Laura Hudspeth of Birmingham, Alabama. He is also survived by a sister, Carolyn Hudspeth Gaby of Jackson, Mississippi.

Harry Julian Hendrick ('37), age 97, died at home in Jackson, Mississippi, on Sunday, January 8, 2012. He passed away in his sleep.

Born July 23, 1914, in Lena, Mississippi, he moved to Jackson during the Great Depression and worked as a partner at the Graduate Supply House until his retirement at age 75. He graduated from Millsaps College in 1937. He served in the U.S. Air Force in World War II and earned battle stars in all seven European theaters of battle. Julian helped to start several successful businesses in Jackson and served on the board of directors of many companies. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed a good round of golf.

Survivors include his wife of 73 years, Clotilde Hale Hendrick, his daughter, Julie Ann Hendrick, of Seattle, Washington, and his son, Lee Walter Hendrick, of Knoxville, Tennessee. Julian was preceded in death by his son, Harry Roger Hendrick, and all of his siblings, most recently his sister, Frances Hendrick Dix, of Madison, Mississippi, and his brother, Dr. James (Jim) Gilbert Hendrick, of Jackson, Mississippi. He is also survived by five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Memorial contributions are welcome and should be mailed to the French Camp Academy, One Fine Place, French Camp, MS 39745.

James Wallace "Wally" Ridgway ('50), 83, of Little Rock, formerly of Pine Bluff, died Friday, January 6, 2012 in Little Rock.

He was born May 29, 1928 in New York, New York, son of Dr. James Edgar and Dorothy Brarmann Ridgway. Mr. Ridgway was reared and received his early education in New York City, graduating from the Barnard School for Boys in 1945. He earned his Bachelors Degree in Biology from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi and Masters in Entomology from University of Mississippi.

He served in the United States Navy for 22 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander. Lieutenant Commander Ridgway was past president of the Southeast Arkansas Chapter of The Retired Officers Association (TROA), now known as MOAA.

Mr. Ridgway worked as a sales representative for Parke-Davis Pharmaceuticals for 35 years, retiring June 1, 1990.

He was a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where he sang in the choir for 30 years and served as a Deacon. Mr. Ridgway loved fishing and golfing. Mr. Ridgway moved to Parkway Village in Little Rock in 2006.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Langston Ridgway, whom he married June 1, 1952 in Tupelo, Mississippi; his parents; and brother, Emerson Ridgway.
Survivors include his daughter, Suzanne (Jim) Sullivan of Little Rock; three sons, Wally (Elaine) Ridgway, Jr. of Auburn, Alabama, Judson Langston (Sheila) Ridgway of Lexington, Kentucky and John (Rhonda) Ridgway of Little Rock; eight grandchildren, Neil (Audrey) Sullivan, Nathan (Kristin) Sullivan, Spenser Ridgway, Laura Ashley Ridgway, Jackson Ridgway, Annelise Ridgway, Langston Ridgway and Whitley Ridgway; and three great-grandchildren, Brayden, Abby and Lane Sullivan.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 6501 S. Hazel, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603; or Parkway Village, 14300 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211.

Jesse L. "Bud" Wofford ('43), MD, born in Drew, Mississippi, June 8th 1922, died in his home on January 26, 2012. In his 89th year he joined his parents, Effie Susan Wofford and George W. Wofford who preceded him in death. His siblings, preceding him to their reward, were Mary Alice Gallaspy, George Conger Wofford, William Clyde Wofford, and Emily Suzanne Wofford. Dr. "Bud" and his surviving brother, Dr John David Wofford, were both graduates of Millsaps College, Jackson, MS, earned their Doctorate of Medicine from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, PA and were members of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. Bud married Mary Sue Ridgway in 1952 and his brother, John married Elizabeth Ridgway, Mary's sister.

In 1944 Bud joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. He served his county as a Captain and pilot on a B-17 Bomber in the 100th Bomber group in combat over Europe. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal of the 8th Air Force. Dr. "Bud" completed his surgical training at Charity Hospital and the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He practiced thoracic surgery in Jackson and was on the medical staff of multiple Jackson area hospitals and at the University of Mississippi Medical Center since 1955.

His passion for medical education was evident to the many medical students, residents, nurses, respiratory therapists, and thoracic surgery fellows that he trained. Bud and Mary established the Medical Scholars Travel Award at the University to support students of medicine in their pursuit of education and an international medicine. They established the Marion Davis Ridgway and Elise Davis Scholarship for Belhaven University students pursuing medical careers.

Bud was a member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church. He sang with great joy in the choir and taught Sunday school for over 40 years. Dr. "Bud" was one of the four men of vision who worked for the development of the Methodist Rehabilitation Center located in Jackson Mississippi. He served as a "Life Board Member" of the MRC. He and Mary established the Walter Stevens Ridgway Award in the Mississippi United Methodist Foundation to provide funding for Methodist Clergy to explore the origin of the Christian Creeds.

Bud and Mary were blessed with 4 children: James L. Wofford, MD (Marcia and children Claire, Madalyn, and Luke), Marion Wofford Hester MD (Robert and children Jacob and Jordan), Richard Scott Wofford (Linda and children Scott, Kate, Julie) and Edward Ridgway Wofford (Marianne and children Ruthie and Mary Davis). Bud would like to be remembered as a teacher and clinician. En lieu of flowers please make donations to St Luke's United Methodist Church, 621 Duling Ave., Jackson, MS 39216 or the Methodist Rehabilitation Center, 1350 East Woodrow Wilson, Jackson, Mississippi 39216.

Jon Belton "Buddy" Walters ('61), born November 17, 1939 in Simpson County Mississippi, passed away Monday December 26th, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jon was preceded in death by his parents Summer Lewis Walters Sr, Estelle Styron Walters, and older brother Reverend Summer Lewis Walters Jr.

Reverend Walters attended Forest Hill Mississippi schools, Bailey Junior High School and Murrah High School in Jackson, Mississippi. A classically trained, educated, and talented musician, he held two masters degrees. Reverend Walters attended Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, Indiana University School of Music in Bloomington, Indiana, and Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana.

A retired United Methodist Church elder, Reverend Walters served forty years in the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church with pastorates in Bloomington, Freedom, Oakland City, and Indianapolis. Reverend Walters served as Executive Director of the Indiana Interreligious Commission on Human Equality. At North United Methodist Church he served as minister of Community Ministries and volunteered as baritone soloist in the professional quartet. He served as pastor in the Alaska Missionary Conference in Kenai Alaska. Reverend Walters returned to his home state of Mississippi where he served as executive director and pastor of the United Methodist Mississippi Choctaw Mission in Philadelphia. A lifelong humanitarian, his passion was world hunger, and his calling within the church was missions.

Jon, beloved husband of fifty years to Mary Glynn Lott, of Kilmichael, Mississippi, will be missed by their children, Allyson, Summer, Jay, spouses Philippe and Ellen, and adored grandchildren, Emily, Marc, Townsend, Jackson, Aidan, Sean, and Glynna. Jon is survived by countless cherished friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: United Methodist Women of Mississippi, Treasurer, 100 Overlook Drive, Brandon, MS, 39042.

Ruth Webster Kromer ('62), 71, died on January 1, 2012, at Memorial Mission Hospital of respiratory failure.

Having grown up in Arkansas and Mississippi, Ruth lived in Asheville since 1980. She was the daughter of the late Burton S. and Marjorie S. Webster.

Ruth attended Millsaps College, Jackson, MS, completing coursework in early childhood education. She concluded her career in education with Buncombe County schools, serving Black Mountain Primary and Sand Hill - Venable Elementary schools for 21 years as a teacher assistant until her retirement in 2001.

Gracious and nurturing, she was an avid cook and loved needlework, using the latter to support Project Linus, producing blankets for charity. She was a member of Groce United Methodist Church; served in various capacities in its ministry, and cherished her involvement with her church family.

Ruth is survived by her husband, L. Phillip Kromer of Asheville; sons Roger Kromer and his partner Joe Moore of Arlington, VA and Allen Kromer, and his wife Kim Yurkovich, and grandchildren Eli Kromer and Lily Kromer, all of Asheville; as well as brothers, Sheldon Webster and family of Birmingham, AL, and Stuart Webster and family of Vicksburg, MS.

Donations may be made in her name to the American Lung Association, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 800, Washington, DC 20004 or to Groce UMC, 954 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC 28805.

The Rev. Canon Fredrick Judson Bush ('39), 94, of Bradenton, Florida passed away after a period of declining health on the 1st Sunday of Epiphany.

Father Bush was born in Weiser, Idaho and lived in Oregon, Montana, Alaska, and Michigan, before settling in Brookhaven at the age of eight, where his father, H.E. Bush, became vicar of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer. Anne Matthews, the current rector, is the niece of Father Bush and granddaughter of H.E. Bush.

Father Bush received his AA from Whitworth College in 1937 and his BA from Millsaps in 1939. During the next eight years, he taught high school, married Sarah Elizabeth White, and got drafted into the Army. After his discharge, he received his Calling to the ministry and enrolled in seminary at the University of the South in Sewanee. Father Bush was ordained as a Deacon in 1949 and as a Priest in 1950. He served Chapel of the Cross, Rolling Fork; St. Paul's, Hollandale; and St. James' and St. Phillip's in Jackson. In 1965, he was appointed Canon to the Ordinary from which he retired in 1984. At the time of his death, he was the senior Presbyter in the Diocese of Mississippi, having been a priest for over 62 years. Father Bush was the son of a priest and uncle of a priest and was instrumental in helping others hear the voice of God to join the ministry.

He is preceded in death by his father, the Reverend Homer Ellis Bush, mother Sada Knapp Bush, brother Robert Orlo Bush and sister Mary Ellen Matthews, and his first wife Sarah. Father Bush is survived by his wife, the former Margaret Taylor Arnold, and his son, Robert, of Cary, NC, daughter-in-law Diane, grandchildren Kaitlyn and Ian; step-children Cookie Pickard, Kingsport, TN, Charles Arnold, St. Petersburg, FL, Bill Arnold, Chicago, Peggy Caldwell, Panama City, FL, and Ellen Sessions, Bradenton, FL. He leaves six step-grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

In memory of Father Bush, the family requests donations to the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi or the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation in Holmes Beach, FL.

Francis Fulton Jacobs ('65) 68, of Brandon, FL entered the Church Triumphant Friday, Jan. 20, 2012. Preceded in death by parents, Edna and T. O. Fulton; brother, Harold, also preceded her in death. Survivors: husband, Jim Jacobs, of 41 years; brother, Skip Fulton (Joyce); daughters, Edna Kate Jacobs, Celia Jacobs Shore (Patrick); nieces and nephews.

Francis graduated from Clarksdale High School and earned the BA Degree in English from Millsaps College in Jackson, MS. She studied at Emory's Candler School of Theology in Atlanta. She taught English at Pass Christian High School in Pass Christian, MS and Wheeler High School in Marietta, GA. She taught English and religion at Immanuel Lutheran School in Brandon, FL.

Francis was an active member of Saint Andrew's UMC in Brandon, FL serving in many positions, including annual conference delegate; Stephen minister; lay leader; confirmation teacher; and facilitator of the River of Life cluster of Brandon-area United Methodist churches. Francis shared her deep love for God and His word with the Susanna (29 years) and Wesley (12 years) Sunday school classes and a Thursday morning Bible study (21 years).

Memorials may be made to Saint Andrew's UMC. www.stowersfh.com.

Dr. A. Wallace Conerly ('57), hailed as an "icon in medicine in Mississippi," died Tuesday at a University of Mississippi Medical Center hospital that bears his name. He was 76.

Conerly, vice chancellor of health affairs at UMC from 1994-2003, had been admitted for complications related to Parkinson's Disease at the Wallace Conerly Critical Care Hospital. Then-Gov. Ronnie Musgrove declared March 19, 2003, "Wally Conerly Day in Mississippi." The Mississippi House and Senate each held a special ceremony, adopting a resolution in his honor. Six years later, then-Gov. Haley Barbour honored Conerly with a Medal of Service for his achievements. State Rep. Steve Holland, D-Plantersville, said his first cousin, "Doc" Conerly, was "like a second father to me. ... He was an absolute icon in medicine in Mississippi." Conerly had a "rare blend of courage, character, vision and ability that made him one in a great line of country doctors that have run UMC," he said. "It was time for him to cross over, but we're going to miss the hell out of him." Conerly possessed "an incredible, indomitable spirit," he said.

He would disarm others with his country charm, but "he knew every centimeter of copper when it came to appropriations," Holland said. "He could quote the exact value of UMC, including the employees by name." Outside of UMC, he proved just as affable, he said. "He was just a fabulous friend, and I'm so totally diminished at his passing."

A native of Tylertown, Conerly graduated in 1957 from Millsaps College with honors. Three years later, he earned his medical degree from Tulane University Medical School. After an internship in South Carolina, he served for six years in the Air Force, working as director of aerospace medicine at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia and of base medical services at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma.

In 1966, he returned to Mississippi, where he practiced general medicine before pursuing specialty training and a career in academic medicine. After going to Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans on a cardiology fellowship, he returned to Mississippi in 1971 and worked at UMC as a resident in internal medicine. From 1972 until 1974, he worked as the Mississippi Lung Association Fellow in Pulmonary Diseases. Starting on the UMC faculty in 1973, he served in a variety of administration positions.

When the facility started the largest expansion project, then-UMC leader Dr. Norman C. Nelson asked Conerly to oversee the building. When Nelson retired in 1994, Conerly was appointed to take his place. Dr. James Keeton, vice chancellor for health affairs, said Conerly will be remembered as a legend. "He put us onto the path of the 21st century when you consider the facilities we have now and our accomplishments in education, research, and health care in this state," he said in a news release.

Keeton said he is grateful to Conerly on a personal level, as well. "He was a personal mentor and adviser of mine, which I greatly appreciated," Keeton said in the news release. Former State Health Officer Dr. Alton Cobb, who worked with Conerly, said the physician "brought a whole new vision to the medical center," which included the expansion of off-campus services. "He was a dear friend of mine when I had difficulties with Board of Health," Cobb said. "He was always steady and faithful and fair. He was a very fine person."

Conerly won awards far beyond the borders of Mississippi. In 2002, the American College of Chest Physicians recognized Conerly's pivotal role in the creation of the Jackson Medical Mall with its Governor's Award for Community Service. He became the first Mississippian to serve on the Board of Regents of the National Library of Medicine.

Survivors include: his wife, Frances, of Terry, and two sons, Al and Charlie, and his grandchildren.

Elizabeth Cobb (Betty) Hollingsworth ('40) died Saturday September 24, 2011 in Williamsburg, Virginia from complications of a stroke. She was born in Rienzi, Mississippi on September 25, 1918, the daughter of the late Emmett Charles Cobb and Georgia Maybelle Yeager. Mrs. Hollingsworth lived most of her life in Jackson, Mississippi.

She earned a BA Degree from Millsaps College and two Masters Degrees from Mississippi College. A dedicated educator, she began her career in the Jackson Public Schools teaching second grade at McWillie Elementary School. Later she moved into administration serving as principal of George and finally of Boyd Elementary Schools. She was known for her innovative methodology and gained national recognition for pioneering the use of computers in the elementary curriculum at Boyd School. After retiring from the Jackson Public School System in 1983 she served for several years as the residence hall director for Goodman House at Millsaps College.

She was preceded in death by her brother Emmett Charles (E. C.) Cobb, Jr. and a son, William Charles (Bill) Hollingsworth. She is survived by a son, George Allen Hollingsworth III of Williamsburg, Virginia and two granddaughters Elizabeth Rivers (Beth) Rogers of Gulfport and Virginia Caroline Hollingsworth of Jackson.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Stewpot Community Services, 1100 West Capitol Street, Jackson, Mississippi 39203

Walter McLaurin Jones, ('80) 53, went to be with the Lord, Monday, December 19, 2011. He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Jennifer and his cherished children, Addie Grace and McLaurin. Walter is also survived by his mother, Lyndall Jones; sister, Lyndall Snyder (Gary), and brother, Berry Jones; nieces, and nephews: Heather Webb, Hunter Jones, Sidney Snyder and Elizabeth Snyder. He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Sidney D. Jones, Jr.

Walter was a lifelong Memphian, having graduated from PDS, MUS and then with a B.S. in Chemistry from Millsaps College in 1980. Walter started his career after college in the medical and pharmaceutical sales field working for various companies culminating with his last position as Director, National Accounts, for Baxter Healthcare Corporation.

He and his family were long time active members of Christ United Methodist Church. He and Jennifer have been actively involved in the Cornerstone Sunday School class, in which Walter served as past president. Over the course of the years at Christ United Methodist Church, he served in various capacities. One of the defining moments in Walt's spiritual journey came when he became a member of the Emmaus community where he served on various teams. Walter was known for his deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ and his church family was an integral part of his life. Walter was an avid supporter and volunteer for Service Over Self (SOS). He was known throughout the Memphis area competitive boys basketball community and he continued to serve as his son's coach even after he became ill. Affirmation and acknowledgement of his significance in the competitive basketball community was shown on December 18, 2011 when he became the fourth recipient of the Nolan Wilson Award.

In addition to his many church and family activities and commitments, Walter loved traveling, all types of sports and the outdoors. Many hours were spent with friends sharing his love of bass fishing.

Walter will be remembered for many things, but one of the most important things is the great witness he was of his constant faith even in the most difficult of times. When Walt was diagnosed with ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease, which was the disease he always feared most, he faced it with a grace and dignity that will serve as a tremendous testimony to the many friends and family members in his wide circle. Walter was a true man of God, he taught his children that each person must first love God in order to then love one another. He taught that in God's eyes all are created equal and he lived his life treating each person with whom he came in contact exactly in that manner. He was a great friend and mentor whose impact has been far reaching and whose great witness of life will continue to inspire and encourage.

Memorial donations may be made to Service Over Self, 2505 Poplar Ave., Memphis, 38112, and to the ALS Association, 670 Warwick Oaks Ln. E., Collierville, TN 38017.

Edgar Harold Robertson ('39), of Overland Park, KS, formerly of Jackson, MS, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2011. He was 94 years old. Announcement of service arrangements will appear later. Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.johnsoncountychapel.com (Arrangements by D.W. Newcomer's Sons Johnson County Chapel, 11200 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66210. (913)451-1860)

Rev. John Young Robison ('50), age 92, of Columbus, MS, passed away October 29, 2011, at Trinity Place Retirement Community. Rev. Robison was born July 10, 1919, in Birmingham, AL, to the late Rev. Martin W. and Lela Hayes Robison. He was a veteran of WWII serving in the United States Army Air Corp. and was a graduate of Millsaps College. Rev. Robison was a retired minister from the Presbyterian Church USA having been ordained in 1955. He was a member of the Mt. Pinson, AL, Masonic Lodge #495 F & AM and in addition to his parents, was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann Mann Robison. Survivors include his son, Lewis A. Robison of Philadelphia, MS, brother-in-law, Walter W. Mann, Jr. of Hazelhurst, MS, sisters-in-law, Gladys Mann and Betty Thornbrough, both of Columbus, MS, and a number of cherished nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Trinity Place Retirement Community, 300 Airline Rd., Columbus, MS, 39702.

James Benedict Wiseman Jr. ('75) died Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011, at his home. He was 59.

Mr. Wiseman was born in Memphis and graduated from Greenville High School. He was a graduate of Millsaps College and received his doctorate from Mississippi State University. He was employed with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. When he lived in Greenville he was a member of First United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Benedict Wiseman and Mary Lois Bell Wiseman. He is survived by a sister, Mary Ann Wiseman Bennett of Ball, La.; nephew, Robert "Chip" Bennett Jr. of Ball; niece, Kristina Bennett of Ball; and five grand-nephews and -nieces, Alexa Bennett, Drew Bennett, Caitlin Bennett, Dalton Scroggs and Gracie McCrae, all of Ball.

Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011, at Greenville Cemetery in Greenville. Arrangements are under the direction of Boone-Wells Funeral Home of Greenville, www.boonefuneralhomeinc.com.

Lester E. Wilkes ('46) died peacefully in his sleep on December 1, 2011 at his home in Bossier City, La. He was born in the Liberty Community of Winston County, Ms, on March 4, 1923. He grew up there, the sixth of seven children. After high school, he started college and joined the Marine Corps reserve. On February 19, 1944 he married Irene Caperton and was soon after called to active duty in the Marine Corps. After Boot Camp, he went to Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1945. He returned to civilian life in 1946 and went to law school at Ole Miss. After law school, he began a law practice in Louisville, Ms, but was called back into the Marine Corps in 1951. He served in the Marine Corps as a military attorney with assignments in Virginia, Tennessee and California before transferring into the Air force in 1959. He served at Lackland AFB, Texas, and Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, before being sent to Barksdale AFB, La, as the Base Staff Judge Advocate in 1965. He served there until his retirement in 1970 at the rank of Colonel.

Lester loved the Lord and was active in the church as a deacon and Sunday School teacher wherever he went. In 1957 he wrote a presentation he called "The Legal Aspects of the Trial of Jesus," which he presented more than a hundred times over the years at churches and civic organizations across the country. He was a member of Airline Baptist Church in Bossier City, La.

Lester is survived by his wife of 67 years, Irene, and their children, Randy and wife Susan, Jan Dumas and husband Bryan, Ellen Boose and husband Steve, Sherry Sterritt and husband Rick, Gregg and wife Peggy; grandchildren Cathy Wilkes Helms, Eric Wilkes, Jeston Dumas, Karen Dumas, Matt Boose, Alex Boose, Elise McConnell, David Wilkes, Jack Wilkes, Ellie Wilkes. His grandson Ben Rabourn was waiting for him in heaven. He is also survived by 15 great grandchildren and his sister, Avis Wilkes.

The family would like to express special thanks to Rebecca Swint, Eileen Nugent, Quinnie Martin, and Frankie Paulk who provided around the clock care for Lester in his home for years. Their professional, patient and loving care enabled him to spend his last years at home in comfort.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting www.hillcrestmemorialfh.com

Rose Mary Cunningham Burge ('52), 82, went home to be with the Lord on December 4, 2011. Rose Mary was born in Texarkana, Texas on November 21, 1929. She attended Millsaps College and became a member of Chi Omega Fraternity. She married John Moody Burge Jr. in September of 1953. She will forever be remembered for her gift of hospitality and her love of design.

Rose Mary was predeceased by her husband, John and son, Fletcher. She is survived by her children, John Moody Burge III and Adielaide Chapman; daughter-in-law, Amy Burge; and granddaughters, Allison Burge, Mary Claire Burge, and Bonnie Burge. The family wishes to thank the staff at Manhattan Nursing Home for their all their love and care. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to French Camp Academy, One Fine Place, French Camp, MS 39745

Ayrlene McGahey Jones ('35), 97, died November 14, 2011. Mrs. Jones was preceded in death by her parents Walter Leon and Ollie Loftin McGahey and her sister Evelyn McGahey.

Mrs. Jones was a graduate of Millsaps College and the University of Texas. She was a retired University of Alabama mathematics professor and a member of the American Mathematical Society and Mathematical Association of America.

Her other affiliations were membership in the First Baptist Church of Jackson, former President of the Alumni Association of Millsaps College, Kappa Delta Sorority, Pi Mu Epsilon, National Mathematics Honorary Society, Theta Nu Sigma and The Cosmos Club.

Mr. Ralph Franklin Shotts ('50), 86, died November 7, 2011, at Winston Medical Center in Louisville. Mr. Shotts was born August 13, 1925, in Finkbine, MS. He was an Army Air Force veteran of World War II, having served in India, China, & Burma. He received his B.S. degree from Mississippi State University in 1951. He owned and operated Eastside Motors since 1972. He was a former Scoutmaster for the Cub Scouts, and was a member of First Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rena and Lee Shotts; and two brothers, Edgar Shotts and Charles Ray Shotts.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Annette Avara Shotts; two sons, Frankie (Sue) Shotts, and Charles (Rhonda) Shotts, both of Louisville; a brother, Gene (Zene) Shotts of Mendenhall, MS; three grandchildren, Jamie (Laura) Shotts, Jay Shotts, and Ryan Shotts ; and one great grandchild, Jacey Shotts.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, P. O. Box 547, Louisville, MS, 39339; or Mississippi Methodist Rehabilitation Center, 1350 East Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, MS, 39216. To sign the guest register, go to www.porterfuneralhome.net.

Paula Page ('64), died June 14, 2011, in Zurich, Switzerland, following a long battle with cancer. Paula was living in Grenada when she entered Millsaps in 1960 as a music major, studying piano under Dr. Jonathan Sweat and singing with the Millsaps Singers under Leland Byler. She was known campus-wide for her enthusiasm, her leadership skills and her academic ability. A four-year member of the Millsaps Singers' concert choir, she served as student conductor her senior year and was a member of the Troubadours, a select group of Singers who toured Europe during the summer of 1964.

She was a soloist for the Jackson Choral Society's presentation of "Elijah" and for the Singers' appearance with the Memphis and Jackson symphony orchestras in 1962. During her senior year, she won acclaim for her role as Eliza Doolittle in the Millsaps Players' production of "My Fair Lady." She was a Dean's List student, graduating "cum laude" from Millsaps, was named to Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities, and was elected Miss Millsaps by the student body. She was a member of Chi Omega sorority, serving as pledge trainer and vice president. She was also selected for membership in Sigma Lambda, the women's leadership honorary.

She received the MM in Voice Performance with High Honors from Indiana University. After winning top prizes in the Metropolitan Opera Auditions in New York and WGN Auditions of the Air in Chicago, she studied in Hamburg, Germany, on a Fulbright Grant. Prizes in international competitions in Geneva and s`Hertogenbosch, Holland, preceded her first engagement with the Hamburg State Opera, where she received the Oberdorffer Prize for talented young singers.

A long and successful career followed with more than 1,000 performances of leading roles and concerts in eight countries. While engaged with the Frankfurt Opera she was awarded a professorship in voice at the Staatliche Hochschule fuür Musik in Frankfurt. Paula has many former students who are in engagements throughout Germany.

Paula made her American opera debut in the 1980s with the Virginia Opera Association in Norfolk and Richmond as Mimi in "La Boheme." She also gave concerts in her hometown of Grenada and at Millsaps. She retired as a tenured professor and returned to the United States in 2000 to live in Sarasota, Florida. She had recently moved to Zurich to be with her daughter, Claire Singher.

Her family has requested that memorials honoring Paula be directed to the Leland Byler Scholarship Fund or the Jonathan Sweat Scholarship Fund at Millsaps. Mail to the Office of Development, Millsaps College, 1701 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39210.

David Howard Moore ('86), 50, died peaceably in his home in Ridgeland on Friday, November 11, 2011. David spent his early years living on East Northside Drive in Jackson with his parents, sister and three brothers.

David attended Saint Andrews and Murrah High Schools, Millsaps College and the University of California at Berkley and Pacific McGeorge Law School in Sacramento, California. In his later years he owned and operated David Moore Bonding Company.

He is survived by his parents, William Sebastian and Lou Frissell Moore of Madison, his sister Lynn Adelaide Tighe Campbell of Brookhaven and brothers Bowman Stirling Tighe, Jr., of Ridgeland, Thomas Bryant Moore of Wilmington, N.C. and Nathan Frissell Moore of McDonough, G.A.

David loved his nieces and nephews, Margaret Brooke Campbell Bridges, Rebecca Tighe Campbell, Tara Hallie Tighe, Bowman Stirling Tighe III, Emily Lynn Moore and Matthew Paul Moore. He was blessed to have two beloved great nephews, Jackson Tighe Bridges and Grey Thomas Bridges.

David was a voracious reader, loved poetry and music, and his humor and kindness will be missed by all.