The obituaries are in alphabetical order by last name used at East. Those for whom obituaries are listed also have a name entry on the appropriate class year (or faculty/staff) page. On this page, all graduates and attendees of East, as made known to the editor(s), have their names in bold in the obituaries.

This list of direct links to recently posted obituaries (posted in the past 180 days) is followed by the full obituary listing: Willie James "June" Culpepper Jr. ('92) Sally Wright (Faculty) Gene Vieh (associated with the Class of '56) Joe Wilson ('68) Billy Grisso ('55) Coleen Allen ('88) Nancy Gooch ('66) Adrienne Dee ('93) Ann Cobb ('71) Betty Robinson (Faculty) Nancy Greaves ('60) Jackie Youngblood ('53) Anita Karlin ('58) Paul Austin Boensch, Sr. (Faculty) Robert Routt ('56) Kenny Finsness ('64) Tom Bond ('55) Richard Moskovitz (associated with the Class of '62) Kay Valvik ('59) Kay Schaefer ('57) Marilyn Means ('54) Jean Brinson ('73) Richard Williams (class year association undetermined) Molly Chambers (associated with the Class of '63) Please note: the above represent only recently posted obituaries. All obituaries are listed below and once posted remain on this page permanently.

The following obituaries from years past have recently been added to this page. Johnny Doggett (associated with Class of '55) Tucker Stroupe (associated with Class of '53) Kay Haglin ('55) Billy Love ('56) Ray Thweatt (associated with Class of '56) Ester Mae Dudley Shumaker (Staff)

Lee Addington ('66) [posted March 14, 2005] - From The Commercial Appeal, March 13, 2005:

Lee Wilson 'Bubba' Addington, 58, of Memphis, truck equipment salesman, died Monday [March 7, 2005] at his home. Graveside services will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday [March 14, 2005] in Ellendale Cemetery. Bartlett Funeral Home has charge. He was an All-Eastern prep league football player for East High School. He leaves a daughter and a son; a sister, Francis Sullivan ['62] of Kingsport, Tenn.; a brother, Dr. Roy R. Bratton of Johnson City, Tenn., and five grandchildren. The family requests that any memorials be made to Bartlett United Methodist Church or a charity of the donor's choice.

Jimmy Allbritten ('62) [posted November 4, 2002] - From The Commercial Appeal, December 25, 1998:

`DR. A' USED HEALTHY DOSE OF COMPASSION

Dr. James F. Allbritten believed the best medical care and expertise could be shared and spread all over the world. He also believed compassion was a big part of the best medical care a doctor could provide.
       To his colleagues, he was a physician who was excited by medicine's technological advances and who promoted those advances. To his patients, he was `Dr. A,' said his wife, Stephanie Allbritten.
       Dr. Allbritten died Thursday of cancer at his home. He was 54..
       Dr. Allbritten earned his B.S. degree from the University of Memphis and his M.D. degree from the University of Tennessee, Memphis. He interned and completed his residency at Baptist Memorial Hospital.
       He told his wife that he knew he wanted to be a doctor when he was a child..
       Dr. Allbritten's specialty was internal medicine and clinical cardiology. He was board certified in internal medicine. His practice emphasized primary health care and prevention..
       "He always kept his practice like a little small-town doctor would have," his wife said. "He knew the whole family. He would know the brothers and sisters and cousins.".
       Dr. Allbritten received the American Medical Association's Physicians Recognition Award in Continuing Medical Education in 1980..
       He wrote articles and lectured on the role of computers in medical practice..
       But when he talked to his patients, he talked with them in basic terms..
       "He would go out of his way to go back to the hospital two and three times in the middle of the night to be with family members," Stephanie Allbritten said..
       "He would never use medical terms with them. He would be very down-to-earth with them and explain it compassionately and tenderly.".
       Dr. Allbritten was a founder and president of DOCS Inc., a medical computer software company. He also co-founded and served as chairman of the board of Biotech Computer Corp. The company worked in the area of gene splicing and cancer..
       Dr. Allbritten was also chief medical consultant to the Biomedical Research Zone project in the 1980s. The project sought to emphasize and promote the city's medical center as a research center and proving ground for the latest medical technology..
       Dr. Allbritten was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, the American Medical Association and the Tennessee Medical Association. He also belonged to the American Society of Internal Medicine and the American College of Physicians as well as the Academy of Internal Medicine..
       "He adored his patients. He put them first above everything. They all loved him also," his wife said..
       "You'll never find a more compassionate physician today.".
       Dr. Allbritten also leaves a daughter, Tammy Paschall of Murray,Ky.; a son, Brad Allbritten, and his mother, Martha H. Allbritten, both of Memphis, and two grandchildren..
       Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Second Presbyterian Church, where he was a member, with burial in Memorial Park. Memorial Park Funeral Home has charge..
       The family requests that any memorials be sent to the American Cancer Society.

Coleen Allen ('88) [posted March 2, 2008] - From The Commercial Appeal, February 6, 2008:

COLEEN MICHELLE ALLEN, 38, cosmetician, passed away January 31, 2008 at Methodist South Hospital. Services at 12 p.m., Friday, February 8 at R. S. Lewis and Sons Funeral Home. She is survived by sisters, Cheryl Lynn Allen, Debbie Denise Allen and Tredenia Lynn Allen; brothers, Michael Eugene Allen, Kevin Wayne Allen, all of Memphis and Eric Darnell (Roberta) of Italy.

Malcolm P. Anderton ('51) [posted October 11, 2002, updated July 29, 2006]
From Wilmington Star-News, September 11, 2001:

THE REV. DR. MALCOLM PATTERSON ANDERTON JR.
    The Rev. Dr. Malcolm Patterson Anderton Jr. of Wilmington, N.C., died Saturday, September 8, 2001, at Liberty Commons Nursing Home.
    He was born December 22, 1933, in Memphis, Tenn., son of the late Mary Hughes Anderton and Malcolm Patterson Anderton Sr.
    Malcolm grew up in Memphis, graduating from East High School and later Rhodes College. A graduate of Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Va., in 1958, he received his doctorate in Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary in 1977.
    His pastorates include Romney and Springfield Presbyterian churches in West Virginia, Manly Presbyterian Church in Southern Pines, N.C., Highland Presbyterian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C., and First Presbyterian Church in Orlando, Fla. Malcolm then moved with his family to Wilmington, N.C., and served as pastor at Winter Park Presbyterian Church from 1979-1989. He then was an interim minister at Highland Presbyterian Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He also served as associate Executive in Education for the Presbytery of Coastal Carolina. Malcolm retired from the Presbytery in 1998 due to health reasons. He and his wife, JoAnn, belong to Westminister Presbyterian Church in Wilmington. He was a faithful member of the Men’s Bible class.
    Malcolm is survived by his wife of 48 years, JoAnn Anderton of the home; his four children, Carol Anderton DeLoach and husband John of Tallahassee, FL, Phil Anderton of Key West, FL, Julie Anderton Brewer and husband Charlie of Wilmington, N.C., Amy Anderton Knowles and husband Brett of Wilmington, N.C.; ten grandchildren, Joshua, David and Zachary DeLoach, Chase and Andrew Brewer, Brittain and Savanah Knowles, Emily, Ashley and Mary-Hannah Anderton and their mother Mary Lyda Anderton of Fletcher, N.C.
    A service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, September 11, 2001, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 500 Kenwood Avenue, Wilmington, N.C., with Dr. Roger Horne and Rev. Walter Dinkins officiating. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall in celebration of Malcolm’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Westminister Presbyterian Church Capital Fund Campaign.
    The family wishes to thank the caring staff at New Hanover Medical Group, Dr. Charles Almond, Elderhaus, and Liberty Commons for Malcolm’s care.
    Happy times in Malcolm’s life were serving the Lord, being with his family, playing golf, receiving his doctorate, caring for his dog Prince, and enjoying his summer house in Montreat, N.C.
    ". . .as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15b.
    Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Home.

Betty Apple (Faculty) [posted November 1, 2006] - From The Commercial Appeal, October 31, 2006:

BETTY "Bessiebug'' APPLE, 76, died Friday, October 27, 2006 at her home. She was a retired art teacher for East High School and member of the National Audubon Society. She is survived by two daughters, Nancy Apple and Cindy O'Neal both of Memphis. She is preceded in death by her husband, USN Master Chief John D. Apple and daughter Dr. Sherry Lynn Apple. The family thanks you for your prayers. Memorials can be sent to the Dr. Sherry Lynn Apple Neurological Foundation for women. Information at BessieBugg.com Family Funeral Care 901-761-8000

Edward Ray Askew ('69) [posted August 25, 2004] - From The Commercial Appeal, November 3, 1979:

Services set for physician

      Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday [November 5, 1979] at St. James AME Church for former Memphis physician Dr. Edward Askew, 27, who died October 25 [1979] after an airplane crash near Fordyce, Ark.
      Askew, who lived in Chesterfield, Mo., was traveling between Houston, Tx. And Hot Springs, Ark., when his plane went down about 7:30 a.m. in a heavily wooded area about four miles northwest of Fordyce, said Frank Roth, an air safety inspector with the National Transportation Safety Board in Fort Worth.
      The plane, a twin engine Beach Barron C55, was descending slightly when it hit a grove of 80 foot pine trees, Roth said. Propellers were operating when it struck the trees, indicating the engines were still functioning. The plane ignited just before hitting the ground.
      Roth said visibility at the time of the accident was good, and Askew, who owned the plane, was acquainted with the flight route. Askew had been working at a medical center in Houston and had traveled several times between there and St. Louis, he said. An autopsy has been performed.
      Burial will be in New Park Cemetery. J. O. Patterson Funeral Home has charge.
      He leaves his mother, Mrs. Olivia Houston, of Memphis; his father Edward Ray Askew of Mattaposette, Mass; three sisters, Mrs. Lynn White of Dallas, Miss Desiree Askew and Miss Dawn Askew, both of Mattaposette, and three brothers, David Askew, Darrell Askew, and Duane Askew, all of Mattaposette.

Debbie Austin ('70) [posted May 21, 2007] - From The Commercial Appeal, May 19, 2007:

DEBORAH AUSTIN CLARK, 55, of Cordova, died May 17 [2007] at Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital. Mrs. Clark was an active member of Advent Presbyterian Church serving as an Elder and was active with the youth ministry at Advent. She is survived by her husband, John G. Clark of Cordova; her daughter, Courtney Anne Clark of Cordova; and her son, Wesley Austin Clark of Houston, MS; and her grandson. She is also survived by her sister, Beverly A. Boyd ['64] of Bartlett. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Saturday, May 19, [2007] at Canale Funeral Directors. Services will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, May 20, [2007] at Advent Presbyterian Church with burial to follow in Memphis Memory Gardens. The family requests any memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the Debbie Clark Youth Fund at Advent Presbyterian Church.

Joseph Lee Baker, Jr. ('64) [posted June 30, 2001] - From The Commercial Appeal, September 12, 1996:

JOSEPH LEE BAKER JR., 52, of Horseshoe Lake, Ark., musician, died of an apparent homicide Tuesday [September 10, 1996] in Horseshoe Lake. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Friday [September 13, 1996] at Calvary Episcopal Church in Memphis. Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in West Memphis has charge. He was a member of National Academy of Recording Arts & Science and a graduate of East High School. Mr. Baker, the husband of Carol Dowling Baker, also leaves three sons, Joseph Lee 'Joe' Baker III, Robert 'Bo' Dowling Baker and Arthur Benjamin 'Ben' Baker, all of Horseshoe Lake; his mother, Edith Snowden Dewey of Horseshoe Lake; his father, Joseph Lee Baker of La Jolla,Calif.; two sisters, Barbara B. McKee of Horseshoe Lake and Margaret Throckmorton of Charlotte, N.C., and a brother, Charles C. Dewey of Memphis. The family requests that any memorials be sent to WEVL or the Center for Southern Folklore.

Barbara Barnes ('57) [posted June 7, 2007] - From The Commercial Appeal, August 3, 1991:

BARBARA BARNES VOLZ, 56, of 1069 Mirror Lake, died of cancer Thursday [August 1, 1991] at her home. Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday [August 4, 1991] at Bartlett Presbyterian Church with burial in Memory Hill Gardens. Memphis Funeral Home Germantown Parkway Chapel has charge. She leaves a daughter, Laura Lea Hanks of Cordova; two sons, Thomas C. Volz and Charles R. Volz III, both of Cordova; and a sister, Nancy L. Mabel of Noblesville, Ind.; a brother, Thomas C. Barnes III of Pinellas Park, Fla., and two grandchildren. The family requests that any memorials be sent to Vanderbilt Medical Center Ovarian Cancer Center.

Terry Bateman ('68) [posted March 3, 2001]
Terry Bateman died February 25, 2001, after a 10 year illness. The following is from The Commercial Appeal, February 27, 2001:

TERRY L. BATEMAN, 52, of Cordova, died of liver disease Sunday [February 25, 2001] at UT Bowld Hospital. Services will be at 10 a.m. today [February 27, 2001] at Family Funeral Care Summer Avenue Chapel with burial in Memphis Memory Gardens. He leaves a sister, Judy Brown of Cordova.

Gene Bell (associated with the class of 1964) [updated February, 1999] - Reported to have died July 19, 1996, from complications after surgery. Gene joined the army shortly before graduation and served in Vietnam where he recieved his GED. He was married to Sandy Bell for almost 30 years before he died in July of 1996. He had 3 children and had 5 grandchildren at the time of his death. He was indeed a great guy and will always live in our hearts.
Two family members participate on our alumni page: Beth Bell (see class of '77) and Connie Bell ('71)

Bill Bjorklund ('65) [posted February 4, 2007, updated February 5, 2007] - From The Commercial Appeal, February 6, 2007:

Leslie W. Bjorklund, Jr., 59, of Germantown, TN died at his home Sunday, February 4, 2007. Bill was a graduate of East High School, 1965; University of Memphis, 1969; U.S. Air Force veteran; former reserve police officer with the Germantown Police Department; retired pilot with Federal Express Corporation after 26 years; and avid golfer and marksman. He leaves his wife of 25 years, Margaret Rae Bjorklund; beloved daughter, Susan Marie Bjorklund; mother, Jean Marie Williams Rose of Nashville; sister, Constance Jane [Connie] Bjorklund Tackett ['63] of Naples, Fla.; and brother, Michael Lamar Jones of Nashville. Bill was preceded in death by his father, Leslie William Bjorklund. Visitation will be 11:00-1:30, Friday, February 9, 2007 at Memorial Park Funeral Home with a graveside service to follow at 2:00 PM at West Tennessee Veteran Cemetery (see addresses below). The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Patsy Black ('56) [posted February 16, 2007]
From The Commercial Appeal, August 6, 2001:

PATRICIA DUMAS MAY, 62, of Harrisburg, Ark., formerly of Memphis, retired administrator for Shelby County Government, died of cancer Saturday [August 4, 2001] at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, Ark. Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday [August 6, 2001] at Memorial Park Funeral Home with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery. She was a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Jonesboro, served on the board of directors for Shelby County Employees Federal Credit Union, was a past president of Laurelwood Business and Professional Women's Club and a member of Delta Gamma Sorority. Mrs. May, the wife of Charles E. May, also leaves three sons, Chris Dumas of St. Louis, Ken Dumas of Memphis and Bill Maney of Southaven; two brothers, Pat Black ['56] and Jimmy Black ['61], both of Memphis, and seven grandchildren. The family requests that memorials be sent to Wings Cancer Foundation in care of West Clinic or St. Bernards Hospice in Jonesboro.

Paul Austin Boensch, Sr. (Faculty) [posted January 26, 2008]
From The Commercial Appeal, January 26, 2008:

Paul Austin Boensch, Sr. passed away January 25, 2008, was born January 21, 1917 to Paul K. and Myra (Austin) Boensch. Over the course of his 91 years, he distinguished himself as a father, teacher, musician, public relations professional and Air Force officer. After graduating from West Tennessee State Teachers College, he married Helen Rion. They were happily married for more than 60 years. He served during World War II as a B-24 bombardier with the 44th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force, flying out of England. He completed 35 combat missions over Europe, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and several Air Medals. He flew 19 missions during one 21 day period in the summer of 1944. After returning from the war, he completed a Master's Degree at the University of Mississippi, and continued his military service in the Air Force Reserve. During this period, he organized a military bagpipe band that played throughout the South. He taught math, music and English for many years in the Memphis City School System. He was the Head of Public Affairs for Dover Elevator in Horn Lake, MS and played clarinet and saxophone professionally with the Colie Stoltz and Andy Ledbetter bands. He retired as an Air Force Major and spent his retirement years in Jackson, TN, where he enjoyed keeping up with public affairs, tracking the success of his many children, grand children and great-grand children. He was a Christian, Mason, a philosopher and an optimist. An easy to love man, he made friends easily and relentlessly looked for the good in others. He is survived by his children, Paul A. Boensch, Jr., Lincoln, CA, James R. Boensch, Rapid City, SD and Mandy DiBenedetto, Las Vegas, NV and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. One special grandchild, Christopher McCoin, deserves special mention for his service to Dad during his later years

Mr. Boensch taught music (band) at East High in its early history. It is believed he may have come to East in 1950 and it appears he left in 1951, probably serving at East for one school year as its first band director. If anyone has a firm knowledge or documentation of when Mr. Boensch began teaching at East, please send that information to editor@EastHigh.org.

Darryl DeWayne Bolton ('75) [posted June 30, 2001] - From The Commercial Appeal, November 19, 1997:

DARRYL DeWAYNE BOLTON, 40, of Atlanta, formerly of Memphis, former cashier for Western Plaza in Atlanta, died of complications from AIDS Monday [November 17, 1997] at the Regional Medical Center at Memphis. Services will be at 7 p.m. Thursday [November 20, 1997] at N. H. Owens & Son Funeral Home with burial in New Park Cemetery at 11 a.m. Friday. He was a graduate of East High School. He leaves his parents, Adolphe and Mary Bolton; four sisters, Detria E. Bolton, Dawn B. Casey, Deanna B. Wrister and Darastine B. Cunningham; a brother, Desmond Bolton, and his grandparents, Clinton and Erenestine Burrows, all of Memphis.

Tom Bond ('55) [posted January 17, 2008] - From San Diego Union-Tribune, December 2, 2007:

     Captain Thomas Henry Bond, U.S. Navy (Ret.), passed away peacefully from complications related to Parkinson's disease at his home in San Diego on November 19, 2007, surrounded by loving family members.
     He was 70. Tom was born in Memphis, TN, and graduated in 1955 from East High School upon which he entered the United States Naval Academy. He was commissioned into the Navy in 1959 and began his 48-year marriage to his high school sweetheart, Nancy [Koehn ('55)].
     In his Navy career, Tom served in six submarines. He commanded the submarine USS JOHN MARSHALL (SSBN 611) Blue. He also had command of two shore-based commands. His career culminated at sea as commanding officer of USS DIXON (AS 37), a submarine tender based in San Diego, CA. He was noted for his particular strength in operational engineering as a nuclear submariner, which was an interest that followed him into retirement. Tom retired from the U.S. Navy in 1987 and worked as a management and predictive maintenance consultant in power and other industries. The balance of his professional life energies went into his founding role as executive director of MIMOSA, a non-profit organization that develops information sharing standards within manufacturing, fleet and facility industries.
     Tom's family and friends knew him as a man of character and integrity with a veritable positive outlook-he was a true gentleman. He always kept his word, was generous beyond measure, and with his intellectual wit put a smile on the faces of those around him. He respected honesty, patriotism and loyalty and led by example. This remarkable man will forever be remembered as a loving husband, supportive father, caring brother, admirable leader and loyal friend.
     He is survived by his wife Nancy of Memphis, TN, his brother, William C. Bond of Spokane, WA, and three married children, son, Captain Thomas H. Bond, Jr., U.S. Navy, of Naples, Italy, son, Randal K. Bond, Managing Director of a Purdue University Research Center, of West Lafayette, IN and daughter, Sarah E. Bond-Shepard, Development Director of ElderHelp of San Diego, and twelve grandchildren.
     A lovely graveside service was attended by immediate family on the morning of November 27th with a joyous celebration of Tom's life at the First Church of the Nazarene in Point Loma that afternoon. In lieu of gifts or flowers, please make a donation in memory of Tom Bond to Sharp Hospice Care, PO Box 3739, La Mesa, CA 91944, Attn. Grossmont Hospital Foundation, 619-667-1900 and/or Parkinson's Disease Association of San Diego, 8555 Aero Drive, Suite 308, San Diego, CA 92123, 858-2736764, www.pdasd.org. Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com

Dale Bone ('67) [updated November, 1998] - It is reported that Dale Bone died suddenly of a heart attack November 10, 1998. The following is an obituary appearing the the Arizona Republic newspaper November 14, 1998.

Dale H. Bone, 49, of Scottsdale, owner and president of Preferred Technology Inc., died Nov. 10, 1998. He was born in Memphis. Survivors include his wife, Patsy Diane; and daughter, Laura Yetive. Services: were held at Messinger Mortuary Chapel Scottsdale, Arizona.

Debra Anne Boone ('72) [posted August 19, 2001] - Deborah Ann Boone, 22, registered nurse for City of Memphis Hospital, died Saturday, September 18, 1976, of a homicide. Miss Boone was a graduate of Memphis State University. She leaves her parents, Mr. and Mrs. K.C. Boone. Services were Tuesday, September 21, 1976, at Memphis Funeral Home Poplar Chapel with burial in Memoral Park Cemetery.

A news summary of the death of Miss Boone is included in our News section.

Inez Rosamond Boone (Faculty) [posted September 11, 2007] - From The Commercial Appeal, September 11, 2007:

INEZ ROSAMOND BOONE, 81, died Saturday, September 8, 2007, at Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital, after a short illness. She was predeceased by her husband of 44 years, William Gardner Boone, Jr. and her mother, Inez Fennell Rosamond, who both died in May 1996. She was the youngest daughter of Dr. Eugene Rosamond, a well-known “baby doctor” in early twentieth century Memphis. Inez graduated from Miss Hutchison’s School on Union Avenue and received her bachelor’s degree from Sweet Briar College in Virginia. One of her happiest memories was Camp Riva Lake nestled in the foothills of Middle Tennessee's Cumberland Mountains in Winchester, TN, where she was a camper, a counselor and a lifeguard. Inez and Bill married in June 1952 and immediately began a lifetime of gourmet cooking and raising standard poodles. Inez was the Spanish and French teacher at East High School when it first opened and was dearly loved by her students. She was a member of the Memphis Junior League, Les Passees, Colonial Dames, Dilettantes, the Memphis Country Club, and the University Club of Memphis. She leaves three daughters, Constance Boone Coleman (Jim) of Memphis, Robin Boone Smith (Ralph) of Charlotte, NC, and Allison Boone Temple (Lee) of Somerville, TN; and four grandchildren, Brittany, Patrick, and Nicole Temple, and Abigail Smith. Also, she leaves family friend and lifetime companion, Dorothy Bright. Some of her daughters’ fondest memories are picnics, trips to the Zoo, fishing at Horseshoe Lake, and of course, gourmet lessons in the kitchen. They will always treasure her quick, clever wit and her loving compassion. She is survived by her sister, Constance Rosamond New of Lake Village, AR and devoted niece and nephews, Inez New Barnes, James Roland New, Eugene Rosamond New, and Michael Churchill New. Also by her sister and brother-in-law, Emily Boone Ruch and Dr. Robert M. Ruch of Memphis and nieces and nephew, Rondi Ruch Lauderbach, Emily (Boo) Ruch, and Robert M. Ruch, Jr.; and by her sister-in-law, Sally Sanford Watson of Memphis and nephew, Keith Lane Watson. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, September 12 at Canale Funeral Directors at 2700 Union Extended. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, September 13 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 1695 Central Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to WKNO-TV, the Memphis Humane Society, or the charity of the donor’s choice.

James Boone ('51) [posted August 7, 2000] - From The Commercial Appeal, Monday, August 7, 2000:

JAMES ELTON BOONE, 67, of Memphis, retired accountant for Orgill Inc. and former secretary/treasurer for Quality Stamp Co., died of heart failure Sunday [August 6, 2000] at Baptist Memorial Hospital East. Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday [August 8, 2000] at Second Presbyterian Church, where he was a member, with burial in Polk Cemetery in Bolivar, Tenn. Canale Funeral Directors has charge. He was a graduate of the University of Mississippi and a member of Memphis Hunt and Polo Club. Mr. Boone, the husband of Kate Orgill Boone, also leaves a son, Joseph Orgill Boone, and two brothers, Charles P. Boone and David B. Boone, all of Memphis. The family requests that memorials be sent to Second Presbyterian Church, The Neighborhood School or the Helen Price Boone Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis.

Rose Marie Kersey Bowls (East High Staff) [posted August 16, 2000]
We are saddened to learn of the death of Rose Marie Kersey Bowls who worked in the East High cafeteria and whose children are East alumni: Bob Bowls ('65), Charlie Bowls ('69), and Annette Bowls ('74).
The following obituary appeared in The Commercial Appeal August 15, 2000:

ROSE MARIE KERSEY BOWLS, 79, of Memphis, retired cafeteria cashier for Memphis City Schools, died of lung cancer Sunday [August 13, 2000] at Methodist Healthcare-Central. Services will be at 3 p.m. Thursday [August 17, 2000] at Forest Hill Funeral Home East with burial in Forest Hill Cemetery East. She was an Evangel Church member. Mrs. Bowls, the widow of Charles L. Bowls, leaves a daughter, Annette Durand of Collierville; two sons, R.E. `Bob' Bowls of Reno, Nev., and Charles W. Bowls of Nashville; a brother, John Kersey of Memphis, and three granddaughters. The family requests that memorials be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Eleanore Bradford ('51) [posted February 24, 2004]

Eleanor Bradford Madigan Harris, 59, of Apple Valley, California, died October 6, 1993, from cancer. She was the widow of Win Harris. Her ashes were spread over the ocean off the California coast on Sunday, Oct. 17, 1993.

If anyone has a published obituary for Eleanore Bradford, The East High Alumni Page would like a copy. Contact us at editor@EastHigh.org.

Tommy Brinkley ('51) [posted February 16, 2003] From The Commercial Appeal, May 26, 1995:

REV. TOMMY E. BRINKLEY, 61, of Wichita Falls, Texas, formerly of Memphis, organist at First Baptist Church in Wichita Falls, died of heart disease Wednesday [May 24, 1995] at Wichita General Hospital. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday [May 27, 1995] at First Baptist Church in Wichita Falls with burial in Memorial Park in Memphis at 10:30 a.m. Monday [May 29, 1995]. Memorial Park Funeral Home and Hampton Vaughan Funeral Directors have charge. He leaves two sisters, Rose Edwards and Elsie Price, and a brother, William J. Brinkley, a ll of Memphis. The family requests that any memorials be sent to the Tommy Brinkley Memorial Fund in care of First Baptist Church in Wichita Falls

Jean Brinson ('73) [posted December 13, 2007] From The Commercial Appeal, December 13, 2007:

Tupelo - JEAN BRINSON-COLEMAN, 52, inhalation therapist for Baptist Hospital East for 22 years, passed away Thursday, December 6, 2007 at her home. She graduated from East High School and was an active member of Golden Gate COGIC, New Albany, MS. Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m., Friday, December 14 at Serenity Chapel, New Albany, MS. Services at 11 a.m., Saturday, December 15 at St. Luke Church of God in Christ, Hacks Cross Road in Olive Branch, MS. Burial in Dancyville Cemetery, Dancyville, TN. She is survived by husband, Rick Coleman; sons, Keylon Hervey of Southaven, MS and Kevin Hervey of Memphis, TN; step-children, Tajuana Young of New Albany, MS and Ledeizrick, Jeremy and Jasmah Coleman, all of Tupelo; mother, Dorothy Eva Brinson of Memphis, TN; sister, Cynthia Brinson of Memphis, TN.

Virginia Butler Britten (Faculty) [posted November 12, 2005] From The Commercial Appeal, November 12, 2005:

Editor's widow dies at 78
By Stephen D. Price
November 12, 2005
      Virginia Butler Britten [Faculty], widow of Milton R. Britten, editor of the old Press-Scimitar newspaper, died Wednesday at the Primacy Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center nursing home.
      She was 78.
      Services will be Sunday, following visitation from 3 to 4 p.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home on Poplar.
      Mrs. Britten suffered from Alzheimer disease.
      "She was very supportive of her husband and community things," said Rhonda Captino, a friend.
      Mrs. Britten taught at East High School and was a homemaker.
      She leaves two daughters, Ann Shaffer of Jacksonville, Fla., and Martha Britten of Memphis; two sons, Jonathan Britten of Japan and Anthony Britten of Manassas, Va.; a sister, Frieda Butler, and a brother, William E. Butler, both of McHenry, Ill., and 10 grandchildren.
      Memorial contributions may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association.

If anyone can supply the dates that Mrs. Britten taught at East, we would like to post that information. Please contact us at editor@EastHigh.org

Claud H. Brown, Jr. ('64) [posted June 12, 2002] From The Commercial Appeal, June 12, 2002:

Claud Brown dedicated his life to Boy Scout ideals
By Amos Maki
June 12, 2002

Claud H. Brown Jr., Eagle Scout, worked for the Chickasaw Council of the Boy Scouts of America for 31 years. He helped open the Boy Scout Shop on Hollywood and oversaw the direction of camp Kia Kima for seven years.
After battling cancer, Mr. Brown died Monday [June 10, 2002] at Baptist East Hospital. He was 56.
"Claud just believed in the ideals of Scouting," said Gilvia Brown, his wife. "He believed in helping people."
Mr. Brown was a Scout in his youth and returned to the organization after graduating from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1968.
"He dedicated his life to the Scouts, said Nelie Brown Waller, his sister. "He chose the Scouts for his career."
At Kia Kima, just outside of Hardy, Ark., Mr. Brown established the rope course, which teaches scouts how to climb trees and large towers.
Mr. Brown also started a canoe course on the Spring River at Kia Kima.
"I think Claud loved working outdoors and the hiking and outdoor skill he developed and helped others learn," said his wife.
He was the Scout Master of troops 86 and 55.
"He was always great with children," Waller said. "My kids loved him. They considered him more of a sibling than an uncle."
Mr. Brown received the God and Country Award and was a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow, an honor society for experienced campers. He was a member and deacon of Second Presbyterian Church.
In addition to his wife and sister, Mr. Brown leaves a son, Cannon Ford Brown and his father, Claud H. Brown.
Services will be at 3 p.m. Thursday [June 13, 2002] at Second Presbyterian Church.with burial in Memorial Park. Memphis Funeral Home Poplar Chapel has charge.
The family requests that memorials be sent to Boy Scouts of America Chickasaw Council.

David Winchester Brown (class year undetermined) [posted May 11, 2007] From The Commercial Appeal, May 11, 2007:

DAVID WINCHESTER BROWN, 50, passed away May 9, 2007, at his home after a long illness. He was a graduate of East High School and formerly employed by Turner Construction Co. He is survived by his mother, Dora Brown; brother, Steve Brown of Grand Cayman and his fiancée Jackie Mayo. He was preceded in death by his father Jack L. Brown. David was a loving son, brother, and friend.Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday, May 11, with the funeral service 1 p.m., Saturday, May 12, all being held at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Burial will follow the service in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Freeland H. Brown (Faculty) From The Commercial Appeal, November 13, 2002:

FREELAND H. BROWN, 74, of Memphis, retired assistant principal of Sherwood and Bellevue junior high schools and East High School after 32 years, died Monday at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis. Services will be at noon Saturday at Mt. Olive Cathedral CME Church, where he was chairman of the steward board, Men's Bible Class member and Sunday school teacher, with burial at 11 a.m. Monday in West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. N. J. Ford & Sons Funeral Home has charge. He was president of the James Lewis Alcy Hill Block Club and a Korean War Army veteran. Mr. Brown, the husband of Connie Dandridge Brown, also leaves a daughter, Sharon Brown Jones, and a son, Freeland Brown Jr., both of Memphis; two sisters, Luretha Malone of Indianapolis and Shirley McDonald of Memphis, and a brother, Joseph Brown Jr. of Memphis.

If anyone knows Mr. Brown's years of service at East High, please send them to us at editor@EastHigh.org as we would like to post those.

Bev Buckingham ('56) [posted February 16, 2007]
From The Commercial Appeal, December 22, 2006:

Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh - ROBERT BEVERLY BUCKINGHAM, 68, died Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at his home. Born in Memphis, he attended Vanderbilt University, graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine and did residencies in Internal Medicine at Philadelphia General Hospital and the University of Michigan. For the past 23 years he practiced medicine with Arthritis and Rheumatic Disease Associates in Pittsburgh. Dr. Buckingham was an attending physician at the Western Pennsylvania Hospital and at Allegheny Valley Hospital. He was also a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology and of the American College of Physicians and was Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School and Temple University Medical School. Dr. Buckingham was widely published and received numerous awards for his investigative research and teaching activities. A past president of the Pennsylvania Rheumatology Society, he was very active in clinical and volunteer activities for the patients in the Pittsburgh area. Patients and colleagues said that Dr. Buckingham was more than a physician to his patients; he was truly their friend and attentive to all their concerns. He is survived by his wife, Anne Sungaila Buckingham; his son, Robert Beverly Buckingham and his wife, Virginia; his daughter, Anne Macrae Buckingham; and his sister, Blanche B. Deaderick. Funeral services were Thursday, December 21 at Calvary Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh. Any memorials may be sent to the Arthritis Foundation or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Charles (Chuck) Ames Bullard (associated with the class of '53) [posted December 3, 2006] From The Commercial Appeal, April 30, 2004:

LT. COL. CHARLES (CHUCK) AMES BULLARD, Ret., 68, son of Lois Heiskell, of Memphis, died Wednesday [April 28, 2004] at Baptist Memorial Hospital. Charles graduated from Northwestern Military and Naval Academy, followed by Memphis State University. He enjoyed a distinguished twenty-two year military career, serving in Vietnam and receiving numerous awards including the Bronze Star.
He leaves two daughters, M. Dale Bullard of Virginia, M. Leigh Bullard Weisblat of New Jersey, his brother Eugene Bullard III and niece Layne T. Bullard of Hot Springs and his girlfriend of many years Millie Nye of Memphis.
Services Will be Saturday May 1st [2004]. 10:30 am. Calvary Episcopal Church, Memphis.

Kathleen Capon ('72) From The Commercial Appeal, March 3, 2003:

KATHLEEN CAPON WHITE, 49, of Memphis, former music director at Catholic Church of the Ascension, died Sunday [March 2, 2003] at Methodist Healthcare-Germantown. Mass will be said at 10:30 p.m. [correct time is 10:30 a.m.] Tuesday [March 4,2003] at Catholic Church of the Ascension, where she was a communicant, with burial in Calvary. Memphis Funeral Home Poplar Chapel has charge. She was a graduate of the University of Memphis and a member of the Chorister's Guild and the Delta Amateur Radio Club. Mrs. White, the wife of Francis R. White for 24 years, also leaves a daughter, Mary Hannah 'Mollie' White; two sons, Adam Francis White and David Joseph White, and her mother, Edith L. Capon, all of Memphis; two sisters, Patricia C. Walker of Horn Lake and Barbara C. France of Hickory Flat, Miss., and three brothers, Richard W. Capon of Jacksonville, Fla., Michael H. Capon of Memphis and Thomas J. Capon of Nashville. The family requests that memorials be sent to Birthright of Memphis.

Prior to her death, Kathleen Capon was a participant with our alumni page. The last profile she submitted may be read on the Class of 1972 page.

Eugene S. Carter, Jr. ('53) [posted July 28, 2001]
Eugene S. (Gene) Carter, Jr., 65, retired banker, died Saturday, July 7, 2001, in Miami, Florida. Van Orsdel Funderal Home of Kendall, Florida, had charge of the private service. He leaves his wife Judith Price Carter, daughter Carolyn Kahkl, brother Richard Carter, and three grandchildren.

Dewon Chico Caffey [posted August 4, 2005] From The Commercial Appeal, August 3, 2005:

DEWON CHICO CAFFEY, 28, of Memphis. Services will be 12 noon on Saturday, August 6, 2005 at Princeton Avenue Baptist Church; burial Memorial Park Southwoods. N.H. Owens & Son Funeral Home, 421 Scott St., has charge. Mr. Caffey attended East High School. He leaves 4 sisters, Shima, Monica, Azizi and Caminda Caffey; 1 brother, Lonzo (Kissten) Caffey ('93); a daughter, Jakeria Caffey; 4 nieces and 6 nephews. N.H. Owens & Son Funeral Home 901-324-2116

Jean Carmichael ('60) [posted March 25, 2007] From The Commercial Appeal, March 25, 2007:

Lookout Mountain [TN] - JEAN CARMICHAEL WILSON, 64 died Friday afternoon, March 23, 2007, at her home on Lookout Mountain. She was born in Evanston, Illinois and was preceded in death by her parents, Christine Harwood and James Hedges Carmichael, and a brother, James Hedges Carmichael, Jr. She lived with her family in Jackson, Michigan, Mobile, AL, and Memphis. She attended “Miss Hutchison’s School” and graduated from East High School in Memphis. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Alabama where she was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority and served as president of the Panhellenic Sorority Council. She received the Algeron Sidney Sullivan Award as the most outstanding senior girl. In 1967 Jean married William Bethel Wilson, Jr of Athens, TN. They moved to Columbia, South Carolina where they lived before moving to Lookout Mountain in 1978. She was an advisor for the Chi Omega Sorority at the University of South Carolina. She was president of the Jaycettes in Columbia, member of the Junior League of Memphis, Columbia and Chattanooga. She was a member of the Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church and the Epworth Assembly in Ludington, Michigan. Survivors are her husband, William Bethel Wilson, Jr. of Lookout Mountain; a daughter and son-in-law, Caroline Wilson Boswell and Ross Boswell of Memphis; a son, James Harwood Wilson of Ft. Wright, Kentucky; granddaughter, Cecilia Carmichael Boswell of Memphis; sister and brother-in-law, Cynthia C. Putnam and John Putnam of Midland Michigan; niece, Christine Putnam of New York City; nephew, John Putnam, Jr. of Boulder Colorado; mother-in-law, Carolyn S. Wilson of Athens; sister-in-law and spouse, Nancy W. Norris and Boyce Norris of Atlanta. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Monday at the Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church with Rev. Frank Hitchings officiating. Interment will be 3 p.m. (CST) Monday in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Scottsboro, Alabama. The family will receive friends Monday from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers the family request memorials to Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church, Bragg Avenue, Lookout Mountain, TN 37350, or Epworth Church Association, 1161 North Lakeshore Drive, Ludington, Michigan 49431. If you are unable to attend this service or visitation you can sign the guest register at www.jerrysmithfuneralhome.com. Jerry Smith Funeral Home of Athens, TN is serving the family of Jean Harwood Carmichael Wilson. Jerry Smith Funeral Home 423-745-3013

Jim Chambers ('51) From The Commercial Appeal, January 14, 2004:

JIM CHAMBERS, 70, of Memphis, homebuilder and owner of Chambers Construction Co., died Monday at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis. Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Germantown Methodist Church, where he was a member, with burial in Memorial Park. Memorial Park Funeral Home has charge. He was a member of the Memphis Area Home Builders Association and the Tennessee Home Builders Association. Mr. Chambers, the husband of Ann Davis Chambers for 49 years, also leaves a daughter, San Chambers of Memphis; two sons, Chuck Chambers of Memphis and Tom Chambers of Little Rock, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The family requests that any memorials be sent to a charity of the donor's choice.

An obituary has been subsequently posted for Ann Davis ('51), wife of Jim Chambers.

Molly Chambers (associated with the Class of '63) From The Commercial Appeal, December 7, 2007:

Virginia, Virginia Beach - MOLLY CHAMBERS NELSON, died on December 5, 2007 at Virginia Beach General Hospital after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her family at the time of her death and passed peacefully. She was born in Memphis, Tennessee on January 9, 1945 and was predeceasedby her parents, L. Glynn Chambers and Jean Carpenter Chambers. She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Dr. Carl Nelson; her daughters, Silver Nelson, Martha Newell, and Molly Ellen Nelson; son-in-law John Newell; and her grandchildren, Warnie and Brooks Conley, and Ophelia Ann Newell. Molly was a 1963 graduate of Central High School and attended Memphis State University where she was a member of Delta Gamma sorority. Although she moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia in 1979, she always considered Memphis her home. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was an avid gardener and volunteered for the Children’s Hospital in Norfolk, VA. A service will be held Saturday, December 8 [2007] in Virginia Beach, VA. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, 601 Children’s Ln., Norfolk, VA 23507. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hdoliver.com H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts. 757-622-7353

LaVera Sherie Chatman ('03) [posted January 5, 2006] From The Commercial Appeal, January 5, 2006:

LaVERA SHERIE CHATMAN, 22, of Memphis, student at New Wave Hair Academy, died Monday, December 26, 2005 in Birmingham, AL. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 7, 2006 at Martin Temple CME Church, 65 S. Parkway West, where she was a member, with burial in Memorial Park Southwoods. She was a 2003 graduate of East High School. She leaves two sons, Javonte D. Woods and Jamarious M. Chatman; her mother and stepfather, Helen and Harold Odom; her father, Terrance A. Jones; two sisters, Tamika C. Chatman and Shaharra S. Odom; two brothers, Ivory L. Jones and Taryum J. Odom, and her grandparents, Vera Archie Williams, Vera Brooks and Aubrey Crutcher. M.J. Edwards Funeral Home Airways Chapel 901-327-9360

Virginia Chess Varnadoe (East High Faculty) [posted January 17, 2001, updated February 7, 2001]
We are saddened to have to report the death of Virginia Chess Varnadoe, who taught at East in the 1950's under her maiden name, Miss Virginia Chess.
The following obituary is from The Commercial Appeal January 17, 2001:

VIRGINIA CHESS VARNADOE, 70, of Memphis, former teacher and coach at White Station, Messick and East high schools, died of heart failure and cancer Tuesday at Saint Francis Hospital. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Memphis Funeral Home Poplar Chapel with burial in Memorial Park. She was a Sunday school teacher at Audubon Park Baptist Church and a graduate of the University of Memphis. Mrs. Varnadoe, the widow of Larry Varnadoe, leaves two cousins who cared for her, Dorothy Fitzpatrick of Olive Branch and Emily Bacigalupo of Cordova. The family requests that memorials be sent to Audubon Park Baptist Church.

Catherine Clement (East High Faculty) From The Commercial Appeal, May 24, 2001:

CATHERINE G. CLEMENT. Graveside services will be held for Catharine Garver Clement, 90, at Memorial Park Cemetery on Poplar Avenue on Saturday the 26th of May at 4:00 PM. Mrs. Clement was the daughter of Neal Bryant Garver, the Arkansas engineer of the old Memphis-Arkansas Bridge. Her brother, Mark Garver, was the Arkansas consultant for the new Memphis-Arkansas Bridge. Her husband, Charles B. "Foots" Clement, was a prominent Memphis businessman and 1930's Alabama football great.
She was a graduate of Iowa State University and received her graduate training in dietetics at Boston Children's Hospital. She taught at East High School and was active is church and social circles in Memphis. Her last years were spent in the Presbyterian Village at Clinton, SC. She is survived by her children, Laura Clement Cousar of Greenville, SC, Charles B. Clement, Jr. of Chicago and Dr. Neal G. Clement of Florence AL, as well as five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The family requests no flowers or memorials.

Charlie Clement ('58)[posted September 18, 2002]
From The Commercial Appeal, September 18, 2002:

Charles Baxter Clement, Jr., 62, former member of the Board of Directors of the Chicago Board of Trade and previously responsible for the development of Holiday Inns International Hotel Division, died after a short illness at St. Luke's Hospital in Milwaukee on Saturday, September 14 [2002]. He had spent the summer at his Lake Geneva home.
"Charlie" was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, and his parents moved to Memphis when he was thirteen. While in high school, he served a term as a page in the United States Congress, was president of the student body, and graduated with High Honors. He received a scholarship from Princeton University and graduated with Honors in 1962. He then entered the University of Virginia School of Law in Charlottesville, graduating in 1965. That summer, based on his academic and leadership accomplishments, the Rotary Club of Memphis awarded him a full scholarship at the University of Heidelberg in Germany, from which he graduated with the degree of Masters of Law. He became proficient in German and French during that period.
He returned to Memphis and practiced briefly with the firm of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, and Caldwell. Kemmons Wilson, Sr., founder of Holiday Inns, sought him out to lead their international expansion from their base in Brussels. Charlie also worked closely with Occidental Petroleum Company and Dr. Armand Hammer, bringing Holiday Inns into countries where Occidental was expanding. This meant long stays in London.
In 1971 he returned to Memphis and founded, with Mr. Wilson's son, Spence, The New South Venture Capitol Company. One of their first investments was the start-up "Federal Express." Subsequently, with a friend, Ron Young, he started a firm to bring architectural items, building components, hardware, and tile from Europe, which was ultimately sold. Mr. Young was connected with the Chicago Board of Trade and encouraged Charlie to become a member.
He started in 1975 in the newly created Ginnie Mae trading pit. By the late 1970's, Charlie was the largest Treasury Bond broker at the Chicago Board of Trade. In the mid 1980's Charlie was Director of the Chicago Board of Trade and in charge of Agricultural Options. In that position, he was prominent in creating the now highly successful Agricultural Options contracts.
During the late 1980's, Charlie indulged in another one of his passions-writing and literature. Two of his novels were published by Warner Books, The Fairy Godmother and Limit Bid! Limit Bid!
Retiring in the early '90's because of back trouble, he continued writing, working on venture investments, reading, traveling, and light gardening at his summer home. Charlie will always be remembered by many for his personal generosity, both material and through the advice, counsel, and affection he gave to others, particularly the younger generations.
Charlie is survived by his sister, Laura Clement Cousar ('58), her husband George, and their children, of Greenville, South Carolina, and his brother, Neal Garver Clement (associated with the class of '62), his wife Patte, and their children of Florence, Alabama.
Funeral services will be held at the Linn Presbyterian Church in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin on Thursday, September 19, [2002] at 5pm, with a later gathering of friends near Charlie's home at Black Point also in Lake Geneva. For information call Steinke Funeral Home at 262-248-2320.

Ann Cobb ('71) [posted February 17, 2008]
From The Commercial Appeal, February 17, 2008:

ANN ATKINS COBB died at St. Francis Hospital February 15, 2008. Ann was the beloved daughter of Stanley Vinson and Anita Atkins Cobb. She was a lifelong Memphian. She attended First Baptist Church where she was loved and nurtured by wonderful Christian teachers who led her to accept Christ as her savior at an early age. Through out her life she remained a devout believer. During her battle with cancer Ann has been warmly loved by many of these teachers. Ann attended East Elementary and High School all twelve years of her education. After graduating from East High School she received her degree in Education from Memphis State University. For the last 10 years Ann has served as Activity Director at Wesley Highland Manor. During this time she grew to know each resident by name and loved celebrating their birthdays with them. Ann truly grew to love all the staff there, The Methodist Key Women, and all the wonderful volunteers. During the time of her illness all these wonderful people reached out to her with love and care that her family will always remember. In addition to her parents, Ann is survived by her sister and best friend, Susan Cotton and her husband Orvil of Germantown; nephew, Matt Cotton and his wife Christa and daughter Chloe of Germantown; niece, Nancy Robertson ( Tyler) of San Diego, CA. She leaves a host of devoted Aunts and Uncles in Middle Tennessee. Her aunts are Doris Cathey of Nashville, TN, Mary Ann Jordan of Dover, TN; uncles, Billy D. Cobb of Big Rock, TN; Bill Atkins (Betty Jo) Franklin, TN; Jim Atkins (Pat) of Chapmansboro, TN; Arvel Atkins (Barbara) of Dover, TN; along with many loving cousins that have been so kind during her illness. Two special cousins, from Memphis, are Gayle Pirtle (Jim) and Diane Whipple (Dan). Services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, February 18, 2008 at Memorial Park Funeral Home with the visitation one hour prior to the service. A graveside service will be held at 11a.m, Tuesday, February 19 at Smith Cemetery in Dover, TN. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial be sent to First Baptist Church or the American Cancer Society.

Ruth Cobb (Faculty)[posted July 20, 2001]
From The Commercial Appeal, July 20, 2001:

RUTH CARNEY COBB, 86, of Memphis, retired teacher for East High School, died of cancer Thursday [July 19, 2001] at Methodist Healthcare-Central. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday [July 21, 2001] at Memorial Park Funeral Home with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery. She was a member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women, a volunteer librarian for Memphis Botanic Garden and tutored children at several city schools. Mrs. Cobb, the widow of Joseph P. Cobb Jr., leaves a daughter, Carol Cobb Strickland of New Orleans; a son, Joseph P. Cobb III of Memphis, and two grandchildren. The family requests that memorials be sent to St. Luke's United Methodist Church, St. Peter Villa Rehab & Nursing Center or a charity of the donor's choice.

Sandra Kay Colbert (Faculty) [posted November 19, 2000]
Sandra Kay Colbert was a physical education teacher at East. The years she was on the faculty are unverified at this time, however, it is believed she was at East in the late 1960's. We hope to provide more information at a later date.
From The Commercial Appeal, November 19, 2000:

SANDRA KAY COLBERT VADEN, 56, of Germantown, retired physical education teacher for Snowden School and Memphis City Schools, died of cancer Friday [November 17, 2000] at Methodist Healthcare-Germantown. Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday [November 20, 2000] at Memphis Funeral Home Poplar Chapel with burial in Memorial Park. She was a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church. Mrs. Vaden, the wife of John Vaden, also leaves twodaughters, Julie Vaden Funk of Cordova and Jona Vaden of Germantown, and a son, Jason Vaden of Germantown. The family requests that memorials be sent to Emmanuel United Methodist Church, Young Life or Memphis Emmaus.

Shavaunda Michelle Cole (class year undetermined) [posted September 11, 2007]
From The Commercial Appeal, September 11, 2007:

SHAVAUNDA MICHELLE COLE, 35, a support specialist for Midtown Mental Health Center and also an employee of Comprehensive Counseling Center, passed away September 6, 2007. She was a graduate of East High School and a graduate of the University of Memphis and Freed Hardeman University. Visitation from 7-9 p.m., Friday, September 14 at N.J. Ford and Sons Funeral Home. Services at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 15 at Mississippi Boulevard Church. Burial in New Park Cemetery. She is survived by her mother, Nadlyn Smith of Memphis, TN; father, Robert Ernest Cole of Memphis, TN; stepmother, Doris Cole of Memphis, TN; two sisters, Kyoga Brown and Dawn Smith, both of Memphis, TN; two brothers, Damien Little and Darius Little, both of Memphis, TN; one grandmother, Estella Harris of Memphis, TN.

If you know the year of Miss Cole's graduation from East, please let us know so we can post appropriate notice on the class page. Contact us at editor@EastHigh.org

Royce Cole ('67) [posted May 13, 2003]
From The Commercial Appeal, September 25, 2003:

ROYCE C. COLE, 54, of Martin, Tenn., printing press foreman, died Monday [May 12, 2003] at Methodist Healthcare-Volunteer in Martin. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday [May 14, 2003] at Memorial Park Funeral Home with burial in Memorial Park. He was a former member of Bellevue Baptist Church. He leaves a sister, Cozette Bannister of Memphis. The family requests that memorials be sent to Gideons International of Memphis.

Joe Companiotte ('64) [posted May 10, 2004, corrected May 12, 2004] From The Commercial Appeal, May 11, 2004:

JOSEPH B. COMPANIOTTE, 58, of Memphis, formerly of Jackson, Tenn., artist, art consultant and former owner of Alpha Gallery in Knoxville, died Saturday [May 8, 2004] at his home. Graveside [sic*] services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday [May 13, 2004] in Memorial Park. Memorial Park Funeral Home has charge. He leaves two sons, Robert Companiotte and Paul Companiotte, both of Memphis, and a brother, John Companiotte of Atlanta.

Carole Cook (associated with the class of '62) [posted August 3, 2004]
From The Commercial Appeal, August 3, 2004:

CAROLE COOK SOBEL, 60, of Memphis, formerly of New York City, died Sunday [August 1, 2004] at her home. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday [Wednesday, August 4, 2004] at Temple Israel Cemetery. Memphis Funeral Home Poplar Chapel has charge. She was a graduate of East High School and attended University of Memphis. She leaves a sister, Connie Mogull of Mamaroneck, N.Y. The family requests that any memorials be sent to the Memphis Humane Society.

Phil Cottam('55) [posted September 25, 2000]
From The Commercial Appeal, September 25, 2000:

J. PHILLIP COTTAM, 63, of Southaven, DeSoto County Sheriff's Department assistant chief deputy, died Saturday at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Desoto in Southaven. Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Memorial Park Funeral Home with burial in Memorial Park. He was a graduate of East High School, attended the University of Mississippi, was a former member of Memphis Police Department and Shelby County Sheriff's Department and was former chairman of the board for Harbor House. He also was owner of State Beauty Supply of North Mississippi. Mr. Cottam, the husband of Nancy Cottam, also leaves two sons, Tim Cottam of Eudora, Miss., and Russell Cottam of Horn Lake; a brother, Robert Cottam of West Memphis, and four grandchildren. The family requests that memorials be sent to Harbor House.

Pat Cousins ('56) [posted February 16, 2007]
From The Mobile Register, August 18, 2004:

Mrs. Patricia Cousins Harlin - Died on August 12, 2004 in Mobile in the presence of her loving family. Pat was born in Nashville, TN, on May 9, 1938. She was raised in New Orleans, LA and Memphis, TN and was a Phi Beta Kappa Graduate of Newcomb College with a Masters in Psychiatric Social Work. Pat and her family moved to Mobile in 1968 where she has worked as a social worker, a counselor for many students, tennis coach at Springhill College, and a tennis and basketball coach at UMS-Wright School. Pat's true vocation was being an extremely devoted and loving wife, mother, sister and daughter. She was a longtime parishioner of St. Ignatius who was actively involved in all aspects of Catholic life.
Patricia Louise Cousins married Robert Shelby Harlin in Memphis 45 years ago this month. They raised 4 children and have 7 grandchildren. She is survived by her loving husband Robert, her daughters Althea Louise Harlin of Chevy Chase, MD, and Cynthia Harlin Brown of Birmingham, AL and her sons Robert Shelby Harlin, Jr. of Dallas, TX, and Daniel Clay Harlin of New Orleans, LA, sons-in-law Peter Douglas Ross and Darren Scott Brown, and a daughter-in-law Nancy McDonnell Harlin. Her grandchildren are Madeline Elizabeth Ross, Colin Patrick Ross and Brian Harlin Ross of Chevy Chase, MD, Adare Harlin Brown and Joseph Scott Brown of Birmingham, AL and Anne McDonnell Rose and Stephen Thomas Rose of Dallas, TX. She is also survived by her sister Carolyn Cousins Fruin ['62] and her husband Alan of Nashvillle, TN, and her sister Kathleen Althea Cousins of Memphis,TN, and sister-in-law Cornelia Stewart Cousins of Marietta, GA along with numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and many "adopted" Springhill and UMS-Wright students. She was preceded in death by her parents Charles Lanfried Cousins and Althea Mares Cousins and her brother Charles Louis Cousins ['58]. Her loving and generous spirit will be sorely missed by everyone whose life she touched. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 A. M. on Monday, August 16, 2004 from St. Ignatius Catholic Church. The family will receive friends in the Marian Center at St. Ignatius Catholic Church on Monday from 9:30 A. M. until 11 A. M. Interment will be in Pine Crest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations in Pat's name be made to St. Mary's Home for Children, 4350 Moffett Road, Mobile, Alabama 36618 or a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements by RADNEY FUNERAL HOME, Dauphin Street Extension, Mobile, Alabama 36606.

Wylie Craft (associated with the class of '67) [posted June 14, 2002] - From The Commercial Appeal, May 25, 2002:

WYLIE GRAHAM CRAFT, 53, of Scottsboro, Ala., formerly of Memphis, retired president of Compass Bank in Scottsboro, died Thursday [May 23, 2002] in Memphis. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. today [May 25, 2002] in Elmwood. Canale Funeral Directors has charge. Mr. Craft, the husband of Patricia M. Craft of Memphis, also leaves a daughter, Whitney Craft Sanders of Scottsboro; a son, Robert Wesley Craft, his parents, Sara G. and Robert D. Craft, and two brothers, Robert D. Craft Jr., and Frank S. Craft, all of Memphis, and a grandchild.

Wilbur Crump ('63) [posted June 30, 2001] - From The Commercial Appeal, December 7, 1997:

WILBUR H. CRUMP JR., 53, of 475 S. Perkins, died of cancer Saturday [December 6, 1997] at Baptist Memorial Hospital East. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Monday [December 8, 1997] at Forest Hill Cemetery Midtown. N. J. Ford & Sons Funeral Home has charge. He was a former employee of Fay Builder Supply Co., a graduate of the University of Memphis, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity, and a former member of the Tennessee Air National Guard. Mr. Crump, the husband of Joy Crump, also leaves two sons, Wesley H. Crump and Wilbur H. Crump III, both of Memphis; a stepson, Robert L. Hall Jr. of Nashville; a brother, Christopher Crump ['69] of North Carolina, and a grandchild.

Willie James "June" Culpepper Jr. ('92) [posted June 25, 2008]
From The Commercial Appeal, June 18, 2008:

WILLIE JAMES CULPEPPER, JR., 35, of Memphis, died June 11, 2008. Visitation will be from4-6:30 p.m. Friday, June 20 at N. J. Ford & Son Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 21 at Progressive Missionary Baptist Church on Vance Ave. Burial will be in New Park Cemetery. He leaves three daughters, Telisa Culpepper, Raven Culpepper and Jamie Culpepper; one son, Willie J. Culpepper III, all of Memphis; mother, Essie Culpepper Thompson; stepfather, Andrew Thompson; father, Willie James Culpepper, Sr.; one sister, Shudonica Douglas (class year undetermined) (Anthony); one brother, Kenneth D. Culpepper (Tiffanie); his favorite uncle, Freddie Lewis, all of Memphis; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. A favorite aunt preceded him in death, Lenora Lewis.

Ann Davis ('51) [posted February 16, 2007]
From The Commercial Appeal, Sunday, February 11, 2007:

ANN D. CHAMBERS, 73, of Collierville, passed away February 9, 2007. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Monday, February 12 at Memorial Park Funeral Home, with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Jeffery D. Davis ('77) [updated March 6, 2000]
From The Commercial Appeal, Sunday, March 5, 2000:

SGT. FIRST CLASS JEFFERY D. DAVIS, 39, of Fort Dix, N.J., Army operations sergeant, died of cancer Wednesday [March 1, 2000] at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington. Services will be at noon Wednesday [March 8, 2000] at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with burial in West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery with full military honors. N. H. Owens & Son Funeral Home has charge. He was a graduate of East High School and a 20-year Army veteran. He leaves a son, Jeffery D. Davis Jr. of New Jersey; his mother, Mary E. Dotson; two sisters, Beverly Green and Terita Thomas, and two brothers, Theoren Dotson and Avalon Davis, all of Memphis.

Linda Davis (associated with the class of '63) [posted July 22, 2005] - From The Washington Post, May 6, 2005:

Linda Davis Dulin
DULIN, LINDA DAVIS (Age 60)
Of Vienna, VA, on Wednesday, May 4, 2005 at the National Naval Medical Center iin Bethesda, MD. Beloved wife of James "Jim" Dulin ['61]; loving mother of Michael and his wife, Doreen, Chris and his wife, Jennifer; sister of Lee and Bill Davis and Kay Finley; grandmother of Zachary and Nathan. Friends may call at MONEY & KING FUNERAL HOME, 171 West Maple Ave., Vienna, VA, on Friday, May 6, 2005 from 6 to 9 p.m. Memorial services will be held at Vienna Presbyterian Church, 124 Park St. N,E., Vienna, VA, on Saturday, May 7 [2005], at 1 p.m. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.

Warren T. Davis ('66) [posted July 6, 2005]
Warren Davis, 56, of Albertville, Alabama passed away July 4th, 2005, in Birmingham, after a short battle with lung cancer. He was employed with Shoal Creek Communications. Mr. Davis leaves behind his wife Barbara, two sons, Damian Davis of Tacoma, WA and Dustin Davis of Gulfport, MS, two brothers, Roy Davis, Jr. ('65) of West Germany & Brian Davis ('73) of Olive Branch, MS, and at least 2 grandchildren.

No services were scheduled.

[Information supplied by Brian Davis].

Tederick C. Dawson ('93) [posted August 28, 2001]
From The Commercial Appeal, Monday, August 27, 2001:

TEDERICK CORNELL DAWSON, 26, student at the University of Memphis and employee of Midsouth Builders, died Sunday [August 26, 2001] at the Regional Medical Center after being shot. N.J. Ford & Sons Funeral Home has charge. He was a member of World Overcomers Outreach Ministries Church and Omega Psi Phi fraternity. He leaves his parents, Shirley C. and James A. Dawson, a sister, Corhonda L. Dawson-Bolton, and a brother, Keleian A. Dawson, all of Memphis, and his grandmother, Jolane Dawson of West Memphis.

Prior to his death, Tederick Dawson was a participant with our alumni page. The last profile he submitted may be read on the Class of 1993 page.

News stories about Mr. Dawson's death and subsequent trail of the accused are available in our "In the news . . . " seciton.

Adrienne Dee ('93) [posted February 27, 2008]- From The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, February 27, 2008.

ADRIENNE NICOLE DEE, 32, social worker for the Regional Medical Center, of Memphis, passed away February 23, 2008 at her residence. She was a graduate of East High School and a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga and had a masters degree from the University of Tennessee, Memphis. Services, Saturday, March 1 at 12:30 p.m. at Grace Bible Baptist Church on Schoolfield, where she was a member. Burial in Northridge Cemetery, Millington, TN. She is survived by one daughter, Breanna Hobson of Memphis, TN; two brothers, Justin Dee and Justin Wright, both of Memphis, TN; a mother, Anita Dee of Memphis, TN; a father, James E. Wright of Memphis, TN; two grandmothers, Loretta Dee and Nettie Wright, both of Memphis, TN. She also leaves a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives. N.J. Ford and Sons Funeral Home 901-948-7755

Prior to her death, Adrienne Dee was a participant with our alumni page. The last profile she submitted may be read on the Class of 1993 page.

Gregory Lamont Dennis (class year association undetermined) [posted June 14, 2005] - From The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, June 14, 2005.

Gregory Lamont Dennis, 31, of Memphis, former employee of the University of Tennessee Medical Center and student at East High School, died Friday in Memphis. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Promiseland Baptist Church, where he was a member, with burial in New Park Cemetery. N.J. Ford & Sons Funeral Home has charge. He leaves his mother, JoAnn Baxter, and two sisters, Shirley Baxter and Donna Branch, all of Memphis, and his grandparents, Odessa Baxter of Memphis and Mordora Dennis of Winstonville, Miss.

If anyone can supply the class year with which Mr. Dennis was associated, please contact The East High Alumni Page at editor@EastHigh.org.

Johnny Doggett (associated with Class of '55) [posted April 24, 2008] - From The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, April 27, 2002.

JOHN HENRY DOGGETT JR., 64, of Memphis, architect and president of Odorzone, died Thursday at his home. Services will be at 11 a.m. today at Memorial Park Rotunda with entombment in Memorial Park Mausoleum. Memorial Park Funeral Home has charge. He was a Marine Corps veteran, founding board member of Memphis Truth Seekers Fellowship and member of Memphis Country Club. Mr. Doggett, the husband of Joy Ramsey Doggett, also leaves three daughters, Cile Collier, Elizabeth Hvasta and Keith Rainer, all of Memphis; two sons, Sam Nick ey IV of Memphis and Andrew Stimpson of Jackson, Miss.; a sister, Winnefred Kell of Sarasota, Fla., and five grandchildren. The family requests that memorials be sent to Truth Seekers Fellowship.

Cifford Ollie Dowell ('53) [posted August 15, 2005] - From The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, August 14, 2005.

CLIFFORD OLLIE DOWELL, 70, passed away on Thursday, August 11, 2005 after a long courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). He died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. He was an officer in the U. S. Army, a retired manager of Cigna Insurance Company, a board member of Delta Dental of Tennessee, owner of Dowell and Associates, and an active member of Christ United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Peggy; 2 daughters, Laura Greenwell and Jenny Nicholson; 1 son, Paul Dowell; 1 daughter-in-law, Josie Dowell; 3 grandchildren, Justin Lewis, Michael Lewis, and Michelle Nicholson; 1 great-granddaughter, Jolie Jones; and 1 sister, Elisa (Betsy) Dowell ['64]. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, August 15, 2005 at Christ United Methodist Church with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memphis Funeral Home Poplar Chapel has charge. The family requests any memorials be sent to the ALS Foundation or Christ United Methodist Church. Memphis Funeral Home Poplar Chapel 901-725-0100

Reid DuBard ('67) [posted October 31, 2002] - From The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, March 15, 1972.

Joint Services Today
Joint services will be held at 2 p.m. today [March 15, 1972] at First Evangelical Church for Miss Helen L. Tully and Reid W. DuBard, killed Monday [March 13, 1972] in a car accident near Carthage, Tenn. Burial for both will be in Memorial Park with Tredwell-Norris Funeral Home in charge.
Miss Tully, 22, was the daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Bartlett C. Tully of 2218 Kirby Road. Mr. DuBard, 23, was the son of Dr. and Mrs. Horton DuBard of 6460 Strathspey. They were killed while driving from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, which they attended, to Memphis for spring vacation.

Patt Duncan ('68) [posted October 13, 2005] - From The Commercial Appeal, October 13, 2005:

PATRICIA ANN DUNCAN CURTIS, 54, of Memphis TN. Ms. Curtis succumbed to ovarian cancer on October 12, 2005 at home. Ms. Curtis was a graduate of East High School and the University of Tennessee School of radiologic technology. She was an active member of the radiology field in Memphis for nearly four decades, and accredited with the ARRT(R) (M) (CRA), ARDMS, and a member of the ASRT and AHRA. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Services will be 3 p.m. Friday, October 14,at Brantley Funeral Home in Olive Branch, with interment at Memorial Park Southwoods. She is survived by her mother, Geneva Lomonica, a son, Chris Curtis, two grandsons, Randy Curtis and Michael Denman, all of Memphis, Tn. and a sister, Joan Wooley of Southaven, Ms. The family wishes to give thanks to friends and the congregation of Hope Presbyterian for their help, prayers, and support. Brantley Funeral Home Olive Branch 662-895-2310

Prior to her death, Patt Duncan was a participant with our alumni page. The last profile she submitted may be read on the Class of 1968 page.

Dwight Leonard Durrett ('73) [posted August 20, 2006] - From The Commercial Appeal, August 20, 2006:

DWIGHT LEONARD DURRETT, 51, of Memphis, salesman for Nu-Prime, alumni of East High School, died Thursday, August 17, 2006 at Baptist Memorial Hospital East. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, August 24 at Harrison's Funeral Home Chapel, 2647 Carnes Avenue. Remains will lie in state Friday, August 25 from 11-11:55 a.m. at Greater Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 3077 Johnson Avenue, where he was a member. Funeral ceremony will be at 12 p.m. with interment to follow at New Park Memorial Gardens, 3900 Sewanee Road, Pastor Willie H. Lester, officiating. He leaves to cherish his memories; his wife, Gloria; his son, DeMario Moore; his daughters, D'Angela Durrett, Moriah R. Durrett and April Michelle Durrett; his mother and stepfather, Ella D. and Willie Cartwright; five sisters, Sandra D. Harris, Eva C. (Charles K.) Jones, Loretta D. Slaughter, Joan D. Suggars, and Gloria (Gregory) Moore; six brothers, Turner Lacey, Paul Lacey, William Lacey, Rex (Venessa) Durrett, John Durrett and Otis B. Durrett; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. www.harrisonfuneralhome.com

Mike Earp ('52) [updated January, 1998] - From The Commercial Appeal, August 3, 1997:

Orson K. `Mike' Earp Jr., a vanguard in Memphis's real estate market, died of cardiovascular failure Friday [August 1, 1997] at Baptist Memorial Hospital. He was 62.
Mr. Earp, a Memphis native, was a lifetime member of the Memphis Board of Realtors' Multimillion Dollar Club, an honor that comes after selling a high volume of real estate for five consecutive years.
Mr. Earp was a member of the first football team at East High School and graduated in the school's second-ever class. He graduated from Washington and Lee University, where he was president of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and a member of Sigma.
After a two-year stint in the Marines, Mr. Earp began a career in insurance and later moved into the field that would make him successful: real estate.
Mr. Earp became chairman, president and chief executive officer at the Galbreath Company before he was recruited by Marx & Bensdorf Real Estate & Investment Co. in 1977.
He became chairman of the company in 1980. His co-owner and partner in the 30-agent firm, David Okeon, said the company sold $93 million worth of real estate last year under Mr. Earp's leadership.
"I would say he was the rudder and the guiding force behind the firm," Okeon said. "He had excellent administrative and management skills."
Besides real estate, Mr. Earp stayed busy in civic and social organizations.
He was president of the Phoenix Club and played a leading role in founding the Boys Clubs here in the early 1960s, said his daughter, Lisa Earp Wilder of Memphis.
He was a past president of the Tennessee Club, a past chairman of the Memphis/Shelby County Insurance Advisory Committee, a member of the Memphis Country Club and an elder at Idlewild Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Earp also was active in the Regional Cancer Center at Memphis, the Memphis Rotary Club and the Memphis Cancer Society.
Wilder said Mr. Earp's favorite recreation was visiting with his grandchildren.
Besides his daughter, Mr. Earp, the husband of Claudia Elizabeth Willins Earp, also leaves two other daughters, Martha Earp Cottam of Memphis, and Marguerite Earp McGowan of Dallas; two sisters, Martha Earp Canale and Helen Earp West, both of Memphis, and seven grandchildren.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday [August 4, 1997] at Idlewild Presbyterian Church with burial in Memorial Park. Canale Funeral Directors has charge.
The family asks that any memorials be sent to Idlewild Presbyterian Church, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Memphis or a charity of the donor's choice.

Leslie E. Eason ('51) [posted January 8, 2000]
From The Commercial Appeal, September 23, 1997:

Dr. Leslie E. Eason, 64, of Memphis, anesthesiologist for the Medical Group, died of complications from diabetes Monday [September 22, 1997] at Methodist Hospital. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Memphis Funeral Home Poplar Chapel with burial in Memorial Park. He was a partner in the Medical Group from 1965-1991. He was a captain and flight surgeon in the Air Force. He was a member of the first graduating class of East High School and the graduated from the University of Tennessee Medical School in 1954. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha at the University of Memphis. Dr. Eason, the husband of Linda Porter Eason for 41 years, also leaves two daughters, Lee Anne Eason and Lynne Ellen Canestrari; and two sons, Leslie E. Eason Jr., and Landon Porter Eason, all of Memphis; a sister, Gladys Wright of Hot Springs, Ark,; a brother, Dr. Hamel Eason of Memphis, and six grand children. The family requests that any memorials be sent to Central Church or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Tim Eaton (associated with the class of '66) [posted January 3, 2000]
From The Commercial Appeal, January 3, 2000:

TIMOTHY WARD EATON, 52, of Memphis, owner of Eaton Imports and First Class Gift Shops, died of cancer Saturday [January 1, 2000] at Memphis Veterans Medical Center. Services will be at noon Thursday [January 6, 2000] at Germantown Presbyterian Church with burial in West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. Family Funeral Care has charge. He was a Vietnam War Army veteran. Mr. Eaton leaves a daughter, Jennifer Eaton Prest; a companion he lived with, Lynn Shea; his mother, Sylvia Eaton; two sisters, Sandra Eaton Saunders and Beth Eaton Washington, and three brothers, Stephen Shawn Eaton, Dennis Craig Eaton and David Bron Eaton, all of Memphis, and a grandchild. The family requests that any memorials be sent to the American Cancer Society.

Frances Elder ('57) [posted June 7, 2007]
It is reported that no obituary was published upon the death Frances Elder. The East High Alumni Page believes the following to accurately reflect official and/or published records:
Fraces Irene Sutton, 52, died July 22, 1991, in San Francisco, California. At the time of her death, her survivors included her parents Harold and Sarah Elder of Memphis, Tennessee; a sister Doris Jean Valentine of Memphis; a brother, Robert H. Elder of Collinsville, Alabama.

Patsy Ellington ('60) [posted August 19, 2007]
From The Commercial Appeal, August 19, 2007:

PATSY M. HOKE, 65, passed to heaven to join our Lord Jesus on August 15, 2007. Patsy is the granddaughter of Edgar and Mary Ellington and William and Mary Myracle; the daughter of Bruce and Peggy Ellington; the mother of three sons, Kevin Dougher, Kelly Dougher, wife Lacy and Hunter Hoke; the brother to Ken Ellington ['72] and wife Jan; the sister to Susan Evans; the niece to Billy and Sue Deloach, Carline Myracle, Joe Myracle, Gene Myracle, and Shirley Myracle. Patsy, a retired employee of Methodist Hospital, graduated from East High School and had attended University of Memphis. Her cousin, Pastor Billy Myracle will be performing a memorial service at Collierville Bible Church on Tuesday, August 21, at 3 p.m. The family requests that all donations be sent to West Clinic Cancer Center. The family also rejoices that by the grace of our Lord Jesus, she lives. Collierville Bible Church is located at 806 Wolf River Blvd, Phone is 854-2500. High Point Funeral Chapel 901-454-5795

James Mignon Evans ('56) [posted September 27, 2005]
From The Commercial Appeal, September 27, 2005:

James Mignon Evans [56], 67, died Monday [September 26, 2005], of cancer. He was born in Memphis on May 9, 1938, to M.K. Evans and Elizabeth Fulcher Evans, and was preceded in death by his daughter, Virginia Gayle Evans, and his brother, David Fulcher Evans. He is survived by his wife, Gayle Dupont Evans, whom he married Aug. 21, 1965; and his sons, Matthew Moseby Evans of Idaho Falls, Idaho; Benjamin Dupont Evans and his wife, Stacie Sanders, of Baltimore; and Bolin Briscoe Evans and his girlfriend, Sparrow Hall, of Knoxville. Mr. Evans graduated from East High School and Rice University. He received a Masters of Fine Arts in Architecture from Princeton University and served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army. After briefly practicing architecture in Washington, D.C., he returned to Memphis in 1968 and commenced a 37-year practice with the architectural firm now known as Evans, Taylor, Foster, Childress. His work received numerous awards from professional organizations. He had served as president of the Memphis chapter of the American Institute of Architects and as vice president of AIA Tennessee. He led and organized the Francis Mah Fellowship Committee He had also served as a vestry member and junior warden of Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church, as president of Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal School, as a member of the board of directors and as president of Dismas House Memphis and was a member of the University Club and Rotary Club. The service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday [September 28, 2005] at Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church. The family will receive guests at the church one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 1720 Peabody Ave., Memphis, 38104; Church Health Center of Memphis, 1210 Peabody Ave., Memphis, 38104; or Emmanuel Episcopal Center, 604 Saint Paul Ave., Memphis, 38126. Canale Funeral Directors 901-452-6400

Tom Faber ('59) [posted October 12, 2000]
From The Commercial Appeal, October 12, 2000:

Thomas John Faber, of Newnan, Georgia, was born in Chicago, Illinois, in June of 1941. At the age of three, he moved with his family to Memphis, Tennessee, and remained until he attended college. Growing up, Tom was involved in Scouting (Eagle Scout), hunting, fishing, and sports. Tom graduated from Mississippi State with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He worked for LaClede Street, U.S. Air Force, The Clorox Co., Kingsford Charcoal Co., Bonner Construction, and was a Senior Project Manager for MetricConstructors.
Tom lost his one and one-half year battle with brain cancer on Tuesday, October 10, 2000. He was a devoted parent to his daughters, a manager who cared about his people, a breeder who, along with his wife, was actively involved with his Morgan Horses, and a person who had a heart for God and life.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents, John Faber and Dorothy Branch Faber. He is survived by two brothers: Dr. Robert B. Faber ['62] of Nashville, Tennessee, and Richard A. Faber ['67] of Memphis, Tennessee; his wife, Melody R. Faber of Newnan; and two daughters, Lisa L. Faber of Lausanne, Switzerland and Shannon D. Faber of Bethesda, M.D.
Visitation hours are being held at McKoon Funeral Home, 38 Jackson Street, Newnan,GA, on Friday, October 13 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Reverend Russell Kendrick will conduct funeral services on Saturday, October 14, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 576 Roscoe Road, Newnan, GA. Burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the St. Paul's Episcopal Church Building Fund at the above address.

Joyce Ferguson ('61) [posted February 28, 2006]
Additional information from The Commercial Appeal, February 27, 2006:

JOYCE KAY FERGUSON, 63, retired registered nurse at Baptist Hospital and member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church, died Saturday, February 25, 2006 at her home. She is survived by her mother, Doris Ferguson Stuart of Memphis; and her brother, Allan B. Ferguson, Jr. ['58] of Hickory Withe, TN. Since Ms. Ferguson was an avid dog lover, the family requests that any memorials be sent to the Memphis Humane Society or Sunny Meadows in Southaven, MS. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, March 6 in the chapel of St. Luke's Methodist Church. Family Funeral Care.

A news story is also available.

Paul Allen Ferguson ('61) [posted September 13, 2003]
From The Commercial Appeal, September 13, 2003:

PAUL ALLEN FERGUSON, 60, of Memphis, died Sept. 8 [2003] at Methodist Healthcare-Germantown. He was a Vietnam War veteran, recipient of the Purple Heart, Silver Star and two Bronze Clusters for heroism, and member of Hope Presbyterian Church. He leaves a daughter, Jessica Ferguson Kircher of Medina, Wash.; a sister, Bobbie Ferguson Davis of Charlotte, N.C.; two brothers, Daniel T. Ferguson of Wylie, Texas, and Rhea W. Ferguson Jr. of Asheville, N.C., and a granddaughter. The family requests that memorials be sent to Music Mission of Hope Presbyterian Church.

No funeral, memorial, or visitation information was immediately available.

Kenny Finsness ('64) [posted January 20, 2008, updated January 22, 2008]:
From The Royal Gazette, Bermuda, January 22, 2008:

A funeral service for the late Mr. Kenneth Harald Finsness, beloved husband of Barbara and loving father of Mia, Chris, Paula, and Catherine, in his 62nd year will be held at St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church, Middle Road Warwick, Monday, January 21st, 2008, at 3:30 p.m.
Interment will follow in Christ Church, the Church of Scotland, Middle Road, Warwick.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Bermuda Heart Foundation at P.O. Box HM 1993, Hamilton Bermuda or the China Foundation Inc. at P.O. Box 607, Westport CT 06881, U.S.A. for the benefit of Orphans.
He is also survived by his brother Russell [Finsness ('62)]; his family in the U.S.A. numerous other relatives and friends both here and abroad.
Bulley-Graham Funeral Home [Hamilton, Bermuda]

Evelyn Flaniken (East High Staff) [posted September 24, 2000] - We are saddened to learn of the death of long time East High Secretary Evelyn Flaniken, who served in that capacity from the mid to late 1950's through at least most of the 1960's. We hope to have more exact dates of her service at East soon. Prior to working at East, Mrs. Flaniken was secretary at Messick High School.

From The Commercial Appeal, September 24, 2000:

LETHE EVELYN WADE FLANIKEN, 97, of Siloam Springs, Ark., formerly of Memphis, retired secretary for the Memphis City Schools, died of heart failure Thursday [September 21, 2000] at Quail Ridge Living Center in Siloam Springs. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday [September 25, 2000] at Forest Hill Funeral Home Midtown with burial in Forest Hill Cemetery Midtown. She was president and treasurer of the Tennessee Education Secretary Association, member of the Tennessee and National Retired Teachers Associations, life member of Women of the Presbyterian Church and a founder of Memphis Public School Secretary Association. Mrs. Flaniken, the widow of Ernest Murrell Flaniken, leaves a daughter, Peggy Flaniken Davis of Siloam Springs; three sons, Ernest Hugh Flaniken of Cocoa, Fla., Forrest Flaniken of Louisville, and Richard Flaniken of Germantown; two half-sisters, Eleanora Marchbanks and Clothilda Russell, and two half-brothers, Karl Wade and Charles Wade, all of Tuscumbia, Ala., 13 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild.

Kirk Fordice ('52) [posted September 7, 2004, updated September 8, 2004]          
From The Associated Press/The Commercial Appeal, September 8, 2004:

Fordice dies; was known for blunt style
By From Staff and Wire Reports
September 8, 2004

      JACKSON, Miss. - Former governor Kirk Fordice, a hard-nosed, no-nonsense businessman who became Mississippi's first Republican governor in more than 100 years, died Tuesday [September 7, 2004] of leukemia. He was 70.
      Fordice, who battled prostate cancer while in office, confirmed in August that he had been diagnosed with a form of leukemia.
      The Memphis native who graduated from East High School and eventually married his high school sweetheart, died at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.
      On Thursday [September 9, 2004], there will be a public viewing of Fordice's body in the Capitol Rotunda from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday [September 10, 2004] at First Baptist Church in Jackson, with burial in Parkway Memorial Cemetery. Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home has charge.
      "His toughness showed to the very end," said longtime friend Jim Ingram, who served as head of the Highway Patrol during Fordice's two terms.
      "He was a man of integrity and he expected integrity and honesty from those he appointed," Ingram said.
      Gov. Haley Barbour, the second Republican elected to the state's highest office, said Fordice focused the state's energies on economic development.
      "His frank, outspoken and unwavering style made him a respected figure with his political opponents and a beloved governor by Mississippians across the state who elected him twice," Barbour said.
      Born Daniel Kirkwood Fordice Jr. in Memphis on Feb. 10, 1934, he was elected president of the student body at East High, where he was a varsity football player, a swimmer and commander of the ROTC battalion.
      After moving to Mississippi, he became a self-made millionaire through his Fordice Construction Co. in Vicksburg. He upset incumbent Democrat Ray Mabus in 1991 to become Mississippi's first Republican governor since Reconstruction. Fordice served as governor from 1992-2000, becoming the first Mississippi chief executive to succeed himself.
      Friends and associates say Fordice was the consummate alpha male during his eight years in office - loud, gruff and domineering.
      "Frankly I don't miss being inside politics," Fordice said in a 2001 interview with The Associated Press. "It has often been called an ugly, dirty game, and in many ways it is."
      One of his many political battles included the feud with former attorney general Mike Moore, who in 1994 sued tobacco companies. Mississippi was the first of dozens of states to seek repayment for public costs of treating sick smokers.
      Democrat Moore used a stable of private attorneys, including some of his biggest contributors, to file the suit.
      "Any idiot can see it's all about lawyers' fees," Fordice once groused.
      He filed his own suit to try to block Moore's. That didn't work. Moore negotiated a settlement with cigarette makers in 1999 that's bringing the state billions of dollars.
      Despite controversies over his comments on race and other issues and his private life, the silver-haired grandfather only seemed to grow more popular with conservative Mississippians even though his agenda of tax cuts, school choice and term limits stalled in the Democrat-controlled Legislature.
      He was successful in pushing for spending restraints, tougher sentencing laws and more prisons.
      The Legislature agreed to a new law that limited spending to 98 percent of revenues, putting the other 2 percent into a "rainy day" savings account. Lawmakers also passed a law that required people convicted of felonies to serve at least 85 percent of their sentences before they could be considered for parole.
      "He will go down for being a business governor and for creating an environment in this state, a pro-business environment that saw the greatest economic growth in the history of the state," the director of the state Department of Economic and Community Development, Jimmy Heidel, told The Commercial Appeal in 2000.
      Fordice's hero was President Reagan.
      "I'm a staunch conservative in the midst of an extremely liberal Legislature, extremely liberal press," Fordice said in a 1999 interview with The Commercial Appeal. "I do my thing because my internal moral compass tells me what is right, and that is what I do."
      His most raucous debates were over racial issues.
      Just a few days after his swearing in, he threatened to call out the National Guard if the state was ordered to spend more money on its three historically black colleges.
      He argued that racial issues were overshadowed by economic ones. "Mississippi doesn't do race anymore," he said in his 1996 inaugural speech after winning a second term.
      "The 1960s are over. . . We will acknowledge our history, but we will not let it determine our future. The only race that we're concerned with is the race for more jobs, for better schools, for safer neighborhoods and the race for lower taxes," he said.
      His private life made headlines several times.
      In 1993, he revealed that he was having "irreconcilable differences" with his wife of 40 years, Pat. The first lady, through a terse press release, said she had no intention of divorcing.
      Three years later, Fordice was seriously injured while driving back from Memphis, where restaurant employees had seen him eating lunch and drinking wine with a woman.
      In 1999, he was caught on television returning home from a vacation to France with Ann G. Creson, his high school sweetheart. He cursed the television reporter. Days later, he announced that he and his wife were divorcing.
      He married Creson shortly after leaving office in January 2000, barred by term limits from seeking a third term. They later divorced.
      A statement released by Fordice's family said the governor had received calls, letters and prayers from people across the state during his illness.
      "The people he served while in office served to lift his spirits during his final days," the statement read.

Additional information from The Associated Press: Kirk Fordice was survived by daughter, Angie Roselle of Vicksburg; sons, Hunter Fordice and Dan Fordice of Vicksburg, Dr. Jim Fordice of Nashville, Tenn.; and 19 grandchildren.

[Editor's note: There are additional stories about Kirk Fordice during his term as Mississippi governor and after on our "In the news..." section.

Hazel F. Forrester ('51) [posted April 8, 2003]:
From The Commercial Appeal, April 8, 2003:

HAZEL F. FORRESTER, 69, of Bartlett, retired master social worker, died Sunday [April 6, 2003] at her home. Services will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday [April 9, 2003] at Forest Hill Funeral Home East with burial in Forest Hill Cemetery East. She was a member of the National Association of Social Workers for 45 years, former teacher at Humes Junior High School, worked with the Girl Scouts, marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and was grant writer and initiator of MIFA Meals-On-Wheels program. She leaves two sisters, Sydney G. Forrester of Moscow, and Mary Forrester King of Bartlett, and two brothers, Lawrence W. Forrester of Williston, Tenn., and James A. Forrester Jr. of South Carolina. The family requests that memorials be sent to American Cancer Society.

Steve Fransioli (associated with the class of '56) [posted February 16, 2007]:
From The Commercial Appeal, April 7, 2002:

STEPHEN A. FRANSIOLI III, 64, of Dallas, retired from Core Carrier, former sales specialist for Memphis Furniture Co., and guest relations employee of the State Fair of Texas for 21 years, died Thursday at Methodist Healthcare-Germantown. Memorial services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at St. George Episcopal Church Chapel. Memphis Funeral Home Poplar Chapel has charge. He was a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church by the Sea in Panama City, Fla., a graduate of the University of Memphis, an alumni of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and served on the board of directors for the Wilmer Hall Orphanage-Episcopal Children's Home in Mobile, Ala. He leaves a sister, Jane [Fransioli] Browndyke ['59], and a brother, Bill Fransioli ['67], both of Germantown. The family requests that memorials be sent to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church by the Sea in Panama City.

Orion Fredrick Frye (Faculty) [posted January 21, 2005]:
From The Commercial Appeal, January 20, 2005:

Dr. Orion F. Frye, 79, of Memphis, retired professor for Morehead State University, died Wednesday [January 19, 2005] at his home. Services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday [January 22, 2005] at Memorial Park Funeral Home with burial in Memorial Park. He was a World War II Army veteran, a 32nd degree Mason and a member of Scottish Rite. Dr. Frye, the husband of Elisabeth Frye for 57 years, also leaves a daughter, Fredricka Smith of Memphis; a son, Ernest Frye of Walnut Ridge, Ark., a grandchild and a great-grandchild.

George Gage ('64) [posted April 9, 2002]:
From The Commercial Appeal, March 30, 2002:

GEORGE BARTLETT GAGE Jr., 57, of Knoxville, formerly of Memphis, musician, died Wednesday [March 27, 2002] at the University of Tennessee Hospital in Knoxville. Memorial services will be at 4:30 p.m. Friday [April 5, 2002] at Grace - St. Luke's Episcopal Church, where he was a member. Canale Funeral Directors has charge. He leaves a sister, Caroline G. Sanford ('60), and a brother, Charles Francis Gage ('69), both of Memphis.

James Roy Galey ('72) [posted September 17, 2001] From The Commercial Appeal, September 17, 2001:

JAMES ROY GALEY, 47, of Memphis, employee of Empire Pawn Shop, died Sunday [September 16, 2001] at the Regional Medical Center at Memphis of injuries from an auto accident. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday [September 19, 2001] at Memorial Park Funeral Home with burial in Memorial Park. He was a member of Calvary Episcopal Church. He leaves his parents, Doris and James Galey; a sister, Carol Marie Hoyle, and a brother, Kenneth Alan Galey, all of Memphis. The family requests that memorials be sent to Calvary Episcopal Church or a charity of the donor's choice.

Prior to his death, James Roy Galey was a participant with our alumni page. The last profile he submitted may be read on the Class of 1972 page.

Bobby Gammon ('62) [updated January 14, 2000]
From The Commercial Appeal, January 10, 2000:

ROBERT R. GAMMON, 55, of Bartlett, salesman, died Thursday [January 6, 2000], at his home. The cause of death had not yet been determined pending an autopsy. Services will be at noon Tuesday [January 11, 2000] at Memorial Park Funeral Home with burial in Memorial Park. He was a member of Memphis Bop Club, president of Memphis Boogie Bunch and a Navy veteran. Mr. Gammon, the husband of Sandie Gammon, also leaves a son, Jake Gammon of Atlanta; a stepdaughter, Mikki Horton, and his mother, Sue Etta Gammon, both of Memphis; a sister, Jean Ray Morgan of Plano, Texas, and a brother, James Curtis Gammon of Knoxville. The family requests that any memorials be sent to a charity of the donor's choice.

Jack Gately ('65) [posted March 20, 2004]
From The Commercial Appeal, March 20, 2004:

JOHN C. 'JACK' GATELY, 58, of Germantown, self-employed certified pedorthist, died Wednesday [March 17, 2004] at his home. Services will be at 2 p.m. today [March 20, 2004] at Memorial Park Funeral Home with burial in Memorial Park. He was a member of Woodlawn Masonic Lodge, Boy Scouts of America and Prescription Footwear Association. Mr. Gately, the husband of Gail Gately for 35 years, also leaves a daughter, Gwen Taylor of Arlington; a son, John G. Gately of Memphis; a brother, Donald Gately ('65) of Charlotte, N.C., and two grandchildren. The family requests that any memorials be sent to Hope Presbyterian Church.

Karla Gerstenberger ('62) [posted May 23, 2001] - The following is from The Natchez Democrat,Natchez, MS., May 14, 2001:

NATCHEZ - Services for Karla Marie Gerstenberger Laukhuff, 57, of Vidalia, La., who died Saturday, May 12, 2001, at Natchez Regional Hospital, will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday [May 15, 2001], at Laird Funeral Home in Natchez, with the Revs. Andrew Brondes and William Gassett and Father Paul Kunnumpuran officiating.
Burial will be in the Natchez City Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home. Visitation is from 5 until 8 p.m. today [May 14, 2001] and from noon until service time Tuesday [May 15, 2001] at the funeral home.
Mrs. Laukhuff was born Dec. 3, 1943, in Alexandria, La., the daughter of John Henry and Mary Bess Gerstenberger.
She was a resident of Vidalia, La., for 10 years and a volunteer teacher at Cathedral Elementary School. She was also a member of the Pilgrimage Garden Club and the First Lutheran Church of Natchez.
She was preceded in death by her mother.
Survivors include her father, John Henry Gerstenberger of Memphis, Tenn.; a husband, Ralph Lewis Laukhuff Jr. of Vidalia; a son and his fianceé, Ralph Lewis Laukhuff III and Bethaney Leggett of Alexandria; two daughters, Brittny Marie Laukhuff of Vidalia, and Kari Marie Laukhuff and fianceé Kippy Blaney of Collierville, Tenn.; two grandchildren, Chase John Laukhuff of Collierville, and Chad Lewis Laukhuff of Alexandria; one brother and his wife, Robert [Gerstenberger ('65)] and Nancy Gerstenberger of Macon, Ga.; and a number of cousins, nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Mark Carter, Mark Carter Jr., Bill Murray, Charles Falkenheiner, J.W. Gerstenberger and Chad Blaney.
Honorary pallbearers will be employees of Louisiana Hydroelectric in Vidalia.
Memorials may be made to Cathedral School Development Fund or the charity of choice.

Bonnie Giem ('57) [posted September 27, 2006]
From The Commercial Appeal, September 27, 2006:

YVONNE L. GIEM, of Memphis, passed away September 25, 2006. She was a graduate of East High School and an English teacher for over 30 years at the University of Memphis. She was preceded in death by her parents, Seth and Kay Giem; and a sister, Pat Hall. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Seth Giem, Jr. and his wife, Peg; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home, with visitation Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Harvey Goldner ('60) [posted November 11, 2007]
From Seattle Post-Intelligencer, July 5, 2007:

Harvey Goldner, 1942-2007: 'Bard of Belltown' a 'great poet' and a man of mystery
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Last updated 12:14 a.m. PT
By KATHY MULADY P-I REPORTER

     Harvey Goldner, the "Bard of Belltown" who drove a taxi and lived in a cheap rooming house despite writing several volumes of poetry, died Wednesday [July 4, 2007], just weeks after surgery to remove a tumor on his tongue. He was 65.
     Goldner was a Tennessee native who could still summon a deep Southern accent, even after living more than half his life in Seattle. He was a regular at open mike nights, where he read his gritty, measured poems about the struggles of everyday life, his loves, his childhood and the changing Belltown neighborhood.
     "He was a great poet, I fully endorsed him," said Chris Dusterhoff, owner of Spankstra Press in Seattle. "I did three books for him. They were all very popular. Everyone loved Harvey."
      His poetry books include "Memphis Jack," "American Flyer," "New Millennium Business" and "Her Bright Bottom." Another book, "The Resurrection of Bert Ringold," is to be published in the fall.
     But aside from his poetry, few knew much about Goldner.
     "He was kind of mysterious, held his cards close to his chest," Dusterhoff said
     Goldner lived at a rooming house -- with the bath down the hall and cheap rent -- at First and Vine in Belltown. He drove a taxi a couple of nights a week to pay for the room and buy cigarettes.
     The rest of the time he wrote his poems and monopolized a computer at the downtown library checking his e-mail, networking and looking for places to publish his work.
     "A couple of years ago he ran his own quarterly magazine of poetry called Roar Shock," Dusterhoff said. "He did that for a few years and made a lot friends that way. He never put me in there, but I don't hold that against him."
     Goldner leaves two daughters, two sons and eight grandchildren. He was a mystery to them as well.
     "I have been trying to piece everything together in the last two months since he got sick," said his daughter Emily Goldner of Seattle. "He really wasn't much of a talker."
     He grew up in Tennessee and started writing when he was in high school. He graduated from Rhodes College in Memphis, then continued graduate work in classical literature at the University of New Mexico. He considered becoming a professor, but was frustrated by university politics.
     Instead, he worked in hospitals, mainly as an X-ray technician, including at Harborview Medical Center. In the 1960s, he fell in love with a nurse who became his wife, Meg Goldner. The family lived on Capitol Hill. They later divorced, and Meg Goldner died.
     "He was an alcoholic," his daughter said. "He went into recovery and never drank again after that. But he said he couldn't work a structured job and maintain his sobriety. His work was his writing."
     Goldner said her father