Miliary Memorials
have a special page
different than the above.

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.
The East High Alumni Page has no special or comprehensive resources for identifying alumni or alumni family; news about alumni can be sent to editor@EastHigh.org.

This list of direct links to recently posted obituaries (posted in the past 180 days) is followed by the full obituary listing: Dick Koehn ('58) Larry Cooper Bailey ('60) Elizabeth Ann Sexton (associated with the Class of '57) Drew Haid ('67) Donna Dickens ('59) Sommer L. Randolph ('98) W.B. Burrow ('53) Priscilla Rush ('57) Jimmy Doyle ('60) Richard Foster ('65) Rose Marie Washer Goldfarb (Faculty) Martha Ann Kenny ('56) Jack Rice ('55) Harry Bowers (associated with the Class of '61) Roy Weathersby ('53) Richard Thomas ('72) Harmon Williams ('63) Steve Castlemun ('67) Hartwell "Hart" Higdon Toler ('52) Henry Hathaway ('59) Joanne Dixon ('56) Tommy Plyler (associated with the Class of '72) Beth Wagner ('55) Jameka Merriweather (class year undetermined) Neville Smith (66) 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. Lukisha Jamison ('96)

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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.

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Larry Cooper Bailey ('60) [posted January 17, 2012] - From The Commercial Appeal, January 16, 2012:

Larry Cooper Bailey, 70, of Bartlett, passed away on January 14, 2012. He was a graduate of East High School and a proud Army veteran having served as a military police officer. Larry was retired from Coors Brewing Company. He leaves his loving wife of 41 years, Jean Bailey; his children, John Garner and Cindy McNiell; seven grandchildren Jacob McNiell, Stacey McNiell, Alex McNiell, Stephanie McNiell, Jessica Garner, Dakota Garner, Josh Garner; and one great-great-granddaughter. All services will be private

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.

Jimmy Barrington ('56) [posted August 4, 2009] - From The Commercial Appeal, September 4, 1994:

REV. JAMES O. BARRINGTON, 56, of Columbia, S.C., formerly of Memphis, associate pastor at Chapin (S.C.) Baptist Church, mental health counselor for South Carolina Department of Mental Health and former minister of music at Whitehaven Baptist Church, died of pneumonia Thursday [September 1, 1994] at Baptist Medical Center in Columbia. Services were at 11 a.m. Saturday [September 3, 1994] at St. Andrews Baptist Church in Columbia with burial at 4 p.m. today [September 4, 1994] in Sherman (Miss.) Cemetery. Dunbar Funeral Home in Columbia has charge ther e and Pegues Funeral Home in Tupelo, Miss., has charge of arrangements in Sherman. He was a graduate of the University of Memphis and received a master's degree from both Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and University of South Carolina. He had served as minister of music in Texas, Georgia and for 20 years at Park Street Baptist Church in Columbia. He was former director of St. Andrews Community Chorus, past president of the South Carolina Baptist Music Conference and was a recipient of the Sou th Carolina Gerontological Society Study Scholarship in 1986. Rev. Barrington, the husband of Cecile R. Barrington, also leaves a daughter, Curtis Doyle, and a son, Randle Barrington, both of Columbia, and a brother, Robert Barrington of Jacksonville, Fl a. The family requests that any memorials be sent to Chapin (S.C.) Baptist Church, White Oak (S.C.) Conference Center or the Cancer Institute at Baptist Medical Center in Columbia.

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.

David Beard ('74) [posted March 29, 2011] - From The Commercial Appeal, May 25, 2007:

Heber Springs - DAVID LANCIL BEARD, 52, formerly of Memphis, went to be with the Lord on May 23, 2007 at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock. He was born on April 8, 1955 in McKenzie, TN. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife and best friend, Patricia Winburn Beard; his loving mother, Dorothy Green Beard; a sister Deborah [Beard] Graves [associated with the Class of '73]; stepdaughter, Rachel Byrd and husband, Chris; stepson, Matthew Parish; grandchildren, Brayden, Brittney and Nicholas Byrd and Dylan Parish; nephew, Lancil Stark; niece, Angela Graves and a host of other relatives and friends who will sadly miss him. He was preceded in death by his father, Lancil T. Beard; grandparents, Harry and Annie Beard, Robert and Lillian Green; and grandson, Chris Byrd, Jr. Prior to his short illness he was employed by St. Jean Industries in Heber Springs. He was employed for many years with Holiday Inns and Promus Hotels in Memphis. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 26, at Memphis Funeral Home Germantown Parkway Chapel with funeral services following at 2 p.m. Interment will be in Memory Hill Gardens. Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Barbara Bell ('62) [posted April 13, 2009] - From The Commercial Appeal, April 20, 2008:

BARBARA ANN McDONOUGH, a loving wife, widowed by Jim McDonough, a Godly, loving, and selfless Moma to Meredith, Marla, and Jimmy and Den-Den to Carson and Micah, also leaves behind her mom, Della Bell; and sisters, Connie [Bell] Johnson ['71] and Beth [Bell] Higgins [associated with the Class of '77]. "Many Women do noble things but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m., Sunday, April 20 at Canale Funeral Directors. Graveside services will be 11 a.m., Monday, April 21 in Adamsville Cemetery, Adamsville, TN. The family requests memorials may be sent to the Moriah House.

Prior to her death, Barbara Bell was a participant with our alumni page. The last profile she submitted may be read on the Class of 1962 page.

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.
He was the brother of Beth Bell (see class of '77) and Connie Bell ('71) and Barbara Bell ('62).

Bill Bessire ('61) [posted October 14, 2010] - From The Commercial Appeal, October 14, 2010:

WILLIAM HENRI “Bill” BESSIRE, 67, died at his home in Memphis, TN, on October 13, 2010, following a courageous battle with cancer. Bill was born in Memphis, TN, on June 25, 1943. He was the second son of the late Madeline Schott Bessire and Robert Alceid Bessire. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Robert P. Bessire ('54). He is survived by his wife, of forty-one years, Bobbie Morrow Bessire and their two daughters, Madeleine Morrow Bessire of Big Sky, MT and Channing Marie Bessire of Nashville, TN. Bill attended East High School from kindergarten through twelfth grade. He graduated in 1961 and was a member of the All Memphis Basketball team that year. He went to Vanderbilt University where he played freshman basketball. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and was voted Best Overall Intramural Athlete his junior and senior years. He graduated from Vanderbilt in 1965. Bill stayed in Nashville after graduation working for the Vanderbilt Endowment Office. His heart and family led him back to Memphis where he married Bobbie Lynn Morrow on January 11, 1969. Bill worked for E.F. Hutton for 11 years, and for the past 22 years, he has worked as a partner with Consulting Services Group where he also served as President of Trading Services Group. Bill was the big guy. He was six feet four inches tall, wore his blond hair in a mowed crew cut in his earlier years, and had wild blue eyes, one with a speck of brown and blue in it. His imposing stature and competitive athletic ability belied the sweet and loving nature beneath. He made lifelong friends wherever he went, from his days at East High and Vanderbilt, his tennis and handball partners at the University Club, his "family" from the Pickwick cabin, his neighbors on McLean, Whitehall and Perkins. He was an avid reader and never stopped learning about travel, history, art, food and wine. Bill had the courage of his convictions and this took a lot of courage because he had many. He would not give up easily on a debate. He gave this same support and energy to his church and his community. Bill was President of Grace St. Lukes School Board, a warden of the Church, and later a member of Independent Presbyterian Church. He was also a Les Passees Board member. Bill was most involved with The 100 Club of Memphis, an organization which supports the families of fallen firemen and policemen; he served as president of this organization until recently. He said they were our “everyday heroes.” Bill's girls were his life. Traveling with Bobbie, fishing with Morri in Montana, celebrating in the Grove with Channing, these were his happiest times, even more than the sports and games he loved to watch and play. His girls and his faith were what he believed in most. There will be a visitation in the Rotunda of Independent Presbyterian Church, 2-4 p.m. Friday, October 15, 2010. The Funeral Service will be held at Independent Presbyterian Church, 10 a.m. Saturday, October 16. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family respectfully requests that memorials be sent to: Independent Presbyterian Church, 4738 Walnut Grove, Memphis, TN 38117; The 100 Club, PO Box 770726, Memphis, TN 38177; Crossroads Hospice of Tennessee, 5909 Shelby Oaks Drive, Memphis, TN 38134 Memorial Park Funeral Home, "Behind the stone wall", 901-767-8930. Condolences may be offered at www.MemorialParkOnline.com

Richard Bettison ('53) [posted March 28, 2010] - From The Commercial Appeal, March 28, 2010:

Pine Bluff - Richard Bettison, 75, of Pine Bluff, AR died Friday, March 26, 2010. Born November 2, 1934 in Memphis, a son of Louis Kelsey and Janie Walker Bettison, He was raised in Memphis, graduated from East High School, and attended Memphis State University. He joined the US Army and served in Okinawa during the Korean Conflict. Returning to Memphis, he worked with Bruce Hardwood Flooring, then CIT Financial there and in several other locations before moving to Pine Bluff in 1967, working with Smart Chevrolet as their finance manager until his retirement December 31, 1996. An active member of Trinity Episcopal Church, he served as a Vestry member, a Junior Warden, Lay Reader, and with his wife, in the church's youth ministry. He was involved in Eastern Little League baseball, first president of the Monroe Ryburn Ponytail (Softball) League, and other community youth activities when his children were young. An avid golfer, he spent many hours on the course with family and friends. Richard had a diverse group of interests and was a co-founder of the Pine Bluff Archery Club. Survivors include his wife, Jane Mobley Bettison, who he married April 4, 1958 in Memphis; sons, Charles Richard "Rick" Bettison, Jr. of Waxhaw, NC, Steven Jeffrey "Jeff" Bettison of Allen, TX; daughters, Leigh Ann Griffin of Kennesaw, GA, Tracy Jane Gwin of Pine Bluff; brother, William Louis "Bill" Bettison of Memphis; and nine grandchildren. Servicea at 11 am. Tuesday, March 30 at Trinity Episcopal Church. Visitation from 10 am. until service time at the church. The family requests memorials sent to Trinity Episcopal Church, American Diabetes Foundation, or your favorite charity. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com Raph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors (870) 534-3131

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.

Barbara Eaton Blake ('59) [posted May 3, 2009]
From The Commercial Appeal, April 4, 2009:

Barbara Eaton Jacobson, loving mother and grandmother passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2009. Barbara was devoted to her family, friends and flowers. A former fashion and jewelry designer and model, she had an eye for beauty and style. Barbara was an active member of the Town & Country Garden Club and the Useless Tuesday Club. Barbara is survived by a son, Wilson Blake, his wife Anna and their daughter Elizabeth of Germantown along with two sisters, May Eaton of Jupiter, Florida and Janet Burton of Hot Springs, Arkansas. There will be a brief memorial service at the Memphis Botanic Gardens at 11:00 on Tuesday, April 14 with visitation to follow at the home of her son. The family requests that memorials be sent to the Memphis Botanic Garden or the charity of the donor's choosing.

Kena Blakney ('94) ("Shea") [posted September 8, 2010]
From The Commercial Appeal, September 8, 2010:

KENA LaSHEA BLAKNEY, 34, customer service rep at A.C.S., 1994 graduate of East High School and member of New Direction Christian Church, died September 3, 2010. Visitation, Friday, September 10 from 4-8 p.m. at 1st Pleasant Hill, 290 Tillman and Saturday, September 11 from 11-11:55 a.m., with service to follow at 12 noon at New Direction Christian Church, 6120 Winchester. Burial in Galilee Memorial Gardens. She leaves one daughter, Derykah Dailey; one son, Derrick Dailey; parent, Carey Blakney; grandparent, Roy Blakney. N.H. Owens & Son Funeral Home (901)324-2116

Prior to her death, Kena Blakney was a participant with our alumni page. The last profile she submitted may be read on the Class of 1994 page.

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.

Kay Booker ('55) [posted December 12, 2009] - - From The Commercial Appeal, December 12, 2009:

Katherine "Kay" Elizabeth Booker Fritts, 72, passed away Tuesday, December 8, 2009, at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare after a valiant thirty year battle against diabetes. Born March 14, 1937, in Memphis, Tennessee, she was a daughter of the late Ira K. Booker and Marguerite Houck Jones. On November 28, 1959 at Mullins United Methodist Church in Memphis, she married Charles William Fritts, Sr., and he preceded her in death on April 19, 1988. She was a 1955 graduate of East High School in Memphis and attended the University of Tennessee. She lived in Tallahassee since 1971 and is survived by sons and daughter-in-law, Chuck and Karen Fritts, Atlantic Beach, FL, David Fritts, Tallahassee, FL; daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Tim Nable, Tallahassee, FL; grandchildren, Carlie Fritts, Charlie Fritts, Lauren Nable and Joshua Nable; brothers, Robert Booker, Murfreesboro, TN, Pete Booker, Murfreesboro, TN; sister, Nancy Booker, Florence, KY; and a host of precious friends. A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, December 15, 2009, at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, in Tallahassee, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association. Abbey-Riposta Funeral Home, Tallahassee, Florida (850)562-1518

Prior to her death, Kathy Booker was a participant with our alumni page. The last profile she submitted may be read on the Class of 1955 page.

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.

Harry Bowers (associated with the Class of '61) [posted August 27, 2011] - From The Commercial Appeal, August 27, 2011:

Harry Stewart Bowers, 68, passed away Thursday, August 25, 2011 at Baptist Memorial Hospital - Memphis. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Kathy S. Bowers and cousin, Sally B. Mcdonald. Mr. Bowers was a lifelong Memphian. He graduated East High School and attended the University of Memphis. He served in the U. S Army Reserve. He worked for many years in the municipal bond business where he was very successful. He attended Colonial Park United Methodist Church. Mr. Bowers gave generously to many, many charities, his favorite being the Memphis Humane Society. He gave much of his time and money to many young people in Memphis, giving them their start in the arts and music industry. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m., Saturday, August 27 and funeral services will be 1 p.m., Sunday, August 28 at Memorial Park Funeral Home. The family requests memorial donations be sent to the Memphis Humane Society. Memorial Park Funeral Home, "Behind the stone wall", 901-767-8930. Condolences may be offered at www.MemorialParkOnline.com

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.

James Louis Branch II ('59) [posted May 3, 2009] From From The Roanoke Times, Nov. 22, 2002:

BRANCH, James Louis II, 61, of Blacksburg, died Tuesday, November 12, 2002, at his daughter's home in Christiansburg. A celebration of Jim's life will be conducted on Saturday, November 23, 2002, at 2 p.m., at the home of his daughter, Jessica at 2005 Scott Drive. Please join us to remember Jim's warm spirit and all that he gave to those around him. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Drive, SW, Blacksburg.

Barrie "Red" Bright ('54) [posted April 11, 2011] From The Lakeside Post, Guntersville, AL, March 31, 2011:

C.B.M. "Red" Bright - Age 74 - of Grant (Claysville Community) passed away on Monday, March 28, 2011 at his residence.
Service for Mr. Bright will be Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 7 pm at Creek Path Baptist Church, Guntersville with Bro. Rick Douglas and Bro. Don Ryan officiating and Carr Funeral Home Directing. Interment will be in Crystal Springs Cemetery, Crystal Springs, Mississippi. Visitation for Mr. Bright will be Thursday, March 31, 2011 from 5 until 7 pm at Creek Path Baptist Church. The family requests no flowers. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Boy Scouts of America or Creek Path Baptist Church.
C.B.M. "Red" Bright was born in the state of Tennessee, July 21, 1936, the son of Charles Cornelius and Mariam McPherson Bright.
Mr. Bright is survived by his wife, Anne Bright, of Grant; 2 Sons: Rusty Bright and his wife, Rose, of New Hope and Brian Bright and his wife, Renie', of Grant; 1 Daughter, Virginia Smith of Arab; 8 Grandchildren: Jan Smith, Michael Smith, Freddie Smith, Chuck Smith, Mandy Handley, Elizabeth Tidwell, Sarah Powell, and Jennifer Bice; 3 Great-Grandchildren: Caleb Handley, Colby Handley, and Kassidy Tidwell; and 1 Brother, John A. Bright ['64] and his wife, Debbie, of Texas. Mr. Bright was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Cornelius and Mariam Bright.

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.

Cheryl Buchanan ('74) [posted September 1, 2010]
From The Commercial Appeal, September 1, 2010:

Cheryl Buchanan, 54, of Memphis, graduate of East High School, died August 28, 2010. Visitation will be Friday, September 3 from 4-6:30 p.m. at N.J. Ford & Sons Funeral Home. Services will be 11 a.m., Saturday, September 4 at Christ Temple Church of Deliverance, 21 E. Rollins, with burial in New Park Cemetery. She leaves one daughter, Yvette Jones of Memphis; two brothers, Christopher (Avis) Buchanan and Timothy Buchanan, all of Columbia, SC; two grandchildren, five nieces and nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Martha Lou Buchanan (Faculty) [posted October 4, 2008]
From The Commercial Appeal, October 2, 2008:

MARTHA LOUISE BUCHANAN, 86, of Memphis, died September 30, 2008 at St. Francis Hospital. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 4 at Memphis Funeral Home Poplar Chapel. Burial will be in Forest Hill Midtown Cemetery. Mrs. Buchanan was born in Memphis to the late Sam and Ethel Jones. Martha Lou attended Memphis State University, where she was the first female editor of the Tiger Rag and a Magna Cum Laude graduate with her Bachelor and Master degrees. She retired from Memphis City Schools, where she was a 5th grade teacher for 30 years. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Paul J. Buchanan. She leaves two daughters, Margaret B. Salassi of Fayetteville, AR and Betsey Short and her husband, Rick of Yellville, AR; one sister, Lois Frances Jones of Memphis; four grandchildren, Adam Salassi, Max Salassi, Amy Beth Scott and Charley Short, and eight great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to MIFA or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

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.

Martin Bullard ('60) [posted April 27, 2011] - From The Commercial Appeal April 27, 2011:

Martin Kenneth Bullard, 68, died April 14, 2011 at his home following a brief illness, with his family at his side. Marty was born May 15, 1942 in Helena, Arkansas. He graduated from East High School and the University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Science degree. While at the University of Memphis, Marty was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and Phi Delta Epsilon, honorary collegiate journalism fraternity. He was Business Manager of The Tiger Rag, student newspaper, and named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. After college, Marty worked as Alumni Director of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and then as Alumni Director of the University of Memphis. Later he started his own business, Marty Bullard and Associates, an advertising and public relations firm. Marty was a communicant of All Saints Episcopal Church serving as head usher and on the Vestry, often as Senior Warden. Marty was preceded in death by his parents, Martin F. and Margaret Craft Bullard. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Shirley Bennett Bullard, his only child, Priscilla, and her husband Matt Emery, of Memphis; grandson Jackson; and granddaughter Katie. A memorial service will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church, 1508 S. White Station, on Sunday, May 1, at 4 p.m., followed by a reception in the church Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorials be given to All Saints Episcopal Church or St. Jude Research Hospital.

W.B. Burrow ('53) [posted November 1, 2011] - From The Commercial Appeal November 1, 2011:

Dr. William Booker "Bill" Burrow, Jr., 76, passed away October 31, 2011 at Baptist Memorial Hospital, Memphis, TN. He was born July 24, 1935 to William B. Burrow, Sr. and Alline Carpenter Burrow. Dr. W. B. Burrow was a lifelong resident of Memphis. He attended White Station Elementary School, East High School, and Southwestern College (now Rhodes). Dr. Burrow attended UT Medical School, followed by an internship at Methodist Hospital, Memphis. He entered practice in Whitehaven in 1960. He was drafted into the U.S. Army Medical Corps and served as a captain for 2 years. Dr. Burrow returned to Whitehaven for Family Medical Practice where he practiced and lived until his retirement in 1988 due to severe heart problems. While living in Whitehaven, he was a member of the Optimist Club, Whitehaven Presbyterian Church, and Whitehaven Country Club. He was team doctor for Westwood, Whitehaven, Hillcrest, and Memphis Prep schools. He loved SCUBA diving in the Caribbean and off Honduras and the Caymans. He studied underwater medicine with Buzz Aldrin in Aruba. He was a member of SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) and raced in various classes throughout the years. Dr. William Burrow was a member of the American Medical Association, American Academy of Family Practice, Tennessee Medical Association, Memphis and Shelby County Medical Association, and was on the staff of Methodist Hospital. Dr. Burrow leaves his loving wife, Paula Hearn Burrow; two sons, William Wesley “Wes” Burrow, Sr. and Robert Clay Burrow; and two grandchildren, William “Wesley” Burrow, Jr. and Mary Erwin “Win” Burrow. He also leaves many friends and patients. After retirement, he moved to Germantown. Dr. Burrow was a member of Collierville United Methodist Church. White attending Rhodes College, he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Dr. Burrow enjoyed boating and golfing at Pickwick where he was one of the founding members of the Pickwick Boating Association. He served as vice president and president of the association for many years. Dr. Burrow will join his beloved dachshunds, Bruce, Booker, and Buster Bear at the Rainbow Bridge in Heaven. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, November 1 and funeral services will be 1 p.m., Wednesday, November 2 at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Entombment will follow in Memorial Park Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to the Germantown Animal Shelter.

Bill Byrd ('56) [posted August 4, 2009] - From The Commercial Appeal December 12, 1996:

WILLIAM STANAGE BYRD, 58, of Memphis and Tunica, Miss., real estate broker, died Tuesday [December 10, 1996] in Tunica of an apparent heart attack. Services will be at noon Friday [December 13, 1996] at Memorial Park Funeral Home. He leaves three sons, Terence Soyars Byrd of Nesbit, Miss., and Timothy Morgan Byrd and William Hudson Byrd II, both of Hernando; his mother, Charlotte Stanage Byrd Grider of Memphis; a sister, Margaret Byrd Barnes of Houston; a brother, Robert James Byrd of El Paso, Texas, and three grandchildren. The family requests that any memorials be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

C

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

John Calamis (class association undetermined) [posted June 19, 2010] - From The Commercial Appeal June 12, 2010:

John Louis Calamis, Jr., age 66 of Rockwood formerly of Memphis, TN passed away Friday June 11, 2010 at his home. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Kingston and the BRB Sunday School Class, and was active in the local prison ministry. He was a beloved husband, father, son, brother and “Gramps”, who enjoyed retirement, especially fishing in his boat. Preceded in death by his parents John and Ruth Calamis, Sr. and sister Betty Jean Henderson. Survivors include: Wife Wanda Babb Calamis of Rockwood; sons Christopher Louis Calamis of Ft. Walton Beach, FL; Michael Andrew Calamis of Memphis, TN; one stepdaughter, three step sons and spouses of GA and TX; sisters Patricia Ann Bauer of Black Eagle, MT, Johnie Irene Paterson [class association undetermined] of Collierville, TN, Mary Elizabeth Bauer [class association undetermined] of Hernando, MS, Anita Ruth Barnes of Olive Branch, MS, six step-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 2 until 3 p.m. Sunday June 13, 2010 at the First Baptist Church in Kingston with the funeral to follow at 3pm with Dr. Sonny Works officiating. Celebration of Life will be from 4 until 6 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center. Burial 3:30 p.m. Monday at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Lawrenceville, GA with Rev. Ted Dunagan officiating. Arrangements by: Kyker Funeral Home www.kykerfuneralhome.com (865)376-6531

Anyone with further information about whether any of the Calamis family graduated from East or class associations if they did not is asked to relay such information to editor@EastHigh.org.

Bland Cannon ('65) [posted March 9, 2011] - From The Commercial Appeal, March 9, 2011:

Bland Wilson Cannon Jr. died March 7, 2011, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis TN after a brief illness. Born in Minneapolis MN on January 24, 1947, Bland was the eldest son of Dr. Bland W. Cannon and Louise S. Cannon. He grew up in Memphis, and was a graduate of Brown University and Vanderbilt Law School. His legal career began in Washington DC, but in the late 70s he joined a firm in San Francisco, where Bland resided and practiced law for more than the three following decades. He was an elder and active member of Christ United Presbyterian Church in San Francisco. Predeceased by his father, he is survived by his mother Louise, two sons, Bland Wilson Cannon III and William Ellis Cannon, both of San Francisco, four brothers, John [Cannon '67], Henry and Charles of Memphis and Marty of Greenwich, CT. Bland’s deep devotion to his family and the church knew no limits, and he will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Friday, March 11 at Idlewild Presbyterian Church in Memphis. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials be sent to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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.

Billy Joe Campbell (associated with the Class of '51) [posted May 11, 2009] From The Commercial Appeal, May 11, 2009:

Olive Branch - BILLY JOE CAMPBELL, 77, passed away Saturday, May 9, 2009. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Frances Campbell, three children, Roy (Cheryl) Campbell, Velnor (Rev. Eddie) Little, Ed (Sherri) Campbell; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Hickory Withe. Visitation will be held from 5:30-8 p.m., Tuesday, May 12, with the funeral service at 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 13, all being held at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Memorials may be sent to First Baptist Hickory Withe, Building Fund

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

Bob Carrier ('70) [posted October 19, 2008] From The Commercial Appeal, March 31, 1998:

FILM LIGHTING TECHNICIAN CARRIER DIES AT 45
     Lighting technician Robert Davis Carrier, who worked on hit films including The Rainmaker and The Firm, died of heart failure Friday in Los Feliz, a community near Los Angeles. He was 45.
     Graveside services will be at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday in Memorial Park. Memorial Park Funeral Home has charge.
     Mr. Carrier began his career as a photographer in Memphis, shooting film covers for STAX Records and documenting concerts in the Mid-South. His parents, William and Florence Carrier, founded API Photographers.
     His career in movies began in 1977 when he moved to New York and later included special events lighting at Graceland and other local attractions as well as lighting for movies.
     Carrier was a rigging gaffer in the movie industry and lighting designer for numerous restaurants and clubs throughout the country.
     In recent years he shuttled between Memphis and L.A. to complete lighting jobs.
     Other movies he worked on included The Flood, Leave It to Beaver, The People vs. Larry Flynt, A Time to Kill, Operation Dumbo Drop, The Last Dance, A Family Thing and Cobb.
     His wife, Karen Blockman Carrier, is owner of the restaurants Automatic Slim's and Cielo, and the caterer Another Roadside Attraction.
     Mr. Carrier also leaves two sons, Travis Davis Carrier and Austin Erin Carrier; his mother; and a brother, Bill Carrier III ['68], all of Memphis.
     The family requests that any memorials be sent to Solomon Schecter Day School or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Louis Carruthers ('73) [posted March 11, 2010] From The Commercial Appeal, March 11, 2010:

Louis Leavell Carruthers, II, 54 of Laguna Beach, CA. passed away Monday, March 1, 2010. He leaves his parents, Wilson and Iolis Carruthers, brothers Wilson, Jr. [Carruthers ('70)] (Allison) of Memphis, Chuck [Carruthers ('78)] (Laura) of Wentzville, MO and sisters Susan [Carruthers ('77)], and Carol [Carruthers ('78)] Antley (Randy) both of Memphis. Louis graduated from East High School and attended UT. He was active at St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, and served as president of the Diocesan Episcopal Young People in his senior year of high school. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 13, 2010, at St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, 692 Poplar, preceded by visitation at 10 a.m. in the Cathedral Parish Hall. Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, or an organization of the donor's choice.

Steve Castlemun [posted July 18, 2011] From The Commercial Appeal, July l1, 2011:

Stephen E. Castlemun, Jr., 62, of Memphis, passed away July 14, 2011 at Baptist Memorial Hospital. He worked as an architectural draftsman for over 40 years. He enjoyed all things about astronomy, and was a faithful fan of the University of Memphis Tigers basketball, following their games and players all of his life. He also loved all animals, donating to many animal protection organizations. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jo Castlemun. Survivors include his father, Stephen E. Castlemun, Sr., a sister, Pamela E. Castlemun of White Pine, TN; and many friends and loved ones, who will miss him greatly. It was his wish that no memorial be held. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the World Wildlife Fund. Online condolences may be offered at memphisfuneralhome.net Memphis Funeral Home And Memorial Gardens

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.

Franchester Carter ('00) From The Commercial Appeal, March 2, 2010, and, as revised in the newspaper March 4, 2010:

FRANCHESTER CARTER VESTER, 28, a 2000 graduate of East High School and an Ashland University student, passed Friday, February 26, 2010 at Methodist Hospital South. She is survived by her husband, Michael Vester, mother, Frendalious Campbell Carter; two sisters, Ashley and Ervin Carter and grandfather, Chester Campbell Sr. Body will lie in state Thursday, from 5-7 p.m. at M. J. Edwards Airways. Funeral Services will convene Friday at 12 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 3045 Chelsea.

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

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.

Demarius A. Clark (class year undetermined) [posted January 27, 2010]
From The Commercial Appeal, January 27, 2010:

DEMARIUS A. CLARK, 23, of Memphis, 2007 graduate of East High School, died January 25, 2010. Visitation, 5-7 p.m. Friday, January 29 at N.H. Owens & Son Funeral Home. Services, 12 noon, Saturday, January 30 at Deliverance Temple Restoration Ministries, 1377 N. Bellevue, with burial to follow in New Park Cemetery. He leaves his parents, Yolanda Swindle (mother), Gregory Swindle (step-father), and Derrick Henderson (father); sister, Daranicka Henderson; three brothers, Tommy Churchman, DeAndre Clark and Darius Henderson; grandparents, Shirley Henderson, Jessie Clark, Betty Clark; step-grandparents, Ivory and Lillie Swindle; great-grandparents, Maggie Wray, Ella Riley, Frank Wray and Saul Clark.

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.

Carolyn Cousins ('62) [posted January 31, 2011]
From the Marshall-Donnelly-Combs Funeral Home, Nashville, Tennessee, January 31, 2011:

CAROLYN CLARA COUSINS FRUIN
November 13, 1944 - January 30, 2011
FRUIN, Carolyn Clara Cousins was born in Nashville in 1944. She grew up in Memphis where she graduated from East High School in 1962. After graduating from Vanderbilt Nursing School in 1966, she was the head nurse of pediatric surgery at Vanderbilt and subsequently the Director of Nursing at the Junior League Home for Crippled Children until 1971. She then became a mother and grandmother. She is preceded in death by her parents Charles and Althea Cousins, her sister Patricia Cousins Harlin, and her brother Charles Cousins. Carolyn is survived by her husband of 43 years, Alan Fruin, son Alex Brent Fruin (Brandi), daughter Candy Fruin Stefansic (Jim), grandchildren Clara, Jack, Thomas, Althea, and Eva, and her sister Kathleen Cousins. Funeral Mass will be Thur., Feb. 3, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church on Belmont Blvd. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery on Lebanon Road. In lieu of the flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Monroe Carell, Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. Visitation will be from 5:30-7 p.m., Wed., Feb. 2 at MARSHALL DONNELLY COMBS
615-327-1111

An on-line guestbook for condolences is made available by the funeral for a limited time.

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.

John Byron Crawford ('64) [posted December 28, 2008] - From The Commercial Appeal, December 27, 2008:

John Byron Crawford 62, passed away December 23rd 2008. He is survived by his brother William Crawford [class year association undetermined] (Carolyn) of Germantown, Tn and two nephews Brad and Scott Crawford of Shelby County. Memorial Services will be held Sunday, 2:00pm at Germantown United Methodist Church.In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of the donors choice.

Marcella Crump (Faculty) [posted November 19, 2009] - From The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, November, 17, 2009:

Marcella Claire Crump, 93, died November 14, 2009. A memorial service will be held Friday, November 20 at 11 a.m. in the Trippeer Chapel at Idlewild Presbyterian Church where she had been a member for more than sixty years. Visitation will follow the memorial service in the T. K. Young Room. There will be a private burial at Forest Hill Cemetery Midtown at 10 a.m. Friday. She is survived by her beloved nieces and nephews: Bonnie Y. [Yarbrough ('59)] Elam and her husband Tom Elam and Betty Crump Emerson and her husband Gary Emerson ('56); her great-nephew David Wesson Elam; her great-niece Bonnie DeAnne Mangum and her husband Malcolm and their two children Spencer Alexi Mangum and Sarah Anne Mangum; great-nephew, Gary Emerson, Jr. and great-niece Lisa Emerson. She was born in Amory, Mississippi, but her family returned to Memphis soon after that. She attended Rozelle Elementary School, Bellevue Junior High School and Central High School. After graduating from West Tennessee State Teachers College, now the University of Memphis, she began her teaching career at Bellevue Junior High School. She later taught at Central High School and was on the original staff when East High School opened. She received her Master's Degree from the University of Georgia where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. After receiving her Master's Degree in Library Science at George Peabody College, she spent a year in Los Alamos, New Mexico as librarian of the High School. She later returned to Central High School to serve as librarian until she retired. She was formerly active in Alpha Lambda Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma and also in the American Association of University Women. She was a grand life master duplicate bridge player. After retiring, she traveled extensively in England, Scotland, Europe, the Scandinavian Countries, Japan, China, Panama, South America and Russia. She enjoyed gardening, was and avid bridge player and reader and did extensive volunteer work. Among her many volunteer projects was The Wonders Series which was very special to her. She organized the volunteers who worked the same shift for many years into a group called the Lunch Bunch who met periodically. In lieu of flowers the family requests any memorials be sent to Idlewild Presbyterian Church, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Youth Villages or a charity of the donor's choice.

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.

Bill Cyko ('66) [posted March 27, 2009]
From The Commercial Appeal, March 27, 2009:

WILLIAM L. CYKO. William was born September 25, 1948 in Memphis, Tennessee. He passed away on March 25, 2009 at Methodist Hospital Somerville in Fayette County. He was the son of George L. Cyko (deceased) and Lillian Emerson Cyko Dacus. William leaves his wife, Kathryn Manning ['63]; sister, Mary C. Smith; step-daughters, Jeanne Fenster and Kathryn Pritchard; and four step-grandchildren. William's brother Donald Cyko ['72] preceded him in death. William graduated from East High School in Memphis, Tennessee. He attended Memphis State University and loved rooting on the Tigers to victory! William was known for his love of family and generous nature. He was always happy to lend a helping hand to those close to him whether putting up Christmas trees, helping with home projects, or lending an ear in tough times. Bill's two greatest passions in life, apart from family and friends, were caring for his dogs and fly-fishing. Many of his favorite memories were on the banks of the White River in Arkansas fly-fishing. We will always remember his kind smile and caring nature. He will be sorely missed. Visitation will be from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, March 29 at Collierville Funeral Home, and services will be Monday, March 30 at 11 a.m., with graveside following. Memorials may be sent to the Memphis or Fayette County Humane Society.

D

Nancy Daniel ('53) [posted January 17, 2011] From The Commercial Appeal, January 17, 2011:

Nashville - Nancy Daniel ADAMS, 75 of Nashville, TN, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2011. She was preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Lewis Daniel. She is survived by her husband, Charles L. Adams, Jr.; children, H. Gordon Wynn III and his wife, Lynn of Memphis, TN, Susan K. Wynn of Salt Lake City, UT, Donna A. Mabry and her husband, Mark of Mt Juliet, TN and Christina “Tina” A. Torrence of Hermitage, TN. Nancy is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Henry “Hank” Gordon Wynn IV, Luke Allen Wynn, Sally Dexter Wynn all of Memphis, TN and Haley Jordon Torrence of Hermitage, TN. She is also survived by her sister, Linda Daniel Lindhardt ['65] and her husband, Vagn of Jacksonville, FL; and brothers, Reverend Larry James Daniel ['65] of Memphis, TN and Lewis Howard Daniel, Jr. ['57] along with his wife, Nancy of Memphis, TN. Nancy is also blessed with many surviving nieces, nephews and wonderful friends. She grew up in Memphis. She attended East High School where she was the very first Miss East High. A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a B.S. in education, she spent most of her teaching career at Harding Academy where she taught first grade for 25 years. In addition to teaching, she loved gardening, traveling, arts and scrapbooking, but her greatest passion was for her family. She loved to decorate and celebrate the seasons, which is why her family is so very thankful for the 2010 holiday season and the wonderful times we had together. Her sense of humor and incredible talents in the kitchen always made for many joyous occasions. She was married to Charles L. Adams, Jr. for 32 years. They shared a love for dancing, spending many Saturday nights at the Elk’s Lodge. Her grandsons, Hank and Luke helped her paint a mural on the outside of her potting shed, a great place to check if you couldn’t find her. She cherished those memories every planting season. With her granddaughter, Sally, she enjoyed canning pickles and sharing her childhood memories. She hand-made nearly all the décor in her granddaughter, Haley’s nursery and enjoyed countless hours of ‘tea party’ and ‘beauty shop’. She was a long time member of Belle Meade United Methodist Church where she served God in many roles, including teaching 3rd grade Sunday school for 8 years. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to Belle Meade United Methodist Church, Adventure Science Museum or the Parkinson’s Society. A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 18, at Belle Meade United Methodist Church with Reverend Regina Proctor officiating. Interment to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Monday, January 17, and 1 hour prior to the service Tuesday, all will be held at the Church. Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home and Memorial Park 615-383-4754
Published in The Commercial Appeal on January 17, 2011

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 ('91) [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.

Donna Dickens ('59) [posted December 10, 2011] - From The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, December 10, 2011.

DONNA DICKENS WALLER, 70, homemaker and retired Medical Technologist, died December 8, 2011. She was a 1959 graduate of East High School, attended Memphis State University, and graduated from U.T Medical School in 1963 with a B.S. in Medical Technology. She married Rev. Morton Finch Waller September 11, 1964 at Union Avenue United Methodist Church. She is preceded in death by her husband and her daughter, Lee Katharine Waller. She is survived by her daughter, Alyce Waller Haynes (Stephen R), of Memphis; son, Morton Boyd Waller of Denver; sister, Diane Dickens Lewis ['55]; brother, Douglas H. Dickens ['62]; grandchildren, Braden Hezekiah Haynes, Christiana Hope Haynes, Matthew Stephen Haynes. The family will receive friends from 3-6 p.m. Sunday, December 11 at Memphis Funeral Home Poplar Chapel. Service will be 1 p.m. Monday, December 12 at Idlewild Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Church Health Center. Online condolences may be expressed at www. memphisfuneralhome. net.

Joanne Dixon ('56) [posted June 19, 2011, notice posted to the daily update page June 5, 2011] - From The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, June 5, 2011.

Indiana, Indianapolis - Joanne [Dixon] McDowell, age 72, of Indianapolis, IN passed away June 1, 2011. She was born in Memphis, TN, the daughter of the late Floyd Vernon Dixon and Mary Blanche (Smith) Dixon. Joanne graduated from East High School in Memphis and from the University of Tennessee. She is survived by her husband, Richard R. McDowell, to whom she had been married 46 years, her daughters, Missy McDowell and Megan Calhoun (Jim), and her grandchildren, Oscar and Stella Calhoun who know her as JoJo. Her brother survives: Dr. Richard Dixon ['53] (Ellen) of Memphis. Joanne was a member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church where she was a member of the Studio 3 Artists. Joanne was an accomplished watercolorist for many years. When she traveled across the globe or in everyday life, she had an eye for beauty which you could see in all her paintings. Her creativity was evident in everything she did in life. She also was a talented ballet dancer, having studied in New York in her earlier years. Her passion for dancing continued her whole life. She celebrated life through traveling, reading, decorating, gardening, spending time with friends, raising her daughters, and playing with her grandchildren. “A thing of beauty is a joy forever” was her approach to life and how she will be remembered. She was a member of Mu Alpha Latreian and a volunteer for the Indianapolis Day Nursery. During her early work career, she was a stewardess for American Airlines and became a member of the Kiwi Club of former American Airline stewardesses. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 7 at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN, at 11 a.m. Prior to the service, visitation with family and friends will be in the church parlor starting at 10 a.m. A reception will be held at the church following the service. You are invited to visit the website www.leppertmortuary.com where you may share a personal memory of Joanne, sign the guest book or arrange a memorial contribution to St. Luke’s church. Arrangements entrusted to: Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel (317)844-3966

Stacy Michelle Dixon ('97) [posted April 21, 2010] - From The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, April 21, 2010.

STACEY MICHELLE DIXON, 31, of Memphis, daughter of the late Reverend Samuel L. Dixon, Sr. and Lois J. Dixon died on Saturday, April 17, 2010 at Methodist Hospital North. She was a graduate of East High School, attended Memphis Urban League and was a former employee of City of Memphis Police Dept. Comp Stat Unit. Family will receive friends on Friday, April 23, 2010 from 3-5 pm at Harrison’s Funeral Home Chapel 2647 Carnes Avenue. Visitation, Saturday, April 24, 2010 from 9-9:55 a.m. at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, 70 North Bellevue Blvd where she was a member with Celebration Services at 10 a.m. Interment in New Park Cemetery, 4536 Horn Lake Road. Dr. Frank A. Thomas Eulogist. Her life will be forever cherished by her sisters, Carol Dixon Mazique and Tracey Marie Dixon (twin sister), her brother Samuel L. Dixon, Jr. (Stephanie) fourteen nieces and nephews, a great- nephew , her grandmother, Shirley McRee and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends.

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.

Billy Dover ('61) [posted July 22, 2010] - From The Commercial Appeal, July 22, 2010:

William Eugene Dover, 67, died Friday evening of complications from a long illness. He was born December 15, 1942 in Atlanta, GA to the late Pauline Lewis Dover and Benjamin Franklin Dover. He was a graduate of East High School, class of 1961, where he played football. He graduated from the University of Memphis with a degree in history, and then served in the Army as a Medic. He spent his business career in his hometown of Memphis, the city he dearly loved. He worked first at W. M. Barr Co. and then bacame a Vice-President of Holiday Inns, developing franchises all over the country. He later worked in the commodities industry for nearly 30 years, first with McVean Trading and then with Refco and Sparks Companies, Inc. from which he retired in 2005. Billy was best known for his love of music and animals. He was an early member of the Settlers, a popular folk/country/bluegrass/rock band, with whom he continued to play for the past 48 years. He was a member of the Memphis Sport Shooting Club, with a reputation as an excellent shot. Billy owned and rode horses for nearly 40 years, and enjoyed a long series of very spoiled pets. He seemed to have a thousand friends, in part because of his cheerful demeanor and fun-loving personality. He is survived by beloved cousins Melissa Lewis Bernstein of NY, NY, Ritter Eugene Lemke of Savannah, GA, Mary Frances Lemke of Atlanta, GA, Henry Baker Dover of Tallahassee, FL, as well as Claudia Lemke Thomas and Virginia Lemke Howell of Atlanta, GA, and Walter Dudley Dover and Karol Dover Selvaggio of Tallahassee, FL. Funeral services will be held at 4 PM, Friday at Memorial Park Poplar, with visitation at 2:30 PM. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, P. O. Box 381435, Germantown TN 38183.

Jane Dowdy ('59) [posted May 3, 2009] - From The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, December 24, 1999.

Jane D. Graham, 59, of Bartlett, office manager for McWaters and Associates, died of cancer Wednesday at Saint Francis Hospital. Services will be at noon Monday at Memorial Park Funeral Home with burial in Memorial Park. She was a member of the Republican Womoen and attended the Univversity of Memphis. She leaves a daughter, Dianne Sloan of Adamsville, Tenn.; a son, Ben Grapham Jr. of Memphis; a sister, Jo Michael ['64], and a borther, Jim Dowdy ['65], both of Bartlett, and three grandchildren.

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

Forrest "Butch" Dowling (class year/association undetermined) [posted August 08, 2010] - From The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, August 08, 2010.

Forrest Dowling III, of Memphis, passed away on Thursday, August 5, 2010 after a long illness. He was 65. Forrest was a loving father, husband, brother, son and friend. A lifelong Memphian, Forrest was a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, an avid photographer, and train and boat enthusiast. He was an electronics engineer for Motion Picture Laboratories and for many years lent his talents to WKNO-TV, WMC-TV and WYPL-FM. During his early twenties, he was an on-air personality for radio station WMQM in Memphis and WGMM in Millington. A member of Buntyn Presbyterian Church, Forrest was preceded in death by his mother, Eugenia Davis Dowling, and by his father, Forrest Dowling, Jr. He leaves his wife of more than 31 years, Nancy, two daughters, Lynley Montgomery Dowling and Melanie Lockhart Dowling, a sister, Eugenia Dowling Trousdale ['59] (Austin) and a brother, Michael Lanier Dowling (Class year/association undetermined) (Rhonda), all of Memphis. Visitation and a memorial service will be scheduled in the near future. Memorials can be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Jimmy Doyle ('60) [posted October 30, 2011] - From The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, October 29, 2011.

James C. Doyle, Jr., passed away October 27, 2011 at his home in Memphis. A graduate of East High School and Shelby State Community Collete, he retired as an Automation Engineer with Siemens Corp. After retirement he worked as a computer cnsultant. He was a member of First Evangelical Church, a volunteer with the Red Cross Disaster Relief, a 32nd degree Mason and a U. S. Navy veteran. Also he was an Assistant Commissioner for the Eastern District Chickasaw Council of the Boy Scouts and an avid deer and duck hunter. A beloved husband, father, and brother, he is survived by his wife of 43 years, Virna Ruth Doyle, son, Todd Alexander Doyle of Memphis, sisters, Gloria Jeanne Sullivan ['65) of Atoka, TN and Nancy Doyle Banfield ['69] of Mesquite, TX. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jamie Elaine Doyle. Services will be 2 p.m. Monday, October 31, at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, Poplar Avenue, with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday from 3-5 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society or to the Chickasaw Council Boy Scouts or a charity of the donor's choice.

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.

Kay Dunlap ('70) [posted October 19, 2008] - From The Commercial Appeal, May 25, 1991:

KAY LYNN DUNLAP, 39, of Memphis, professional singer, died Friday at William F. Bowld Hospital. Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Memorial Park Funeral Home with burial in Memorial Park. Miss Dunlap attended East High School and Memphis State University, majoring in speech and drama. She also attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She worked with the theater group after college and also worked as a professional singer. She toured with several bands throughout the Southern states. She leaves her mother, Mrs. Fay Webb Dunlap of Memphis.

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

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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.

Frank Edwards ('55) [posted November 3, 2010]
From The Commercial Appeal, November 3, 2010:

Arthur Frank Edwards Jr., 73, died on October 28, 2010. Memorial Park, 767-8930

Visitation: noon -1pm, Thursday, November 04, 2010, Memorial Park Funeral Home, Memphis.
Graveside service: 1:00 pm, Thursday, November 04, 2010, at Memorial Park Cemetery, Memphis.

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

Mara Ezernieks ('61) [posted October 10, 2010]
From The Commercial Appeal, October 10, 2010:

Virginia, Charlottesville - Mara Ezernieks Evans, 67, of Charlottesville, VA died on Saturday, October 2, 2010 at the Hospice House of the Piedmont. Born February 23, 1943 in Gulbene, Latvia, she was the daughter of the late Janis and Anna Kesners Ezernieks. Mara and her family immigrated to the United States when she was 5 years old to Strayhorn, MS, moved to Halls, TN and finally settled in Memphis, TN. She became a Naturalized Citizen at 13 years old and completed high school in 1961 at East High School. She worked for several years as an EEG Technician at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital in Memphis, TN and retired as an Executive Secretary in the banking industry and moved to Charlottesville, VA. When crossing the Blue Ridge Mountains at Afton Mountain, Mara proclaimed her new home was the most beautiful place in the world. After establishing our new home she immediately joined the Virginia Master Gardeners' Program. After completing her training she received Letters of Appreciation for working on new Master Gardener Training programs, being a Mentor, a Service Award for volunteering more than 2,000 hours, and earned Master Gardener of the Year for 2004. She received a Letter of Appreciation from the Jefferson Area Board for Aging for her time and caring of their horticulture therapy program and the Healing Arts Garden. Additionally she broadened her learning by completing the Tree Steward Training given through the Virginia Department of Forestry. Mara loved her adopted country, her family, especially the grandchildren and anyone who wanted to talk, learn, or know anything about gardening. She was proud to be of Latvia descent and was always ready to celebrate and share all Latvian customs. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, wonderful personality, always offering encouragement and never letting anything get her down. She is survived by her husband Hayward D. Evans of Charlottesville, VA, and her two children, her daughter Jennifer Tomes and her husband Keith, of Memphis, TN and their three children Sydney Brittain, Sadie Braxton, and Summer Bronwyn, her son Gregory King and his wife Bonnie and their two children Anna Leigh and Skylar Ross of Memphis, TN, her brother Uldis [Ezernieks ('59)] and his wife Linda of Alexandria, VA and their two children Kevin and Vanessa. She is also survived by her special cousins, Maruta Krastins and her husband Evars, Juris Jurbergs and his wife Gunta, both of Memphis, TN and Atis Jurbergs and his wife Diane of Chicago, IL. Special friends in her life were Elsa Powell and Wanda White, both of Memphis, TN. Other special friends were Tom Walsh, Dr. Sue McCoy, Charlotte Herbert, Margie Giuliano, Suzanne Drinkard, Larry and Elizabeth Randall, M. Adamson, Grif and Jane Ann Griffis and many of the other Master Gardeners for their friendship and support the last several months. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Susan Modesitt, Dr. Melissa Henrietta, RN, Jana Briedis-Ruiz, cancer coordinator, all of UVA Oncology Department, all of the staff in the Infusion Center at UVA Hospital, Nurses: Mary Dillon, Kathy Roach, Suzanna, Sara and Ann with Hospice of the Piedmont and nurses: Lori Connolly, Wendy and Amber and the entire staff at the Hospice House. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday October 12, 2010 at Twelve Noon in the Chapel at Hill and Wood Funeral Home, 201 North First Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite #300, Charlottesville, VA 22911. Friends may send condolences to the family at www.hillandwood. com. Hill and Wood Funeral Home (434)296-6148

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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.

Nancy Farmer (Faculty, 1948-49)
Please see the entry under Nancy Farmer Walters

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.

Lamar Fike (associated with the Class of '54) [posted March 7, 2011]
From The Associated Press, February 18, 2011

     DALLAS (AP) — Lamar Fike, a member of Elvis Presley's famed inner circle called the "Memphis Mafia" who had a long career in the music industry, has died. He was 75.
     Fike, who was suffering from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, died Jan. 21 at a hospital in the Dallas suburb of Arlington, said his son, James Fike, 45, of Atlanta.
     "He did everything first-class. He was very brilliant. He had a tremendous presence. When he walked in a room, he lit it up," said David Stanley, Presley's stepbrother who first met Fike as a toddler.
     "He taught me so much about music, about life, about living life to the fullest," he said.
     James Fike said his father held various roles with Presley, including as a lighting director, bodyguard and managing Presley's music publishing group. After Presley's death in 1977, James Fike said that his father continued to work as an entrepreneur in the music business in Nashville, Tenn., in music publishing, managing artists and brokering music and memorabilia deals.
     He said that in 2006, his father moved to Texas, where he had relatives.
     James Fike said that his father, a great storyteller, would recall when Presley and the "Memphis Mafia" would decide they needed a cheeseburger somewhere and hop on their plane to take them to whatever city they chose.
     "He was a character. He always had these stories," James Fike said.
     Stanley said that Lamar Fike was "like a father figure to me."
     "Him and Elvis were the best of friends, so obviously he was part of the family," Stanley said.
     Stanley said that Fike, who had been working on a memoir of his time with Presley and a screenplay, was the kind of guy who would call him up and say to meet him in a city just to spend some time in the best hotels, eating at the best restaurants.
     Fike was among five members of the group dubbed the "Memphis Mafia" who incorporated the name in the early 1990s.
     Fike was born in Cleveland, Miss., on Nov. 11, 1935. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Joan Fike. In addition to James Fike, he is survived another son, John Fike, of Nashville, Tenn. A memorial service is set for Feb. 26 in Mart, a town about 25 miles east of Waco.

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]

Terry Lee Fitzpatrick (class year undetermined) [posted July 17, 2009]:
From The Commercial Appeal, July 17, 2009:

TERRY LEE FITZPATRICK, 31, of Memphis, Alumnus of East High School, died Tuesday, July 14, 2009, at Methodist University Hospital. Family hour will be from 2-4 p.m., Friday, July 17, at Harrison's Funeral Home, Inc., 2647 Carnes Ave. He will lie in state Saturday, July 18, from 10-10:55 a.m. at Mt. Zion Miss Baptist Church, 395 Mt. Zion Rd., Piperton, TN, with funeral ceremony at 11 a.m. Interments to follow at Mt. Zion Church Cemetery Piperton, TN. He leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Barbara Key Fitzpatrick; one son, Derriontay Fitzpatrick; 2 sisters, Trezina Watkins (Earl), Stephanie Fitzpatrick, all of Memphis, and a host of other relatives and friends.

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.

Jo Fly ('62) [posted April 13, 2011, from The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, April 13, 2011:

MARTHA JO DICKERSON, 66, of Memphis, was born July 7, 1944 in Water Valley, MS, the daughter of the late William Maury and Janette Williams-Fly. She entered into eternal rest on April 10, 2011 at her residence. She was married to Sammy Dickerson of Memphis. Memorial Services are private to family only. Arrangements have been entrusted to: High Point Funeral Home & Crematorium

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. Also see our entry for Mr. Fordice on our Hall of Honor page.

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.

Richard Foster ('65) [posted October 2, 2011]:
From The Commercial Appeal, October 2, 2011:

Richard Campbell Foster, 65, passed away peacefully September 28, 2011. He leaves behind his wife, Dona Reed Foster ['65], and son, Richard Campbell Foster, II. He was a 27 year employee of MMHI. Arrangements have been entrusted to: High Point Funeral Home & Crematorium (901) 454-5795 www.highpointchapel.com

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.

G

Becky Gabehart ('56) [posted February 1, 2010]
From The Commercial Appeal, February 1, 2010:

BECKY G. LEWIS, 71, of Collierville, retired from Hardin Sysco, died Sunday in Collierville. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, 11 a.m. at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, where she was a member. Bartlett Funeral Home has charge. Mrs. Lewis was an active member of the East High Alumni group. Mrs. Lewis was preceded in death by her husband, Brian Lewis ['56]. She leaves three daughters, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The family request memorials to be sent to the Healthwell Foundation.

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.

Rose Gillespie (Faculty, 1966-1977) [posted September 26, 2008]
From The Commercial Appeal, September 26, 2008:

ROSA EVELYN GILLESPIE, stepped over into Heaven and was welcomed by a choir of angels singing songs of glory on September 24, 2008. She was born in the small town of Stamps, Arkansas on January 10, 1919. Rose graduated from Tech High School and received a Master's Degree in English and Psychology from Memphis State University. Rose worked at the Fisher Aircraft Factory building B-52 bombers and taught music for 35 years at Fairview Jr. High and then East High. She was an athlete playing golf and tennis and was a pitcher for Humko professional softball team. She studied organ with Thomas Webber and Adolph Steuterman. She played for her first church service at First Baptist Church in 1949 followed by stints at Beth Sholom Synagogue and Temple Baptist Church. She also served as minister of music at McLemore Christian and spent the last 35 years at Central Christian Church. She is survived by a number of nieces and nephews and her surrogate family, Peter, Bill and Anne Russell and their children and grandchildren. Her very special surrogate grandchild was Amy Russell Lindeman who looked after her. The funeral will be held on Saturday, September 27 at 11 a.m. at Central Christian, visitation at 10 a.m. She was a great lover of animals. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Memphis and Shelby County Humane Society.

A news story about Miss Gillespie's death was published September 27, 2008 and is available on our "In the news..." section.
There is also a news story about Miss Gillespie's retirement as a church organist in 2006 is available on our "In the news ..." page.

Terron Dominique Golden (class year undetermined) [posted September 29, 2009]
From The Commercial Appeal, September 29, 2009:

TERRON DOMINIQUE "Lil Ty" GOLDEN, 26, of Memphis, laborer and graduate of East High School, died September 23, 2009 in Springfield, MO. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until service time at 4 p.m. Thursday, October 1 at Pentecostal Missionary Baptist Church, Memphis, TN. Burial will be in Memorial Park Southwoods, Memphis, TN. He leaves a daughter, Akyra Golden of Memphis; parents, Terry and Ramona Golden of Memphis; three sisters, Wayneshia Ward, Terrian Golden and Deshana Tate; and one brother, Victor Howard, Jr., all of Memphis; grandparents, Gloria Sanders of Memphis and Nathaniel Sanders of Lyman, OH. Currie's Funeral Home (731)738-2625

Rose Marie Washer Goldfarb (Faculty) [posted September 26, 2011]
From The Commercial Appeal, September 25, 2011:

Rose Marie Washer Goldfarb, retired teacher and community leader, died suddenly from complications of a routine colonoscopy on September 18, 2011. She was 82. The funeral was held September 19. She was a highly respected teacher, popular among her students and fellow teachers, and ran Memphis’ first ESOL program (English as a Second Language). She taught Spanish and English in the Memphis City Schools from 1951 through 1985. She was a teacher at Treadwell High School, East High School, and White Station High School. Her first class of students at Treadwell held a 50 year reunion in 2004 where they honored her. Mrs. Goldfarb was born in Memphis on March 22, 1929, the daughter of Sam and Fannie Washer. She graduated from Humes High School in 1947 and received a full academic scholarship to Southwestern at Memphis where she majored in Spanish and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. She met her husband of 60 years, Wesley A. Goldfarb, at Southwestern. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree on June 5, 1951, and they married on June 24, 1951. Mrs. Goldfarb earned a Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling from Memphis State University in 1974. After her retirement in 1985, she traveled extensively with her husband, visiting nearly every continent. She volunteered tirelessly for her synagogue and the Memphis community. Beth Sholom Synagogue named her Volunteer of the Year in 2001 and honored her with the Light of Torah Award for her contribution to the sisterhood. She was president of the Beth Sholom Sisterhood, a life member of Hadassah, a member of B’nai B’rith Women, and a member of Salon Circle. She volunteered for various City projects, including a volunteer tutoring program and the Women’s Shelter, and chaired a community blood drive for multiple years. Mrs. Goldfarb was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. In addition to her husband, she leaves two daughters, Dr. Bohne Silber, of Clarksville, Maryland, and Sheri Dembs, of Netanya, Israel, 15 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She also leaves a brother, Morris Washer, of Memphis, and was preceded in death by two brothers, Harry Washer and Jack Washer. The family has set up the Rose Marie Washer Goldfarb Scholarship Fund in her memory. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Rose Goldfarb Scholarship Fund, c/o The Goldfarb-Silber Family, 13067 Twelve Hills Road, Clarksville, Maryland 21029.

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 loved the Northwest, camping, nature and water.
     He kept his illness to himself as long as he could.
     "He said don't worry. He never wanted anyone to be bothered," Goldner said.
     "I think he was really private, but as an artist and a writer, he wanted his work read, he was out there promoting his writing. I have just gotten to know that side of him. We had a really good day on Father's Day.
     "The surgery was successful, he was definitely a fighter."
     But 50 years of cigarette smoking had caught up with him. The cancer had spread.
     His friends were planning to gather Wednesday night to remember a fellow poet and his stories, embellished as they often were.
     "Harvey was sober for 25 years, but back in the day I guess he was quite a drinker," Dusterhoff said.
     "He told us he was kicked out of a fraternity for drinking too much. I think the stories he told us were about 75 percent true. He would just kind of tweak things."
     Goldner read his poetry at Frye Art Museum and Poets West and for the Seattle City Council's poetry program Word's Worth.
     Emily Goldner said a memorial gathering is being planned for her father.

A Seattle public radio staion aired an obituary for Mr. Goldner. It can be accessed on the KPLU web site.

Another former East student, Bobby Byrd, a childhood friend of Mr. Goldner, writes a blog in which he has written about Mr. Goldner. Access the Goldner articles on the blog at http://whitepantiesanddeadfriends.blogspot.com.

Karen Goldner ('57) [posted November 11, 2007]
From Pensacola News Journal, November 2, 2007:

Karen Joan May, age 68 of Pensacola, Fl., and Greenville, Ga., died Monday Oct. 29, 2007, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola.
Mrs. May was born March 9, 1939, in Madison, Wisconsin, a daughter of Karl John Goldner and Nora Herland Goldner. She was a homemaker and was a member of Greenville United Methodist Church, the Greenville United Methodist Women, and the Merry Weather Garden Club. She also attended Predido Bay United Methodist Church in Pensacola.
Survivors include her husband, Robert May of Greenville,GA, and Pensacola; a daughter, Kippy Mayfield (& Scott) of LaGrange, GA; a son, Chris May (& Judy) of Greenville, GA; a sister, Bonnie [Goldner] Davis ['66] of Chattanooga, TN; grandchildren, Alex, Nicholas, and Elena Mayfield, and Julianna May; and two step-grandchildren, Barbara Brown, and Christy Gosdin.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, November 2, 2007, at Greenville United Methodist Church in Greenville, Ga., with interment in the Greenville City Cemetery.
SMITH-STEELE-MEADOWS FUNERAL HOME, Woodbury, Ga., is in charge of arrangements. (706) 553-5142.

Nancy Gooch ('66) [posted March 2, 2008]
From The Commercial Appeal, March 2, 2008:

NANCY GOOCH LUKE, 59, died Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008 in Pulaski, Tennessee. Nancy was a National Board Certified kindergarten teacher. She was a graduate of East High School and earned her bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Memphis. She taught in the Memphis City Schools for 15 years and served as an exchange teacher to Guatemala in 1974. She was one of Tennessee's first 100 Master Teachers and served as a Career Ladder teacher evaluator from 1984-85. In 1985 she began teaching in Huntsville, AL, and in 1988 was named Madison County (AL) Elementary Teacher of the Year. She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Charles Luke Jr. of Pulaski; two sisters, Wanza [Gooch '61] Barrett of Bartlett and Beth Gooch ['75] of Barton, MS; a sister-in-law, Cynthia Gehi of Lakeland; her father-in-law, Charles Luke of Hatchie, TN; a foster son, Darryl Graham, and two granddaughters, Josie Graham and Windy Graham, all of Pulaski. The family requests that any memorials be given to the Lynn Fanning PTA for the Nancy Gooch Luke Faculty Scholarship Fund; Lynn Fanning Elementary School; 8861 Moore's Mill Road; Meridianville, Alabama, 35759.

Prior to her death, Nancy Gooch was a participant with our alumni page. The last profile she submitted may be read on the Class of 1966 page.

Algeane Graham ('51) [posted March 15, 2005]
From The Commercial Appeal, April 26, 1982:

Mrs Juanita Aljean Graham Holaday, 48, of Madison, Miss. formerly of Memphis, bookkeeper and wife of John Holaday, died Monday [April 19, 1982]at her home. Services will be at 10 a.m. tomorrow [April 27, 1982] at Ashland (Miss) Baptist Church will burial in Ashland Cemetery. Reynolds Crafton Funeral Home of Holly Springs, Miss., has charge. She also leaves four daughters, Mrs Sheri Stern of Memphis, and Mrs Anna Kelly, Miss Lisa Holaday and Mrs. Shelly Follin, all of Madison, Miss; two sons Jimmy Lee Holaday of Nashville and John Graham of Madison, and her mother Mrs Louise Renick Graham of Ashland.

Nancy Greaves ('60) [posted February 10, 2008]
From The Times-Picayune, February 10, 2008:

Nancy Elizabeth O'Connell O'CONNELL Nancy Elizabeth O'Connell, beloved wife of Ruary O'Connell, was welcomed to eternal rest on Friday, February 8, 2008. She is survived by her two adoring children: Katherine and Neill, daughter-in-law "Sister" and granddaughter Genevieve. Nancy was born in Memphis, Tennessee where she is survived by her sister Carolann Rockett, nephew Douglas Rockett and niece Karen McFadden. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Ave., New Orleans, La. Visitation will be held at 11:00am, service to follow at 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Louisiana Chapter of The National Alzheimers Association, 3717 Government Street Suite 7, Alexandria, La. 71302. To sign and view the Family Guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.

J.G. Griesbeck (Faculty) [posted October 13, 2010]
From The Commercial Appeal, October 13, 2010:

JOSEPH GEORGE GRIESBECK, JR., 94, of Memphis, passed away on Tuesday, October 12, 2010. George was born in Memphis on March 29, 1916 to Joseph George Griesbeck and Margaret Gallagher Griesbeck. He graduated from Christian Brothers High School in 1935, where he participated in wrestling and football. He attended and received his BA from Rhodes College, formerly Southwestern at Memphis, where he was also a member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He went on to receive a Masters degree from George Peabody College in Nashville (now part of Vanderbilt University) and a second BS degree from The University of Memphis. In 1941, George joined the Army during WWII and saw action in the D-Day landing. George went on to fight across Europe and in the Battle of the Bulge. He served in the mechanized 6th Calvary and as Scout and Reconnaissance for Patton’s 3rd Army and was eventually discharged in 1945 with the rank of Captain. For the next 30 years, George worked as an educator and became the principal of Guthrie School, Fairview Junior High, St. Anne Highland and finally East High School from which he retired. George received numerous educational awards and in 1972 was honored for a lifetime of dedication to education by the Memphis City Schools. He was a devout Catholic and parishioner of St. Anne Catholic Church in Memphis. George was preceded in death by his first wife of 53 years, Jane Murphy Griesbeck, brother, Charles William Griesbeck, and two sisters, Margaret Griesbeck Orman and Anne Griesbeck Swain. He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Angie Brunini Henderson Griesbeck; stepson, Roy Thomas Henderson, Jr. of Memphis; stepdaughters, Anne Lane Hicks of North Carolina and Catherine Lovette McEwen of Nashville, and sister, Ellen Griesbeck Marr. He also leaves eight step-grandchildren, three step-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. The family will hold a visitation on Thursday, October 14 at Memphis Funeral Home on Poplar from 5-7 p.m., with Rosary at 6:30 p.m. A mass will be said at St. Anne Catholic Church on Highland at 10 a.m., Friday, October 15, with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family requests memorials be sent to Parent Project for Muscular Dystrophy Research, a favorite charity of George’s, at 158 Linwood Plaza, Suite 220, Fort Lee, NJ 07024. Memphis Funeral Home And Memorial Gardens 5599 Poplar Avenue (901)725-0100

Mr. Griesbeck was prinicipal of East High School from 1964 to 1972. An interview with Mr. Griesbeck about the high school he attended was published shortly before his death in Purple and Gold, the official alumni magazine of Christian Brothers High School. You may read the article here.

Tory Greer ('87) [posted August 1, 2004]
From The Commercial Appeal, June 30, 2004:

TOREY J. GREER, 34, of Memphis, auditor for Sleep Inn Hotel, died Friday [June 25, 2004] at Methodist University Hospital. Services will be at noon Saturday [July 3, 2004] at Community Holiness Outreach Ministries with burial in New Haliburton Church Cemetery in Olive Branch. Harrison's Funeral Home Orange Mound Chapel has charge. He was a graduate of East High School and a member of Masonic Lodge 213 Maple Leaf. He leaves his parents, Doris and Thomas Greer; two brothers, Corey Greer and Travis Greer, and his grandfather, John A. Greer, all of Memphis.

Linda Griffith ('74) [posted January 4, 2002]
From The Commercial Appeal, January 4, 2002:

LINDA RUTH GRIFFITH RIVERA, 45, of Greenacres, Fla., formerly of Memphis, homemaker, died Tuesday [December 25, 2001] at her home. Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday [January 5, 2002] at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 2450 St. Elmo [Memphis]. Dorsey Funeral Home in Lake Worth, Fla., has charge. She was a graduate of East High School. Mrs. Griffith, the wife of Carlos Rivera, also leaves a son, Christopher Rivera of Florida, and her mother, Patsy Griffith, and a sister, Vickie Carter, both of Memphis.

Billy Grisso ('55) [posted March 26, 2006]
From The Commercial Appeal, March 25, 2006:

Fayetteville [Arkansas] - William E. Grisso, 71, of died Sunday, March 23, 2008 at Washington Regional Medical Center. He was born December 3, 1936 at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the son of William Edward Grisso, Jr. and Merle Frances Cooper Grisso. He was a real estate broker with Integrity Real Estate Group of Farmington. He attended St. Paul's Episcopal Church and served in the United States Air Force. He is survived by: his wife: Judy Grisso; a son, Birch Grisso; a daughter, Ashley Grisso; two grandsons, Memorial Service: 2 p.m., Friday, March 28 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Fayetteville, under the direction of Moore's Chapel. Officiating: Rev. Lowell E. Grisham. Burial: Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: St. Paul's Episcopal Church, P. O. Box 1190, Fayetteville, AR 72702. To sign the online guest book, visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com. Moore Funeral Home 479-442-7314

H

Kay Haglin ('55) [posted February 12, 2008]
From The Commercial Appeal, December 31, 2001:

KAY HAGLIN WOMACK, 65, of Memphis, restaurant reviewer for Memphis magazine, died Sunday [December 30, 2001] at Methodist Healthcare-Central. Memorial Park Funeral Home has charge. She was a docent of Memphis Brooks Art Museum, administrative director for Playhouse on the Square, administrative assistant for Front Street Theater and public relations officer for Opera Memphis and Memphis City Beautiful Commission. Mrs. Womack, the wife of William C. Womack, also leaves a daughter, Perry Janssen of Edmonds, Wash.; a son, Robert Hallman of Missoula, Mont.; a stepson, Bill F. Womack of Portland, Ore., and a grandchild. The family requests that memorials be sent to Memphis College of Art Scholarship Fund or a charity of the donor's choice.

Drew Haid ('67) [posted January 2, 2012]
From The Commercial Appeal, December 29, 2011:

Drew Haid, 63, Memphis resident and bridge inspector for Shelby County Engineering Dept. died December 24, 2011. Services: 1 p.m. Thursday at Peebles West Funeral Chapel at Oakland [Tennessee] with visitation 2 hours before services. Interment: Walnut Grove Cemetery in Hardeman County. A member of Highland Heights Methodist Church who enjoyed computers, boating, photography and family, Mr. Haid leaves his cousin, Melodie Voyles and his aunt, Mary Smith (Carl), all of Somerville.

Dot Hall ('51) [posted December 29, 2010]
From Winston-Salem Journal, June 20, 2010:

McCARTHY WINSTON-SALEM - Dorothy Jean Hall McCarthy, died June 13, 2010. She was born September 11, 1933 in Memphis, TN to the late Edward Milton and Hilma Younger Hall. She is the widow of Charles Stewart McCarthy. Survived by her sister, Peggy Hall Dowell ['54]; and sons, Drew and John McCarthy. Per her request, no Services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative CareCenter, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.

Gibby Hall ('58) [posted June 30, 2001]
From The Commercial Appeal, February 6, 1998:

GLADYS `GIBBY' HALL FAKES, 58, of Memphis, homemaker, died of cancer Thursday [February 5, 1998] at Baptist Memorial Hospital East. Services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday [February 7, 1998] at Second Presbyterian Church, where she was past president of the Women of the Church, with burial in Memorial Park. Memorial Park Funeral Home has charge. She was a member of the board of directors of the Christian Psychological Center, a member and core leader in Community Bible Study, and a member of the Junior League of Memphis and Grandview Garden Club. She was a graduate of East High, attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and graduated from the University of Memphis. Mrs. Fakes, the wife of Roger E. Fakes for 35 years, also leaves a daughter, Van Fakes Magness of Fort Smith, Ark.; a son, Roger E. Fakes Jr. of Clinton, Miss., and two sisters, Sue Hall Fowler of Somerville, Tenn., and Mary Alice Hall Fisher of Memphis. The family requests that any memorials be sent to Second Presbyterian Church.

James Eugene "Jimmy" Hamer, Jr.('58) [posted February 19, 2001]
Sara Hamer Chumney ('55) supplied the following obituary:

James Eugene Hamer, Jr. (known as Jimmy) graduated from Memphis State University in 1962 and attended the Cecil C. Humphreys Law School at Memphis State. In 1965 he received his law degree from University of Mississippi Law School and began practicing as an attorney with a cousin in Benton County, MS. He married Nelda Chase and had a son, Mark H. Hamer, who is now an attorney in San Diego, CA. Jimmy died in April, 1968, from injuries suffered in a traffic accident.

Phil Hancock ('51) [posted December 13, 2005]
From The Commercial Appeal December 13, 2005:

PHILIP LEE HANCOCK, 73, died Sunday, December 11, 2005 at his home. He was a gun and knife collector and of the Presbyterian faith. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, December 15 [2005] at High Point Funeral Chapel, 3788 Summer Avenue, with graveside services at 11 a.m. Friday, December 16 [2005] at the West Tennessee Veteran's Cemetery. He is survived by two sons, Michael Hancock of Sonona, AZ and Richard Hancock of Memphis; three daughters, Christine Ballard of Moscow, Phyllis Burns and Tori Hancock, both of Memphis; a half-sister, Melissa Mantel Sesta of Boynton Beach, FL; a half-brother, R. Sidney Mantel of Cary, NC; and one grandson, Christopher Pike. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. High Point Funeral Chapel 901-454-5795

Mark L. Harris (class year undetermined) [posted July 4, 2007]
From The Commercial Appeal July 4, 2007:

MARK L. HARRIS, 48, of Memphis, died on Wednesday, June 27, 2007. Mr. Harris graduated from East High School and State Technical Institute, majoring in electronics. He was a United States Navy veteran where he served as a Fire Control Technician aboard the USS Kauffman. He was an avid guitar player and songwriter and was a member of First Baptist Church, Poplar and Parkway in Memphis. He was predeceased by his father, Isaac Edward "Ed" Harris. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Jimmie L. Harris of Memphis; sisters, Brenda Harris Conner of Forrest City, AR and Lynda Harris McMahan Assink of Jackson, MS; and a brother, Stephen E. Harris. A private Memorial service was held on Tuesday, July 3. The family requests that memorials be sent to a charity of the donor's choice.

Sally Harrison ('61) [posted September 26, 2008]
From The Commercial Appeal (Memphis), September 26, 2008:

SALLY E. HARRISON, died in Houston, TX on September 11, 2008 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer and pneumonia. Sally was born in Memphis, TN on November 28, 1943. After attending Memphis State University, Sally began her career of helping others as a patient liaison at LeBonheur Children's Hospital. After moving to Houston in 1977, she continued her life's mission at Houston Eye Associates in the office of Dr. Jeffery D. Lanier. Retiring in 2002, she is remembered for her total recall of her patients and their needs. Her life, as her career, is marked by her concern and advocacy for others above herself. Preceded in death by her parents, Norman C. and Betty T. Harrison, Sally is survived by: husband, Henry W. Thompson of Houston; sister, Judith T. Harrison of Memphis; aunt, Judith T. Cleaver, cousins Harry M. and William T. Cleaver of Austin, TX; nieces, nephews and friends. The family would like to acknowledge and thank the professionalism, compassion and care of the doctors and staff at the Nellie B. Connally Breast Cancer Clinic and 11th floor acute care facility at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and at the Skilled Nursing Rehabilitation section of St. Joseph Hospital. A graveside service will be held at Elmwood Cemetery, Saturday, September 27 at 11 a.m.In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Houston Eye Associates Foundation, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or charity of the donor's choice.

Zoe Harrison ('53) [posted March 15, 2003]
From The Commercial Appeal (Memphis), March 15, 2003:

ZOE HARRISON GROSS, 67, of Germantown, director of marketing for Stewart Title Co., died Thursday [March 13, 2003] at her home. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday [March 17, 2003] at Germantown United Methodist Church, where she was a member, with burial in West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. Memphis Funeral Home Poplar Chapel has charge. Mrs. Gross, the wife of Malcolm Richardson Gross, also leaves two daughters, Allison Gross Layman of Austin, Texas, and Julie Gross Keeley of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; a son, Albert Malcolm Gross, a sister, Margaret Harrison Miller ('51), and a brother, Lawrence Wade Harrison Jr. ('56), all of Memphis; and three grandchildren. The family requests that memorials be sent to Germantown United Methodist Church or a charity of the donor's choice.

Tom Hartzog ('55) [posted March 17, 2001]
From The Commercial Appeal, December 14, 1990:

Costume, art collector Hartzog dies

Former Memphian Thomas S. Hartzog of Atlanta, businessman and art collector, died Tuesday [December 11, 1990] at the Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta.
He was 53.
Services will be at 11 a.m. today [December 14, 1990] at H. M. Patterson and Son-Oglethorpe Hill Funeral Home in Atlanta with burial in Arlington Memorial Park.
He was involved with his father, L.S. 'Mr. Hart' Hartzog, who died in July, in the restaurant business, owning 35 Kentucky Fried Chicken outlets, 84 Wendys franchises, 35 Mrs. Winners locations and nine Po-Folks restaurants.
His father started a wholesale bakery in Selma, Ala„ and later founded Hart's Bread in Memphis.
Thomas Hartzog and his late wife Joye Hartzog owned one of the largest private collections of movie costumes in the world and exhibited them for charitable causes in Memphis, Atlanta, Paris and Australia, as well as the Museum of Art in New York City.
His art collection included original works by Frank Sinatra, Gloria Swanson, James Cagney, Marilyn Monroe, Phyllis Diller and others.
In the costume collection of more than 300 items were clothes worn by film stars such as Jeanette MacDonald, Nelson Eddy, Lana Turner, Phyllis Diller, Greta Garbo, Cark Gable, Debbie Reynolds, Elizabeth Taylor, Errol Flynn, Merle Oberon and Robert Taylor.
Part of the collection was displayed at the Memphis Pink Palace Museum several years ago in a show attended by the Hartzogs' friend, Debbie Reynolds. Later, the exhibit was displayed at the Mid-South Fair.
Hartzog produced plays in California with stars such as Eve Arden, Van Johnson and Yvonne de Carlo. He was nominated for the Joe Jefferson award in Chicago for his production of Lenny.
He published a book on Jeanette McDonald, published movie magazines and produced 13 episodes of the television show, Disco Now.
Hartzog was a member of the Fine Art Collectors, President's Club of The Thalians in Los Angeles, Georgia Film and Tape Advisory board, president of the National Film Society and a lifetime member of Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity.
He attended the University of Colorado and Memphis State University.
He was a member of Peachtree Presbyterian Church.
He leaves a daughter, Mrs. Jennifer Hartzog Zufall of Memphis, and his mother, Mrs. Kathryn W. Hartzog of Atlanta.
The family requests that any memorials be sent to Thalians of Los Angeles or The Fox Theatre of Atlanta.

David Harsh ('68) [posted April 24, 2011]
From The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, April 24, 2011:

David Newby Harsh III, died on Good Friday April 22, 2011 at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee after a short illness. Born in Memphis on November 18, 1950 , he was the son of the late Jacqueline Darms Harsh and George Westervelt Harsh Sr. He was the grandson of the late George and Ruth Darms and David and Helen Harsh. He is survived by a sister Pamela Darms Harsh ['67] of Memphis and a brother, George "Westy" Harsh, Jr ['65] and sister- in-law Janice Burgess Harsh of Houston TX. He also leaves a niece Caroline Harsh Bennett and a nephew George W. Harsh, III also of Houston, TX. After graduating from East High School in 1968, he attended and graduated from State Technical Institute with highest honors with an Associate Degree in Engineering. David followed his passion for music and entertainment by opening The Bull Shotte in 1975, later changing the name to Newby's a well known bar, pool hall, and dinning room at 539 S. Highland St. It became known as "the college bar you never graduated from." At the same time, he became partners with Jake Schorr at Jefferson Square, and The North End. In 1996, David sold Newby’s and became a real estate investor. In 2004, he ventured out again in the restaurant industry with partner Jake Schorr and opened the popular Westy’s in the Pinch District. David was a member of Christ United Methodist Church since 1958. He was on the board of Shepherd’s Haven, a ministry to special needs adults. Westy’s Restaurant feeds the hungry and homeless every Thanksgiving and Christmas. The family will receive friends from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at Christ United Methodist Church, 4488 Poplar Avenue, Memphis with services to follow beginning at 2 p.m. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Following the interment everyone is invited to a celebration at Newby’s. Arrangements have been entrusted to: High Point Funeral Home & Crematorium (901) 454-5795 www.highpointchapel.com

Henry Hathaway ('59) [posted June 19, 2011] from The Commercial Appeal, June 19, 2011:

Henry W. Hathaway, 72, lifelong Memphian, died June 16, 2011 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Friends and acquaintances may visit the funeral home for visitation on Tuesday, June 21 from 6 p.m until 7:30 p.m. and for funeral services on Wednesday, June 22 beginning at 2 p.m. all at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens on Poplar Avenue. Burial with military honors will follow in Forest Hill Midtown Cemetery. Mr. Hathaway was a veteran of the United States Army National Guard. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Luella V. Hathaway. He is survived by his cousins and a host of friends for whom he cared deeply. Any memorials may be made to the Memphis Humane Society, Grace St. Luke’s Church or the National Diabetes Association.

Eva Hayes ('71) [posted January 28, 2002]
From The Commercial Appeal (Memphis):

EVA HAYES LOGAN, 49, of Peachtree City, Ga., formerly of Memphis, homemaker, died Thursday [January 24, 2002] at her home. Memorial services will be at 1 p.m. Friday [February 1, 2002] at Peachtree City United Methodist Church with entombment in Memorial Park Mausoleum. Carmichael-Hemperley Funeral Home in Peachtree City has charge. Mrs. Logan, the wife of Chris Logan, also leaves her stepmother, Irene Hayes of Beech Bluff, Tenn.; three sisters, Wanza Wilkin of Newport, Ark., and Peggy Marshall and Hazel Dalton, both of Corinth, Miss., and a brother, Lonzo Hayes Jr. ['69] of Calabash, N.C. The family requests that memorials be sent to VHL Family Alliance in Brookline, Mass., or a charity of the donor's choice.

Eva Hayes was a participant with The East High Alumni Page. Her last profile entry can be found on the Class of '71 page.

Nancy Haynes ('58) [posted August 2, 2008]
From San Antonio Express-News, August 2, 2008:

Nancy Jane Haynes Blumer was born on June 6, 1941, and passed away on July 31, 2008 in San Antonio, Texas. After a long, hard fought battle with ovarian cancer, Nancy Blumer finally found peace. Nancy was adored by so many people, and leaves behind so many broken hearts. She was married for 47 years to her best friend and husband Robert [Blumer ('55)]; they met when Nancy was 15 years old. Theirs was a bond like no other. She has 3 daughters, Jennifer, Lynn and Shannon; they were her absolute pride and joy. She adored her 9 grandchildren, and was certain they all hung the moon and her sons- in-law were the best men her daughters could have ever married. Her younger sister, Sue [Haynes (associated with the Class of '65)], was more like her fourth daughter; she loved and cared for Aunt Sue and their sisterhood was something she held so closely to her heart. She also leaves behind another younger brother and sister in Tennessee of whom she spoke so fondly. She had so many friends in her lifetime that it is hard count. We all miss her terribly, but know that she is in Heaven now; because of that it is a much brighter, warmer place. Goodbyes were always hard for us, so she always taught us to instead say, See you later. Save us a place up there, Mommy; we will indeed see you later. SERVICES A Graveside Service will take place at 2:00 P.M., Monday, August 4, 2008 in Mission Burial Park North. A Memorial Service will be held at 6:00 P.M., on Tuesday, August 5, 2008 at John Calvin Presbyterian Church in Windcrest, Texas. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Ovarian Cancer Research www.orangeoutovarian.com. You may sign the on-line guestbook at www.missionparks.com under the obituary section. Mission Park Funeral Chapels North.

Prior to her death, Nancy Haynes was a participant with our alumni page. The last profile she submitted may be read on the Class of 1958 page.

Philip "Flilp" Hehmeyer ('63) [posted February 2, 2011]
From The Commercial Appeal, August 24, 1982

     Gunshot Kills Cotton Marketer Executive
     Philip Leland Hehmeyer, a former Memphian who in June was elected board chairman of the New York Cotton Exchange, was found dead yesterday in his New York apartment, the victim of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound.
     A New York police spokesman said Hehmeyer, 37, apparently shot himself with a shotgun.
     Hehmeyer’s body was found in the kitchen of his Upper East Side apartment at 2:20 p.m. police said. A shotgun was lying beneath his left leg. Detectives said suicide notes were found in the apartment but would not release their contents.
     Hehmeyer’s death came almost two weeks before he was to marry Miss Susan McCadden Carr of New York City and formery of Clarksdale, Mississippi. The wedding was scheduled for September 4 in Clarksdale.
     Miss Carr is the daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Andrew R. Carr of Clarksdale.
     Hehmeyer was the son of Mr. And Mrs. Walter Hehmeyer of Oxford, Mississippi, and formerly of Memphis.
     “Everything was perfect. He was getting married. The parents are absolutely distraught at this point, “ said Frank Hall, a close family friend contacted last night at the Hehmeyer home in Oxford.
     Another family friend who asked not to be identified said Hehmeyer’s body was found by a friend who had been asked by Miss Carr to go to his apartment and check on him.
     The friend said Miss Carr, who had traveled to Clarksdale on Saturday to prepare for the wedding, became concerned when she did not hear from Hehmyere over the weekend.
     Hehmeyer also owned Hehmeyer and Company, a futures trading firm in New York City which delt mainly in cotton but also in orange juice and propane futures.
     He was elected chairman of the board of the NYCE in early June and was believed to be the youngest NYCE board chairman in history.
     Hehmeyer was a 1963 graduate of East High School in Memphis. He attended the University of the South (Swanee) in Swanee, Tennessee, three years and then joined the army.
     Following three years of military service which included a tour of duty in Vietnam, he received a degree from Swanee in 1970. While at Swanee he was president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
     After graduating he worked as a reporter for the Commercial Appeal.
     Later Hehmeyer managed two restaurants in the Virgin Islands and then represented a Memphis cotton company in New York City before forming his own futures trading firm.
     The elder Hehmeyer and his wife were reportedly en route to New York last night.
     Friends of Hehmeyer in Memphis were shocked by his death.
     “Phil was a good friend of all of ours in Memphis, “ said Rudi Scheidt of Hohenberg Brothers cotton company. “He was probably one of the youngest (NYCE) chairmen and one of the most able. It’s a big shock and a big loss.”
     He said several people gathered at his house after learning of Hehmeyer’s death.
     In addtion to his parents, Hehmeyer leaves a brother, Christopher Key Hehmeyer ['63] of Chicago.
     Authorities were still investigating the death last night, and no ruling had been made pending an autopsy, which was scheduled today.

John Hembree ('54) [posted April 27, 2010]
From The Clariion Ledger, Jackson, Mississippi, January 6, 2010:

[Abstract]
Dr. John Hembree - Hembree is survived by his father, John Harold Hembree of Brandon; wife, Nancy Love Hembree; son, J. Gregory Hembree and his wife, Renee of Little River, SC; daughters, Diana Dawn Inabnett of Charleston, SC and Cynthia Lynn Price and her husband, Chris of Jefferson, GA and seven grandchildren; two step sons, Michael Love and his wife, Jessica of Austin, Texas and Jonathan Love and his wife, Michelle of Pinehurst, NC; and six step grandchildren.

Tom Henderson ('61)

THOMAS CALDWELL HENDERSON III 64, died Saturday, September 1, 2007 at his home in Germantown. Tom was the son of Marjorie Hall Phelan and Major Thomas Caldwell Henderson, Jr. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Ashley Hall of Memphis, and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Caldwell Henderson, Sr. of Memphis; and by two fathers, Major Henderson in 1943 and Mr. Eugene Joseph "Jack" Phelan in 2002. A lifetime Memphian, Tom was the youngest charter member of Christ United Methodist Church and was a faithful parishioner there throughout his life. He attended East High School from grammar school through high school graduation in 1961. He continued his education at Mississippi State University, graduating with a degree in Business Administration in 1965. Attending Bulldog athletic events as a student and alumni was just one of "Big Tom's" passions. Tom never missed an opportunity to travel to Hardy, AR to canoe the Spring River. Tom was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed many hunting and fishing trips finding great joy in the camaraderie with his family and friends. Tom was blessed throughout his life with many friends who deeply enriched his life. Tom was President of Schevenelle Ready Mix for many years and later became an agent for Farmer's Group Insurance. He was a member of Germantown Kiwanis Club, Ducks Unlimited and a charter member of the ROMEOS. He is survived by his mother, Marjorie HallPhelan; his wife of 39 years, Elizabeth McKee Henderson, a daughter; Elizabeth Anne Henderson of Memphis; a son, Thomas Caldwell Henderson IV and his wife, Bonney; and two grandchildren, Thomas Hanway Henderson and Margaret Anne Henderson of Madison, MS; two brothers, Eugene Joseph Phelan [associated with the class of '65] and James Lee Phelan ['69] of Memphis; sister Marjorie "Cissy" Heppel ['73] of Memphis; and many other loving family members. His steadfast faith, remarkable attitude and sharp wit made Tom an unforgettable husband, father, son, brother, grandfather and friend. The family requests that memorials be sent to Christ United Methodist Church or Mississippi State University. Arrangements will be handled by Memorial Park Funeral Home. Service times will be announced. Memorial Park Funeral Home 901-767-8930

Debbie Henrich ('72) [posted January, 13, 2000, full obituary added May 9, 2001] - The following is from The Commercial Appeal, July 25, 1999:

DEBBIE HENRICH CLARK, 44, of Tucson, Ariz., formerly of Memphis, principal at Cross School in Tucson, died of cancer Thursday [July 22, 1999] in Tucson. Graveside services will be at 4 p.m. Tuesday [July 27, 1999]in Memorial Park. Memorial Park Funeral Home has charge. She was a former member of Christ United Methodist Church, a member of the King's Daughters and Sons Home, and was a volunteer at the Home of the Incurables. Mrs. Clark, the wife of Ronald W. Clark, also leaves two sons, Christopher Clark and Erie Clark, both of Tucson; her mother, Margaret Younger Henrich of Memphis, and two sisters, Kathleen Plauche of Waco, Texas, and Karen [Henrich] Jetton ['68] of Germantown. The family requests that any memorials be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Cancer Research Fund, Lamppost Library at Christ United Methodist Church, or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Lisa Heslep (associated with the Class of '67) MARGARET LOUISA "Lisa" HESLEP ANDREWS, 58, of Memphis, passed away Monday, November 19, 2007 at her home in Memphis after a brave struggle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). She was born in Memphis and attended St. Mary's Episcopal School, East High School and the University of Memphis. She was employed in the Philosophy Department of the University of Memphis for 20 years. Through the years, she was a member of the Memphis Obedience Training Club and the Shetland Sheepdog Club of Memphis. Lisa trained and showed her dogs in obedience, herding and agility. She particularly loved her Shelties. In the last 10 years, she enjoyed showing Xena, Katie, L.B. and Sky at agility trails throughout the region. Lisa was preceded in death by her mother and father, Jean and Robert Heslep, and her brother, Ray Myers. She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Tina Heslep Ciliberto and Anthony Ciliberto; her niece and nephew, Lisa Ciliberto Justus and Jordan Ciliberto; and her sister-in-law, Wanda Myers. Memorial service will be at Grace St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Memphis at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 9. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Take the Lead, P. O. Box 6353, Watertown, NY 13601 or Methodist Alliance Hospice, 6400 Shelby View Drive, Memphis, TN 38134---organizations that greatly assisted Lisa in remaining at home during her illness. Memorial service: 2 p.m. Sunday, December 9, 2007 at Grace St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Memphis.

If anyone can inform us with which class Lisa Heslep was associated and what years/grades she went to East, please send the information to editor@EastHigh.org

Jim Hester ('54 and Faculty) July 10, 1996 [revisions Sept. 5, 1996]- It is with regret and sadness that we must report the death Tuesday, July 9, 1996, in Memphis of Mr. Jim Hester (Jimmie Don Hester), former faculty member of East High School. Death was the result of complicatons from a stroke. Jim Hester was principal at Corning Elementary School until he took early retirement this spring. Mr. Hester had served at East in the 1960's. Jim had been an active tri-athelete in recent years but suffered a heart attack earlier this year. He was a member of the Memphis Runners Track Club and several service organizations. Until the heart attack in March, Jim was director of Sunday Schools for many years at his church, Forrest Hill Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Clara J. Hester, daughter Meme Hester Coots of Collierville, Tn., and two sons, Jim Hester of Nashville and Chuck Hester of Atlanta, his mother and stepfather Mr. & Mrs. T.H. Davis, and a brother, Ron Davis ('67) of Redmond, Washington.
Services were held July 10, 1996 at Forrest Hill Baptist Church. Burial was at Memorial Park Cemetery.
I'm sure the entire East alumni community joins us in extending our deepest sympathy to Mr. Hester's family.

Mr. Hester taught science at East circa 1966-67.

Phil Hibbard ('56) [posted April 11, 2011] - From The Houston Cronicle, April 10, 2011:

Philip Sabin Hibbard died peacefully with his loving family at his side April 7, 2011 in League City, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer.
He was born September 11, 1938 in Auburn, New York to Leone and Arthur Hibbard.
His parents, a brother David, and his daughter Leslie predeceased him.
Educated in Memphis, Tennessee, he proudly served in the United States Air Force. Phil established the successful Memphis investment banking firm Hibbard, O'Conner & Weeks, Inc., expanding it to New York and then to Houston in the early 1970s.
Always an entrepreneur, he formed several businesses here including Texas Security Manufacturing, an apartment complex firm and other real estate ventures, before acquiring Star Toyota, with his wife Carolyn, and their partner Royce Casey.
He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Carolyn Casey Hibbard; his children Philip Hibbard II, Lindsay Hibbard Rusak and her husband Jerzy; grandchildren Philicia Hibbard, Philip Hibbard III, and Marguerite Rusak, and great-grandchild Jayden Hibbard. He also is survived by his sister, Susan Hibbard Jones and her husband Mike; his sister in law Joyce Harrison and husband Ralph; brother in law Royce Casey and wife Vena. Other family members surviving him include nieces and nephews, Katherine Eskew and husband Russell; Andrew Jones; Jeff Harrison, Kasey Harrison, Kevin Casey and wife Crystal; Karen Johnson and husband Justin.
A man of many passions, Phil was an avid photographer, pilot, world traveler and adventurer. He lived life to the fullest, and loved flying solo to Colorado to explore the beauty there. His in depth genealogical research regarding the Sabin family led to his publishing The Descendants of William Sabin of Rehoboth, Massachusetts. An avid cook, he loved entertaining his many friends at home, preparing incredible meals. Hot air ballooning was another interest, with Phil representing the United States in the 1976 World Balloon Championship. He was well known for his dry sense of humor, his love of family and his zest for life.
A memorial service and celebration of Phil's life will be held Monday, April 11 at 12:30 p.m. at Forest Park East, League City
. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Bay Area Turning Point, Friends of League City Animal Shelter, the Animal Alliance of Galveston County, or a charity of one's choice.

Garry Hill ('68) [updated June, 1998] - Garry E. Hill died June 23, 1997 in New York. Mr. Hill had been undergoning cancer treatment earlier in the year when he suffered a stroke in May. He was president and chief executive officer of Odyssey, a religious cable television network which was formerly known as the Faith and Values Channel. Mr. Hill had previously lived in Atlanta and Nashville. He formerly had worked for Z Music Television and Contel Cellular.

Garry Hill is survived by his wife Peggy Hill of New York City, two sons, Garry E. Hill, Jr. and Johnathan Hill, both of Atlanta, a daughter, Tiffany Antosek of Kansas City, Missouri, a stepdaughter, Maureen Decker of Nashville, a stepson, Brian Decker of Atlanta, and his mother, Mildred Hill Miranne of Memphis, Tennessee.

[An additional obituary and other stories and pictures about Mr. Hill are available in our News section: obituary, story about his work with Odyssey cable television.

Rashell Ranea Hill ('98) - From The Commercial Appeal, December 26, 1999:

RASHELL RANEA HILL, 20, of 2853 Crest, handler at Federal Express, died of leukemia Saturday [December 25, 1999] at St. Jude Children's Research Hosiptal. Harrison's Funeral Home Orange Mound Chapel has charge. She was a 1998 graduate of East High School and a member of Early Grove Baptist Church. She leaves her mother, Rita L. Hill; a sister, Rashun Hill, and two brothers, Cedric Woods and Kenneth Hill, all of Memphis, and her grandmothers, Jessie Myers and Lucille Hill.

Patsy Hoback ('56) [posted May 9, 2007] - From The Commercial Appeal, November 27, 1994:

PATRICIA HOBACK BOBO, 56, of Cordova, retired employee of University of Mamphis Education Department, died of heart disease Saturday [November 26, 1994] at Baptist Memorial Hospital East. Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday [November 29, 1994] at Memphis Funeral Home Poplar Chapel with burial in Elmwood. She was a graduate of East High School and a member of Union Avenue Baptist Church. She leaves a daughter, Melissa H. Bobo of Cordova; a son, ChristopherA. Bobo of Memphis, and a brother, Walter S. Hoback of Cordova. The family requests that any memorials be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Patsy Hodges ('56) - From The Commercial Appeal, June 30, 2006:

Patricia Hodges Simonton, 67, lost her courageous battle with cancer Wednesday afternoon at her home surrounded by her family. Patsy is the daughter of the late May and Thomas Hodges, and the mother of Jenny Lee Rice and Andy Simonton of Memphis. She is also survived by her brother, Tommy Hodges ['60] of Dexter, Oregon. Patsy is a graduate of East High School and the University of Memphis. She served as Director of Finance of Hutchinson School for more than 22 years where she aided parents and children alike. She continued there on a part-time basis after her retirement until her illness made that impossible. We will miss her kindness, her joy and her enthusiasm for life. Visitation will be from 6-9 p.m., Friday, June 30, at Memphis Funeral Home Poplar Chapel. Her service will be held on Saturday at 1 p.m., at Trinity Baptist Church, where she was a founding member, with burial in Pontotoc, Mississippi. The family request that any memorials be sent to Trinity Baptist Church's Conservatory Fund, 8899 Trinity Road, Cordova, TN; Wings Cancer Foundation, 100 N. Humphrey's Blvd.., Memphis, TN or a charity of the donor's choice Memphis Funeral Home Poplar

Prior to her death, Patsy Hodges was a participant with our alumni page. The last profile she submitted may be read on the Class of 1956 page.

Kenneth A. Holland (Faculty) - From the Tahlequah Daily Press, April 23, 2002:

KENNETH A. HOLLAND
Tahlequah – Funeral services for Dr. Kenneth Alphonse Holland, 81, of Tahlequah [Oklahoma] were held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 23, 2002, at St. Basil's Episcopal Church in Tahlequah, with Rev. Kathleen Murray officiating. Burial followed in the Tahlequah City Cemetery under the direction of the Reed-Culver Funeral Home of Tahlequah.
Pallbearers included Tom Quimby, Bob Ed Culver, Ron Cox, Tom Carlile, Jack Dobbins, Mark Dobbins, and Ken Willis. Dr. Elwin Fite and Dr. Al Williams served as honorary pallbearers.
Dr. Holland was born March 27, 1921, in Memphis, Tenn., the son of W.E. and Myrtle (Reitz) Holland, and he passed from this life on Saturday, April 20, 2002, in Fayetteville, Ark.
Holland grew up in Memphis, graduating from Memphis Central High School in 1939, where he was All-State in track, basketball and football. Following graduation, he attended Southwestern, now Rhodes College, in Memphis, where he was an All-American football player and majored in history and psychology.
From July 1, 1943, to March 13, 1946, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps and from 1948-‘59 served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. He was commissioned second lieutenant June 23, 1944; first lieutenant on Jan. 31, 1946; and ended his service with the rank of captain. While serving his country at Iwo Jima, Holland received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals in March of 1945.
Following Kenneth's active tour of duty in the Marine Corps, he attended the University of Arkansas, where he was the starting tail-back for Coach John Barnhill's Razorbacks that won the southwest conference championship in 1946. In 1947, he played in the Cotton Bowl. He graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1948 with a bachelor of science degree in education, receiving his master's degree in education in 1950, and later, his doctorate degree in physical education in 1963.
In 1948, he returned to Memphis, Tenn., where he coached at East High School. He then spent two years as head football coach and athletic director at the University of Arkansas-Monticello (then Arkansas A&M).
In 1963, Kenneth and his family moved to Tahlequah, where he began a 23-year physical education professor and coaching tenure at Northeastern State University. He was a football assistant in 1963 and 1964, and for 12 years was assistant basketball coach to Dr. Jack Dobbins. He was also the NSU men's tennis head coach for 18 years. He was the last to coach three sports in one season since the late Tom Rousey, who died in 1963. On May 17, 1986, when Dr. Holland retired after teaching physical education and coaching for 23 years, a colorful chapter in NSU sports history was closed. In 1998, Dr. Holland was inducted into the NSU Athletic Hall of Fame.
Dr. Holland was a member and past president of the Tahlequah Kiwanis Club and a lay reader and treasurer of St. Basil's Episcopal Church.
Dr. Holland's parents and one sister preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife, Marjorie of the home; one son, Michael William Holland of Fayetteville, Ark.; one sister-in-law, Mrs. P.C. Holland of Memphis, Tenn.; one niece, Mrs. Paul Meeks of Memphis, Tenn.; one cousin, D.C. Goff of Fayetteville, Ark.; and other relatives, as well as a host of friends and loved ones.

Prior to his death, Kenneth Holland was a participant with our alumni page. The last profile he submitted in conjunction with his wife may be read on the Faculty page.

Marjorie Holland (Faculty 1948-1959) [posted March 9, 2011, newspaper revised version posted March 10, 2011] - Tahlaquah Daily Press:

TAHLEQUAH — Tahlequah – Funeral services for Majorie Lee (Dildy) Holland will be held at 11 a.m. on March 10, at St. Basil’s Episcopal Church with Mother Debora Jennings officiating. Interment will follow at Tahlequah City Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to Reed-Culver Funeral Home of Tahlequah. Pallbearers for Marjorie include Dr. Jack Dobbins, Mr. Mark Dobbins, Mr. Ken Willis, Mr. Ronnie Lander, Mr. Tommy Lander, and Mr. Ron Cox. Honorary pallbearers will include Dr. Charles Carroll, Dr. Valgene Littlefield, and Dr. Don Betz.
Marjorie Lee Dildy-Holland was born Aug. 23, 1922, in Hope, Ark., the daughter of Clell Andrew and Lucille (King) Dildy. She attended school at Hope, Ark., then attended Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Mo. She transferred to the University of Arkansas to complete her undergraduate studies and obtain her bachelor of science in 1945 and Masters of Science in Education in 1948.
While attending the university, she was to meet and marry Kenneth [Holland Faculty 1948-1959], on July 11, 1948, at the Presbyterian Minister’s home in Hope, Ark. Marjorie and Kenneth dedicated their lives to educating young minds to become passionate leaders for the future. Marjorie and her husband moved to Memphis, and she taught at East High, a prepatory school in Memphis, from 1948 to 1954 [sic]. She also taught English at Arkansas A&M University at Monticello from 1959 to 1961. They returned to the University of Arkansas and together, obtained their doctorates.
Holland and her family moved to Tahlequah in 1963 to teach at Northeastern State University. Her contributions to NSU include her 10 years as the dean of the graduate college, expanding the curricula from six masters degrees in education to two masters of arts degrees, four masters of science degrees and seven masters of education degrees.
She served on committees too numerous to mention, but not limited to North Central Accreditation Committee and Faculty Research Committees. She was a professor of English, the dean of the College of Arts and Letters, the chair of the Division of Communication, and the dean of the Graduate School. She found time to better the world around her through such organizations as the Daughters of the American Revolution, The Colonial Dames of America, The United Daughters of the Confederacy, the Association of University Women, and the National Education Association.
The most wonderful achievement for Holland came with the arrival of her only child, her beloved son Michael. It was to him she taught the most valued lessons of love, compassion, and dignity for all fellow beings traveling on the planet. She demonstrated her compassion by working tirelessly on programs to involve and improve the lives and minds of her students. When she wasn’t working, she taught her son about genealogy. She gave him the knowledge to have faith in God and served Him all her days. She was an Episcopal by faith and a member of St. Basil’s Episcopal Church in Tahlequah.
She enjoyed spending time out of doors, working in her daisy beds and making pepper jelly, to sell at the annual church bazaar. She was determined, strong willed, and very independent. She lost her beloved Kenneth in 2002. She never stopped her pursuit of knowledge through books, and spent a great deal of time reading.
The Lord called Marjorie Lee Dildy-Holland to her final rest on March 6, 2011, in Tulsa, with her son beside her. She was 88 years old. We will always remember her for her many contributions to life, love and the betterment of the young minds entrusted to her care.
She is preceded in death by her parents, and her loving husband, Kenneth.
Her memory will be cherished by her son, Rev. Michael Holland of Fayetteville, Ark.; a cousin, Dash Goff of Fayetteville, Ark., as well as many cousins, friends, associates and loved ones. Those wishing to express their sympathy are asked to consider St. Basil’s Episcopal Church in Tahlequah.

Mrs. Holland was among the original faculty members from East High's first year and taught English. Her husband, Kenny Holland taught at East and coached during the same time period.

Prior to her death, Marjorie Holland was a participant with our alumni page. The last profile she submitted in conjunction with her husband may be read on the Faculty page.

[Editor's note: the date of Mrs. Holland's death varies among publications and between issues of the same publication. Two earlier listings gaves Mrs. Holland's death as occuring on March 7, 2011, whereas this and another obiturary lists March 6, 2011. The date has been revised in posting on this website to conform with the above obituary.]

Gary Hollie (associated with class of '65) - From The Commercial Appeal, July 28, 2004:

GARY LYNN HOLLIE, 57, of RedWood City, Calif., formerly of Memphis, salesman for Cal-Pac Roofing, died July 20 at his home. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Forest Hill Funeral Home Midtown with burial in Forest Hill Cemetery Midtown. He leaves a daughter, Julie Michelle Golden of California; a son, Johnny Lee Hollie; five sisters, Frances Conner, Juanita Earnest, Christine Earnest and Faye Kastigar (59), all of Memphis, and Billie Hollie Gafa ('62) of Bartlett, and three brothers, Charles Vernon Hollie of Memphis, Lawrence Hollie ('57) of Cordova and Don Hollie of Bartlett.

Edwin Love Holt ('61) - From The Commercial Appeal, May 15, 2002:

EDWIN LOVE HOLT, 58, of Woodville, Miss., formerly of Memphis, owner of Woodville Ace Hardware, died Sunday [May 12, 2002] at his home. Services were Tuesday [May 14, 2002] at Woodville Baptist Church with burial in Evergreen Cemetery there. Berryhill Funeral Home in Woodville has charge. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Memphis. He leaves two daughters, Lisa Cantrell Holt of Woodville and Ginger Holt Gober of Grenada, Miss.; a son, Dr. Edwin Love Holt Jr. of Woodville; a brother, Robert Maynard Holt of Nashville, and three grandchildren.

Mary Lou Hope ('58) [posted September 17, 2007] - From Pine Bluff Commercial, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, January 5, 2005:

     Mary Lou Bost, 64, of Pine Bluff, died Tuesday [January 5, 2005].
     She was born Feb. 6, 1940, at Jonesboro, a daughter of the late Owen Burt Hope and Margaret Matthews Hope.
     She was reared and received her early education at Jonesboro before moving to Memphis and graduated from East High School. She attended William Woods College and graduated from Memphis State University with a degree in elementary education.
     She taught first grade at DeRidder, La., before moving to Pine Bluff in 1962.
     She was a member of First Baptist Church, where she was active in her Sunday school class, Bible school and Bible study fellowship. She was a member of the Pine Bluff National Bank Crown Club, where she served as the Crown Club director. She retired from the bank in July 2004.
     She was a member of the Pine Bluff Sister Cities and traveled as a delegate to Ewau City, Japan, in 1997. She was also a member of the Twentieth Century Club, where she served as an officer.
     Survivors include her husband, John Algie Bost; two sons, Dr. W. Brent Hall of Pine Bluff and Wesley Blake Hall of Russellville; one stepson, James Bost of Pine Bluff; one stepdaughter, Juli Listuon of Mobile, Ala.; one sister, Peggy [Hope] Bussard ['55] of Kingwood, Texas; one grandchild; and six stepgrandchildren.
     Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday [January 6, 2005] at First Baptist Church with the Revs. Gordon Topping, Jim Parker and Richard Wentz officiating. Burial will be in Cypress Memorial Gardens by Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors.
     Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today [January 5, 2005] at the funeral home.
     Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Family Life Center Building Fund, 6501 S. Hazel St., Pine Bluff, AR 71603.

Pauline Jones Hord (Faculty) [posted May 7, 2005] - From The Commercial Appeal, May 6, 2005:

Dr. Pauline Jones Hord, 98, of Memphis, retired teacher for Memphis City Schools after 31 years, died Thursday at Kirby Pines Manor. Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Christ United Methodist Church, where she was a member, with burial in Memorial Park. Memorial Park Funeral Home has charge. She was a member of International Reading Association, Altrusa International and Delta Kappa Gamma International Honor Society and a graduate of Southwestern University, Memphis State University, the University of Chicago and Syracuse University. She leaves a sister, Louise Jones Higgs of Germantown, and a brother, Richard Frank Jones of Memphis. The family requests that any memorials be sent to Christ United Methodist Church.

Charlie House ('57) [posted June 7, 2007] - From The Commercial Appeal, May 22, 1993:

CHARLES HENRY HOUSE, JR., 53, of New York City, formerly of Memphis, a former teacher at Columbia State University and Staten Island University, died May 11 [1993] at his home. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday [May 25, 1993] at Forest Hill Cemetery Midtown. Forest Hill Funeral Home Midtown has charge. He was a member of Second Presbyterian Church and an Eagle Scout. He attended Culver Military Academy, Vanderbilt University and the University of Colorado. He leaves a sister, Kimbrough Boren of Memphis. The family requests that any memorials be sent to Second Presbyterian Church or the charity of the donor's choice.

Jim House ('54) [posted December 8, 2009] - From The Commercial Appeal, December 8, 2009:

E. James House, Jr., "Jim", as he was known by everyone, died on December 7, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer. Honesty, integrity and a quick wit, not to forget punctuality, probably best describes our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. The son of the late Lyda Essary and Emmett J. House, Jim was born on September 16, l936. He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Lynn. A graduate of East High and Vanderbilt University, he obtained his law degree from the University of Memphis School of Law. He served for three years in the U.S. Navy as Chief Engineering Officer aboard the U.S.S. Prevail 20. Jim began his career at Union Planters Corporate Trust Division in 1962, where he worked until 1969 when he became associated with Holiday Inns of America, where he served as Treasurer. In 1987, he returned to Union Planters as Executive Vice President and Senior Trust Officer. He led the trust division until 1995 when he became general counsel and Secretary of the Bank. He remained in that position until the merger of Union Planters and Regions Bank in 2004. He then became of counsel with the law firm of Wyatt, Tarrant and Combs. He was currently legal and financial consultant for Evolve Bank. Jim is survived by his wife, Linda; his son, E. James House III (Katherine); and his daughter, Margaret Warner (Keith) and two step-children, Rebecca Breeden (Chris) and Will Stratton. He also leaves six grandchildren, E. James House IV, Olivia House, Margaret and Jean Jeter Warner and Kate and Hugh Breeden. A memorial service celebrating Jim's life will be on Wednesday, December 9, at 2 p.m. at Idlewild Presbyterian Church, with private burial in Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to the American Cancer Society , Idlewild Presbyterian Church, MIFA, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Fredrick Houston ('88) [posted August 4, 2005] - From The Commercial Appeal, July 5, 2005:

FREDRICK HOUSTON, 35, of Memphis, employee of Terminex, died Friday, July 1, 2005. Visitation Friday [July 8, 2005], 4-7 p.m., N.J. Ford & Sons Funeral Home; viewing 10 a.m.-12 noon and services to follow at Cummings Street B.C.; burial Galilee Cemetery. He leaves 1 daughter, China Houston of Memphis, his mother Shirley Coleman, Father, Fred Houston, both of Memphis, 1 sister, Nicole Houston of MemphIs, grandfather, Fred Houston of Cordova, grandmother Velma Coleman of Memphis.

Jimme Earl Hudson ('88) [posted June 30, 2001] - From The Commercial Appeal, March 3, 1997:

JIMMIE EARL HUDSON, 28, of Memphis, owner of Binghampton Lounge and J&L Affordable Communications, died Saturday [March 1, 1997] at the Regional Medical Center at Memphis after an apparent homicide. M. J. Edwards & Sons Funeral Home has charge. He graduated from East High School in 1988 and was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Chessley H. Hulsey ('51) [posted December 29, 2001] - From The Commercial Appeal, December 29, 2001:

CHESSLEY HOWARD HULSEY, 68, of Memphis, owner of Hulsey & Hulsey Printing Service and Realtor for Pyramid Realty, died Thursday [December 27, 2001] at St. Peter Villa Rehab & Nursing Center. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday [December 31, 2001] at Memorial Park Funeral Home with burial in Memorial Park. Mr. Hulsey, the husband of Gayle Fleming Hulsey, also leaves three daughters, Melinda Hulsey Edwards of Cordova, Cammy Hulsey Lerner of Hendersonville, Tenn., and Frances Hulsey Heinrich of Memphis; two sons, William N. Hulsey III of Austin and Chessley Howard Hulsey Jr. of Brighton, Tenn.; a sister, Peggy Buck of Germantown, 13 grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. The family requests that memorials be sent to National Kidney Foundation.

Vicki Lynn Hussey (associated with the Class of '68) [posted August 14, 2010] - From The Commercial Appeal, January 2, 2005:

Vicki Lynn Hussey, 55, of Houston, formerly of Memphis, private duty nurse, died Dec. 19 at Triumph Hospital East in Houston. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. today at Forest Hill Cemetery Midtown. Forest Hill Funeral Home Midtown has charge. She was a member of Clear Lake Baptist Church and Galveston County Sheriff's Department Crime Watch Unit, and graduate of Oakhaven High School and Shelby State Community College. She leaves her parents, Warren and Maedell Hussey, and a brother, Mark Hussey, all of Houston. The family requests that any memorials be sent to American Diabetes Association.

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Larry Isbell ('70) [posted October 19, 2008] - From The Commercial Appeal, July 12, 1990:

LARRY WAYNE ISBELL, 38, of Knoxville, formerly of Memphis, district director for Holiday Inns, died Tuesday [July 10, 1990] at Park West Hospital in Knoxville after a short illness. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday [July 14, 1990] at Elmwood. Canale Funeral Directors has charge. He was a member of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church in Knoxville and American and Tennessee Hotel-Motel Associations. He leaves his wife, Susan Day Isbell; a daughter, Miss Laura Christine Isbell, and a son, Adam Cole Isbell, both of Knoxville; his mother and stepfather, Rebecca and Jerry Damron of Jacksonville, N.C.; his father, Joe Alton Isbell of Milan; a sister, Mrs. Vickie [Isbell] West ['71] of Memphis, and a brother, Ron Isbell ['68] of Jacksonville, N.C. The family requests any memorials be sent to Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church Music Ministry, 9132 Kingston Pike, Knoxville 37923.

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Mac Jackman ('65) [posted January 2, 2011] - From The Commercial Appeal, January 2, 2011.

James “Mac” Jackman, 63, of Memphis, passed away December 28, 2010. When not in Memphis, he enjoyed spending time in Heber Springs, where he had a cabin on the Little Red River. He was retired from Delta Airlines. He is survived by his daughters Kim Jackman of Hot Springs, AR and Carye Jackman of Memphis,TN and his sister, Patricia [Jackman] Morrison ['70] of Pensacola, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Memorial Service will be held at Family Funeral Care, 4925 Summer Avenue, Memphis, TN 38122 on Saturday, January 8, at 2 pm.

Hallie H. James (Faculty) [posted June 30, 2001] - From The Commercial Appeal, April 15, 1999:

HALLIE H. JAMES, 94, of Memphis, former teacher at East High School, died of heart failure Tuesday [April 13, 1999] at Sunrise Sycamore View Nursing Rehabilitation Hospital. Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday [April 16, 1999] at Family Funeral Care with burial in Elmwood. She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church and received her undergraduate and master's degrees at the University of Memphis. Mrs. James, the widow of Frank H. James, leaves two friends who cared for her, George Hodge of Charlotte, N.C., and Anne Walker of Memphis. The family requests that any memorials be sent to the music fund at Christ United Methodist Church or to any charity of the donor's choice.

Lukisha Jamison ('96) [posted August 22, 2011] - From The Commercial Appeal, May 19, 2010:

LUKISHA R. JAMISON, born January 14, 1978 died at Delta Medical Center Thursday, May 13, 2010. She leaves to cherish her memory her Mother, Geraldine Jamison, her “Father” Terry Brazell; two sisters, Stacey Truddle and Delois Hindman; two brothers, Ronald Jamison and Derrick Black-mond; 10 aunts, three uncles, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Visitation will be Friday at Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, 1667 S. Lauderdale St. Memphis, TN from 4-7:30 p.m. Services will be Saturday, at 12 p.m.

Janet Jarvis ('66) [posted March 19, 2003] - From The Commercial Appeal, March 19, 2003:

JANET J. BRADICK, 54, of Memphis, sales clerk, died Sunday [March 16, 2003] at her home. Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. today [March 19, 2003] at Canale Funeral Directors. She was a volunteer for Memphis in May. She leaves a daughter, Shannon B. Cain of Oxford, Miss.; her mother, Emma S. Jarvis, and two sisters, Jerri Garavelli and Debbie Johnson, all of Memphis, and three grandchildren. The family requests that memorials be sent to PKD Foundation in Kansas City, Mo.

David Voss Johnson, Jr. ('54) [posted July 14, 2009] - From The Commercial Appeal, July 14, 2009:

David Voss Johnson, Jr. 73, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 12, 2009 at St. Francis Hospital. Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife, Kathryn Elsberry Johnson; son, David Voss Johnson III (wife Mary); daughter, Caroline Johnson Crosby (husband Chris); three grandchildren, William Voss Johnson, Thomas David Johnson and Kathryn Meador Crosby; three sisters, Gertrude Sledge, Judith Johnson and Margaret Wade [associated with the Class of '55]. David was born in Memphis, TN and was the son of the late David Voss and Julia Larkey Johnson, Sr. He was a graduate of East High School and Washington and Lee University and served in the Army Reserves. David was a noted real estate appraiser and received an MAI designation from the Appraisal Institute of which he served as president. He was a co-founder of which is now known as the Chandler Reports. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m., Wednesday, July 15, at Grace St. Luke's Episcopal Church with services beginning at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, 824 S. Dudley St., Memphis, TN 38104. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Grace St. Luke's Episcopal Church, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or the charity of the donor's choice.

Theodore Johnson ('71) [posted November 29, 2006] - From The Commercial Appeal, November 28, 2006:

THEODORE ROOSEVELT JOHNSON, JR., of Aurora, CO, formerly of Memphis, TN, died Saturday, November 25, 2006 at his home in Colorado following a lengthy illness. Visitation will be from 6- 8 p.m. Wednesday, November 29 at Memphis Funeral Home at 5599 Poplar Ave. Funeral services are 11 a.m., Thursday, November 30 at Parkway Gardens Presbyterian Church, 1005 E. Shelby Drive, Memphis, TN. 38116 with burial at Memphis Park Southwoods Cemetery. Pastor Maurice Johnson is officiating. Mr. Johnson was a member of True Light Baptist Church in Denver where Rev. William T. Golson, Jr. is pastor. Theodore, husband of Oretha Torrance Johnson, also leaves a son, Theodore Johnson III, daughter, Karissa Johnson, daughter-in-law, April Johnson, grandchildren, Anthony Hester, Jasmine Blue and Kaela Johnson, all of Aurora CO. He leaves his parents, Theodore R. and Annie M. Johnson; a sister Vicki Bailey of McLean, VA; four brothers and sisters-in-law, Naaman and Ann Johnson, Daryl and Tammy Johnson of Tampa, FL, Ronald and Sylvia Johnson, Pastor Maurice and Brenda Johnson of Memphis. He was preceded in his return to the Father by his brother, Errol Johnson. Mr. Johnson also leaves a host of aunts, uncles, in-laws, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends to celebrate his life and legacy. Memorials honoring Mr. Johnson may be sent to "Ministry Without Limits", True Light Baptist Church, 14333 Bolling Drive, P.O. Box 39003, Denver, CO. 80239

Marilyn Johnston ('56) [posted August 4, 2009] - From The Commercial Appeal, December 31, 2000:

MARILYN JEAN JOHNSTON HEYWOOD, 62, of Richfield, Minn., formerly of Memphis, teacher, died of heart failure Monday [December 25, 2000] at her home. Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday [January 2, 2001] at Memorial Park Funeral Home with burial in Memorial Park. She was a former member of Mullins United Methodist Church. Mrs. Heywood, the wife of John Heywood, also leaves a son, John Kyle Heywood of St. Louis, and her sister, Joy Overman of Hot Springs, Ark. The family requests that memorials be sent to the American Diabetes Association.

Clarence Jones, Jr. (class year unknown)- From The Commercial Appeal, June 6, 1999:

CLARENCE JONES JR., 25, of Memphis, student at University of Tennessee at Martin, was found dead Thursday [June 3, 1999]in Martin after an apparent homicide. Harrison's Funeral Home Orange Mound Chapel has charge. He was a member of the Church of Christ, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, and was a graduate of East High School. He leaves his parents, Clarence and Mary Rhodes Jones, and two sisters, Joy Janel Jones and Linda Debose, all of Memphis.

Dorothy (Dot) Jordan ('60) [posted September 21, 2009] - From The Commercial Appeal, September 21, 2009:

Dorothy Jordan (Dot) Early went to praise her Lord in glory on Saturday, September 19, 2009. By God's grace, Dot now sees her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She knew Him, served Him and trusted Him by faith in this life, and even now her faith is confirmed by her sight. Dot leaves her adoring husband of 43 years, Clinton M. Early; her son, Clint Early Jr.; her daughter, Dorothy Early Bryant; and five grandsons, Cullen Bryant, Jonathon Early, Joseph Bryant, Andrew Early, and Thomas Early. She also leaves her brother Carl Lee Jordan, Jr. ['52], his wife, Martha, and their children and grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Carl Lee Jordan and Velma Jewell Jordan; her sister, Jorene Jordan Moss; and her infant grandson, Christian Alexander Early. Dot was a longtime member of Independent Presbyterian Church where she served her God and the congregation. She was active as a Bible study leader, catechism teacher, circle leader, and president of Women in the Church. She was a faithful choir member. Her family is thankful to God for the ministry of music and for all the choir members who ministered to Dot during her long struggle with Alzheimer's disease, especially the "Dot Com," Cathy, Kitty, Jan and Pam. Dot was a former member of The Junior League and Les Passes. She was a graduate of East High (1960) and the University of Memphis where she was an Alpha Gamma Delta. She enjoyed meeting regularly with "Lunch Bunch," a group that originated from a Junior League committee. Visitation will be at Independent Presbyterian Church, Monday, September 21, 2009 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be at Independent Presbyterian Church, Tuesday, September 22 at 1:00 p.m. with burial to follow in Elmwood Cemetery. Memorials should be sent to Alzheimer's Adult Day Service, 3185 Hickory Hill Road, 38115, to Independent Presbyterian Church Music Department, 4738 Walnut Grove Road, 38117, or to Crossroads Hospice.

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> Debra Kaplan ('72) From Florida Today, October 27,2008 [posted November 7, 2008]:

DEBRA KAPLAN YOUNG COCOA BEACH Debra Kaplan Young, 54, beloved wife of Rodney Young and mother of RJ and Bekah Young, passed away on Friday, October 24, 2008 in a tragic automobile accident. Her loss is profound to her family and community. Debra was born in Memphis, Tennessee on August 23, 1954 where she lived till she went to Emory University. There she received a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters in Business Adminis tration as well as a Doctor of Law. She was a member of the State Bar of Georgia and upon graduation of College she received an award given every year to the student who contrib uted the most to the University, the Marion Luther Brittain Award. After graduation, Debra Young served as a lobbyist for the Georgia Hospital Associa tion. She eventually changed professions in 1984 to work as a broker for Dean Witter in Atlanta, transferring to the Space Coast in 1985 where she worked for Dean Witter and Anchor Management. In 1994 Debra Young went out on her own and created Harbor City Investments. Debra Young was admitted and qualified as an attorney for the Supreme Court of the United States in 2004. Debra Kaplan Young met the love of her life, Rodney Young in 1982 and they were married in 1985. Rodney brought his bride home to Cocoa Beach where they have lived for the past 23 years raising a family together. Debra took a very active role in all of her childrens activities and took great pride in all of their accomplishments. Debra was an integral part of our community on so many levels. She was a member of the Junior League since 1990 serving in many capacities until in 2000 when she was elected President. One of her many credits is the writing of the grant that enabled Tranquility Cove to become a reality for abused women and children. Debra continued her work of caring and compassion at her beloved Temple Israel where she served on the board and was voted President in 2004, serving in that capacity until her untimely death. Her loss is profound to the many people whose lives she touched. Besides being survived by her loving husband, Rodney Young, and children, RJ and Bekah Young, she is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Tina and Jerry Levine of Rock ville, Maryland; nephews, Chuck Levine and his wife Sarah and Matthew Levine and his wife Amy; great nephews, Adam and Dylan Levine; brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Loretta Young; niece, Lisa and Jon Blackburn and their son Ty; Mark Young and Chad and Anna Young and their son Griffin. Debra was predeceased by her parents, Jules and Mildred Kaplan. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at Temple Israel at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations in her memory may be made to Temple Israel, 7350 Lake Andrew Drive, Viera, FL 32940. Published in FLORIDA TODAY on 10/27/2008

Anita Karlin ('58) From The Commercial Appeal, January 30,2008:

Clarksdale - ANITA KARLIN HIRSBERG, 67, a homemaker, died January 29, 2008 at Northwest Regional Medical Center Clarksdale, MS. Visitation from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m., Thursday at Meredith - Nowell Funeral Home in Clarksdale, MS with burial in the Beth Israel. Meredith - Nowell Funeral Home in Clarksdale, MS is handling the arrangements. She was a member of Junior auxiliary, and volunteer with the Clarksdale Animal Shelter. She graduated from East High School in Memphis, TN and attended Memphis State. She was a member of the Temple of Beth Israel. Survivors include: her husband of 46 years, Robert Lawrence Hirsberg of Clarksdale, MS; two sons, Randy Hirsberg of Olive Banch, MS and Terry Hirsberg of Birmingham, AL; two daughters, Lori Beth Behr of Louisville, KY and Jodi Kirk of Olive Branch, MS; sister, Paula Kirk of Olive Branch, MS; four grandchildren, Douglas Hollis of Oxford, MS, Heath Hirsberg and Jackson Kirk both of Olive Branch, MS and Sam Hirsberg of Birmingham, AL. Meredith-Nowell Funeral Home Clarksdale, MS 662-624-6218

Karla Kennon ('71) [July 11, 2000] - From the Commercial Appeal, Memphis, July 11, 2000:

Karla Kennon Grant, 47, of Bartlett, homemaker, died of cancer Monday [July 10, 2000] at Methodist Healthcare-Central. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday [July 12, 2000] at Christ United Methodist Church Sanctuary with burial in Memorial Park. Memorial Park Funeral Home has charge. She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, Easter People Trio and Emmaus Community. Mrs. Grant, the widow of Don Grant, leaves two daughters, April Spain of Cordova and Allison Grant of Bartlett; two sons, John Grant and David Grant, both of Bartlett; her parents, Dorothy and William Kennon of Memphis; a sister, Deborah Neeley of Bartlett, and a grandchild. The family requests that memorials be sent to Christ United Methodist Church or a charity of the donor's choice.

Martha Ann Kenny ('56) [September 16, 2011] - From the Commercial Appeal, Memphis, September 16, 2011:

Grand Junction - Martha Ann Kenny Bland, of Grand Junction, TN, passed away at her home on September 15, 2011. She was 73 years old. A memorial service will be held for Mrs. Bland at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 17, at LaGrange Methodist Church in LaGrange, TN. with Rev. Dr. Virginia Jones Finzel officiating. A graveside service for the family will be held at the LaGrange Cemetery. Mrs. Bland was born on June 21, 1938, in Memphis, TN, and was preceded in death by her parents, John Carrington Kenny and Martha Frances Johnston Kenny. She is survived by her brother, John Carrington Kenny, Jr., of Memphis, TN. She married Charles Bernhardt Bland ['54] on June 24, 1956. She is survived by her husband of fifty-five years; and her five children and their spouses: Elizabeth Galfsky of Collierville, TN, Robert and Julia Bland of Somerville, TN, Mark and Patricia Gunn of Birmingham, AL, Chris and Camille Collins of Germantown, TN, and Edward and Victoria Chandler of Longwood, FL. She is also survived by fifteen grandchildren: Charles and Ander Galfsky, Mary Elizabeth and Robert Bland, Martha Ellen, Ann Claire, Frances, Elizabeth, and Neil Gunn, Ashton and Hope Collin,; Edward, Patrick, Eliot, and Lauren Chandler. Mrs. Bland was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her greatest joy was found in loving and serving her family. Her second love was her church, LaGrange United Methodist Church, and she was passionate about teaching the children’s Sunday School class. For 10 years she led Vacation Bible School for the church and the community. She was also a teacher in the children’s ministry of Community Bible Study in Somerville, TN. Mrs. Bland studied civil engineering at Memphis State University. She enjoyed playing golf with her husband in various Senior Golf Association tournaments. One of the highlights in recent years for her was the monthly lunches with her schoolmates from East High School, Memphis, TN, class of 1956. She is deeply loved by her family and will be dearly missed. The family requests that memorials be sent to LaGrange United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 126, Grand Junction, TN 38039.

Kay Killebrew ('59) [November 22, 2005] - From the Commercial Appeal, Memphis, November 22, 2005:

KAY KILLEBREW CONAWAY ['59] passed away peacefully Sunday, November 20, 2005 at home, surrounded by friends and loved ones. She was 64 years old and lived a fruitful and productive life. Kay, the daughter of late local celebrity Bill Killebrew, was an advocate for disadvantaged children and animals, friend of the environment, and brought comfort to countless suffering and recovering alcoholics. Her honest, open and selfless nature set a noble example of human kindness and compassion. She leaves behind her husband of 38 years, Larry Conaway; a daughter, Molly Conaway Dill of Memphis; a sister, Judy Lambert ['64] of Medon, TN; a brother, Ken Killebrew [associated with class of '56] of Destin, FL; three wonderful grandsons, Justin, Stephen and Bryant; a niece, Natalie Hill; three nephews, Keith Killebrew, Michael Lambert and Brian Conaway; her dog, Lucy and cat, Nosy, and many, many friends. She will be greatly missed by all. The family requests that any memorial donations be sent to the American Cancer Society. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Canale Funeral Chapel with a visitation from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday. Canale Funeral Directors 901-452-6400

Jimmy Kiersky ('64) [updated December 22, 2004] - From the Commercial Appeal, Memphis, January 17, 2002:

Dr. James Hugh Kiersky, 58, of Atlanta, formerly of Memphis, professor of philosophy for Oxford College of Emory University, died Monday [December 20, 2004] at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday [December 26, 2004] at Temple Israel. Canale Funeral Directors has charge. He was a Vietnam War Navy veteran, a graduate of Washington & Lee University and Emory University and a member of Who's Who Among American Teachers. Mr. Kiersky, the husband of Carole P. Kiersky, also leaves two daughters, Lisa Kiersky Schreiber of Atlanta and Jill Kiersky Marcus of Chicago, and two brothers, Glenn Kiersky ['67] and John Kiersky ['72], both of Memphis. The family requests that any memorials be sent to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Memorial Service: 2 p.m. December 26, 2004, at Temple Israel, Memphis.
No visitation is scheduled.

Bernard King ('58) (Nard) [January 20, 2002] - From the Commercial Appeal, Memphis, January 17, 2002:

BERNARD "NARD" DEE KING, JR., 61, of Marietta, died Jan. 16 of cardiovascular complications. He is survived by his wife Lyn M. King, son Bernard Dee King III, daughter Cecile King Della Bernarda, daughter-in-law Shannon McElroy King, son-in-law Dean H. Della Bernarda; grandchildren Benjamin Davis King and John Barrett King, all of Atlanta, and sister Kendall King Lambert [('62)] of Washington, DC. Mr. King is a graduate of Memphis State University where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He was born in Drew, MS and moved to Memphis, TN in 1950. After graduation from college, he served in the US Navy. He moved to Atlanta in 1974 to manage the southeastern district of Alcon Laboratories. While in Atlanta he was active in ALTA tennis and the Episcopal Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. An outdoor enthusiast, Mr. King was an avid supporter of various wildlife groups including Ducks Unlimited and the Wildlife Conservatory. He enjoyed golf and canoeing. A memorial service will be held at the Episcopal Church of St. Peter and St. Paul this Saturday [January 19, 2002] at 2pm. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Memorials may be made to the Episcopal Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, 1795 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta, GA 30062, The Atlanta Humane Society, 981 Howell Mill Rd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, or St. Joseph's Mercy Foundation, 1100 Johnson Ferry Road NE, Suite 150, Atlanta, GA 30342.

Coalla King (Faculty) [April 21, 2006] - From the Commercial Appeal, Memphis, September 25, 1995:

COALLA SAGE KING, 81, of Drew, Miss., formerly of Memphis, retired teacher, died Friday [September 22, 1995] of heart disease at Bolivar County Hospital in Cleveland, Miss. Graveside services were Sunday [September 24, 1995] in Drew Cemetery. Thweatt-King Funeral Home of Cleveland had charge. She was a graduate of Belhaven College in Jackson, Miss., and taught in Drew public schools until 1950, moved to Memphis and taught at East High School until 1974 and then returned to Drew and taught at North Sunflower Academy until retirement. She was a member of Drew United Methodist Church, St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Memphis and Drew Culture Club and was an accomplished pianist and organist. Mrs. King leaves a daughter, Kendall K. Lambert of Memphis; a son, Nard King of Marietta, Ga.; a brother, Hubert Sage of Drew, and three grandchildren.

Steven LaCeedric Kirkwood ('01) [Posted April 7, 2006 - From the Commercial Appeal, Memphis, April 7, 2006:

STEVEN LaCEDRIC KIRKWOOD, 23, of Memphis, graduate of East High School, died April 4, 2006 at a relative's home. Visitation will be from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, April 9 at N. J. Ford & Sons Funeral Home and from 10-11:55 a.m. Monday, April 10 at Center Chapel Baptist Church on Shelby Drive, with service to begin at Noon. He leaves his mother, Dessa Collins; his father, Stephen Kirkwood, both of Memphis; two sisters, Myleka Kirkwood and Quewannoccii Kirkwood; two brothers, Decorian Collins and Job Kirkwood, all of Memphis; two grandmothers, Annie Curry and Tennie Kirkwood, both of Memphis; his grandfather, George White of Memphis; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Ira Kirkwood. N. J. Ford & Sons Funeral Home 901-948-7755

Ruth Eugenia Klinke ('71) [Posted January 24, 2010 - From the Commercial Appeal, Memphis, January 24, 2010:

Ruth Eugenia Klinke, 57, beloved sister of Carolyn [Klinke ('74)] and daughter of Robert and Marie Klinke, passed away Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at Baptist East Hospital. Ruth attended East High School and Milsaps College in Jackson, MS. Ruth was a caring, loving person who will be missed by all who knew her. A graveside service will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery, 2440 Whitten Road on Monday at 2:30.

Dick Koehn ('58) [Posted January 23, 2012] - From the Commercial Appeal, Memphis, January 23, 2012:

Texas, Flower Mound - Richard Pierce “Dick” Koehn II, 71, of Flower Mound, Texas, passed away Friday, January 20, 2012, at his home. Born August 16, 1940, in Sioux Falls, SD, he graduated from East High School in Memphis, TN, where he was Senior Class President. He graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX, where he met Mary Tarver, his wife of 49 years. While attending SMU he was President of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. After graduating, he moved to Memphis, where he began his career with New York Life Insurance Company. He received his CLU designation with New York Life and was a member of the Million Dollar Round Table. He received many awards and accolades during his career and was known for his generosity and integrity. While having a successful career, Dick was deeply devoted to his family and his church. Before moving to Flower Mound in 2009 to be near family, he and Mary Tarver enjoyed retirement in Gulf Shores, AL. At Gulf Shores United Methodist Church, he was chairman of the witness committee, a member of the finance committee, and a member of the church council. He leaves his wife, Mary Tarver Stevenson Koehn; two daughters, Kathryn Virginia Koehn Muskat and her husband, Walter, of Barrington, IL, and Kimberly Pierce Koehn Crawford and her husband, Darren, of Flower Mound, TX; three grandchildren, Kelly Kathryn Muskat, Conner Pierce Crawford, and Kathryn Louise Crawford. Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24, at Trietsch MemorialUnited Methodist Church, 6101 Morris Road, Flower Mound, TX, with Rev. Joe Shafer officiating. The family will receive visitors from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, January 23, at Flower Mound Family Funeral Home, 3550 Firewheel Drive, Flower Mound, TX. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Gulf Shores United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 374, Gulf Shores, AL, 36547 and/or Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church, 6101 Morris Road, Flower Mound, TX 75028. Flower Mound Family Funeral Home 972-691-2802

Larry Kraft ('68) [Posted September 16, 2002 - From the Commercial Appeal, Memphis, August 10, 1973:

6 Young Men Die in Car Wrecks
. . . and 4 men died yesterday morning [August 9, 1973] when their car struck a tree near the Mid-South fairgrounds. . .
The 4 men were killed about 3am when thier car smashed into an oak tree at Central and Buntyn.
Police said John Lawrence 'Larry' Kraft, 22, of 348 Lundee Place, the tennis pro at Colonial Country Club, was driving his car west on Central when the accident occurred.
Also killed were Dennis Dowda, 26, of 226 S. Cleveland, Richard David Campbell, 20, a Memphis State University student from Little Rock, and Michael S. Ruelius, 21, an MSU student from Dillsburgh, PA.
Officers said it was possible Mr. Kraft went to sleep and failed to make the curve. They estimated the car was traveling 40 miles per hour when it smashed into the oak tree.
Mr. Kraft, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Kraft Jr. of Memphis, had been graduated from MSU in December with a degree in education.
His father had been tennis pro at Memphis Country Club for 20 years, and club pro at Colonial Country Club from 1964 to 1969. The younger Kraft served as an assistant to his father during the 5 years, and succeeded his father as club pro in 1969.
Mr. Kraft said he did not know where his son had been or where he was going when the accident occurred. . .
Mass for Mr. Kraft will be at 11 a.m. today [August 10, 1973] at the Cathederal of Immaculate Conception with burial in Clavery Cemetery. Memphis Funeral Home on Union has charge.
He also leaves his wife, Mrs. Virginia Kraft; a son, John F. Kraft; and a sister, Mrs. Madeline Seabrook, all of Memphis.

Dorothy Burns Krause [July 2, 1999] - All those who knew her will be saddened to learn of the death of Mrs. Krause, who was the librarian at East High from about 1958 to 1968.

DOROTHY BURNS KRAUSE, 95, of Memphis, retired teacher and librarian at East High School, died of heart failure June 23 [1999] at Bright Glade Convalescent Center. Services were Monday at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. Canale Funeral Directors had local charge. She was a communicant of St. Anne's Catholic Church, was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Honorary Educational Sorority, and Tennessee PEO Sisterhood Chapter F. Mrs. Krause, the widow of Arlington C. Krause, leaves two daughters, Marian Krause Smith of Germantown and Constance Krause Colby of Lake Bluff, Ill., and four grandchildren.
Commercial Appeal, Memphis, July 2, 1999

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Eric Laird ('81) [posted February 23, 2007]
From The Commercial Appeal, February 23, 2007:

ERIC D. LAIRD, SR., 43, of Memphis, died February 15, 2007 at Methodist North Hospital. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Monday, February 26, and funeral services will be at 12 p.m. Tuesday, February 27 at N. H. Owens & Son Funeral Home. Burial in New Park Cemetery. He leaves a son, Eric D. Laird, Jr.; his parents, Yvonne Patricia Laird and Jessie J. Laird; a sister, Gwenese Nichols; and a brother, Andre J. Laird.

Nancy Langdon ('60) [posted September 15, 2006]
From The Commercial Appeal, September 15, 2006:

NANCY L. FLETCHER, 64, of Memphis, died Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis. She was a retired loan officer with Union Planters Bank. She was on the Board of Directors for Friends for Life and a passionate volunteer that devoted her life to those infected and affected with HIV/AIDS; she was also a constant volunteer with MIFA, committed to helping those less fortunate. Further, she was employed and volunteered with the Eastwood Animal Clinic and was always an avid animal lover. She was also a member of Christ United Methodist Church as well as a wonderful mother and faithful to her host of friends. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Martin and Deborah Fletcher of Memphis. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, September 17, 2006 and services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, September 18 at High Point Funeral Chapel. Interment to follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friends for Life. Arrangements by: High Point Funeral Chapel.

Bob Leggett ('73) [posted May 15, 2006]
From The Commercial Appeal, May 13, 2006:

ROBERT M. LEGGETT, 51, of Memphis, sales rep for Hardin Sysco, died May 10, 2006. Service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 13 at St. Therese Catholic Church. He leaves his wife, Margaret Leggett; a daughter, Kate Leggett; a son, Bradley Leggett; and a brother, Dr. Andrew Calhoun of Eads, TN.

Brian Lewis ('56) [posted January 17, 2004]
From The Commercial Appeal, January 17, 2004:

BRIAN FRANKLIN LEWIS, 67, of Collierville, saw smith and retired manager for Tennessee Saw & Knife Co., died Thursday in Collierville. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, where he was a member. Bartlett Funeral Home has charge. He was a former president of Goodlett Elementary School Parent-Teacher Association, graduate of East High School, basketball and baseball coach for St. Anne Catholic School and Pendleton Athletic Association, former member of Memphis City Principals Advisory Committee, and coach of the 1995 PeeWee baseball champions. Mr. Lewis, the husband of Becky Gabehart Lewis, also leaves three daughters, Cathy Nolan, Kelly Cox and Laurie Beck, all of Memphis; three sisters, Marilyn Stewart of Memphis, Barbara Patterson of Cordova and Rosemary Lawrence of Woodstock, Ga., five grandchildren and a great-grandchild. The family requests that any memorials be sent to the American Heart Association.

Don Lewis ('60) [posted November 25, 2006]
From The Commercial Appeal, November 25, 2006:

EVERETT DON LEWIS, 64, passed away November 23, 2006 at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis. Mr. Lewis, the son of the late Julius and Estelle Lewis, was born in Memphis, September 22, 1942. He graduated from East High School and the University of Illinois with a B. A. in Marketing. He leaves his devoted wife of thirty-eight years, Kaye G.[Goldsmith] Lewis ['65]; his loving children, Jeffrey David Lewis and wife,Sarah, Laurie Lewis Shapiro and husband, Jonathan; the absolute delight of his eyes and heart, six grandchildren, Jessica Lewis, Julia Shapiro, Rebecca Lewis, Max Shapiro, Eli Lewis, and Ella Shapiro. Mr. Lewis also leaves his sister, Ann [Lewis] Figura ['64] and Roger; his aunt, Helen Hanover and J. Alan Hanover; of blessed memory, his cousins, Jody and Danny Becker, Brad, Barry, John and Sherry Hanover. Mr. Lewis was President of Lewis Auto Glass, served on the Board of the National Glass Association, and was President of the Memphis Glass Dealers Association. Mr. Lewis was a member of Temple Israel and its Brotherhood. A graveside service will be at 11 a.m., Sunday, November 26 in the Temple Israel Cemetery. Any donations may be sent to Temple Israel or the charity of the donor's choice.

Linda Lloyd ('57) [posted February 22, 2009]
From The Commercial Appeal, February 22, 2009:

Linda Lloyd Harwood, 69, left her loving family on February 20, 2009. She was a courageous warrior in the horrible battle against lung cancer. She passed peacefully knowing she would live forever with Jesus Christ. For those who were touched by Linda or Peppy as her grandchildren called her, life was full of love. Peppy's passions included her family, friends and her cabin in Hardy, Arkansas. She was also quite an accomplished cook. Whoever she was with, or wherever she was, delicious food always played a part. She loved to entertain, and was always the life of the party. Linda had so many great friends and wonderful stories to tell. She would want all her friends to know how much they meant to her and how, in her final days, she cherished all the special memories she had. The world will be a different place without her. We all have lost an exceptional person, but what we have lost, heaven has gained. Linda was preceded in death by her loving parents Dorothy "Dee" Lloyd and Robert "Big Bobby" Lloyd. She leaves her sister Peggy Lloyd Monger [class year association undetermined] and her brother-in-law Ralph Monger, Jr., She also leaves her two sons Alston Boyd Wade, III and Robert (Bobby) Baldwin Wade; her daughter-in-law Helen France Wade and four grandchildren: Chaney and Larson Wade and Caroline and Bobby Wade. The family asks that memorials be made to the charity of your choice and they respectfully request that you please help someone you love quit smoking. Visitation will be at Memorial Park Funeral Home on Monday, February 23 from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Memorial Park on Tuesday, February 24 at 10 am.

Michael Lobbins ('95) [posted June 25, 2004]
From The Commercial Appeal, June 25, 2004:

MICHAEL DEWAYNE LOBBINS, 27, of Memphis, died Tuesday [June 22, 2004] at Methodist North Hospital. Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday [June 29, 2004] at Martin Temple CME Church, where he was a member, with burial in New Park Cemetery. M. J. Edwards & Sons Funeral Home has charge. He leaves a daughter, Maya Lobbins; a son, Jarvis Lobbins; his mother, Beverly Foster, and his father, Andrew Lobbins, all of Memphis; a sister, Cecilia Williams of Texas; a brother, Antonio Foster, and his grandfather, Joe Foster, both of Memphis, and a companion with whom he lived, SaNice Macklin

Gail Loeffel ('57) [posted January 6, 2006]
From The Commercial Appeal, January 6, 2006:

GAIL LOEFFEL STEELE, 66, of King City, OR, formerly of Germantown, retired financial officer for Tour Golf Group, died Saturday, December 31, 2006 (sic) [date should be December 31, 2005]. Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, January 6 [2006] at Adams Chapel in River View Cemetery in Portland, OR. She was a graduate of East High School and the University of Tennessee with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, a member of St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Germantown and worked with the Habitat for Humanity in Memphis. Mrs. Steele, the wife of David L. Steele, also leaves a daughter, Beth Ann Steele; a son, Scott Steele, and a sister, Cary Smith. Memorials may be sent to OHSU Foundation Cancer Institute. River View Cemetery Funeral Home 503-246-6488

Jimmy Lott ('56) [posted May 9, 2007]
From The Commercial Appeal, June 12, 1996:

JIMMIE L. LOTT JR., 57, of Memphis, courier, died Monday [June 10, 1996] at his home after a heart attack. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday [June 13, 1996] in West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. Memphis Funeral Home Poplar Chapel has charge. He was a Vietnam War veteran of the Marines. He was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the British Music Hall of Fame. He played with Warren Smith, who was the originator of rockabilly music and was the first drummer to play and record with Elvis Presley. Mr. Lott. the husband of Linda L. Lott, also leaves three daughters, Hayley Melissa Lott Widmer, Constance Leah Lott Peppers and Jeanice Lynlee Lott, and a son, Martin Bradford Lott, all of Memphis; two sisters, Peggy Lott Tirmenstein of Dallas and Vicki Lott Growose of St. Paul. Minn. and a granddaughter.

Billy Love (associated with the Class of '56) [posted February 11, 2008]
From The Commercial Appeal, July 25, 2001:

BILLY DEWAYNE LOVE, 64, of Lakeland, co-owner/operator of Love's Feed Store, died of heart failure Tuesday at Memphis Veterans Medical Center. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Memorial Park Funeral Home with burial in Memorial Park. He was a Korean War veteran, a communicant of St. Ann's Catholic Church in Bartlett and former member of Memphis Running Track Club. Mr. Love, the husband of Patricia Hashey Love, also leaves two daughters, Cynthia Love Rush of Lakeland and Susan Love Bourland of Bartlett; a son, Billy Dewayne Love Jr. of Crawfordsville, Ark.; his mother, Cora Eddie Love; a sister, Katie Love ['59] of Lakeland, and six grandchildren.

M

Keith Magdefrau ('52) [posted February 23, 2003]
From The Commercial Appeal, February 14, 2003:

KEITH F. MAGDEFRAU, 69, of Lakeview, Ark., formerly of Memphis, insurance salesman for Wausau Insurance Co., died Tuesday [February 11, 2003] at Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home, Ark. Services will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday [February 15, 2003] at Alley White American Legion Post 52 in Mountain Home, where he was past commander, with burial in Kirby's Tucker Memorial Cemetery there. Kirby Boaz Funeral Home in Mountain Home has charge. He was a Korean War and Vietnam War Air Force veteran, an Episcopalian, graduate of the University of Memphis, past president of Raleigh Optimist Club, member of Mid-West Tool Collector's Association and the NRA, and past member of Baxter County Republican Committee. Mr. Magdefrau, the husband of Lela B. Shurtleff Magdefrau, also leaves two daughters, Shari Barnes of Mountain Home and Nola Coleman of Orlando; a son, Frank Magdefrau of Hernando; a brother, Jay Magdefrau of Cordova, and three grandchildren. The family requests that memorials be sent to the Kidney Foundation.

Galen Mallard ('70) [posted July 28, 2002]
From The Commercial Appeal, March 17, 2002:

GALEN MALLARD, 50, of Memphis, died Friday [March 15, 2002] at Saint Francis Hospital. Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday [March 19, 2002] at Memorial Park Funeral Home with burial in Memorial Park. He was a member of Union Avenue Baptist Church. He leaves his mother, Margaret Mallard of Memphis, and a sister, Janis Cole of Cordova.

Kathie Malone ('68) [posted August 13, 2008]
From The Commercial Appeal, August 13, 2008:

KATHRYN ANNE MALONE, youngest daughter of the late Harry and Edith Malone, passed away July 28, 2008. Born in Memphis, Tennessee January 7, 1950, she attended Grace St. Luke's Episcopal School, Grahamwood, and East High School. At Mississippi College and Memphis State University, she was an organ performance music major and was a member of Delta Omicron, an international music fraternity. Kathie had many talents and gifts, but most extraordinary was her amazing musical ability. Growing up in a home where classical music surrounded her, Kathie's talent bloomed early. At the age of three, she composed and performed a recital piece for one of Miss Bess Cockroft's recitals. Inheriting her father's perfect pitch ability, she delighted listeners with her amazingly beautiful arrangements and compositions. Throughout her life she shared her love of music through recitals, teaching, and serving in music ministries of several Baptist and Methodist churches. Strong leadership qualities made Kathie Malone a truly outstanding Veterans Administration employee. Until disability forced her retirement, she earned many performance awards and commendations, including Woman of the Year. In 1980 she had her "15 minutes of fame" in Washington, DC, when Max Cleland, head of the Veterans Administration, presented Kathie the VA's Exceptional Service Award for her "extraordinary act of heroism" when, as a hostage, she calmly and courageously persuaded an armed, deranged man to give himself up to authorities, thus preventing injury and loss of life to others in the area. At her retirement the head of the Chaplain Service commended Kathie's humility, her spirit of caring, and the many times she served as a catalyst to make things better for veterans and their families. He said, "Your legacy is caring, sharing, and giving. Thank you for passing our way and staying awhile; because you did, we are better people." For a number of years she had her own business, Business Information Resources, where she was a research specialist. She also enjoyed being active in her local community as a member of the Watauga Chapter of the DAR and as past president and current vice president of Lynton Square Condominiums Homeowner Association. Kathie's sense of caring was especially evident in her love for her pet dogs and cats as well as all animals and their welfare. In her younger years, she was very active in the Memphis Humane Society. Through her involvement in various organizations many animals were saved and protected. She also had a passion for sports, especially baseball, and was a walking encyclopedia on the topic of her favorite players. Kathie's greatest love, though, was playing for church choirs and helping plan church music programs. Perhaps the words of one of her friends summed up Kathie's essence best: "She was such a great person: smart, witty, talented, kind, thoughtful. I will miss her very much." In addition to a host of friends, Kathie leaves two sisters and brothers-in-law, Mrs. Bonnie [Malone ('59)] and Dr. Dick B. Clough, and Mrs. Carole [Malone ('62)] Lynne and Dr. Lawson L. Schroeder ['62]. She is also survived by six nephews and their wives, Jeffrey and Cindy Clough, Patrick and Rebekah Clough, Timothy and Tara Schroeder, Harry and Sally Schroeder, Philip and Cindi Schroeder, and Michael Schroeder. Great-nephews and nieces include Morgan, Harrison, and Kathryn Clough and Jacob, Emily, Mason, and Ronald Schroeder. Kathryn Malone's memorial service will be August 16, 1 p.m. at Memphis Funeral Home in Bartlett at 3700 N. Germantown Pkwy. Visitation with the family will be during the hour immediately before the service. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to New Life Baptist Church, 3823 Orchi Road, Memphis, TN 38108.

News stories of the hostage incident are posted to our "In the news ..." section.

See a copy of the Veterans Administration Commendation for Kathie Malone.

Talbot Spottswood Mathes III ('63) [posted August 5, 2009]
From The Commercial Appeal, August 5, 2009:

Talbot Spottswood Mathes III 64, passed away August 3, 2009 after a long, courageous and inspiring battle with Guillain Barre. Talbot was born in Midland, Texas on February 4, 1945. He spent most of his life in Memphis, Tennessee where he graduated from East High School in l963. He attended University of Tennessee and graduated from Southwestern University with a BA in l967. Talbot was President of Mathes Bros. Insurance, Inc. and Mathes Investments. He volunteered for several years for the Crisis Center. Talbot was known for being extraordinarily bright, creative and caring for others and for his many and diverse interests and talents. He was married for 10 years and was the best son, brother and friend anyone could have. He is preceded in death by his father Talbot (Cap) Spottswood Mathes, Jr. He is survived by his mother Catherine Mathes of Germantown, TN, his sister Linda Catherine Mathes [associated with the Class of '68] of Washington, DC, his beloved aunt and uncle Dr. Gordon and Nancy Mathes, many cousins and friends. A memorial service will be held to celebrate his life Saturday, August 8, 2:30pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38119. The visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. A reception will follow the service. Instead of flowers, contributions to favorite charities are encouraged.

Rickey Matthews (class year undetermined) [posted August 16, 2006]
From The Commercial Appeal, August 16, 2006:

RICKEY MATTHEWS, 47, of Memphis, died at Methodist University Hospital. Visitation will be from 7:30-9 p.m. Friday, August 18 at N.J. Ford & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 19 at Zion Temple C.O.G.I.C., 476 Lipford with burial in Galilee Cemetery. Mr. Matthews was a member of Word of the Kingdom on South Parkway East, a graduate of East High School, attended Fisk University and TSU University, and a shipping and receiving clerk for Professional Specialities Supplies. He leaves his wife, Avril Matthews of Memphis; two daughters, Sheneika Moore and Danielle Adams; a son, Leroy Blaine, all of Memphis; four sisters, Maggie (Kenneth) Dabney, Viriginia Brooks, Ethel (Willie) Morris, all of Memphis, and Lenta Watkins of Marianna, GA; three brothers, Sammie Matthews, Elder J.W. (Rosie) Matthews and James (Jackie) Matthews, all of Memphis; three grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. N.J. Ford & Sons Funeral Home

If anyone can provide Mr. Matthews' graduation year, we would like to include that. Please contact us at editor@EastHigh.org

Jimmy McCormack (associated with the Class of 1968) [posted July 18, 2007] - From The Commercial Appeal, July 19, 2007:

JAMES ANDREW McCORMACK, 58, of Memphis died July 17, 2007. As alifelong Memphian, hegraduated from White Station High School and attended the University of Memphis. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps. Jim was a manager at Federal Express where he worked for 29 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold C. McCormack and Emma M. McCormack. He is survived by his wife, Ann G. McCormack; and his daughter, Katherine "Katie" G. McCormack. He is also survived by three sisters; Joyce Vezina, Jacquelyn [McCormack] Hill ['63], Sharon [McCormack] Greenwood ['64]; and six brothers, Harold A. McCormack, M.D., Anthony R. McCormack ['58], Joseph I. McCormack ['60], Randolph A. McCormack, John A. McCormack and Timothy O. McCormack. Funeral services and interment are scheduled for 1 p.m., Friday, July 20, [2007] at the Church of the Holy Communion where he was a lifelong member. There will be visitation at the church in Cheney Parish Hall following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Church of the Holy Communion or to St. George's Independent School.

William A. McGinnis (Faculty) [posted February 17, 2004] - From The Commercial Appeal, February 17, 2004:

WILLIAM A. McGINNIS, 88, of Germantown, retired director of Vocational Education for Memphis City Schools Board of Education, died Sunday [February 15, 2004] at Select Specialty Hospital. Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday [February 18, 2004] at Memorial Park Funeral Home with entombment in Memorial Park Mausoleum. He was a World War II Navy veteran, a graduate of University of Memphis and George Peabody College, and a board member of Goodwill Industries. Mr. McGinnis, the husband of Dorothy J. McGinnis, also leaves a son, Bill McGinnis J.r of Jackson, Miss.; a brother, Roy McGinnis of Huntingdon, Tenn., two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The family requests that any memorials be sent to Mullins Methodist Church or a charity of the donor's choice.

Curtis McNeal ('79) [posted September 25, 2002] - From The Commercial Appeal, September 25, 2002:

CURTIS McNEAL, 41, of Memphis, bartender for Wing City, died Saturday [September 21, 2002] in Memphis. Services will be at noon Saturday [September 28, 2002] at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church with burial in Forest Hill Cemetery South. Harrison's Funeral Home Orange Mound Chapel has charge. He was a graduate of East High School. He leaves a daughter, Kirby Elizabeth McNeal; five sons, Curtis Stewart McNeal, Christopher Stewart McNeal, Chase McNeal, Cornelius McNeal and Carron McNeal, and his mother, Elizabeth McNeal Pyles, all of Memphis; four sisters, Sylvia McNeal Joyner of Gary, Ind., and Annette McNeal Al-Fuqan, Tabitha McNeal Burts and Kirby McNeal, all of Memphis; a companion with whom he lived, Barbara Hawthorne of Memphis, and two grandchildren.

Marilyn Means ('54) [posted December 20, 2007] - From The Commercial Appeal, December 20, 2007:

MARILYN PORTER, 71, of Collierville, passed away Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at her home. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, December 21 at Memorial Park Funeral Home, with interment to follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. this evening. Marilyn was a school teacher at Colonial Jr. High School for over 30 years. She was a member of the Pleasant View Kennel Club. She was preceded in death by her husband, Herb Porter ['54], and her father, Wayne Means. She leaves three sons, Richard (Lauren) Porter of Collierville, Gregg (Rita) Porter of Nesbit, MS, and Randy (Teresa) Porter of Ashland, MS; her mother, Marian G. Means of Memphis; eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many friends and extended family.

Jameka Merriweather (class year undetermined) [posted May 14, 2011]
From The Commercial Appeal, May 13, 2011:

JAMEKA MERRIWEATHER, 32, training instructor for TSA Headquarters, graduate of East High School and graduate of University of Memphis, died May 10, 2011. Visitation will be today, Friday from 4-6:30 p.m. at N.J. Ford & Sons Funeral Home. Services will be 1:30 p.m., Saturday, May 14 at Lord Tabernacle Holiness Church. Burial in Memorial Park Cemetery on Poplar Ave. She leaves her mother, Carolyn Merriweather; father, Joe Merriweather, both of Memphis; three sisters, Felicia (Antonio) Knowles, Shandra Miller, and Dorinita [Merriweather ('94)] (Jesse) Clark, all of Memphis; grandmother, Ivy Merriweather; grandfather, Lee H. Merriweather, both of Jackson, TN; three nieces, three nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives and friends. N.J. Ford & Sons Funeral Home (901)948-7755

Crystal Monique Mickens (class year undetermined) [posted November 22, 2004]
From The Commercial Appeal, November 12, 2004:

Crystal Monique Mickens Wells, 22, of Memphis, teacher for Germanshire Elementary School, died Monday [November 8, 2004] at Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday [November 13, 2004]at Mount Vernon Baptist Church Westwood, where she was a choir member, with burial in Forest Hill Cemetery South. Barlow Funeral Home in Covington has charge. She was a graduate of the University of Memphis and a member of Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society, National Educational Association, Teachers Education Association and Black Scholars Unlimited. Mrs. Wells, the wife of James M. Wells, also leaves her mother and stepfather, Brenda Chism Reddick and Richard Reddick; her father and stepmother, Rev. Sam H. and Patricia Mickens; four sisters, Samantha Mickens Frazier ['98], Tricia Mickens, Courtney Mickens and Brittany Mickens, all of Memphis, and her grandmother and stepgrandfather, Dorothy Chism Joyner and Rev. James Joyner.

Linda Miles ('59) [posted February 26, 2010]
From The Commercial Appeal, February 26, 2010:

Linda Russum, 69, passed away Wednesday, February 24, 2010. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Don; two children, Jennifer Russum McGee (Wayne), Paris, TN; Donnie Russum (Dee), Southaven, MS; five grandchildren, Cameron McGee; Griffin McGee; Will McGee; Jessica Root; Jake Root; one brother, Leslie Miles, Ladonia, TX; three sisters, Rosemary Cunningham, Arlington, TN; Patricia [Miles ('61)] Mercier, Lakeland, TN; and Laura [Miles (associated with the Class of '66)] McConnell, Fayetteville, GA. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Clair Mai Miles and two sisters, Sybil Parker and Yvonne Bell. Linda was a graduate of East High School and a member of Bellevue Baptist Church. Visitation will be Saturday at 2:00 p.m. followed by graveside services at 3:00 pm, both at Forest Hill Funeral Home Midtown.

Cedric Moering ('97) [posted April 18, 2006] - From The Commercial Appeal, January 12, 2000:

CEDRIC DARNELL MOERING, 20, of Memphis, car detailer for Simoniz Car Wash and laborer for Cole Vision Co., died of an apparent homicide Sunday [January 9, 2000] in Memphis. Services will be at noon Saturday [January 15, 2000] at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a member, with burial in Union Cemetery in Lucy, Tenn. Jefferson Mortuary in Millington has charge. He was a member of Junior Honor Society and a Boy Scout Explorer. Mr. Moering leaves his mother and stepfather, Linda and Michael Henderson; father, EugeneMoering, and a brother, Justin Morez Allen, all of Memphis, and grandmother, Nettie Allen of Millington.

Sheronda Money ('97) [posted May 11, 2004] - From The Commercial Appeal, May 6, 2004:

SHERONDA DENISE MONEY WATSON, 25, of Memphis, supervisor for Solectron Industry, died April 29 [2004] at her home. Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday [May 8, 2004] at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church on Stovall, where she was a youth choir member, with burial in Elmwood. N. J. Ford & Sons Funeral Home has charge. She leaves her mother and stepfather, Angela Money Barron and Client Barron; her father and stepmother, Dennis and Angela Byears Money; five sisters, Yolanda Money, Taylor Money, Britney Bolton, Aisha Barron and Latorry Keefer; two brothers, Clint Ford and Joshua Centers, and her stepgrandmother, Nellie P. Byears, all of Memphis.

Daniel Whitney Morgan ('61) [posted January 31, 2010]
From The Commercial Appeal, January 31, 2010:

Daniel Whitney Morgan 66, of Cordova, passed away Wednesday, January 27, 2010. Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee Dan graduated from Southwestern (now Rhodes) with a degree in Biology. He attended UT Dental School and started his career as a dentist with former Govener, Winfield Dunn. Through his 40 years of practice, he developed a loyal clientele as well as many wonderful friendships. A member of SAE and the Phoenix Club of Memphis, he was also passionate about cooking, traveling, fly fishing and reading. He was an avid golfer and fulfilled his dream of playing the golf course at Augusta, GA. He is survived by his mother Lois Catherine Morgan, his wife Kathy L. Morgan of 23 years, his daughters Alyce, Laurie and Whitney Morgan and their mother Sharon Morgan, step daughter Angie Nix (Ken), step son Ashley Ault (Whitney), sisters Suzanne [Morgan (Class association undetermined)] Atkinson (George), and Melinda Dickson, brother Tom Morgan (Barbara), 6 grandchildren, Margaux Cates Blanc, Vaiden Morgan Lynn, Conner and Tatum Nix, Sarah Allen and Oran Ault. Visitation will be with a Memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. both at Hope Presbyterian Church in the chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent in his name to Birthright 115 Alexander Memphis, TN 38111, or to Ronald McDonald House 535 Alabama Avenue Memphis, TN 38105.

Richard Moskovitz (associated with the Class of '62) [posted January 9, 2008] - From The Jackson Sun, January 9, 2008:

Glen E. Rigsby [previously known as Richard Moskovitz]
     Memorial services for Glen Rigsby, 65, will be held at 1:30 P. M. Thursday, January 10, 2008 in the chapel of Arrington Funeral Directors with Rev. Bob Barnes officiating.
     Mr. Rigsby died on Tuesday, January 8, 2008 at the Jackson Madison County General Hospital. Arrington Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.
     Glen was born in Memphis, TN on May 31, 1942 and was raised by his adoptive parents, Emmanuel and Rosalee Bloomfield Moskovitz. He was employed as a technician with Jim Jamerson Pest Control. He was a member of Believer's Fellowship Church.
     He is survived by his wife, Sarah Rigsby of Jackson, TN; a son, William Rigsby and his wife Lesette of Jackson and a brother, Ronald Moskovitz of Berkley, CA.
Arrington Funeral Directors
148 W. University Parkway
731- 668-1111
This obituary was published in the Jackson Sun on Jan 9, 2008.

Richard Mullins ('64)

RICHARD LEE MULLINS, 51, of Woodruff, S.C., formerly of Memphis, antiques collector, died of cancer Wednesday [December 3, 1997] at B. J. Workman Memorial Hospital in Woodruff. Services were Saturday [December 6, 1997] at Emma Gray Memorial United Methodist Church in Woodruff, where he was a member. Graveside services will be at 12:30 a.m. Monday at Memorial Park. Memorial Park Funeral Home has charge locally. He was a Vietnam War veteran and a graduate of East High School here, where he lettered in football and track. He was also a graduate of the Medex program at the Medical University of Charleston, S.C., and a member of the Woodruff Jaycees and Woodmen of the World. Mr. Mullins leaves a daughter, Teresa Renee Mullins Pankratz of Woodruff; a son, Richard Lee Mullins Jr. of Greer, S.C.; his mother, Mabel Louise Billings Mullins, and a sister, Jefferson Carolyn Moffitt, both of Memphis, and two grandchildren. The family requests that any memorials be sent to Cancer Centers of the Carolinas.

N

George Nash ('68) [posted January 29, 2010]
From The Commercial Appeal, January 29, 2010:

George "Bebop" Arthur Nash, 61, of Ridgeland, MS, passed away January 26, 2010 after a lengthy illness. George was born September 11, 1948 in Memphis, TN. He was the son of Jessie and George W. Nash and is survived by his wife Kathy, daughters Jamie and Judy, and sisters Judy [Nash ('61)] Holmes (Finley), Peggy [Nash (associated with the Class of '63)] Reid (Billy), and Nancy [Nash ('70)] Neeley. George was a loving husband of 29 years, an amazing father, and a faithful friend. He was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew him. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. today, January 29, 2010 with a visitation one hour prior in the Elmwood Cemetery Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association or the St. Dominic Hospital Foundation.

Octavia Lynn Nelson ('93) [posted January 26, 2005]
From The Commercial Appeal, January 26, 2005:

Octavia Lynn Nelson, 29, of Memphis, hairstylist for Brenda's Select Designs, died Monday [January 24, 2005] in Memphis. Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday [January 29, 2005] at Hill Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, where she was a member, with burial in Forest Hill Cemetery Midtown. N.J. Ford & Sons Funeral Home has charge. She was a graduate of East High School. She leaves a daughter, Christan Dominique Harrison; her mother, Doris Norfleet, and a brother, Dennis Andre Norfleet, all of Memphis.

Ms. Nelson was the victim of an apparent homicide. See our news section.

Sarah Jane Nichols ('62) [posted October 14, 2009]
From Florida Today, September 2, 2009:

Jane Hill - West Melbourne - Sara Jane [Nichols] Hill, 65, died peacefully at North Country Hospital in Newport, VT on Friday, August 28, 2009. She was born on October 31, 1943 in Corinth, MS, the daughter of Leonard Bailey and Dora Mae Cook Nichols. She married Richard M. Hill on December 29, 1965 in Memphis, TN. She is survived by her husband, Richard; three children, Steven Hill, and wife Chere of Palm Bay; Timothy Hill and wife KiYon of West Melbourne, and Kristen Turner and husband Bill of Tampa; six grandchildren; three brothers Edward Nichols ['55] of Arkansas, Thomas Nichols ['59] of Georgia, and Richard Nichols ['64] of Florida; and a half brother, Harold Nichols of Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents. Jane worked as a key punch operator at a bank for a number of years. She loved doing crafts and enjoyed painting. Funeral services and burial were held Tuesday, September 1, 2009 in Vermont. Her memorial service will be Saturday, September 5, 2009 at Harbor City Christian Church, 3210 Aurora Road, Melbourne, at 11:00 a.m. Memorials in her name may be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements by South Brevard Funeral Home, Melbourne, 724-2222. Sign the online family guestbook at www.affuneral.com.

T. David Noe ('51) [posted December 14, 2005]
From The Commercial Appeal, December 14, 2005:

THEODORE DAVID NOE, 73, died Monday, December 12, 2005 at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis. The funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, December 15th [2005] at Forest Hill East Funeral Home with interment in Forest Hill East Cemetery, 2440 Whitten Road. Visitation will be one hour prior. Mr. Noe was a member of Covenant United Methodist Church in Cordova, a Korean Conflict Veteran, and retired Chief of Inventory for Memphis Defense Depot. He is survived by his wife, Eva Goode Noe, of 48 years. Memorial contributions may be made to Covenant United Methodist Church at 8350 Walnut Grove Road Cordova, TN 38018. Forest Hill Funeral Home East Chapel 901-382-1000

Charles Delbert Norris (Faculty) [posted May 8, 2004]
From The Commercial Appeal, May 8, 2004:

CHARLES DELBERT NORRIS, 82, of Collierville, retired Army sergeant first class after 20 years and retired ROTC instructor for Memphis City Schools after 12 years, died Thursday [May 6, 2004] at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Collierville. Services will be at 3 p.m. today [May 8, 2004] at Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, Miss., with burial in Hebron Cemetery there with military honors. He was a World War II and Korean War veteran. Mr. Norris, the husband of Betty Cummings Norris for 50 years, also leaves a daughter, Myra Norris Simons of Nashville; two sons, Steve Norris of Townsend, Tenn., and Wayne Norris of Union City, Tenn.; a sister, Annie Mae Norris of Iuka; two brothers, A. J. Norris of Cor inth, Miss., and Troy Norris of Boone ville, Miss., and a grandchild.

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Peggy Anne O'Banyel ('51) [posted October 28, 2000]
From The Commercial Appeal, October 27, 2000:

PEGGY ANNE O'BANYEL ROWE, 68, of Memphis, insurance services manager for Felsenthal Planning, died of cancer Wednesday [October 25, 2000] at her home. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Monday [October 30, 2000] at Calvary Episcopal Church, where she was a communicant, with inurnment in the church columbarium. Canale Funeral Home has charge. She was a member of the Calvary Altar Guild, the Hunger Task Force and the Dixie Rose Club and a former member of the Insurance Women of America. Mrs. Rowe, the wife of George E. Rowe, also leaves five daughters, Cynthia M. Bell of McKinney, Texas, Karen M. Crawley of Olive Branch, Barbara M. Farmer of Memphis, Brenda M. Phelps of Bartlett and Diane R. Wells of Cordova; a brother, Theodore R. O'Banyel Jr. of Cicero, Ind., and seven grandchildren. The family requests that memorials be sent to Calvary Episcopal Church.

Bobby Oeding (57) [posted February 13, 2003]
From The Commercial Appeal, January 16, 2003:

Robert Brooks Oeding, 63, of Collierville, industrial mechanical engineer, died Tuesday [January 14, 2003] at his home. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday [January 17, 2003] at Central Church, where he was a member, with burial in Memorial Park Southwoods. Memorial Park Funeral Home has charge. He was owner and president of Ammonia Tech. Inc., vice president of Cook & Nichol's Inc., Air Force veteran, past volunteer fire chief for Germantown Fire Department and member of Memphis Cancer Clinic's Men of Valor Hall of Fame. Mr. Oeding, the husband of Adrienne G. Oeding, also leaves two daughters, Kimberly O. Young of Cordova and Brittany O. Hanback of Nashville; a son, Robert Brooks Oeding Jr. of Collierville; his mother, Alice B. Oeding of Fairhope, Ala.; two sisters, Nancy O. Rainey ['59] of Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Sally A. Oeding ['71] of Fairhope; a brother, William R. Oeding ['56] of Destin, Fla., and six grandchildren. The family requests that memorials be sent to Memphis Cancer Center Foundation or Central Church.

Henry Oliver ('61) [posted August 6, 2004]
From The Commercial Appeal, June 14, 1989:

HENRY CHESTER OLIVER, 46, of Greer, S.C., district manager for Shoney's South, Inc., formerly of Memphis, died Saturday [June 10, 1989] in Greer after an apparent heart attack. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. today [June 14, 1989] at Memorial Hill Gardens. Memorial Park Funeral Home has charge. He leaves his wife Ladonna D. Oliver; three daughters, Mrs. Becky O. Benzie of Sicily, and Mrs. Lora O. Borden and Miss Paula Oliver, both of Memphis; a son Henry C. Oliver, Jr. of Memphis; a step-daughter, Miss Petrina Dempsey of the home; his mother, Mrs. Frances M. Oliver of Memphis; two sisters, Mrs. Gloria O. Nelson of Lakeland, Fla., and Mrs. Jeanne O. Hendrix of Memphis; and a brother, John A. Oliver, Jr. of Memphis.

Philip Oppenheimer ('68) [posted September 16, 2002]
From The Commercial Appeal, July 3, 1973:

U.S. Engineer, 23, found fatally shot
Philip S. Oppenheimer, 23, of 4055 St. Anne Circle was found shot to death at 180 S. Edgewood about 2:20 a.m. yesterday [July 2, 1973]. Police said the death has been ruled a suicide.
Detectives said Oppenheimer, who had been staying at the Edgewood address, was found by friends. He was shot once in the head. A pistol was found by the body.
Graveside services will be at 3pm today [July 3, 1973] at Memorial Park. Tredwell-Norris Funeral Chapel has charge.
He leaves his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Oppenheimer Jr. of Memphis; a brother, Dan Oppenheimer of Memphis; and his grandmother, Mrs. Ernest Oppenheimer Sr. of Memphis.

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Donna Bunch Pass (Faculty) [posted June 30, 2001] - From the Commercial Appeal, Memphis, January 11, 1988:

DONNA BUNCH PASS, 44, of Savannah, Va., formerly of Memphis, teacher, died of cancer Dec. 24 [1997] at Candler General Hospital in Savannah. Services were Jan. 4 [1998] at Wilmington Island Methodist Church. Hubert C. Baker Funeral Home had charge. She was a former Memphis City Schools teacher at Bellevue Junior High and East High schools, received the Tennessee Teacher of Year Award and the Belz Holocaust Award and was a member of Christian Brothers Alumni Association. Mrs. Pass, the wife of Randall Pass, also leaves two daughters, Anastasia Webb of Chicago and Eliza Webb Bennett of Savannah; two sons, Jeffrey Pass and Benjamin Pass, both of Savannah; a sister, Cyndi Stevens of Denham Springs, La.; two brothers, Randy Bunch and Mike Bunch, both of Memphis, and two grandchildren.

James Patterson (Coach Pat) (Faculty) [posted April 21, 2006]
From The Commercial Appeal, October 26, 1992:

JAMES M. 'COACH PAT' PATTERSON, 83, of Memphis, retired teacher and coach, died Sunday [ October 25, 1992] at St. Francis Hospital. Services will be at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday [October 27, 1992] at Memorial Park Funeral Home with burial in Memorial Park. He coached six-man football in Tyronza, Ark.; coached high school football in Searcy, Ark., Fordyce, Ark., and Helena/West Helena, Ark., which played for state championship, and was named Arkansas Coach of the Year. After moving to Memphis is 1943, he coached at Humes High School and for 25 years at East High School and was past president of Memphis Coach's Association. Mr. Patterson, the husband of of Jo East Patterson, also leaves a daughter, Betty Patterson of Memphis; two sons, Jim Patterson Jr. of McAllen, Texas, and Jim Douglas of Sacramento, Calif.; a sister, Tot Jeryo of Van Buren, Ark., and four grandddaughters. The family requests that any memorials be sent to a charity of the donor's choice.

Jo Patterson (Faculty) [posted October 31, 2007]
From The Commercial Appeal, March 27, 2001:

Jo Patterson stimulated the gifted as CLUE leader
By Chris Conley
     For years, Jo F. Patterson, helped anchor the Memphis City Schools program designed to stimulate many of the system's gifted students.
     Mrs. Patterson, a retired teacher and supervisor for the CLUE (Creative Learning in a Unique Environment) program, died of heart failure Monday [March 26, 2001] at Saint Francis Hospital. She was 82.
     Mrs. Patterson was chosen as the first CLUE supervisor in 1970.
     "She challenged you to excel," said Jeanette Saino, who succeeded Mrs. Patterson as CLUE supervisor. "She knew how to get the best out of people."
     Though she retired in 1984, Mrs. Patterson remained in contact with the teachers and the program, said current CLUE supervisor Becky Sadowski.
     "In the early days it was hard. . . . She put a lot of time and energy into it,'' Sadowski said. "She was my mentor."
     Mrs. Patterson helped establish many programs for the gifted throughout this country and Europe. A statewide award is named in her honor. The Jo Patterson Award is given annually to teachers or parents who have championed or contributed to gifted education.
     She was a member of Colonial Park United Methodist Church, a founding member of the local and state Associations for the Gifted and president of the National Association for the Gifted.
     Mrs. Patterson, the widow of James M. Patterson, leaves a daughter, Betty Patterson of Memphis; two sons, Jimmy Patterson of Memphis and Jim Douglas of Sacramento, Calif., three grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
     Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday [March 28, 2001] at Memorial Park Funeral Home with burial in Memorial Park.

Randy Paxton ('65) [posted February 14, 2007]
From The Commercial Appeal, February 14, 2007:

RANDALL LLOYD PAXTON, ASID, 60, well known designer formerly with Bradford Showroom and Samuel's Interiors, passed away Tuesday, February 13, 2007 following a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his life partner, Charles E. Dille; two daughters, Renee' Lawrence of Memphis and Lisa Craig of Sparta, TN; and two grandchildren. He is also survived by three brothers, Robert D. Paxton, Barry B. Paxton, and Kenneth D. Paxton ['68]; and two nephews, all of Memphis. He was a member of Lindenwood Christian Church. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 16 in the chapel of Lindenwood Christian Church, with burial in St. John's Cemetery on Central Avenue. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, February 15 at Canale Funeral Directors. Any memorials should be sent to Lindenwood Christian Church or PanCan. Canale Funeral Directors 901-452-6400

Charles Peete ('57) [posted January 25, 2005]
From The Commercial Appeal, January 25, 2005:

Ardent Republican Peete ran Dutch Treat Luncheon
Had consuming interest in politics

By Bill Dries
January 25, 2005
      Charles Simpson Peete Jr. was the keeper of a Memphis political tradition -- the monthly Dutch Treat Luncheon.
      The luncheon is the city's longest running political dialog over food and is legendary for its conservative audiences, although it's open to the public.
      Mr. Peete, who helped organize it for decades before running it outright, died Sunday [January 23, 2005] at Methodist University Hospital. He was 65.
      Mr. Peete was an ardent Republican with a consuming interest in just about every kind of politics. His letters to the editor on national and local political issues frequently appeared in The Commercial Appeal.
      The luncheon's origins go back to 1958 when an ambitious young politician named Henry Loeb started the gatherings, hosting them and lending his name to them even after he became mayor.
      Mr. Peete, a retired employee of Kemmons Wilson Company, ran the luncheon for Loeb in the years after Loeb withdrew from political life.
      Loeb would still attend from time to time, but it was Mr. Peete who lined up the speakers and enforced the forum's rules.
      He sought out politicians of all viewpoints to speak. Some hesitated because of the luncheon's reputation for conservatism, but Mr. Peete never apologized for that in order to get someone to speak.
      He invited everyone on the ballot if the forum featured a specific election contest, no matter how many candidates there were. And the luncheon never endorsed a candidate.
      The questions from the audience often came with a point of view. A point of view unpopular with most of the audience didn't have to be accepted, but the audience had to give the speaker the courtesy of making his or her point.
      Mr. Peete leaves a sister, Elizabeth Head ('61) of Easton, Pa.
      Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday [January 26, 2005] at Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church with burial in Elmwood. Memphis Funeral Home Poplar Chapel has charge.
      The family requests that any memorials be made to Grace St. Luke's Episcopal Church.

Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, January 25, 2005, at Memphis Funeral Home Poplar Chapel, Memphis.
Funeral Services: 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 26,2005, at Grace St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Memphis.

[Editor's note: We are aware there is a discrepancy between the two above articles as to the date of death, either January 22 or 23. If the newspaper issues a correction for one of them we will revise the entry as necessary.]

Joseph (Joe) S. Paxson ('57) [posted March 3, 2001]
I have the sad duty to notify East High of the death May 13, 2000 of my brother , class of 1957. Joe moved to the Rochester, New York area in early 1959 and lived there until his death. He was predeceased by Anne his wife of 26 years and is survived by his daughter Whitney Seebock of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Information supplied by his brother, Jim Paxson, who may be contacted for more information at jim_paxson@yahoo.com.

Ruth Boyd Pell (Faculty) [posted June 29, 2004]
From The Commercial Appeal, Wednesday, June 29, 2004:

RUTH BOYD PELL, 103, of Memphis, retired teacher for Memphis City Schools and Memphis Baptist College, died Sunday [June 27, 2004] at Methodist University Hospital. Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday [June 30, 2004] at Memphis Funeral Home Poplar Chapel with burial in Memorial Park. She was a member of Providence Reformed Presbyterian Church, University Wives, Daughters of the American Revolution Watauga Chapter and American Association of University Women. Mrs. Pell, the widow of Carroll Lee Pell, leaves a daughter, Elizabeth Pell, and a son, John Lee Pell, both of Memphis, and a sister, Dorothy Boyd Brazell of Camden, Ark. The family requests that any memorials be sent to Erskine Seminary John L. Boyd Scholarship Fund in Due West, S.C., or a charity of the donor's choice.

Pam Pennington ('68) [posted July 17, 18, 2001]
From The Commercial Appeal, Wednesday, July 18, 2001:

PAMELA ANN PENNINGTON, 50, of Memphis, computer programmer, painter and certified massage therapist, died of lung cancer Tuesday [July 17, 2001] at her home. Memorial services will be at 3 p.m. Thursday [July 19, 2001] at Family Funeral Care Stage Road Chapel. She leaves her father, John W. Pennington; a sister, Penni Pennington-Spencer of Memphis; two brothers, John Pennington Jr. of Cordova and Randall Lee Pennington of Memphis, and her grandmother, Helen Smith of Memphis. The family requests that memorials be sent to Alzheimer Day Services.

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

Jan Perel ('72) [posted November 26, 2001] - From the Commercial Appeal, Memphis, January 16, 2001:

JAN PEREL, 46, of Durham, N.C., formerly of Memphis, retired special education teacher, died of heart failure Sunday at her home. Canale Funeral Directors has charge. Ms. Perel leaves her mother, Selma R. Perel, and a brother, Ronald Perel. The family requests that any memorials be sent to a charity of the donor's choice.

Julian Phillips ('69) ("Bubba") [posted May 19, 2002] - From the Commercial Appeal, Memphis, May 19, 2002:

Phillips made service part of business
By Bill Dries
dries@gomemphis.com
May 19, 2002
Julian Bondurant Phillips was a civic and business leader with deep roots in the Memphis community.
He served on numerous corporate boards and brought the same level of commitment to civic and educational boards.
Mr. Phillips, president of Phivest Capital, a private investment company he started in 1987, died Friday [May 17, 2002] at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis of complications from epilepsy. He was 51.
Before opening Phivest, Mr. Phillips was marketing and operations specialist for 14 years at Browning-Ferris Industries, the waste management company founded by his father, the late Harry Johnson Phillips.
Mr. Phillips was named for his grandfather, Julian Bondurant, a city school board member and president who built an armored truck business in Memphis from one truck and then sold the business to Wells Fargo Armored Service Corp., becoming Wells Fargo board chairman in the process.
Mr. Phillips enjoyed the mix of business and civic responsibilities, said his wife, Lorol 'Sisty' Matthews Phillips.
"He came from a long tradition of being involved, including community involvement," she said.
Mr. Phillips served on numerous corporate boards including the board of Enterprise National Bank, which he helped found.
Mr. Phillips was a "model business leader," said Tom Wright, president of Enterprise National Bank.
"His epilepsy never held him back," Wright said. "He overcame obstacles in life that would have defeated the average person. But Julian was any thing but average."
Mr. Phillips also served on the boards of Office Furniture USA and Value Financial Services.
He was a board member and former chairman of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis and served on the boards of trustees at St. Mary's Episcopal School and Presbyterian Day School as well as the Memphis Epilepsy Foundation and Memphis Recovery Centers Inc.
Mr. Phillips was also on the board of the Memphis Botanic Garden and was a former president of the board of the Memphis Museum System as well as a member of the Phoenix Club.
A graduate of the University of Alabama, Mr. Phillips was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and an avid Alabama football fan.
He was also a member of the Blackfish Bayou Hunting Club in Heth, Ark.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Phillips leaves a daughter, Murray Price Phillips of Houston, three sons, Julian Bondurant Phillips Jr., Andrew Chilton Phillips and John Matthews Phillips, all of Memphis; his mother, Louise B. Phillips of Memphis, and three brothers, Harry J. Phillips Jr. of Houston, Clifton B. Phillips of Memphis and Percy P. Phillips of New York City.
Services will be Monday at 11:30 a.m. at Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church with burial in Elmwood. Canale Funeral Directors has charge.
The family requests that any memorials be made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis or the Church Health Center.

Among Julian Phillips' family are other members of the East High community. Please see our sympathy section.

Woody Phillips ('72) [posted June 30, 2001] - From the Commercial Appeal, Memphis, September 13, 1996:

HOWARD HARWOOD PHILLIPS, 42, of Rochester, Minn., formerly of Memphis, former division vice president of Browning-Ferris Industries, died of heart failure Wednesday [September 11, 1996] in Minneapolis. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday [September 14, 1996] at St. Anne Catholic Church on Highland. Memorial Park Funeral Home has charge. He was a graduate of East High School and Amherst College, and a communicant at St. John's Catholic Church in Rochester. He leaves a son, Warren Harwood Phillips of St. Louis; his parents, Harry J. and Louise Phillips, and four brothers, Harry Phillips Jr. of Houston, Texas, Julian Phillips and Clifton Phillips, both of Memphis, and Parker Phillips of New York City. The family requests that any memorials be sent to the charity of the donor's choice.

Tommy Plyler (associated with the Class of '72) [posted May 26, 2011] - From the Commercial Appeal, Memphis, May 26, 2011:

Thomas "Tommy" Mathews Plyler, age 56, of Olive Branch, MS, formerly of Memphis, TN, died at his home Saturday May 21, 2011. He was born June 17, 1954 in Memphis, TN. He graduated from Central High School and attended The University of Mississippi. For many years Tommy was the proud owner of The Toddy Shop Liquor Store on Union Avenue. He was employed by WENDCO Franchise Management Inc., Harden's Sysco Food Services, and Hotel and Restaurant Supply Company in Memphis, TN. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents Tracy and Anne Plyler. He is survived by his two daughters, Hailey Plyler and Britta Plyler; companion, Roxanne Bloodworth, sisters; Tracy Anne [Plyler]Heffernan ['64] and Mary Ellen Plyler, brothers; William O. Plyler ['66] (Suzanne) and Robert L. Plyler [associated with the Class of '70] (Suzanne), six nieces and six nephews. Tommy was an avid golfer who loved the beach and cooking with his daughters. He will lovingly be remembered for his amazing smile, his incredible sense of humor, and his lifelong dedication to the Ole Miss Rebels and St. Louis Cardinals. His outgoing personality and generous heart will be missed by his treasured daughters and by his nieces and nephews who considered him as more of a best friend than an uncle. He will never be forgotten by his siblings, who couldn’t have asked for a better brother. Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. Friday, May 27, 2011 at Trezevant Hall at Grace St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 1720 Peabody Ave. A memorial service will immediately follow at 11 a.m. at Grace St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to The Exchange Club of Memphis.

John Poag ('63) [posted July 28, 2002] - From the Commercial Appeal, Memphis, July 28, 2002:

John William Poag, 57 of Naples, FL., formerly of Memphis, died Thursday, July 25, 2002, at his home. Mr. Poag was a pilot for Federal Express for 24 years. He retired in June 2002 as an MD-11 Captain. John spent most of his career fighting for pilot's rights. He was responsible for many positive changes in the life of his fellow pilots and their families. Those who knew him will miss his wit and humor.
Mr. Poag is survived by his wife, Vera Poag of Naples; his three daughters, Kari Dean and her husband Jason of Los Angeles, CA, Lindsay Poag of Memphis, and Catherine Baker of Orlando, FL; his mother, Mrs. Dan Poag, Sr. of Memphis; his brother, G. Dan Poag of Memphis; three nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Dan Poag, Sr. of Memphis.
A memorial service will be held Monday, August 5, 2002, at 1 PM, in Wilson Chapel Christ United Methodist Church [in Memphis].
Memorial contributions may be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Pat Poole (Faculty) [posted March 29, 2002] - From the Commercial Appeal, Memphis, February 22, 1994:

Patricia Bunch Poole, 64, of Memphis, a Memphis City Schools teacher and instructor at Shelby State Community College, died Monday [February 21, 1994] at the Regional Medical Center at Memphis after falling down the stairs at her home Friday [February 18, 1994].
Services will be at 7 p.m. today [February 22, 1994] at Memphis Funeral Home Union Chapel. Burial will be private.
Mrs. Poole had taught in the city schools for 30 years, and was teaching math and science at East High School as well as anatomy and physiology at Shelby State at the time of her death.
In 1987, she was honored as the state's Outstanding Science Teacher by the Tennessee Academy of Sciences. She was a teacher at Trezevant High School at the time. She also had taught at Hillcrest High School.
Mrs. Poole was honored as the Rotary Club's Teacher of the Year in Memphis in 1988 and was nominated for the National Teacher of the Year award in 1989.
Mrs. Poole sponsored the SECME Organization at East High and conducted workshops and wrote grants at Christian Brothers University in the 1960s and 1970s.
She leaves two daughters, Donna Pass of Memphis and Cyndi Laspe of Denham Springs, La.; two sons, Randy Bunch and Mike Bunch, both of Memphis; a brother, James S. Harris of Olive Branch, Miss., 10 grandchildren and a great-grandchild. The family requests that any memorials be sent to the Patricia Poole Memorial Scholarship Fund at East High.

Carole Jean Porter ('65) [posted March 3, 2005]
Carol Jean Porter Swatzell died in 1997 after a 15 month struggle with ALS. She was survived by her husband, Roy Swatzell Jr. of Hoover Al, and three daughters: Jennifer, Leslie and Mary. Leslie is married to Carlos McDonald of Mt. Brook, Al. and has two children: Hayden and Hallie. Mary is married to Clay Stogsdill and now lives in Indianapolis.

If anyone has a published obituary and would like to furnish it, we would like to post it here. Contact us at editor@EastHigh.org

Herb Porter ('54) [posted December 20, 2007] - From the Commercial Appeal, Memphis, May 15, 2006:

HERBERT PORTER, JR., 71 of Memphis, died Friday, May 12, 2006. Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 16 at Memorial Park Funeral Home with visitation from 5-7 p.m. Monday, May 15. He was a manufacturer's representative and enjoyed training dogs. He is survived by his wife of over 49 years Marilyn Means Porter; three sons, Rick (Lauren), Gregg (Rita), and Randy (Teresa) all of Memphis area; eight grandchildren and four great- grandchildren. Any memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Paul Posey ('51) [posted April 9, 2009] - From the McCullough Funeral Home, Warner Robins, Georgia:

Paul Harmon Posey, 75, entered into rest on April 8, 2009.
Mr. Posey was born on May 24, 1933 in Knoxville, Tennessee; he moved to Warner Robins from Memphis in 1958. With pride and honor he served his country in the United States Marine Corp and subsequently as a civil servant. He retired from Robins Air Force Base as a Program Manager after forty years. His home church was Central Baptist Church where he was a member of Joyner Sunday School Class and was an avid golfer. His parents, Harmon Posey and Martha DeArmond Posey, and grandson, Jamie Stanley, preceded him in death.
His memory will forever be treasured by his loving wife of forty-three years, Janelle Allen Posey; daughters, Kim (Kelly) Pike, Bonaire, Donna (Scott) Roland, Macon, Mary (Mark) Felber, New York, and Linda Vesley, Florida; son, Paul Posey, Jr., Florida; grandsons, Jason Stetson, Matthew Wood, Alex Wood, Lennon Pike, all Bonaire, Bryant Roland, Macon, Jonathan (Stephani) Felber, Jeremy (Valerie) Felber, both New York, Christopher Posey and Danny Vesley, both Florida; granddaughter, Melissa Vaughn, Florida; four great grandchildren; and close friend, Frank Willis and wife, Carolyn, of Jacksonville, Florida.
Visitation will be Friday, April 10, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2009 at Central Baptist Church, Dr. Owen Bozeman, Dr. Bobby Musselwhite and Reverend Sydney Odom officiating. Entombment will follow in Magnolia Park Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Central Baptist Church-Next Horizon, 1120 Lake Joy Road, Warner Robins GA 31088.

Jan Preston ('69) [May 23, 2001] - From the Commercial Appeal, Memphis, May 23, 2001:

JAN PRESTON CLAIBORNE, 49, of Lakeland, homemaker, died of heart failure Monday [May 21, 2001] at her home. Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday [May 24, 2001] at Memorial Park Funeral Home. She was a member of Advent Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Claiborne, the wife of Gene Claiborne, also leaves two sons, Gentry Claiborne and Cameron Claiborne, both of Lakeland; two sisters, Lynn Preston Smith of Memphis and Patty Preston Noonan ['67] of Atlanta; a stepsister, Rev. Anne Carriere of Arkansas, and two stepbrothers, David Stone of Wolfeboro, N.H., and Robert Stone ['69] of Memphis. The family requests that memorials be sent to Advent Presbyterian Church or a charity of the donor's choice.

Faye Pulliam (Faculty) (dates of association with East unknown) [posted October 1, 2006] - From the Commercial Appeal, Memphis, October 1, 2006:

Rossville - FAYE PULLIAM, born December 14, 1916, died September 30, 2006. Ms. Pulliam retired after 42 years of teaching elementary school in both Fayette County and East High School in Memphis. She was a lifelong resident of the New Bethel Community in Rossville. Ms. Pulliam was a member of New Bethel United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School classes for many years, was active in the United Methodist Women, and was a pianist accompanist for worship services until her retirement. Faye leaves two brothers; R.H. Pulliam, Jr., and John David Pulliam both of Rossville, seven beloved nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m., Sunday, October 1 at Collierville Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m., Monday, October 2 at New Bethel United Methodist Church in Rossville with the interment to follow at New Bethel Cemetery. Collierville Funeral Home 901-853-2628

Q

Charles Errington Quekemeyer, Jr. (class association undetermined) [posted September 24, 2009] - From the Commercial Appeal, Memphis, September 24, 2009.

Charles Errington Quekemeyer, Jr., 60, left his beloved family on September 22 in peace at his home. He is survived by his wife, Cammy Mills-Quekemeyer, his very loved daughter, Ginny (Quekemeyer) Lynch, son-in-law, Jon Lynch, four sisters, Gail [Quekemeyer ('53)] (Dick) Kinsinger, Heber Heights, Ohio, Hazel [Quekemeyer ('583)] Bowen, Huntsville, Alabama, Beverly [Quekemeyer (associated with the Class of '61)] McMillian, Port Orange, Florida, Susan [Quekemeyer ('73)] (David) Beith, Eads, Tennessee, one brother, John (Carliss) Quekemeyer ('70), Birmingham, Alabama. Loved by many nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, his very special friends, Paul Lynch, Lance and Amy Moore and his very beloved family pets. Bartlett Funeral Home, 5803 Stage Road has charge. Visitation, Thursday, September 24, from 5:30-8 p.m. Memorial Service, Friday, September 25 at 6 p.m. Private burial in College Grove, TN at a later date in the Lynch Family Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society , St. Jude Children's Hospital, or Tipton Treasures Animal Rescue, 7948 Quito Road, Millington, TN 38053.

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Sommer L. Randolph ('98) [posted November 27, 2011] - From the Commercial Appeal, Memphis, October 13, 2011.

SOMMER L. RANDOLPH JOHNSON, 31, of Memphis, died October 8, 2011. Visitation, Friday, October 14 from 6-8 p.m. in the Anthony Funeral Home South Chapel, and from 11 a.m. until service at 12 noon, Saturday, October 15 at First Missionary Baptist Church, West Memphis, AR. She leaves her mother, Deborah Randolph of Memphis; her father, Ronald K. Johnson of Phoenix, AZ; a daughter, Skyler Craft; son, Seth Randolph of Memphis, and a sister, Korhonda Randolph ['93] of Dallas, GA

Jim Redus ('65) [updated October, 1998] - From the Commercial Appeal, Memphis, October 11, 1998.

James Henry Redus, 51, of Edmond, Okla., formerly of Memphis, retail education manager for Fleming companies Inc., died of cancer Tuesday [October 6, 1998] at his home. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday [October 12, 1998] at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with burial in Calvary. Canale Funeral Directors has charge. He was active with the Boy Scouts of America in Oklahoma City, Okla. Mr. Redus, the husband of Mary Lee Bartlett Redus, also leaves two daughters, Katie Redus and Ellie Redus, and a son, Michael Redus, all of Edmond; his mother, Carol S. Redus; two sisters, Martha R. Briggs and Wendy R. Durand, and a brother, Andy Redus, all of Memphis. The family requests that any memorial be sent to the Last Frontier council of Boy Scouts of America in Oklahoma City or Mercy Hospice of Oklahoma City.

Ben Reisman ('59) [posted December 8, 2000]