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The Rev. Melvin Arlen Brant, (M.Div., 1967), 80, minister, of Leander, passed away. His spouse Joyce Brant predeceased him.
Rev. RoseAnn Briotte, (M.A. Religion, 1975), 64, passed away Friday, May 30, 2014. Daughter of the late Tony and Gladys Briotte. She is survived by sister, Lois Krobetzky; nieces, Loralynne and Debralee and nephew, Devon. RoseAnne graduated from Vanderbilt University and was a teacher, social worker and an ordained Minister, dedicating her life to serving others, especially the mentally ill.
Rev. Clifton Eugene “Gene” Folsom, (M.Div., 1966), 86, our beloved husband, father, brother, and son, passed away Saturday, March 5, 2016. Gene Folsom was born March 16, 1929 to Laura Rachel Detwiler Folsom and Charles James Folsom. Gene lived, grew up, and graduated High School in West Liberty, Ohio. His pursuits of education began at Fort Wayne Bible College. Gene married his first wife, Phyllis Virginia Stradling Folsom in 1951. They had six children together, Danny, Rebekah, Suzanne, Laura, Tabitha, and Angel Folsom. He was in the first graduating class of Central Florida Community College where he earned his AA Degree, then received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Florida. He then went to Asbury Theological Seminary and received his Master’s Degree in Divinity. In 1979, Gene moved to the community of Starke and married Carolyn (Westrick) Folsom. They had one daughter, Bonnie Jean Folsom. After living in Starke, Gene and Carolyn lived at Kingsley Lake for 28 years. Gene pastored at many churches in the area including Anthony, Lawtey, Fort White, and Worthington Springs. He was very active as a volunteer at Lawtey Community School, alongside his wife Carolyn, and was a curriculum specialist at Lawtey for 25 years. Gene was a very active person who loved the ministry, his family, and exploring nature. He loved all types of water sports, whether lobster diving, a sailing adventure, swimming with the manatees, or sitting by the lake. Gene never met a stranger and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was an adventurer, friend, and father and will be deeply missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Beryl Arroyo. Survivors are his wife of 36 years, Carolyn Folsom, children, Daniel Folsom (Janet), Rebekah Near (John), Suzanne Stone (Dale), Laura Folsom (Wayne Bird), Tabitha Brownfield (Craig Burke), Angela Watson (Gene), and Bonnie Jean Folsom. Also surviving him are his sister, Ruth Buck (Joe), grandchildren, Aaron, Stormy, Evangeline, Danielle, Mathieu, James, Kenneth, Rachel, Lindsey, Sophie, Sarah, and Virginia Lynn, great-grandchildren, Timothy, Emma, Lainie, India, Drake, Gabriel, Sophia, Gavin, Parker, Lydia, Braden, Gage, Taeo, Jacob, Carter, and Orion.
Harry Eugene Fowler, (Non-Degree Alumni), 79, husband of Helen Harrison Fowler, of Lexington, died Sat, May 7, 2011. He was former owner of Fowler and Rue TV and Fowler Electronics. He was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church where he was a member of the Fidelis Sunday School Class. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and an avid golfer. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Jannice Wilson, Dana (Mike) Barnhisel, and Gene (Joan) Fowler; a brother, J.T. (Alene) Fowler and Sue (Jim) Wills and grandchildren, Joy Wilson, Abigail Fowler, Audrey Fowler and Andrew Barnhisel. A brother, Bill Fowler, and sister, Betty Doyle, preceded him in death. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Salvation Army or Hospice of the Bluegrass.
Ms. Lorraine Hanson, (B.Div., 1953), 97, of Bismarck, died February 16, 2016, at St. Gabriel’s Community, Bismarck. Lorraine Hanson was born to Winford and Eva (Marston) Hall on May 6th, 1918, in Glentana, MT. She graduated from Flaxton High School in Flaxton, ND as valedictorian. Lorraine attended Minot State College. Her first teaching job was in Northgate, ND, where she met Harold Haugstad. Shortly thereafter, WWII broke out and Harold enlisted in the United States Air Force. Harold and Lorraine were married July 29, 1942, while he was on furlough. They lived in Shreveport, LA, before he was sent overseas. Harold was a B-26 pilot based in Algires, North Africa. He was killed during the war on April 6, 1943. They had been married a brief 8 months. Lorraine continued her education and graduated from Western Washington College in Bellingham, WA. She taught elementary school at Lake Stevens, WA prior to coming back home to Carrington, ND. She worked at Foster County State Bank for several years before pursuing her Master’s degree in Theology at Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. Following graduation, she returned to her teaching career in Minot, ND where she met Theodore (Ted) Walker. They were married on June 16, 1962, and moved to Deadwood, SD. Years later, Lorraine accepted a job at the Big Coulee School in Sisseton, SD where she was the school administrator, principal and teacher. She taught Native American preschoolers until her husband Ted passed away from cancer on April 3, 1983. Lorraine subsequently retired from teaching and moved back to Carrington, ND to care for her mother. There she met Lloyd Hanson. They were married on Oct. 11, 1986. They lived in Bismarck, ND, where they enjoyed retirement for several years. Lloyd passed away Nov. 3, 2005, also from cancer. Lorraine later moved to Edgewood Vista and recently to St. Gabriel’s Community. She enjoyed the company of friends and family, was active in church, and in earlier years played the church organ. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Lorraine loved to travel and spent time in Europe where she enjoyed searching for and meeting relatives. Lorraine surely will be missed by her loved ones. She is survived by her sister, Merillyn Marcotte and several nieces: Jane Clinkenbeard (Jim), Karen Nagel (Steve), Julie McKay (Craig), Gail Hall, Shelley Heath (Jim), Mary Wacha, and Jan Hall. Surviving nephews are: Don (Adrienne), Craig (Stacey), Tom and David Hall; surviving stepson is Gary (LuEtte) Hanson. Preceding Lorraine in death are her parents, Eva and Winford Hall; brothers, Hollis and Sandy Hall; and niece Judy Hall.
Dr. Helen Hirsch, (M.R.Ed., 1959), 88, of Bristol and formerly of Webster, died Friday, Jan. 4, 2008, in a care center at Bristol. Helen Kathryn Hubbard was born May 12, 1919, near Letcher to George H. and Elsie (Clapsaddle) Hubbard. She attended Mount Vernon High School and graduated from Faith Home High School in Mitchell. She received her BA from Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa, Idaho, her master’s degree from Ausbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, Ky., and her doctor’s degree from The University of Pittsburgh. She was professor of Christian Education at Houghton College, Houghton, N.Y., from 1960 to 1980. She married Victor J. Hirsch March 31, 1968, in Houghton and became the loving adoptive mother to her deceased sister, Ruth’s six children. She was an avid bird watcher, amateur photographer, and artist. She enjoyed gardening, singing religious songs, playing her guitar, walking, and enjoying nature. Her love and devotion to God was evident in every aspect of her life. As a young woman, she played and traveled with the Zook family doing revivals across Iowa. Her love for travel and adventure was evidenced by her work as a missionary in Vancouver, British Columbia, and a visit to the Holy Land. She was preceded in death by her husband. Survivors include her brother, Philip of Mitchell, her stepchildren, Vickie (Ken) LaVenture of Colby, Wis., Susan (Danny) Smeins of Langford, Dr. Victor (Sherry) Hirsch, II of Abilene, Texas, Fredric (Valerie) Hirsch of Hagerstown, Md., Thomas Hirsch of Dallas, and Mary Higgins of Hanover, Pa.; 10 step-grandchildren; and six step-great-grandchildren.
Rev. Larry A. Logue, (Non-degree Alumni), 63, of Kansas City, MO, passed away suddenly on April 29, 2011. He was the eldest son to Ed and Mickey Logue. He was preceded in death by his father. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Jane; daughter, Tami, and her husband, Dr. Paul Conrad; grandchildren: Brandon, Haley, Justin, and Mallory Conrad, of Maysville, KY; mother, Mickey Logue, of Sedgwick, KS; brother, Michael E. Logue, and his wife, Tami, of Park City, KS; nieces and nephews, and countless friends throughout the country. Larry graduated from Valley Center HS in 1965 and married his high school sweetheart in 1967. After the birth of their daughter, Tami, in 1968, Larry continued his education, ultimately graduating from Anderson College in 1976 and Anderson School of Theology in 1978. He served his first pastorate at First Church of God in Marion, SD, for 10 years and has been Pastor at Pittman Rd Church of God for 23 years. He will be truly missed by the family and many friends that have been blessed to know him. Larry was loved by all that knew him and will not be forgotten because of the love he showed us all. He shared his love, his life, his ministry, and God’s given gifts with everyone.
Rev. Dr. Stephen Douglas Martin, (M.Div., 1981; D.Min., 1992), 65, resident of High Point, NC died February 6, 2016 at High Point Regional Hospital. Dr. Martin was born October 18, 1950 in Leominster, MA and was educated at Becker Junior College (AS) and Fitchburg State College (BSBA). He received the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky. During six years as a youth minister and more than twenty years as an ordained minister, he accomplished the following: was founding Pastor of River of Life Christian Fellowship; co-founder and vice-president of Crossfire Evangelistic Ministries (where he designed mission possible: United Methodist Church Renewal in New England); Author of the study, “N ew Life: Twelve weeks of Basic Training for Christian Disciples”; Author of Proof: There is a God!”, co-founder of North Carolina Youth Council; and founder of Lake Side Camp Meeting in Pittsburgh, NH. Surviving is his son, Stephen A. Martin and wife Shannon of Archdale, NC; one brother, Donald Williams; two sisters, Patricia Ann Bernard/Breault and Joan Truitt; and six grandchildren, four boys and two girls.
Rev. Carroll D. Morris, (B.Div., 1966), 78, of Forsyth, IL, formerly of Centralia, passed away on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur, IL. Rev. Morris was born on December 29, 1937 in Centralia, a son to Millard J. and Pearl B. (Schilling) Morris. He married Janice R. Skort on May 17, 1957 in Centralia and she survives in Forsyth, IL. In addition to his wife, Rev. Morris is also survived by four sons, Michael J. Morris and wife Susan of Columbia, SC, Ronald D. Morris and wife Penny of Decatur, IL, Douglas M. Morris and wife Diane of Kankakee, IL, and Galen P. Morris of Tacoma, WA; two daughters, Donna C. Robinson and husband Don of Kodak, TN and Jana D. Pressley and husband Craig of St. Charles, IL; 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Millard and Pearl Morris. Rev. Morris retired as a pastor after 47 years of service, plus 3 more years during retirement, with 7 years in the Methodist Church, then 20 years in the Free Methodist Church, and 23 years in the Church of God. He served the communities of Troy, IL from 1957-1959 at the Troy United Methodist Church, and the Market Street Methodist Church in Burnips, MI from 1959-1964, Tennyson, IN from 1964-1967 at the Tennyson Free Methodist Church, also in Griffith, IN from 1967-1972, Lawrenceville, IL from 1972-1975, Bethany, IL from 1975-1980, and Granite City, IL from 1980-1984, all with the Free Methodist Church; Then he moved on to the Church of God (headquartered in Cleveland, TN) to Shelbyville, IL from 1984-1987 at the Shelbyville Church of God, then Paris, IL from 1987-1995 at the Paris Church of God, and then to Chauncey, IL from 1995-2004 at the Chauncey Church of God. He retired from pastoring in 2004 in Salem, Illinois after 47 years of ministry. However, he came out of retirement once again to “interim” pastor the Salem Church of God from 2005-2008, finishing up with 50 years in full-time ministry. He attended Kaskaskia College from 1951-1957 and graduated from McKendree College in 1959, before attending Garrett Biblical Institute, then Western Theological Seminary, and then Asbury Theological Seminary where he graduated with a Master of Divinity in 1966.
Chester “Chet” W. Mueller, (B.Div., 1960), 91, and longtime resident of Bartlesville, Oklahoma passed away on March 5, 2016 in Jane Phillips Medical Center, Bartlesville. Chester William Mueller was born on December 25, 1924 in Stafford, Kansas. He was the son of William Ernest Mueller and Anna (Bill) Mueller. He was raised in Hamilton County in Western Kansas. He attended Colorado Springs Bible College where he received his Associate degree. He furthered his education by attending Friends University in Wichita, Kansas receiving his Bachelor’s degree. He also received a Master’s of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, Kentucky. On October 14, 1945 Chet and Charlotte Glynola Coleman were united in marriage in Syracuse, Kansas. Chet preached in Lakin, Kansas for 16 years before moving to Bartlesville in 1976. In Lakin and in Syracuse, Kansas, he built two parsonages, as well as a Wesleyan church in Lakin and one in St. Charles, Missouri. He was the Tri-State District Building coordinator for Wesleyan church. Chet and Charlotte moved to Bartlesville in 1976, where he built houses and worked for Bartlesville Wesleyan University in Development for the school. Chet and Charlotte were married for 62 years prior to her death in 2007. Chet was a member of First Wesleyan Church, Bartlesville. He was a volunteer/calling pastor and he and Charlotte managed the nursery for many years. Chet enjoyed crossword puzzles, loved westerns and Andy Griffith shows and Matlock. He also enjoyed Lawrence Welk shows, the Virginian, as well as Fox News. Chet is survived by his children, Gwynn Grindstaff of Bartlesville, Annette Rosentrater of Anchorage, Alaska, Evangeline Baxter of Oskaloosa, Iowa, and Kathleen Cones of Houston, Texas; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Violet Jones of Syracuse, Kansas; three brothers, Calvin Mueller, Bill Mueller and Don Mueller (all of Colorado, Springs, Colorado); and one adopted sister, Irene Weitert of Oskoloosa, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Charlotte; three sisters, Carolyn Coy, Evelyn Buck, Shirley Mueller; and by four brothers, Ted, Leonard, David, and Duane Mueller. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been set up in Chet’s name with The Gideons International, P.O. Box 3143, Bartlesville, OK 74006-3143; First Wesleyan Church, 1776 Silverlake Rd., Bartlesville, OK 74006; and Oklahoma Wesleyan University, 2201 Silverlake Rd., Bartlesville, OK 74006. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com.
The Rev. Glenn Hugh Smith, (M.Div., 1990), 55, Rainbow City, died Friday, Nov. 16, 2012. He was a United Methodist minister. He is survived by his wife, Ivey Smith.
Dr. Samuel Raymond Smith, (Friend), 89, of Marietta died on Thursday the 3rd of March, 2016. Dr. Smith loved his Lord Jesus, he loved people and he loved the beauty of God’s creation. Sam proudly served in the U.S. Navy at the end of WWII. He was a graduate of Georgia Southwestern College, University of Georgia, and Medical College of Georgia and practiced anesthesia at Kennestone Hospital and Emory University. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Marietta and particularly enjoyed supporting missions and young men and women going into full time ministry. Sam is survived by two daughters, Lisabeth Melnik and her husband, Tom, Andrea O’Connell and her husband, Jeff; son, Ray Smith and his wife, Stephanie; brother, Cecil Smith and his wife Nancy; sister in law, Irene Smith; nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Sam is predeceased by his wife, Mary Smith. In lieu of flowers please contribute to one of the following: Samuel R. and Mary G. Smith Endowed Scholarship Fund c/o Asbury Seminary, 204 N. Lexington Ave, Wilmore, KY 40390. Daughter Andrea and Jeff O’Connell global missionaries, International Messengers, 110 Orchard Court, Clear Lake, IA 50428 Grandson Paul Smith missionary in Uganda, Cornerstone International, PO Box 192, Wilmore, KY, 40390 The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Saturday at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home, Historic Marietta Chapel. www.mayeswarddobbins.com 770-428-1511 Today’s Events Graveside Service Mar 06 . 1:00 PM Mountain View 410 Whitlock Ave. Marietta, Ga, US for the Graveside Service Guaranteed delivery before Samuel’s Graveside Service begins. Funeral Service Mar 06 . 2:00 PM First united Methodist Church of Marietta 56 Whitlock Ave SW Marietta, GA, US, 30064 for the Funeral Service Guaranteed delivery before Samuel’s Funeral Service begins. Cemetery Details Mountain View 410 Whitlock Ave. Marietta, Ga, US
Mr. Floyd Craig Thayer, (Non-Degree Alumni), 50, of New Bern, North Carolina passed away suddenly Saturday, January 30, 2016. A native of Toledo, OH, Craig was a longtime resident of Plattsburg, NY, where he enjoyed basketball and volleyball. He was a graduate of Asbury College and studied at Booth University College in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Salvation Army’s “University of Humanity”. Craig was a youth pastor, and a faithful member of the Salvation Army, following in his father’s footsteps, Major Floyd J. Thayer, who preceded him in death in 2005. Those wishing to offer words of hope and comfort may visit www.pollockbest.com. Memorials, in Craig’s name, may be made to www.salvationarmycarolinas.org, or Salvation Army 1402 Rhem Ave. New Bern, NC 28560. Craig is survived by his mother, Major Betsy M. Thayer (R), of New Bern; sister, Bonnie T. Dubier, and husband Jacques, of Wilmington, NC; his brother, Theodore J. “Ted” Thayer, of New Bern; his dear nephews, Noah and Austin, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Rev. Kevin C. Thompson, (M.Div., 1988), 49, of Hammond, IN passed away Friday, December 7, 2007. He is survived by three children: Emily, Samuel, and Katie Thompson of Rossville, IN; father, Alex (Debbie) Thompson of Hobart, IN; four sisters: Robin (Mary Jo) Thompson of Hammond, IN, Alicia Thompson of Hobart, IN, Melissa Stevens of Valparaiso, IN, and Natasha Cuada of Hobart, IN; one niece, Nicole (Rueben); two nephews: Ryan (Jamie) and Derek (Angie); aunt, Shelby (Ed) Lewis of Hammond, IN; uncle Perry Thompson of East Chicago, IN. Preceded in death by his mother, Mary Louise Thompson and brother, Douglas Thompson. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the family would be appreciated for the education of the children. Kevin was a resident of this area for 40 years and worked as a quality control manager for Avery-Denison.
Rev. Emery L Wallace, (M.Div., 1944), 93, of Oskaloosa and formerly of the Rose Hill/What Cheer area, passed away early February 23, 2016, at the Oskaloosa Care Center in Oskaloosa. Emery Logan Wallace, son of Jasper Logan and Lorene Mae (Hutchison) Wallace, was born, July 24, 1922, at the rural Mahaska County home of his parents. He served as president of his Thornburg High School graduating class of 1940. Before his senior year in high school, he became a Christian and felt the call of God to Christian ministry. During his senior year, Emery was baptized, became a member of the Thornburg Methodist Church, was licensed to preach, and preached his first sermon in his home church. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from John Fletcher College in University Park, IA. He earned a Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, Kentucky, in 1944. Following seminary Emery was appointed to the churches of Princeton and Spencer Brook in the Minnesota Conference of the Methodist Church. Emery was ordained an Elder in 1950. For thirty-nine years he served pastorates in Minnesota, including fourteen years at Asbury Church in Minneapolis and thirteen years at Grace Church in Fergus Falls (both with major building programs). Other churches served included First UMC in Virginia, Vineyard UMC in Hutchinson and Salem UMC in Blue Earth. One month after coming to Minnesota, Emery was united in marriage to Dorothy Mae Spurrell, September 7, 1947, in her home church, First Methodist in Watertown, South Dakota. Together they had two children, Carolyn Louise, and Charles Logan. Following retirement in 1986, the Wallace’s raised cattle, sheep, and chickens, plus gardening and the growing of fruit trees on their Century Farm in Iowa. Emery supplied pulpits in twenty-five area churches and for over eleven years he and his wife Dorothy provided sacred music each Sunday in one or more of some fifty area churches. Emery had a great zest for life and an unwavering love for his wife, Dorothy. They shared 68 years of richly blessed ministry, proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and helping to lead the people of God into a meaningful experience of the saving grace of Christ as Lord. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy. Emery was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Charles Logan. His family includes his wife, Dorothy of Oskaloosa; his daughter, Carolyn Wallace Nelson and her husband CAPT David Nelson, USN Ret. of Dumfries, VA; his sister, May O. Wallace of Newberg, OR; a daughter-in-law, LuOna Goodwin of Prior Lake, MN; and five grandchildren: Christine Lynn Nelson Last, Bradley David Nelson, Beth Anne Nelson Moorleghen, Matthew Logan Wallace and Christopher Owen Wallace. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren: Alexa James Last, Sienna Catelyn Last, and Austin Bradley Nelson. What a fruitful, joyful and rewarding journey it has been. Thanks be to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Memorial contributions may be made to the Indianapolis Cemetery Association.
Dr. Donald Ray Warner, Sr., (Non-Degree Alumni), 74, of Woodstock, passed away Monday, October 8, 2012, at home after a 12-year battle with cancer. Dr. Warner was born in Woodstock on November 22, 1937, son of the late Gabriel Warner and Sylva Heavener Warner. He was a former member of the United Methodist Churches in Woodstock and Colonial Beach and was presently a member of the Columbia Furnace Church of the Brethren. He graduated from Woodstock High School in 1956, Ferrum Junior College with an Associate’s Degree, Lynchburg College with a Bachelor’s Degree, Emory University with a Master of Divinity Degree, the University of Georgia with a Master’s Degree and the University of Southern Mississippi with the Doctor of Education Degree. Dr . Warner was a teacher in Gwinnett County, Georgia and served as principal in Prince William County (Woodbridge) and Frederick County (Gainesboro). He also served as an administrative assistant to the late Frederick County Superintendent, Dr. Melton Wright. Dr. Warner served for 17 years as the Division Superintendent of Colonial Beach Public Schools during which the new Colonial Beach High School was built through the use of community fundraising and a Virginia Literary Loan. He served a total of 38 years in public education. Surviving family members include his wife of 53 years, Rachel Day Warner; a son, Donald Ray Warner, Jr. and his wife Jessie of Woodstock; two daughters, Penny Yvette Ransier of New Market and Krista Rose Osborne and her husband David of Woodstock; 12 grandchildren, Tamyra Painter, Donald R. Warner III and his wife Elizabeth, April Warner, Jordan Warner, Daniel Warner, Quinton Warner, Hope Warner, Alicia Wood and husband David, William Ransier, Jr., Jos hua Gum, Tristan Gum, Branson Osborne; and 10 great-grandchildren; a sister, Olive Rose Young and her husband Bob; 4 brothers, the late Gabriel Warner, Jr. and his wife Opal of Chester, Johnny Warner of Woodstock, Elwood Warner and his wife Johanna of North Bend, Oregon, and a twin-brother, Daniel Warner and his wife Sarah of Fairfax. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Columbia Furnace Church of the Brethren or the Gideons International, The Shenandoah County Camp, P.O. Box 793, Mount Jackson, VA 22842.
The Rev. Michael L. Welch (Non-Degree Alumni) and Julie Brown Welch, along with two of their three children, Jesse Paige and Hannah Maree, perished suddenly in an accident on Highway 52 in Lafayette, TN on Thursday afternoon, February 7, 2008. The entire family was a source of inspiration and strength to the small community of Lafayette that was recently affected by the tragic tornadoes that touched down on Tuesday evening, February 5, 2008. Until the moment of their deaths, the entire Welch family was serving those in greatest need by providing counseling, food and supplies to storm victims and their families. Reverend Michael Welch served as Minister of Lafayette United Methodist Church since 2004. Just days before his death, Michael helped organize a crisis center for those displaced by the storm. Prior to pastoring the United Methodist Church of Lafayette, Michael and Julie served the communities of Shelbyville, TN where Michael pastored First Christian Church, and St. Louis, MO where he was employed by Stephen Ministries. Michael also pastored the First Christian Church of Rocky Mount, NC. Julie Brown Welch, a native of Mobile, AL, graduated from Murphy High School in 1979. She married Alan Murphey and gave birth to her first son, Garrison Brown Murphey. Julie and Garrison later lived in Jacksonville, FL and Atlanta, GA. Julie and Michael met while they were both studying at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, and soon after married. Julie, Michael and Garrison moved to Rocky Mount, NC where Julie earned a degree in Theology and Studies of Religion at Barton College. Jesse was born in Rocky Mount and Ha nnah was born three years laterin St. Louis. In each place that Julie lived, she reached out to the community in ways that represented her purpose in this life – spreading beauty and joy and love for God. Julie’s personal mission ranged from ministering to children on the playground to helping women become strong spiritually, mentally and physically through building a relationship with Christ. Michael and Julie were truly partners in their service to God and community, and that was extended through their children, Jesse and Hannah and their son Garrison. Almost 15 years old, Jesse Welch was an avid reader and inventor with a love of history and maps. He most recently completed building a computer that he was about to beta test for functionality. Wherever he went, Jesse often carried his juggling balls, books, a writing pad and pencils. He loved to invent cartoon characters and their stories, and to entertain others with his magic tricks. Eleven year old Hannah was truly a c reative and free spirit whose talents reflected the very light of her being, whether helping someone in need or rescuing an animal looking for a home. Hannah painted, sang, baked, danced, and twirled. She was an imaginative story teller, recently writing about a maiden who lived in a palace with her cat. A native Tennessean, Michael was the only child of Cliff and Bettye Ann Welch, both deceased. He is survived by the Tankersly family of Chattanooga, TN and Julie’s family. Julie was the youngest child of Julius Hagood Brown (deceased) and Ellie Clark Brown of South Ponte Vedra, FL. She is also survived by her son, Garrison Brown Murphey and his wife, Meghan of St. Louis, MO; two sisters, Suzanne Brown Graham of Jacksonville, FL and Deborah Brown Reeve of Alexandria, VA. Julie and Michael are also survived by their nieces and nephews and cousins to Jesse and Hannah; Courtney Chea Reeve, Tyler M. Reeve, Bryan Graham, Nicholas Graham and Sarah Elizabeth Brown. Their loss is also felt by many other cousins, aunts, and uncles, as well as the many close friends, families and communities that they served. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the Welch Family Disaster Relief Fund to support ongoing efforts to help the community. Checks may be sent to Macon Bank & Trust, P.O. Box 10, Lafayette, TN 37083 or to Citizens Bank, P.O. Box 100, Lafayette, TN 37083.
Lesley LaPorte Westberry, (Non-Degree Alumin), 54, of Lexington, wife of K.F. “”Ken”” Westberry III, died Monday, April 27, 2009, after a long illness. Born in Elizabethton, Tenn., she was the daughter of Hildred Nave LaPorte and the late Frank LaPorte Sr. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Frank LaPorte Jr., grandmothers, Minnie Lee LaPorte and Mae Nave, and an uncle, Joe LaPorte Sr. A graduate of East Tennessee State University and the University of Georgia, Lesley was a social worker with her own Christian counseling practice and had also received her LCSW certification. She was a member of Tates Creek Presbyterian Church and loved the outdoors, gardening and camping. Survivors, in addition to her mother and husband of 30 years, include her son, K.F. “”Wes”” Westberry IV, and uncles, William “”Dude”” LaPorte, Elizabethton, and Tony LaPorte, Cordele, Ga. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Bluegrass, 2312 Alexandria Drive, Lexington, KY 40504.