class notes

keeping active and will continue to do so – as long as she can take the garbage out.

Mary Price Coulling is still hanging in there, though slower and shorter than in the past years. She enjoyed a wonderful 95th birthday celebration with all the family late in November 2022 — four generations, 36 family members in all.

2023 has been a tough year for Mary Aichel Samford. She has fallen several times. In July, she broke her left leg and had to move to a skilled nursing home. She has two delightful caregivers who are truly a life blessing. Hard to believe she will be 96 years old.

Susan Reid, daughter of Ellen Page Reid, reports her mother passed away on Sept. 29 after a short illness. Our deepest condolences.

Olise Wilkinson Turnipseed sends her love and best wishes to be enjoying her 94th (and every other) year. What a happy surprise to have lived so long!

’50

No identified class secretary. Please send any news to share to alumnae@agnesscott.edu.

Betty Phillips Lindsay is still living and grateful to Carolina Meadows, where she has been residing in assisted living over the past five years — as well as the 10 years prior in independent living. None of her children live close by, but she is happy to report that she is still active and is grateful for good health, friends and staff at Carolina Meadows.

Jo McCall Cobb is frequently in touch with Sally Thompson Aycock and is still an active member of her book club. Some of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren live near, and life is never dull. She has fond memories of her time at Agnes Scott.

Diana Durden Woodson is well, still alive and driving! She moved to Woodstock five years ago and has a daughter and a granddaughter near her. Another daughter and two great-grandchildren are also near her. Her son, who had a liver transplant two years ago, lives with her. She moved from Big Canoe in the mountains to here. She hated to move, but this is much better at her age. She would love to hear from classmates or other friends from Agnes Scott days.

Bett Williams wishes to report that a critical aspect of her morning routine recently has been to read transcripts of the podcast “Letters from an American” by Heather Cox Richardson. The podcast can be found at substack.com daily. Bett enjoys Heather’s takes on each day and the opinions and knowledge she shares. Bett also wishes to disclose some weather comments. In her words, spring doesn’t know whether it’s coming or going in Georgia! Bett’s sister Ellie has a big watercolor show happening at Canterbury Court for the time being. Scotties in the area should check it out!

’51

No identified class secretary. Please send any news to share to alumnae@agnesscott.edu.

Amy Jones McGreavy spent October of last year, plus an annual week, in the North Carolina mountains. In November, 14 of her family members gathered for Thanksgiving in Charlotte, hosted by her son Brian. December brought about her granddaughter-in-law’s swearing in as a judge, which Amy flew to Pensacola to attend. January heard wedding bells! Amy’s daughter Maribeth hosted a bridesmaids’ luncheon for Brian’s daughter, who was married at Saint Philips. Amy writes that she rode to the reception in a police car! From Jan. 25 to 27, Amy attended “Mere Anglicanism,” the world’s largest C.S. Lewis forum. Authors, preachers and more were present, as well as Amy’s dear friend Archbishop Foley Beach and his wife, Allison, with whom Amy enjoyed a wonderful lunch!

Katherine Nolson Major is still at her home in Florida and is doing well, though she is having to deal with impaired vision. It is not always easy, but she manages. She has two sons, and their families are in Florida. Son Cam and his wife, Amanda, are in Oviedo with their children, Quest and Lana. He is retired U.S. Air Force, and she works at University of Central Florida. Son David and his wife, Colleen, and their daughters Summer and Carlie are in Tarpon Springs; he is self-employed, and she works from home. Summer was a top student in high school, and Carlie is a ninth grader.

Martha Ann Stegar was delighted to have a Valentine’s visit from her Atlanta stepchildren, George and Emily Peker, in February. Due to COVID, she had not seen them since she moved to Winchester, Virginia, three years ago. Among the activities at her assisted living facility, she enjoys several concerts put on each month by local artists. As befits the hometown of Patsy Cline, the fare is predominantly country music and bluegrass, of which this lover of symphony and opera has become an aficionado.

’52

No identified class secretary. Please send any news to share to alumnae@agnesscott.edu.

As fund chair for her class, Keller H. Barron has enjoyed working with Amy Chastain of the Development Office to put together the “ASC Class of 1953 Photo Album.” What fun it was to remember how we looked then! To celebrate her 91st birthday, her daughter took her to Asheville and the Grove Park Inn, where her parents stayed on their honeymoon in 1930.

Kitty Goff Beckham has maintained a 30-year friendship with her friend Dean Thomas from Oxford University, where she matriculated for two terms, many years ago. Dean often expresses admiration for her educational background — Agnes Scott, of course. More than once, he has said, “Imagine being able to quote Wordsworth, Shelby and Keats after all these years.” Kitty sends her thanks to Miss Sammy, Miss Preston and Agnes Scott.

Lilla Kate Parramore Hart has put together a little book about her mother, Linda Roberts, class of 1922 — “Letters to Linda.” She looks forward to coming to her 70th reunion in May.

All of Evelyn Basset Fuqua’s close Agnes Scott friends have passed away. Her dear husband, Paul, had a severe stroke last year, so these days, they just enjoy themselves and are thankful to be alive. Her sweet rescue cat, Bella, and good neighbors keep both company.

Jane Hook Conyers and husband Joe are still living in their home of 53 years in Austell, enjoying the woods behind them and watching the birds at the feeders. She still drives, and they enjoy being active members at Central Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. She hopes to see all at the 70th reunion in May.

’53

No news was submitted for this class, and there is no identified class secretary. Please send any news to share to alumnae@agnesscott.edu.

’54

No identified class secretary. Please send any news to share to alumnae@agnesscott.edu.

Marilyn Belanus Davis has recently completed her memoir. She expects to have a limited publication this year after she has selected photos to be included. She is approaching her 90th birthday and finds herself less efficient than she used to be!

Mary Newell Rainey Bridges and her husband, Burt, are still living in their home of 60 years, much to their children’s dismay. Fortunately, she has been in good health except for atrial fibrillation. (See Helen McGowan French.) Most Sundays are spent at Sunday School and church and talking to Josey Hahne frequently. She also talks to Sue Purdem Arwall about once a month, and she is hoping to get together for lunch very soon. She has attended the Atlanta Winter Seminar for some of the sessions.

Florence Fleming Corley has been having good days after a lot of rain. She received a lot of happy birthday cards for her 90th birthday. Her birthday is Jan. 6.

Martha D. Swartwout lost her husband, Don, on July 5, 2022, due to Alzheimer’s; it had been a long, hard struggle for them both. She is still living in their home and still driving at 91!

Katherine Hefner Gross is very comfortable living in her new home — a retirement community. She enjoys walks in the beautiful park with many tall trees.

Martha Gail Conner now has three greatgrandbabies (a boy — 3 years, two girls — 2 ½, 1 ½), which she thinks is pretty great! Her own five kids threw her a 90th birthday bash in January, which raked up a number of oldies.

Barbara Severinghaus’s four years in a senior living facility in Joplin, Missouri, near her daughter have been delightful. Her son Joel is a research administrator for the Nanovaccine Institute at Iowa State University, and her son Bob is a robotics researcher at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab. She has six grandchildren in Phoenix; Los Angeles; San Francisco; NYC; and Warsaw, Poland, and one great-grandson to complete her family. They are all celebrating her 90th birthday in May near Baltimore and at her favorite North Carolina beach near Wilmington. She can’t wait!

’55

No news was submitted for this class, and there is no identified class secretary. Please send any news to share to alumnae@ agnesscott.edu.

’56

Stella Biddle Fitzgerald has usually had at least one trip to report, but currently, her grandson is keeping his parents busy with Lego blocks. They have made a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, Big Ben, a carousel, a red London bus and a Vespa. Stella says there’s no time for him to get into trouble!

’57

Helen

Haynes Patton helenpatton@comcast.net

Things have changed for Anne Welborn Greene! Anne feels good about her decision to move to Wesley Woods Towers in January, but she finds that getting her house in order to sell is a nightmare. Feeling that she waited too late to do this, she is very grateful for “family who are handling everything!” Anne looks forward to hearing about everybody.

Ann Alvis Shibut is a few steps ahead of Anne Greene. She moved in September from Richmond, Virginia, to live with her son and daughter-in-law in a rural setting, where she is enjoying a new lifestyle. She reports that “We’re getting ready to start having chickens and buying a quarter of a cow to go in our big new freezer. I’ve been taking a portrait painting class, which is fun, but I’m no Rembrandt!”

Emmie Hay Hancock continues to enjoy the activities and amazing people living with her at The Pines in Davidson — including several Scotties. She is now in the process of transitioning her family consulting and training business to her son and Jerry’s grandson. She also reports that Jerry has made an amazing recovery from surgery for esophageal cancer. “We are very blessed.”

Eleanor Swain All reports that she has good physical health, along with mild dementia. She and her husband, Bill, are enjoying a new lifestyle in the Oaks at West Cobb retirement home and have the opportunity to travel and enjoy time with their daughter, five married granddaughters (one a Scottie) and two great-grandchildren. “Life has been good.”

COVID finally caught up with Anne Vincent Ferguson and her husband, Charles, in spite of their having been fully vaccinated and boosted. Their symptoms were mild but lingering. Still in their home, they are very thankful for the technology that keeps them in touch with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They are also active with Smart Growth Boyle planning and zoning issues.

No identified class secretary. Please send any news to share to alumnae@agnesscott.edu.

Virginia McClurkin Jones enjoys visits with her family online and in person, especially her greatgrandson, aged 2, near Nashville. She is still active in the American Association of University Women (Public Policy) and the Rotary Club of Oak Ridge. She is happy to see spring coming.

Elizabeth Ansley Allan continues to live at Canterbury Court in a ninth-floor apartment looking over a lovely garden and toward Kennesaw Mountain and the distant Smoky Mountains. She has been able to attend several on-campus functions, including when President Zak came last year for a luncheon with many alumnae who live here. She continues to be very, very proud of her college’s past and current programs and reputation. Elizabeth is a proud grandmother of nine, with one great-grand on the way!

Anne Terry Sherren is enjoying being active in her retirement community. She coordinates her weekly ecumenical worship services and is currently serving on her resident council.

Jackie Johnson Woodward continues to enjoy the many activities in the Blakeford Retirement Community, especially the exercise classes. She hasn’t cooked dinner in four years. She and her classmates Karen B. Bullock, Cemele M. Richardson and Joyce S. Wimberly are still enjoying having lunch together and met recently at Cemele’s. Jackie does wish to report some sad news — Warren Bullock died on Jan. 21. He was a lovely man and shall be missed greatly.

At age 87, Helen Sewell Johnson is living in a retirement community, and “news” is likely something like chocolate cake for dessert. She still likes a weekly lesson with her classic guitar and a goldwork embroidery class — both on Zoom. She also reads with two book groups.

Jean Price Knapp and her husband, Robert, moved in late December to Patriots Colony in Williamsburg, Virginia, to be closer to their children.

Nancy Brock Blake and classmates celebrated their 65th reunion with a representative group of nine classmates who gathered. She is indebted to Sis Newsome, who provided for a gathering at her home. She missed those who could not attend. She is grateful for good health and for the greatgrandchild due in the spring of 2023.

Margaret Minter Hyatt reports that classmate Emiko Takeuchi celebrated her 99th birthday in January. Emiko’s niece Miko reports that she falls easily but is in good health and attends church with her sister.

Lucy Robertson Greene is still serving as consultant to the Moody Support Team/liaison between our city and county with Moody Air Force Base and Air Force leadership. She was recently (2/6/2023) chosen as a “Champion” by the Association for Defense Communities as one of 17 to compete for the national recognition at the D.C. March summit. She is honored and humbled.

Patricia Guynup Corbus has moved from Florida to Charlotte, North Carolina, and would love to meet Scotties in her area. Her third collection of poetry is coming out in March. ’58

Elizabeth Hanson Duerr ebelld@aol.com

Mary Ann Wilhemi Betke passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 13, 2018. She leaves behind her husband, George; daughter, Heath Betke Shelby; son, Richard Eric Betke; and five granddaughters. She was always interested in the arts; she combined motherhood with a semiformal career as an antiques dealer-collector with the spiritual and moral authority instilled by family and her Agnes Scott educational experience.

’59

Blanche Helm Nichols nchobo331@gmail.com

Wardie Abenethy Martin became a first-time great-grandmother! Wright Johnston Martin was born in Charlotte a year ago in November and is now a precious toddler.

Suzi Bailey Mann enjoys a simple (sometimes) life in Cambridge and Maine. She got much news of our classmates from Mary Clayton Bryan DuBard when Mary Clay visited Boston in May.

Mary Clayton Bryan DuBard, after 40 years as a Methodist, was humbled and honored to be ordained and installed as elder at Durham’s Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Anne Dodd Campbell traveled with her daughter Lila to San Miguel, Mexico; and Mexico City. She found San Miguel Allende to be a festive, warm, friendly and beautiful city, full of art, life and energy. She wished she had taken Spanish at Agnes Scott!

Mary Dunn Evans DeBorde was glad to get to Tetra when she visited Israel with a church group. In addition to spending the summer at Lake Rabun, she joined classmates at Montreat for a special lecture event and attended her grandson’s wedding on Jekyll Island.

Betty Edmunds Grinnan and her extended family have enjoyed the trips that Betty has planned recently — to NYC, Nantucket and always Kanuga. Betty reports that there are nine residents in her home at Westminster Canterbury in Richmond who are graduates of Agnes Scott!

Trudy Florrid van Luyn and Bob, who emigrated from the Netherlands five years before her, celebrated Bob’s 60th anniversary as a naturalized citizen.

Hearing Barbara Brown Taylor preach at Duke University Chapel on Communion Sunday was a highlight experience for Blanche “Boogie” Helm Nichols and a few of her Glenaire friends. The message as well as the pageantry were incredibly memorable.

Wynn Hughes Tabor and Dwight became greatgrandparents when Charles Copeland (“Cope”) was born to their oldest granddaughter and her husband in December.

Lila McGeachy Ray, Jane King Allen, Pat Forrest Davis, Mary Evans DeBorde and Jane Kraemer Scott attended an Inklings

Theological Conference in Montreat in September. The conference, sponsored by the Presbyterian Heritage Center in Montreat, was attended by about 300 people from all over the country and Great Britain. Their absentee host, Wardie Abernethy Martin, who was recovering from knee surgery, surprised them with a luncheon visit.

Frances “Carol” Rogers Snell’s husband, Fred, reports that they have moved to Village Park Senior Living in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. He asks for prayers, as Carol is in Memory Care struggling with dementia.