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Christmas music tape project for American soldiers who served in the Persian Gulf in 1990, and a framed letter of recognition from thenPresident George H.W. Bush hangs in her piano studio in honor of those efforts. The other captures her Georgia and Oxford, England tour adventures as accompanist for the Welsh Male Voice Choir in 1994 and 1997. Stone married Roger Stone in 1967, raised a family, and through the years tried her hand at other, non-music-related jobs. “Nothing was ever as satisfying. I always knew I’d end up in music,” she says. At peace with the fact that none of her three grown sons – Jay, Marty and Marshall – took an interest in learning piano, Stone says, “I gave my boys the opportunity to play, but they were
sports-minded. They do, however, have an appreciation for music and the work I’ve done.” Stone credits much of her ministry’s success to the love and support she’s received from Roger and her sons. Retired as pianist and handbell choir director of First Baptist Church of Newnan in 2008 because of health issues, Stone also reduced her private teaching load from 24 to 11 students. “It’s gratifying to teach those who want to be here and who apply themselves,” she says. “I will teach until I can’t anymore, but now I’m very selective in choosing students.” Of the hundreds of Coweta and Carroll County students Stone has taught over 40 years, only four are teaching others; many, however, are playing or directing music for their churches
or using their musical training in other ways. While proud of her teaching legacy, Stone’s first love always has been playing. “If my back and arthritis didn’t prevent it, I’d still be playing regularly,” she says. “I’m now, though, transitioning from ‘human doing’ to ‘human being.’ I’m filling more time with grandchildren’s activities, reading and cooking, Bible study, rest and reflection.” “As a Christian and musician, my greatest hope is that I’ll be remembered as the pianist who could bring people into the very presence of God with her playing – as the Holy Spirit moves through my spirit – through my fingers and the keys, flowing across the strings and the soundboard of an instrument made of wood and metal.” NCM
Crossroads Podiatry
Wishing you a
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Happy New Year
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