1949
June Davis McCormick jaymccee@yahoo.com We were sad to learn of the recent deaths of five classmates. Elizabeth “Liz” Barnes Hornsby of Harborton, Virginia, passed away in January, surrounded by her loving family. Her husband, Beverly Hornsby, daughter Susan, a brother, and a great-grandson predeceased her. Surviving are daughter Jane, two sons-in-law, six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, a sister, a brother, and many nieces and nephews.
With her husband, Howard, Blackie bred and showed dachshunds and beagles at their kennel in Delaware and participated in the Westminster Kennel Club dog shows. Blackie also was active in civic and environmental organizations, and she had taught adult literacy classes. Her husband and two sons predeceased her. Blackie was unique, and she will be missed.
Margaret L. Markwood McClench of Blacksburg died in June. After earning a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, she taught math in Fairfax County public schools for 30 years. Her husband, William Wallace McClench II, and son, William Wallace McClench III, predeceased her. Surviving are daughter Mary An oil painting of the New Jersey state seal Keffer, two by Marjorie “Jerse” Storms Reddoch ’45 grandchildren, two still graces Monroe Hall. great-grandchildren, and two sisters.
Liz came to Mary Washington from Accomack County on the Eastern Shore and made many close friends during her four years, including lifelong friend Harriet “Scotty” Scott Brockenbrough. An art major, Liz taught school in both Norfolk and Richmond and retired from Accomack County public schools. Liz was active in church and civic groups, a formidable bridge opponent, and an avid golfer who had achieved a hole in one while playing at a club in Maryland. A plethora of dear friends brought great joy to Liz’s lifetime, as she did for many of us. You can read more about Liz’s life in the unedited, online version of Class Notes. Anne Eakle Rolston Keith passed away in March. Anne, from Harrisonburg, Virginia, was with us only for freshman and sophomore years. She married Donald Keith and lived for a time in Maine, worked with the Castine Scientific Society, and also was president of the Wilson Museum. After the death of her husband of 63 years, she relocated to Richmond to be near a daughter. Survivors include daughter Katherine Keith Baird of Richmond, daughter Elizabeth Keith of San Diego, and a grandson. Frances “Blackie” Horn Nygood passed away in May. While she didn’t “walk” with us, she kept in touch over these many years, returned for a few reunions, and was always a fun participant and witty correspondent.
Virginia Woodley Asby Chapman of Norfolk also passed away in June. Our senior yearbook lists her hometown as Creswell, North Carolina. She majored in sociology and went on to earn a master’s in education. She was an employment counselor and job placement coordinator for Norfolk public schools. Husbands Gilbert R. Asby and A. Hugh Chapman preceded her in death. Survivors include sons Gilbert R. Asby Jr. and Thomas E. Asby, daughter Alice W. Asby, stepson John S. Chapman, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
to Marye’s Hilltop for a nostalgic visit. She was there on a drizzly day, but she did stand on the steps of our beloved Ball, where her husband had proposed. Elizabeth “Betty” Fischer Gore was on campus for the annual scholarship donors luncheon in April, accompanied by her daughter. Betty served as sole representative for all Class of ’49 donors, meeting and talking with each recipient as well as her own. Betty planned summer trips with a group from her Woodland Retirement Center in Fairfax, including three days in New York to attend three musicals including the new Hello, Dolly! Next on her list was a September cruise up the coast of New England and into Canada. Our perennial Betty Bond Heller Nichols has spent her lifetime giving of her talents. Here’s a summary, and you can read a more detailed version in the online Class Notes. A talented pianist, Betty Bond accompanied every MWC production and senior recital, and joyfully led and played for the after-dinner songfests. Back in her hometown of Bedford after graduation, Betty assumed programming duties for her husband at the town’s radio station while rearing their three children. After her first marriage ended, Betty Bond was invited to perform with a group in Lexington. During one performance, she caught the eye of Col. Lee Nichols, a VMI instructor, and began her joyful second life.
In May, before more than 100 invited guests in Lexington, B.B. performed a 1½-hour program reflecting a variety of styles. Starting with her first recital piece, she progressed to operettas, show tunes, ragtime, patriotic favorites, ballads, popular songs, and more. An audio engineer from W&L University recorded her words and music in a video on YouTube, Margaret “Peggy” Walton Mason ’49 also making a few DVDs for family returned to the steps of Ball Hall, where once and close friends. upon a time her husband proposed to her. Well done, B.B.
Turning to happier news, Barbara Trimm Wright in South Hill, Virginia, reconnected with Ball suitemates Helen “Bebe” Lowe Eliason, Alice Durham Serapin, and Claire Braun Burrows, all from the Class of ’48. Another suitemate, our classmate Gladys Riddle Whitesides, passed away last year.
Claire wrote to Barbara that she is 92, widowed, and lives alone, but her children see to her needs. As for Barbara, she’s well and keeping as busy as she wants to be. Margaret “Peggy” Walton Mason of Bethesda, Maryland, was in Fredericksburg in the spring and returned
From Lansdale, Pennsylvania, Joyce Hamilton Eisler sent news that she and Joe were to attend the annual meeting of LeadingAge, an association of not-forprofit senior services. Joyce and Joe have been at the Brittany Point residence for 10 years and recently have begun playing
UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON MAGAZINE FALL/WINTER 2017
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