Part V 1

Part V

MEMOIRS Name Date of Death

Honorary Bishop Robert M. Blackburn March 17, 2002

Ministers Harold A. Clarke May 24, 2000 Louis B. Blackwell May 21, 2001 Buell W. Dalton May 22, 2001 Manuel Viera May 28, 2001 W. Ballard Wilson May 31, 2001 Louis H. Leigh II June 17, 2001 Charles D. Hutchins June 29, 2001 James W. Blitch July 14, 2001 Bruce F. Gannaway July 15, 2001 Gordon L. Bowman July 18, 2001 O. Bruce Pickering July 25, 2001 Henry K. Carl August 9, 2001 Samuel Montgomery September 23, 2001 Edward W. Norman October 1, 2001 Walter B. Rutland October 4, 2001 W. Paul Lanier October 15, 2001 Harry C. Parham November 28, 2001 William E. Rowell December 2, 2001 E. Pierce Hendry December 26, 2001 Hoyt Tatum December 31, 2001 Wallis M. Hurley (Local Pastor) January 15, 2002 William H. Butler Sr. February 1, 2002 Solon B. Ducker (Local Pastor) February 9, 2002 Raymond W. Boegen February 11, 2002 Wesley Price March 2, 2002 Ralph R. Johnson March 6, 2002 Robert F. Hays March 7, 2002 Patrick W. McBride Jr. March 19, 2001 Vincent S. Malkinski April 23, 2002 Larry P. Dinning April 24, 2002 E. Franklin Carwithen April 29, 2002

Part V 2

Spouses Inez R. Hamilton April 12, 2001 Sue L. Thompson April 22, 2001 Marion C. Price May 1, 2001 Virginia Boye May 12, 2001 Rachel A. Ivey June 10, 2001 Bernice Olivent July 27, 2001 Wilma Rogers July 31, 2001 Opal Sue Adair September 6, 2001 Kathleen Finney August 7, 2001 Ellen Iles September 11, 2001 Gertrude Harrison October 31, 2001 Cleona Rustin November 14, 2001 Bettie Jane Boyette December 3, 2001 Mary Lee McCloud December 8, 2001 Nancy Kincaid January 6, 2002 Cathy A. Hoffman January 9, 2002 Dorothy Shannon January 29, 2002 Ruth Ann Bailey Burke April 6, 2002 Leona Rasmussen Prevette April 10, 2002

Part V 3

BISHOP ROBERT M. BLACKBURN

Robert M. Blackburn, 82, died on Sunday, March 17, 2002 in Jacksonville, Florida. He was born in Bartow, Florida, graduated from Orlando Florida High School, Florida Southern College and Candler School of Theology at Emory University, and was ordained a Methodist minister in 1943.

He retired as Bishop of the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church in 1988. He served the following pastorates in the Florida Conference: Boca Grande (1943-44), U. S. Army chaplain with the 16th Armored Division in Europe (1944-46), First Methodist, Orlando, as associate pastor (1946-49), Mount Dora, Florida (1949-53), Trinity,

DeLand (1953-60), First Methodist, Jacksonville (1960-68), First United Methodist, Orlando, Senior Pastor (1968-72). In 1972 he was elected a Bishop in the United Methodist Church and served as Bishop of the North Carolina Conference (1972-80) and then for eight years in the Virginia Conference (1980-88). Bishop Blackburn had honorary doctor’s degrees from Florida Southern College, LaGrange College, North Carolina Wesleyan College, and Shenandoah University. He was a member of Who’s Who in America. He served on the Boards of Trustees of the following colleges and universities: Emory University, Florida Southern College, North Carolina Wesleyan, Methodist College, North Carolina, Greensboro College, Louisburg College, Virginia Wesleyan, Randolph-Macon College, Ferrum College, and Shenandoah University. He was married in 1943 to Mary Jeanne Everett of Atlanta, Georgia, who was the mother of his three children: Jeanne Marie Cox (Ray) of Rome, Georgia; Robert Jr. (Sarah) of Asheville, North Carolina, and Frances Blackburn Harwood (John) of Silver Spring, Maryland. After the death of his first wife, he was married in 1978 to Jewell Fannin Haddock, who was the widow of Judge L. Page Haddock and the mother of Nancy Haddock Price (John) of Tequesta, Florida; Judge Lawrence Page Haddock Jr. (Christy), Jacksonville; and Elizabeth H. Ruvo (Richard), Pt. St. Lucie. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, and one step-great-grandson. Services were held at First United Methodist Church of Jacksonville, where he had served for eight years and returned to in retirement. The service was led by Bishop Timothy Whitaker, Bishop H. Hasbrouck Hughes, Bishop J. Lloyd Knox, and Dr. Eugene Zimmerman. Words of Remembrance were given by Bishop Kern Eutsler, Bishop Joseph Yeakel, and a written statement was read from Bishop Earl Hunt. Bishops Charlene Kammerer, Carl Sanders, and Bevel Jones were present. Bishop Blackburn is remembered for his abiding personal integrity and deep love and loyalty to the United Methodist Church.

Submitted by Jewel Blackburn

Part V 4

LOUIE BRIDGES BLACKWELL

Louie Bridges Blackwell was born March 21, 1914, to Joseph Blackwell and Cora Matthews Blackwell of Hardaway, Georgia. He graduated from Florida Southern College in 1938 and attended Vanderbilt University Seminary. His home church was in Eau Gallie, Florida. In 1940 he was ordained in the Florida Conference. He served the following appointments: 1938 Ft. Ogden; 1939 - 1940 Venice; 1940 - 1941 student at Vanderbilt University; 1941 - 1942 Enterprise; 1942 - 1946 Arlington; 1946 - 1950 Alachua; 1950 - 1954 Orlando, Concord Park; 1954 - 1961 Titusville; 1961 - 1965 Ormond Beach; 1965 - 1966 West Palm Beach, Wagg Memorial; 1966 - 1967 Boynton Beach; 1967 - 1968 Madison.

Louie took early retirement in 1969 and served as English teacher and guidance counselor at Atlantic High School in Delray Beach, Florida. In 1938 he married Grace Elizabeth Parker. Louie is survived by his wife, Grace; one daughter, Sharon Blackwell Gine; and one son, David Parker Blackwell. He is also survived by five grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Louie died May 21, 2001, in the Hospice of John F. Kennedy Hospital in Lake Worth, Florida, after a long illness. A private memorial service was followed by burial at Memorial Gardens in Lake Worth.

Submitted by Grace Blackwell

JAMES W. BLITCH

James Willis Blitch was born to Henry Gideon Blitch and Eva Davis Hughey Blitch in Jacksonville, Florida, on December 2, 1911. His life and ministry are a testament to the continuing influence of “personal evangelism.” At the age of 11 he, and other young children in the Springfield neighborhood of Jacksonville, would gather at the home of “Mother Clark,” who would serve them lemonade and tell them about Jesus inviting them to “give their hearts to him.” On one of these occasions, Jim did just that, “he gave his heart to Jesus,” and vowed to “Mother Clark” that he was going to be a “preacher for Jesus.” It was a vow from which he never wavered for the next 77 years! Little did “Mother Clark” realize the extent of her influence and how many lives would be touched by the ministry of this 11-year-old boy, or

perhaps she did! He joined Springfield Methodist Church, where he remained an active and dedicated member until he went off to college and seminary.

Part V 5

After attending elementary and secondary schools in Jacksonville, he graduated from Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky, in 1933 and from Asbury Seminary, also in Wilmore, in 1935. It was at Asbury where he met Doris Cole, whom he married on October 10, 1935. She remained his lifelong companion and spiritual soul mate for almost 66 years. He was admitted on trial into the Florida Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South in December, 1934. In June of 1935, he was assigned to the Zolfo Springs – Friendship charge, where he served until October 1938. Jim had contracted malaria and was advised by his doctor to move to North Carolina or some higher elevation for his health. So he and Doris gathered their few belongings and their daughter Marcia, who graced their lives on March 23 of 1937, and motored to the Bethel Methodist Church in the Western North Carolina Conference. He served Bethel until he volunteered to be an army chaplain in June of 1942. During their ministry at Bethel their son Ken was born May 28, 1940. During his three and a half years in the army during World War II, Jim left Doris and their two children in Canton, North Carolina. He completed the Army Chaplain’s School, Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana, on June 10, 1942, and became the regimental chaplain for the 330th Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division when it was reactivated in August 1942. The unit endured twenty months of rigorous infantry training and departed New York to England on April 6, 1944. On June 15 they left Southampton, crossing the English Channel to participate in the Normandy Invasion. For the next thirteen months Jim provided a vital personal ministry to thousands of young men who endured the horrors of war. With the aid of his dedicated and talented chaplain assistant, Corporal Charles Dunwoody, he held hundreds of worship services behind hedgerows, in cow stalls, under trees, and often from the hood of their jeep for congregations ranging from two or three to hundreds! Jim was twice awarded the Bronze Star medal for meritorious service during combat operations. He was also awarded five Battle Stars for participation in five battle campaigns – Normandy, Northern France (Brittany), Rhineland, Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge), and Central Europe. He returned to the United States on September 5, 1945, and was released from service on December 19, 1945. In April of 1946, Jim was assigned to Woodrow Methodist Church on Staten Island while he did graduate studies at Drew University. Their third child, Linda, was born in Staten Island July 19, 1947. He then served Lexington Avenue Methodist Church, a Swedish congregation in the Manhattan Borough of New York City. Their fourth child and third daughter, Eva Grace, was born October 10, 1954. Jim and Doris realized that New York City was a difficult place to raise children and longed to return to Florida. He contacted the bishop of the Florida Conference in late February 1955. A few days later the Miami District superintendent called offering Jim the Ley Memorial Methodist Church in Key West, which he readily accepted as an answer to prayer. After moving back to the Florida Conference in March 1955, Jim served Ley Memorial, Avondale Church in Jacksonville, First Church Bartow, First Church Brooksville, and First Church Orlando as associate pastor. Jim preached with passion, offered pastoral care with compassion, stood firm in the church and in the community on behalf of people of color and left in his wake a trail of individuals whose lives were

Part V 6

marvelously transformed by the grace of God. His ministry and his personal life clearly carried the mark of authenticity. He and Doris “retired” to St. Petersburg, remaining active in Pasadena Community Church as long as Jim’s health permitted. Beginning in 1997, Jim suffered a degenerative muscle disease that gradually led to less and less functioning of his muscles. With his need for increased physical care, he was moved to the Bon Secour Nursing Home. Though he had severe physical limitations, his spirit and mind remained radiant and alert until the end. He died Saturday, July 14, 2001, in the Bayfront Medical Center at the age of 89. A Memorial “Celebration” was held in Goodwin Chapel at Pasadena Community Church with the Rev. Dr. J. Marvin Sweat officiating. Rev. Kenneth Blitch read a personal tribute to his dad with humorous anecdotes of his dad’s ministry. Three of Jim’s granddaughters sang one of his favorite hymns, “How Great Thou Art,” as a memorial tribute to their beloved grandfather. Dr. Sweat summed up his life and ministry as well as could be done when he said that “Jim possessed such a radiant Christian spirit that when I visited him in the nursing home and he was so weak he could no longer speak, he still radiated such a loving spirit that I left a better man than I came!” Well said, Marvin! Well done, “Mother Clark”! And “well done, thou good and faithful servant Jim!” His body was interred at the Memorial Gardens Cemetery in St. Petersburg. Jim is survived by his wife, Doris, who resides in St. Petersburg; daughters, Marcia B. Holtzclaw and Linda B. Swindall, of St. Petersburg, and Eva B. Browning, of Brooksville; a son, Rev. Kenneth C. Blitch, of Ft. Myers; a sister, Hallie B. Applegate, of Pompano Beach; and eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Submitted by Rev. Morris J. Holtzclaw and Rev. Kenneth C. Blitch

GORDON LATANE BOWMAN

Gordon Latane Bowman was born September 23, 1925, in Silver Spring, Maryland, the youngest son of William H. Bowman and Ruby C. Johnson Bowman. In 1943 he entered the United States Marine Corps 6th Marine Division. He fought during World War II in the Southwest Pacific with the Marine Raiders for 30 months and was baptized on Guadalcanal. After his discharge from the Marine Corps in 1946, he attended Washington College and George Washington University as a business major. Soon after, he became a public relations man for Thomas A. Edison Industries to the federal government. In 1952 he became a member of various professional and business organizations in which the Masonic Lodge, Kensington Lodge 198, Kensington, Maryland, held a very special place

in his heart. During this time, his passion for Big Band music led Gordon to play the saxophone with the Jimmy Dorsey Band. The night club scene soon became a very important part of his lifestyle. Shortly after, he married and had two children, Gary

Part V 7

Bowman and Kilby Bowman Short. Due to hectic lifestyle, his marriage ended but he continued his music career as well as his business interest. In 1963, Gordon met Marianne Steiger, who came from Switzerland after World War II. They soon became sweethearts and were inseparable. In 1964, their first daughter, Yasmin Bowman Gibson was born in Silver Spring, Maryland, and in 1965, their second daughter, Teresa Ann Bowman Gram, was born in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. Gordon continued with the nightclub lifestyle but soon left it after dealing with bouts of alcoholism. Looking for a fresh new beginning, Gordon and Marianne, with their two daughters, moved to Florida. In 1970, the Bowman family moved to Palatka, Florida, next door to Trinity United Methodist Church parsonage, Rev. Ray Gregory, pastor. Gordon, still battling his alcoholism, owned a small bar in Palatka. One day, Gordon was looking for money to buy alcohol from another neighborhood bar when Rev. Gregory offered him $5.00 for five minutes of his time. Gordon accepted the offer and within those five minutes accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. It was through God’s grace of Rev. Gregory and the strong faith of Marianne that helped Gordon give up alcohol and get into Christian ministries. During the next three years he served in missions and evangelism before entering the pastoral ministries. He attended Luther Rice Seminary, Santa Fe Community College, University of Florida, Emory University, and Trinity Bible College. He also received his Doctor of Philosophy in counseling from the University of California. Gordon was licensed to preach in 1973 and served for 25 years as a United Methodist minister. He pastored at churches in Gainesville, Orlando and Jacksonville Districts. After retirement in 1990, he continued his ministry in the DeLand District before fully retiring in Lakeland, Florida. He lived there until he went to meet the Lord on July 18, 2001, after a heart attack.

Rev. Dr. Gordon Bowman is survived by his wife, Marianne; four children: Gary Bowman of Pennsylvania, Kilby Short of Maryland, Yasmin Gibson of Oveido, Florida, and Teresa Gram of Lake Villa, Illinois; 16 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. The funeral was held on July 23 at College Heights United Methodist Church, Lakeland, Florida, where he was a member, with Rev. Dr. Keith Ewing, Rev. Dr. Joseph MacLaren and Rev. Doug Hallman officiating. He was laid to rest at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida. Rev. Dr. Gordon L. Bowman touched many lives in his life, not only through the way of the cross, but also through the way of his heart. He had a hunger for leading people to Christ. He didn’t care who they were or where they had been or what they had done. He sat himself among them all.

Thank God for Gordon; To God be the Glory. Submitted by Marianne Bowman

Part V 8

EDWARD FRANKLIN CARWITHEN

Dr. Edward Franklin “Frank” Carwithen, 94, of Ft. Pierce, Florida, died Monday, April 29, 2002. He was born September 20, 1907, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, son of Albert Carwithen and Nellie Conrad Carwithen. Dr. Carwithen had served churches in the Philadelphia Conference in the towns of South Wallingford, Flanders, Scottsville, Somerton, Paola and the Philadelphia Wesley Church. In 1944 Dr. Carwithen moved to Florida and served with the Florida Conference churches of Northwood in West Palm Beach, First Methodist of Sebring, First Methodist of Hialeah, Allendale of St. Petersburg, First Methodist of Daytona, Trinity of Bradenton, and Calvary of Lake Worth. After retirement in 1971 he assisted at Lakeside in Lake Worth.

Dr. Carwithen moved to Ft. Pierce in 1995, where he married Lillian Spencer and became a member of First United Methodist Church of Ft. Pierce. He has faithfully served Ft. Pierce on the Administrative Board, Visitation Committee, Sanctuary Choir and Men’s Club. In 2001, Dr. Carwithen was honored by the Florida Annual Conference for 70 years of service. He received a Bachelor of Art degree and master’s degree from Drew University, class of 1932. He received a Master of Theology and Doctor of Theology from Temple University. Dr. Carwithen was an avid wood carver and was a member of Treasure Coast Wood Carvers. He was also a member of Koinonia Brotherhood, Lawnwood Regional Medical Center Auxiliary, Drew University Alumni Association and Temple University Alumni Association. Survivors include his wife, Lillian Spencer Carwithen of Ft. Pierce; two sons, Robert Carwithen of Flourtown, Pennsylvania, and Edward Carwithen and his wife Sue of John Day, Oregon; three step-daughters, Jacqueline Cubas of Austi,Texas, Sylvia Phillips of Lexington, Oklahoma, and Judith Vaughn of Birmingham Alabama; 18 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his wives, Frances and Marie. A funeral service was held on Friday, May 3, at First United Methodist Church, Ft. Pierce, with Rev. Myric Laite officiating. Interment was in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia.

Submitted by Lillian Carwithen

Part V 9

HAROLD A. CLARKE

Rev. Harold A. Clarke was born on May 12, 1921, in Ionia County, Michigan, the son of Harold A. Clarke and Dora (Birman) Clark. He attended the Chicago Evangelistic Institute from 1941 to 1945, Alma College from 1945 to 1946, and received a B.A. from Michigan State College in 1947. He then attended Garrett Biblical Institute from which he received an M.A. in 1954. Rev. Clarke was ordained in the Michigan Annual Conference in 1945; he pastored in Riverdale, Michigan, from 1945 – 1947; Ludington, Michigan, from 1947-1951; New Buffalo, Michigan, from 1951 – 1954. In 1954 he joined the United States Army, serving as chaplain from 1954 to 1974. After completing his service with the armed forces he served Indian Lake Estates, Florida, from 1975 until his retirement in 1980.

Rev. Clarke married Frances Eva Sanderson on June 20, 1945. They were the proud parents of Lois Jeanne Avery, born January 7, 1947, and John Harold Clarke, born July 16, 1948. On May 24, 2000, Rev. Clarke died of a heart attack. Memorial services were officiated by the Rev. Pam Horner. Interment was on July 23, 2000, at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, DC.

Submitted by F. Eva Clarke

BUELL WILLIAM DALTON

Reverend Buell W. Dalton was born to Joseph and Hattie Williams Dalton in Allen County, Kentucky, on September 22, 1918. He graduated from Scottsville, Kentucky, High School in 1936 and drifted to Indiana to find work. By 1939 he had found work at P. R. Mallory’s in Indianapolis.

Through mutual friends, he met and married Ellen Berniece Taylor of Mooresville, Indiana. In 1945, he was called by God to become a Methodist minister of the Gospel. He was assigned to a small town of Francisco, Indiana, as a student pastor while attending Evansville University on numerous scholarships. In 1947 he was appointed to Rockport

Parish (three churches, now combined as Patronville Methodist). In 1949, he was assigned to Dale Methodist Church; while there he graduated from the University of Evansville with his master’s degree in 1951. In 1950-51 he appeared in Who’s Who of Students of Evansville College and was selected as the Campus Leader of Evansville College. He then moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he received his Bachelor of

Part V 10

Divinity degree at Vanderbilt School of Religion in 1954. In 1954 he was also selected to membership in the National Science Honor Society, Gamma Mu. Returning to Indiana, he was assigned to Shelbyville Trinity Methodist Church. In 1957 he was assigned to the Brookville Methodist Church. He became a deacon on June 21, 1953, and became an elder on June 20, 1957, under the leadership of Bishop Claude Raines of the Indiana Conference in Bloomington, Indiana. He served as Indiana Conference statistician. In 1959, he was assigned to Old North Methodist Church, where he remained for four years before going to Columbus Methodist Church in 1963. In 1965 he became a member of the International Graphoanalysis Psychology Society.

In 1966, he transferred to the Florida Conference and was assigned to a vacant lot in Hallandale, to start a new church, called Hallandale United Methodist Church, from which he retired in 1973. (Recently the church became a Hispanic Mission.) While there he found time to attend Miami-Dade College, where he attained a degree in mortuary science, becoming a licensed funeral director and embalmer in 1973.

After retirement, he moved to Cooper City, Florida, where he worked at numerous funeral homes, while serving as pastor of Wesley Chapel in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. In 1979 he moved to Bonifay, Florida, to really retire. But the district superintendent called him once again, to supply a small country church that had been closed, Compus Lake United Methodist Church, for five years. In 1989 he re-retired and moved to Winter Haven, Florida. Remaining faithful to the church, he attended St. John’s United Methodist Church. In 1998 he moved to Sun City Center United Methodist Church. On May 22, 2001, he was called to meet our maker while visiting his daughter in Nephi, Utah. Burial was in Sunset Memorial Park, Evansville, Indiana. The service was conducted by Rev. James Heady. Buell W. Dalton was married to Ellen Berniece Taylor on September 24, 1939, by J. Marion Small, uncle of the bride. Children of this union were Dr. Joseph G. Dalton of Evansville, Indiana; Mary Ellen Dalton Washburn of Bradenton, Florida; Deborah DeAnn Dalton Fish of Nephi, Utah. His first church membership was Scottsville, Kentucky, Methodist Church.

Submitted by Ellen Dalton

LARRY P. DINNING Larry Phillip Dinning was born October 15, 1958, at St. Joseph Hospital in Tampa, Florida, to Vivian (Lewis) and Wilber Dinning. He was a third-generation native to Florida. He had two older sisters. Larry received his A.A. degree from Hillsborough Community College in 1978. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Florida in 1980 and graduated in 1983 with a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Larry became the associate pastor at First United Methodist Church Brandon in June 1983. Larry received his deacon’s orders in 1983 and his elder’s orders in 1985. After

Part V 11

serving two years in Brandon he moved to Hilliard United Methodist Church in Hilliard, Florida. He was in Hilliard for three years before moving to Christ United Methodist Church in Lakeland, where he served five years. He then served a year at Ellenton United Methodist Church before going to First United Methodist Church in Zephyrhills as the associate pastor, where he served only six months before having to go on a disability leave due to health reasons. Larry married Lori Schwarz on July 16, 1983. They had a son, Matthew Philip Dinning, on August 24, 1992, and a daughter, Victoria Ann Dinning, on September 29, 1994. Larry loved the ministry but due to his multiple sclerosis was forced to retire in 1995. He remained faithful to his family and God as his body slowly deteriorated due to the MS. Larry died after a valiant fight on April 24, 2002. He had a memorial service on April 28, 2002, at First United Methodist Church of Zephyrhills with the Reverend Craig Ford, Dr. E. Keith Ewing, and the Reverend Leo Lacy officiating. Larry’s ashes were interred at the Garden of Memories in Tampa, Florida. He will forever be remembered for his compassion and love for others.

Submitted by Lori Dinning

SOLON BYRON DUCKER

Solon Byron Ducker was born December 11, 1922, at Arden, North Carolina, to Solon Byron Ducker Sr. and Edna Davis. He attended Valley Springs School and one year at Western Carolina College, Cullowhee, North Carolina, at which time he was called by the Marine Corps Reserve during the Korean War. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on February 12, 1942. During World War II he served in the Pacific area from May 1942 to December 1944. He was discharged at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, October 1945. He served in the Marine Corps Reserve from February 1948 to February 1952, when he had a tour of duty in the Mediterranean Sea area. Solon’s first appointment as a local pastor was

Bayshore United Methodist in Tampa, Florida, in 1979 to 1981 as assistant minister. He was appointed to Trinity United Methodist, Tampa, in 1981 until he retired June 1992. After retirement he served Thonotosassa United Methodist June 1992 to June 1997. He was then asked to pastor Trinity United Methodist, Tampa, for a few months until the final closing in April 1998. All memberships were moved to Palma Ceia United Methodist, where he enjoyed serving as visiting minister until his death in February, 2002. Solon was married to Leslie Maney at Asheville, North Carolina, on August 3, 1951. They have three children: daughter, Carla Bruning born July 9, 1957, two sons, Stephen Ducker born July 25, 1959, and Timothy Ducker, born May 15, 1963, the father of two grandchildren, Allison and Brett.

Part V 12

Solon died February 9, 2002 and was laid to rest at the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida. A Service of Remembrance in honor of a beloved husband, father and tireless worker for our Lord was held at Palm Ceia United Methodist Church, Tampa, and officiated by Dr. Earle Rabb and Rev. Mac Steinmeyer with moving eulogies by son Stephen and a number of friends.

Submitted by Leslie Ducker

ROBERT FRANKLIN HAYS

Reverend Robert Franklin Hays was born on April 27, 1927, in Syracuse, New York, the only son of Vera Houghton and Franklin Hays. He died on March 7, 2002, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, Florida, after undergoing two open-heart surgeries, first in May 2001 and again in December 2001. He entered the second surgery positive that all would be corrected, so that he could resume his normal routine as pastoral care minister at Trinity United Methodist Church in Sarasota and chaplain of Kensington Manor. Sadly, a staph infection developed in his new mitral valve, which led to his death.

Bob was a true Floridian, as he lived here from the time he was three years old. He joined Christ Church in St. Petersburg as a young boy and attended there regularly. He was an army veteran, having served in the 82nd Airborne - 508 Parachute Infantry Regiment. He also worked in the chaplain’s office during this time. Bob obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude, from Florida Southern College, where he was a charter member of the Omicron Delta Kappa Society and worked as an electrician to put himself through college. He earned his Bachelor of Divinity degree from Southern Methodist University in 1953 and was ordained in 1955. In 1955, he was assigned to Community in Daytona Beach as an associate pastor and went on to serve in Crescent City from 1955 – 1957; St. Marks in Ocala from 1960 - 1964; Trinity in Sarasota from 1964 - 1973; Port Charlotte from 1973 - 1980; Epworth in Hollywood in 1980, New Port Richey from 1980 – 1984; and Vamo in Sarasota from 1984 until his retirement in 1992. While serving Trinity, Rev. Hays was one of the founders of the Fruitville Area Medical and Educational Center (FAME). He headed the building committee, acting as general foreman for the construction of the Child Care Center and Health Clinic. Bob served as president of the Community Health and Welfare Council and chairman of the Advisory Board of the Special Adult Program at the vocational school. Bob was known for his wonderful sense of humor, particularly in his sermons, and always delivered his message enumerating his points to help the congregation summarize and remember. The Rotary Foundation named him a Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of his service to the community. Bob “officially” retired in 1992 as a full-time minister but continued to serve as chaplain at Kensington Manor two

Part V 13

days a week, and as part-time pastoral care minister at Trinity in Sarasota, visiting members at home and in the hospital. Bob married Lois Krill on July 25, 1998, at Trinity United Methodist Church with Rev. Michael Loomis officiating and the entire family participating. We believe they were brought together by God at Trinity, with help from some local “angels.” Together they now have seven children: Marilee Hays of Sarasota, John Hays of Colorado Springs and Donald Hays of Apex, North Carolina, from Bob’s marriage to Patsy Yoder; Dr. Edward Racht of Austin, Texas, and Betsy Bailey of Charlotte, North Carolina, from Bob’s marriage to Jean Racht; Terilyn Krill Brennan of Severna Park, Maryland and Jim Krill of Sarasota. Bob and Lois were very happily married and enjoyed life together in Sarasota. They traveled, often with groups and to Elderhostels, visiting Colorado, California, Wyoming, and Washington DC, after going “around the world” at Disney on their honeymoon. They had a wonderful life together, but entirely too short. The Celebration of Bob’s life was held at Trinity in Sarasota on March 11, 2002, with Dr. Scott Baker and Rev. Mike Loomis officiating. The service was very uplifting and was completely planned by Bob, who had outlined everything in advance, including his favorite hymns, scriptures and topic – the Grace of God. Ministering to us all to the end, it was a great gift and two of the children, Marilee and Ed, noted this as they spoke about their father and his legacy of love and life lessons. Bob is interred at Palms Memorial Gardens in Sarasota. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant . . . Enter thou into the joy of the Lord.” Matthew 24:21

Submitted by Lois and Marilee Hays

EUGENE PIERCE HENDRY SR.

There came from the mind, the heart and the words of Eugene Pierce Hendry Sr. the story of the beginning of his Spiritual Journey with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. "At Madison, Florida in 1921, I wanted to join the Church. Earlier in the summer I had ground-itch from playing barefooted outside. At night between my toes would itch so bad I'd scratch it. I was between 9 and 10 years old. One night, childlike as I was, as I was praying, 'Lord, if you'll take care of this itch. Next time I have a chance, I'll join the Church. When they opened the doors of the Church during that Revival, I went up. My father, a Methodist Minister, didn't receive people into the Church immediately. Later the next day, my father was talking with me and wanted to know if I knew what I was doing.

I did not tell him about the prayer, though I satisfied him that I knew what I was doing...that I really wanted to join the Church. In the summer of 1921 I joined the Hickory Grove Methodist Church, Madison, Florida."

Part V 14

Pierce's earthly journey began on Wednesday Nov. 1, 1911, in rural Colquitt County, Georgia, as the child of the Rev. George Pierce Hendry and Sallie Lou Pittman and grandchild of Rev. and Mrs. John MacFail Hendry (Methodist ministers). At the age of four he moved with his family to Florida, when his father was appointed pastor of the Waukeenah Charge. He was the second child of six. Sister, Lorette Hendrickson, and brother, Elliott G. Hendry, survive him.

In 1918, living in Hinson, Florida, he entered public school. In order he attended schools in Hinson, Havana, Chaires, Madison, Mt. Pleasant and finished high school in Pinetta in 1929. He first heard the "Call to Preach" in the fall of 1929 and was licensed to preach by the Tallahassee District Conference in December 1929. Across several years the Holy Spirit continued communication with Pierce, leading him to see the absolute need for education to fulfill his call. In 1934 he left Pinetta to come to Tampa to visit his relative, Rev. James A. Hendry, who was pastor of the Nebraska Avenue Methodist Church. A Youth Revival was in progress, led by Rev. F. L. Auginbaugh, an evangelist and pastor of the Faith Church in Tampa. He told Pierce of the Florida Bible Institute at Temple Terrace where Pierce entered in Sept. of 1934. He graduated from Florida Bible Institute in May 1936. In 1935 Emily Fern Wheeler, the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. L.H. (Caroline Greiner) Wheeler, a Methodist minister, entered Florida Bible Institute, after 2 years at Stetson University. They became good friends and upon her graduation, as valedictorian, May 12, 1937, Emily and Pierce were married that evening.

In the year 1936 he was licensed to preach by the Lake Magdalene United Brethren Church and until 1940 served pastorates of the United Brethren Church: Lake View Church in Pasco County, Carmen Ave. United Brethren, and Lake Magdalene United Brethren Church. Jan. 18, 1940 Pierce was ordained elder in the United Brethren in Christ Church, by Bishop G. D. Batdorf at old First Church on Nebraska Avenue in Tampa. On June 15, 1940, at the annual session of the Florida Conference of the Methodist Church meeting in Sanford, Florida, with Bishop Arthur J. Moore presiding, recognized Eugene Pierce Hendry's ordained elder’s orders from the United Brethren as an elder in the Methodist Church. Pierce was assigned as pastor to the Kathleen Charge (3 churches - Kathleen, Cork and Knights).

He entered Florida Southern College, Lakeland, in 1940; graduated with an A.B. degree in May 1943. Emily graduated with an A.B. degree in 1942. Pierce entered Candler School of Theology, Emory University, June 1943, and received his B.D. degree in August 1945. It was for 37 effective years (34 as a member of the Conference and 3 years as an approved supply), he served as a member of the annual conference and a committed servant of our Lord, continuing until declining health required him to take permanent disability in June 1975, officially retiring June 1977. His pastoral assignments were: Boca Grande, 1945; Cornelia Avenue, Lakeland (now Trinity), 1947; Grand Avenue, Fort Myers, 1949; Manatee, l954; First Largo, 1957; Anderson Memorial, Jacksonville, 1960; Trinity, Tampa , l962; Palma Ceia associate, 1963; Lealman, St. Pete., 1965; Plant City, Trinity, 1970; Highland City, l972; required to take disability, 1975; and formal retirement in 1977.

Pierce and Emily were "quiet persistent servants" in their shared ministry; he in his visionary pastoral ministry and she in her education and music ministry, fulfilling the words of Jesus," Blessed are the Meek..." Children who were born to them and shared in

Part V 15

blessing their home and their ministry were: Sallie Lou Hendry (Sept. 9, 1945) (Mrs. William A Wilkinson); Judith Ann Hendry (May 19, 1948) (The Rev. Judith Ann Weger, Mrs. Brian D. Weger); a son, Eugene Pierce Hendry Jr. (April 11, 1951); and Emily Dale Hendry (Sept. 16. 1953) ( Mrs. Douglas Alderman). Pierce and Emily have 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

He served the annual and district conference when asked. He believed that the establishing of new churches was an effective way to do God's "Kingdom Building" work. In 1953-54, while serving at Grand Avenue, he organized the Fort Myers Beach Methodist Church. In 1957, serving as Sarasota District missionary secretary, he secured the site for the Christ Church in Bradenton. As pastor of First Methodist Church in Largo, he secured the site for the second Methodist church in Largo which was organized by Rev. David Hortin as St. Paul Methodist Church.

In the fall of 1999, with failing health, he and Emily deeded their home in Lakeland (former home of Emily's parents) to the Florida Conference Preacher's Relief Board and moved to live with their youngest daughter and family on Rice Road in Plant City. Due to advancing diabetes and congestive heart failure Pierce's earthly journey was complete and he went to the Father's House on December 26, 2001. The College Heights UMC in Lakeland was their home church for many years and a service of Memory and Celebration was held there at 4 P.M. Sunday, December 30, 2001, with Dr. Douglas Hallman, pastor, officiating and several former College Heights pastors assisting. He was laid to rest in the Lakeland Memorial Gardens.

Those who knew Pierce will long remember and be grateful for his significant Discipleship of Being and Doing. His memory will remain as a challenge to each of us who shared this earthly journey with him. " To God Be The Glory!" Amen! and Amen!

Submitted by Rev. W.L. Joyner

WALLIS MONTGOMERY HURLEY

Wallis Montgomery Hurley was born on January 2, 1919, in Cherrydale, Virginia. His father, Lawrence Leroy Hurley, was married to the former Grace Louise Thomson. The family consisted of a baby daughter, Grace, and Louise’s father (Alfred Thomson) and Louise’s unmarried sister (Mildred). When Mont (as he was called) was around five years old, the family moved to a small farm near Beltsville, Maryland. His father was a linotype printer at the Evening Star newspaper in Washington, DC. So grandfather managed the farm, Mildred helped in the house, and Louise took care of her two children and later gave birth to another girl, Mary Louise (May). Wallis and his family became involved in the ministry of Beltsville Methodist Church, and the two older

children attended Beltsville Elementary School. They lived there several years until the U. S. Government decided to buy up some land in that area and their small farm was gobbled up. At this time the family moved to Hyattsville, Maryland. It was here that

Part V 16

Mont finished elementary school and high school. He graduated from Hyattsville High School in June of 1939. For several years he also worked at the Evening Star newspaper. While his sister, May, was in high school she became friends with Florida (Lori) Markward and they attended many functions together. Mont also met Lori about that time. They became friends and later married on February 14, 1942, in Hyattsville Methodist Church, South. Both Mont and Lori worked in their local churches, sometimes Methodist and sometimes Baptist. Mont told Lori when he married her to always be ready because he felt that the Lord may call him into ministry at anytime. Their marriage produced four children, two boys and two girls. Their names were Michael Drew, Penelope Leigh, Darryl Lynn, and Brenda Jane. Michael Drew died on March 18, 2001. Penelope later married Richard Gold; the others are still Hurleys. The family lived several places in and around Hyattsville and Riverdale until it became necessary for Mont to winter in the South. When school was out in 1959 the family packed all they had, put their house up for sale, and traveled south. They found a place seemingly prepared for them and found work. They taught Sunday school and were active in their community. It was while Mont was preparing a Sunday school lesson for a class of boys that he felt the Lord speak to him and call him into a proclaiming – preaching ministry. Because he was attending a Baptist church at that time, he was encouraged to study at Baptist Bible Institute in Graceville, Florida. He attended their three year program and several summers also at that school. He was ordained a Baptist minister at Frink, Florida, in his senior year at college. From that time on Mont became known as Wallis. Later, Wallis regretted his change to Baptist and was appointed to Steinhatchee United Methodist Church at annual conference in 1972 by Bishop Henley. He studied at the Course of Study School in Decatur, Georgia, for many years because they kept changing how many years were needed, and he loved to study, when it had to do with the Bible. Wallis served Steinhatchee (1972-1974), Wakulla – Woodville (1974-1976) and Greensboro (1982-1984) in the Tallahassee District, and Kathleen (1976-1979) and Lena Vista (1979-1982) in the Lakeland District. He was ordained as deacon at annual conference in 1975 by Bishop McDavid. Wallis retired at conference in 1984 due to health problems. We really didn’t expect him to live as long as he did. He and Lori returned to the house they had rented out for many years. After retiring, Wallis served Trinity United Methodist Church in Sanford until a regular pastor was secured. He also served as national chaplain for a camping group. It was in his bedroom in his own house that he drew his last breath and went home to live with his Lord, whom he loved so much, early morning, on January 15, 2002. Wallis is buried at Highland Memory Gardens near Apopka, Florida. His funeral service on January 19, 2002 was very impressive. Officiating were the Rev. Dean Witten, Orlando District superintendent, Rev. Alan Liphart, a former pastor (now in the Jacksonville District) and Rev. John Hubbard, the pastor at Pine Hills United Methodist Church. Wallis is survived by his wife, Lori, and three of his four children, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Submitted by Lori Hurley

Part V 17

CHARLES DOUGLAS HUTCHINS

Charles Douglas Hutchins was born August 2, 1916, in Norfolk, Virginia, the only child of Frank Douglas Hutchins and Cecileia Santos Hutchins. He graduated from high school in Norfolk in 1934. Charles wasn’t able to go to college right after high school, so he worked as a cashier in a bakery in Norfolk, run by friends of his family. After his mother passed away he was able to go away to college, so he went to Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1950. He went on from there to the Candler School of Theology, Emory University, in Atlanta, Georgia, and received his Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1953 and later received his Master of Divinity degree when it was

changed in 1972. In June of 1953 he was admitted to the Florida Methodist Conference on trial, and ordained a deacon. He was ordained an elder in 1955 and admitted into full connection to the Florida Conference. Charles faithfully and effectively served the following churches: 1953 Inman Memorial, Jacksonville; 1955 Callahan, Jacksonville District; 1959 Orange Park First, Jacksonville District; 1960 Interbay, Tampa; 1963 Safety Harbor First, St. Petersburg District; 1965 Bronson, Gainesville District; 1967 Westwood, Miami; 1968 chaplain, Goodwill, St. Petersburg ;1970 Dover-Sunset Heights, Tampa District; 1973 Wabasso, Grace, Melbourne District; 1977 Davenport, Lakeland District; 1980 Seville, Trinity, DeLand District. He retired in 1981 and moved to Savannah where his wife’s mother lived. He affiliated with Epworth United Methodist Church and assisted with the services. Charles was married to Miss Ellen Blitch, of Decatur, Georgia, on August 8, 1953, in Decatur First Methodist Church. They had one adopted daughter, Nelda Hutchins Doherty. Charles died of heart failure on June 29, 2001, in Marshview Inn, a care facility in Savannah, where he had been for four months. Funeral services were from the Chapel of Baker Funeral Home, Savannah, Monday, July 2, 2001, with Rev. Nathan Godley, one of his pastors at Epworth United Methodist Church in Savannah, officiating. Interment was in Screven County Memorial Park, Sylvania, Georgia, at 2:00 PM Monday, July 2, 2001. Charles was a good preacher, a loving pastor and what he said his grandfather wanted him to be – a true Christian.

Submitted by Ellen Blitch Hutchins

Part V 18

RALPH R. JOHNSON

Ralph Robert Johnson was born in Wayne County, Indiana, April 15, 1919, to Rev. Robert and Leatha (Hardesty) Johnson. Ralph and his younger brother, Donald Earl, grew up in a loving Christian home. He recalled attending annual conference at elementary school age. He received the Lord as his Savior and felt called to the ministry early in life. Ralph graduated from Taylor University, Upland, Indiana (1944), Asbury Theological Seminary (1948) and was ordained full connectional elder in 1949. Ralph married Phyllis Idle on May 27, 1943. He served Morningside Methodist Church, Muncie, Indiana, as a student supply pastor. They had three children. Ralph served in Indiana and West Ohio

Conferences before transferring to the Florida Conference in 1964. In North Indiana, Ralph served as the director of the Epworth Forest Youth Camp for four years. In 1958 he traveled to Cuba on an evangelistic mission. Pastorates served in Indiana after Morningside were Ridgeville 1946, Pleasant Mills 1949, Ashley 1952, Monroe 1956, Sheridan 1961 and after serving at Elwood 1962-1964, he transferred into the Florida Conference, Lehigh Acres. While serving Lake Placid United Methodist Church, he again went on an evangelistic mission trip to Bolivia and Peru, South America. Ralph served Orange Park 1971 and Belle Glade 1975 but it was necessary to move in 1976 to Fort Lauderdale, where his wife Phyllis could get care for cancer. He served St. Andrews UMC in Ft. Lauderdale. Phyllis preceded him in death on April 15, 1978. Ralph pastored St. Cloud First UMC 1979 then Ft. Myers Beach UMC from 1980 until retirement in 1986. He was asked to serve Spring Lake (Sebring) as he retired. He had bypass heart surgery in May of 1988. Later he served Sun Ray UMC, Frostproof, for 3 ½ years. Ralph went to be with the Father on March 6, 2002. He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Betty Luhring Johnson, children Phillip (Kathy), Myrna (David) Moehring, E. Marlene (Edwin) Johnson-Booth. Grandsons include Benjamin and Zachary Moehring. Brother is Donald (Phyllis) Johnson. Stepsons include Lester, Garland and William (Pamela) Luhring. Stepdaughter is Katherine (Daniel) Francis, and there are seven step-grandchildren. Ralph is sadly missed by a host of friends and family. His death was due to complications of diabetes. The Lord honored Ralph’s prayer to receive him into the kingdom. He was praying to be called home and after fifty-three years of preaching the Gospel, he slipped peacefully into heaven. Celebration of Rev. Johnson’s life was at Sun Ray United Methodist Church at Frostproof, Florida, on March 11, 2002. Officiating at the service were Rev. David Moehring of Camden, North Carolina, and Dr. Edward Thorn of Lakeland, Florida. Burial was at Bouganvillea Cemetery at Avon Park, Florida

Submitted by Betty W. Luhring Johnson

Part V 19

MARVIN WILLIAM PAUL LANIER

Paul Lanier was born September 24, 1925, in Moorefield, Arkansas, to William Allen Lanier and Della Harris Lanier. He began his college education at Hendrix College, Conway, Arkansas, but after one year enlisted in the U. S. Navy, in which he served from 1943-1946. Following WW II, he resumed his education at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, where he received a B.A. in business administration in 1948, and an M.Div. (Candler School of Theology) in 1951. Midway through is professional career as a United Methodist minister, he continued his professional training at the Institute of Religion in Houston, Texas, where he received a certificate in clinical pastoral education.

Rev. Lanier was ordained as a deacon and received into full connection in the North Arkansas United Methodist Conference in 1951. He was ordained an elder in 1953. In 1969 he transferred to the Florida Conference. Following is a list of appointments served: In the North Arkansas Conference (17 years): Biggers, 1951-1954; Danville, 1954-1958; Rector, 1958-1960; Wilson, 1960-1962; Weiner, 1962-1965; Fort Smith, 1965-1968; Institute of Religion, Houston, Texas, 1968-1969

In the Florida Conference (17 years): Sarasota, First, associate 1969-1971; Crystal River, 1971-1975; Hollywood, West, 1975-1976; Bonita Springs, 1976-1980; Sabbatical, 1980-1981; Lakeland, Good Shepherd, 1981-1985; Hastings-Riverdale, 1985-1986. Rev. Lanier retired in June of 1986. He was recognized for 50 years of ordination by the Florida Conference in May, 2001. Rev. Lanier was married on February 15, 1952, to Edith Stewart Lanier in Sumner, Georgia. He had two children: Edith Diane Lanier Thompson (born 8/15/53) and Paul Stewart Lanier (born 9/7/55). Rev. Lanier died on October 15, 2001, after several years of declining health related to Parkinson’s disease. His funeral took place on October 18, 2001, at the Pinson Memorial United Methodist Church in Sylvester, Georgia. The service was led by two lifelong seminary friends, Rev. Fred Shelnutt and Rev. Dr. Gilbert Ramsay. Burial was at Hillcrest Cemetery, also in Sylvester. Paul Lanier was known and will be remembered by former parishioners, friends and family as a gentle person of strong convictions. He was committed to both pastoral and prophetic ministries. He stayed in touch with persons in virtually all the churches he served. His ministry included work with migrant workers in Arkansas and Florida, support of civil rights, and environmental protection of Florida’s shorelines. In retirement he served as the chairperson of the Georgia Chapter of Common Cause, a political campaign and finance reform non-profit.

Submitted by Edith Lanier

Part V 20

LOUIS H. LEIGH II

Louis Leigh was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on June 6, 1923. His early years were spent with his grandparents in Boaz since his mother (Mildred Virginia Kirby) died in childbirth. He eventually went to live with his father (Grady Eldridge Leigh) in the Tampa, Florida, area. He joined the navy when he was 17 and served 7 years during World War II. During this time he met Barbara J. Stephens of Alachua, and in April of 1947 they married in Alachua Methodist Church. He was a graduate of the University of Florida School of Agriculture and Emory University Theological School. During his career he taught agriculture, mathematics, elementary school, was a football coach for Hialeah High School and a minister. He was very interested in assisting young men and coached Optimist football during his time in Hialeah. He was the governor of the Optimist Club in 1962 for the State of Florida. Louis was also a great cook and was noted for his pound cakes! He was ordained in 1967 and served as pastor at six different churches throughout Florida: First Methodist Church in Hialeah as an associate pastor (1961), Florida City (1963), Chiefland (1967), the Columbia Circuit (1969), Springfield Methodist in Jacksonville (1970) and Branford (1979). After his retirement he was a guest pastor at several churches throughout North Florida. He and Barbara retired to their farm in Brooker, Florida, in 1979, where he used his agricultural skills learned early in his schooling. There were three children from his marriage: son, Thomas Grady Leigh, now of Russell, Kentucky, born December 15, 1947; daughter, Susan Jane Leigh, now of Tallahassee, Florida, born June 7, 1951, and son, Louis Henry (Hank) Leigh, now of Gainesville, Florida, born February 9, 1954. Louis lived life to the fullest and loved his family and friends. He operated under the “whatever it takes” to accomplish his goals and did not give up easily. He was full of fun and laughter when at play and intense with his work. There was always good music and good food in his churches. He died June 17, 2001, from complications of a fall. Barbara had died two years earlier and he lost his will to live. The Rev. Ken Kleckner of Alachua United Methodist officiated at his funeral and was assisted by Rev. Bob Shelley. The services were held at Newnansville Cemetery in Alachua, Florida.

Submitted by Susan Leigh

Part V 21

VINCENT STANLEY MALKINSKI

Vincent Stanley Malkinski was born to Stanley and Marcyanna Malkinski in Springfield, Massachusetts, on July 19, 1933. Vincent was the first generation of Malkinskis to be born in the United States. Both parents were immigrants from Poland and came through Ellis Island in the early 1900s. Vin married Maxine Spear on July 25, 1953, in New Hampshire. The same year, Vin joined the US Marine Corps; he served four years and was honorably discharged in 1957. The Malkinskis returned to Springfield, where they remained until moving to Florida in 1963. Vin had an exciting and successful career in private and insurance investigation, both in Massachusetts and Florida. Though brought up in a Catholic home, Vin became a member of Calvary Methodist Church in Largo in 1963. He

served in various offices and worked with the youth. In 1969 Vin sensed God’s call into the ministry. He began his educational preparation, attending the following colleges and universities: St Petersburg Junior College, A.A. with honors, Phi Theta Kappa (1971); University of South Florida, B.A. with honors, Phi Kappa Phi (1972); Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Master of Divinity cum laude (1976) and Doctor of Ministry with a specialty in small churches (1980). He was ordained a deacon in the Florida Conference in 1974 and elder in 1979. While attending Candler, Vin served two student appointments in the North Georgia Conference: the Forsyth Circuit (five churches) and the Hampton/Lovejoy Circuit. Returning to Florida, the Malkinskis served the following appointments: Grace, Miami (1977-81), Zellwood (1981-1987), Union Street, Clearwater (1987-1993) and First, Cocoa Beach (1993-1996). After retirement in 1996, Vin and Maxine served for five years as volunteer campground hosts at Cades Cove National Park in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Vin served on various conference boards and agencies. Of all these, Vin was most honored when given the opportunity to serve on the Board of Ordained Ministry. While actively serving his churches, Vin was appointed to serve as chaplain to the Civil Air Patrol in 1991. With the rank of major, he used his talent of speech and humor to guide the cadets and senior members toward spiritual and moral values. As chaplain, Vin worked with the following squadrons: Clearwater, Patrick Air Force Base, and Tallahassee. Vin went to be with his Lord on April 23, 2002, in Largo, Florida, after a short illness. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Maxine Malkinski; two daughters, Irene Malkinski Offutt (born April 1, 1955) and Caroline Marcyanna Malkinski (born May 4, 1957); two grandchildren, Christy Offutt Thomas and Glenn Edward Offutt; and two grandsons, Jonah Thomas and Gabriel Thomas. A memorial service celebrating the life of Vincent Malkinski was held at First United Methodist Church, Clearwater, on April 27, 2002. Participating clergy were Russell T. Belcher, Gordon H. Strickland, and John C. Hicks. Another service was held in Tallahassee on May 18, with John V. Whitehead, Ronald A. Cichon and Charles E. Weaver participating.

Submitted by Caroline Malkinski

Part V 22

PATRICK WYLEY McBRIDE, JR.

Pat McBride was born September 6, 1926, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Patrick W. and Ruth (Price) McBride. While in high school he became involved with the Methodist Youth Fellowship at First Methodist Church, Jacksonville, Florida, and on April 13, 1941, was baptized and joined the church by Confession of Faith. The pastor of First Church was the Reverend Dr. P. M. Boyd, who guided his spiritual development and later encouraged him to enter the Christian ministry. Pat graduated from Andrew Jackson High School, Jacksonville, Florida, in 1944 and shortly thereafter enlisted into the United States Navy. He completed his tour of duty in 1946 and registered, in the fall of 1948, at Florida Southern College. Always a hard worker, he

graduated after three years, in the spring of 1951, with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In the autumn of 1951, he entered seminary at Candler School of Theology and, again, through hard work and diligent study, completed his work early, earning what is now the Master of Divinity in the summer of 1953. That fall, September 11, 1953, Pat married the love of his life, Shirley A. Gregory. Together they built a wonderful life, rearing three daughters: Linda L. McBride, Deborah M. Reed and Patricia M. Hester. The daughters expanded the richness of the family by providing six grandchildren who adored their grandfather. Pat’s ministerial record was: on trial, 1952, deacon 1953, elder 1954, full connection 1954; Tampa, Hyde Park, Associate, 1953; Crescent City, 1955; Monticello, 1957 Clearwater, Skycrest, 1961; Vero Beach First, 1970; Miami district superintendent 1975; Tampa, Palma Ceia, October 22, 1980; Cape Coral, First, 1984; Jacksonville, Ortega, 1987; Brooksville, First 1989; retired, 1992. In addition to his distinguished pastoral work, Pat was actively involved in the work of the conference. He served as registrar for the Board of Ordained Ministry and delighted in guiding the entry of seminarians into Conference membership. Florida Southern college was the benefactor of much of his talent. He served on the Board of Trustees for many years and was chair of the President’s Search Committee that brought Doctor Robert Davis to Florida Southern. In 1976, the College awarded him a Doctor of Divinity degree, in recognition of his profound contributions to the college and the Florida Conference. During retirement in Boone, North Carolina, Pat and Shirley worked tirelessly to assist in the work at Boone United Methodist Church. Together they helped establish a highly effective ministry for older adults called JOY. Pat and Shirley moved from Boone, North Carolina, to Winchester, Virginia, in December of 2000. Their friends in Boone mourned their leaving, and new friends in Winchester greeted their arrival. Immediately, they found ways to be in supportive

Part V 23

ministry at Braddock Street United Methodist Church. They served communion to shut-in members of the church and actively participated in the class on Christian Believer.

Early Tuesday morning, March 19, 2002, while hospitalized, Pat died unexpectedly from complications of heart disease. The family conducted a private graveside service at Mt. Hebron Cemetery in Winchester, on March 21. Later that day a service of Death and Resurrection was conducted at Braddock Street United Methodist Church to celebrate his life. Officiating clergy were the Reverends Dr. Alan R. Felumlee, Jay Kelchner and David D. Reed.

Submitted by son–in-law David D. Reed

SAMUEL MONTGOMERY

Samuel Montgomery was born March 16, 1931, in Mt. Holly, New Jersey. Only a few years later, his father, Thomas James Montgomery, died of encephalitis, leaving Myrtle Edna (Primrose) Montgomery the sole support of their three children. Out of necessity, she chose to place the two older girls, Ruth and Edith, in the local orphanage, and to keep her youngest child Samuel with her. Perhaps Sam’s love of the “small church” began at this time when he with his mother attended services held by small sects within their immediate community. Certainly his mother’s strong faith undeterred by hardship or happenstance influenced the young boy. Sam graduated from Frankford High School in

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His ranking as 379th in a class of 472 students reveals his lack of interest in studies. What Sam really loved was football. Even the lopsided victory of Philadelphia Catholic High School over Frankford High in his senior year in the championship game did nothing to dim his passion. He played semi-professional sandlot football for several years after graduation, as he worked at several entry-level jobs. Lonesome, in a new community after moving with his mother, new step-father and family to Lenola, New Jersey, Sam began attending youth services at the Moorestown Methodist Church. Here he met young people who would become life-long friends, but more importantly he formed a special relationship with the pastor of the church, the Rev. Chic Hawk. Chic’s joyous warmth and enthusiastic commitment to God awakened Sam’s faith. Rev. Hawk saw the intellectual depth of the young man’s questions, his leadership abilities and creative energy, and put him to work within the church. Sam now had a purpose for his life: he wanted to serve God as a minister; he wanted to tell others of God’s all-encompassing love. Therefore, as a way to pay for his future education, in 1951 he enlisted in the United States Army, planning to pay his way through college with the promised monies of the G.I. Bill. He spent two years fighting in the Korean Conflict, was promoted to sergeant, but turned down the opportunity to attend

Part V 24

Officer’s Candidate School, secure in his desire to serve God. Chic and Betty Hawk’s encouraging love, and strength and guidance remained constant during this period of his life, and, indeed, throughout all of his life. Sam loved being a student; this love of learning became an integral part of him and his ministry. The major schools and universities and events and awards Sam received are listed below.

Bachelor of Arts from Geneva College, Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, January 21, 1958, graduated with honors

Selected to appear in the 1957-58 Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges

Admitted to annual conference of the Methodist Church September 18, 1960, as a deacon, Ocean City, NJ

Ordained as an elder at the annual conference of the Methodist Church, September 22, 1962, in Ocean City, New Jersey

Took business management courses at Stetson University, DeLand, Florida, in 1974, as well as additional theological and professional development courses.

Sam’s ministry began in New Jersey, where he served the following “small churches”:

1959 the Rancocas Methodist Church, the Masonville Methodist Church 1961 the Fairton Methodist Church 1963 the Franklinville United Methodist Church, the Plainville United

Methodist Church In 1974 Sam requested a leave of absence: to help his wife’s parents adjustment to their new life in Florida, the move

was necessary because of his mother-in-law’s illness to learn business techniques and practices that could be used in running a

church. He believed that new methods could be used to more efficiently proclaim God’s message

Sam’s leave of absence was granted, and he was assigned to two “small churches” in Central Florida:

The Welaka United Methodist Church The Georgetown United Methodist Church

The following June, Sam and family returned to New Jersey (even though his heart had found his true home in Florida). He loved its gentle breezes, swaying palm trees, and especially its clear bluegreen waters.

1975 the Neptune City United Methodist Church, Neptune City, New Jersey The Florida Conference invited Sam to join them. He accepted. 1976 The Oldsmar United Methodist Church, Oldsmar, Florida

During his ministry, Sam began a study on sermon techniques with the goal of improving his sermons. One minister’s sermons instantly proved to be what Sam was searching for. He had found a new mentor, one he would never meet, but one who greatly influenced his thinking and his sermon productivity. The mentor was Frederick Buechner, author of many books, including The Sacred Journey, Now and Then, Telling the Truth.

1988 the Highland United Methodist Church in Tampa

Part V 25

Sam loved his family. Early in his ministry, he determined that he would prioritize his great loves as follows: 1.Love of God; 2. Love of Family; 3.Love of Church.

The difficult decision helped him as he met outside demands on his time. Family consisted of his wife, Janet Rachael (Zerfing) Montgomery whom he met at Geneva College and married on July 4, 1959. Their daughter, Michelle Lee Montgomery, was born on February 2, 1961, bringing much joy to their lives. Douglas Paul Montgomery was born December 3, 1962 (an early joyful Christmas present). Retirement for Sam began in 1994. Sam had fun; he did the following:

Was a senior tutor to teach English to non-English speaking students under the Hillsborough Literacy Council program

Acted as a wise and loving caretaker for his wife, Janet Attended the Chapel-in-the-Pines Presbyterian Church, Tampa, Florida,

where he taught adult classes on Wednesday nights, and preached when the minister was on vacation, or as needed

On an October day in the year 2000, Sam felt a lump on the side of his neck; it was cancerous. Chemotherapy and radiology treatment were powerless, as the disease quickly invaded his body. Sam died on Sunday morning, September 23, 2001.

At the memorial service held at the Highland United Methodist Church, many people came to honor his life. And the stories they told at the invitation of the Reverends Jon Marc Beaver and John Harris were not about large funds of monies raised or bursting the seams of a large church. Rather, each person told his own unique story:

One golfer told how he and others were not attending church services during good golfing weather, so Sam took the church services to them. An early Sunday morning church service (Sam’s daughter Michelle played the piano) held in the golf club’s meeting room attracted many golfers

Another person rose to talk of bright, bobbing balloons filling the sanctuary on Easter mornings. At a given signal, each person in the pews released the tethered balloon in front of him, as they spoke in unison “Christ Jesus is Risen! Hallelujah!”

Of learning from Sam that the best way to tell a person about Christ was to tell his own story of what God had done for him – no more, no less

Of specific sermons, still remembered; such as how small aggravations (for example, buzzing biting mosquitoes) can keep a person from experiencing God’s boundless love

Of help given when desperately needed Of an honest, real man with no pretense or posturing, with evident faults

and talents to spare who was used by God to tell His story. And more, and more, and more . . .

The “small church” will go on, led by honest men who love their Lord. When the story is told and the life is finished, one small bright star proclaims a life well spent, and still shining.

Submitted by Jan Montgomery

Part V 26

EDWARD W. NORMAN

Edward W. Norman was born on February 25, 1921, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, to Edward James Norman Jr. and Hazel Faye Southworth Norman. His varied education and life experiences gave him a background to understand people from various walks of life. Ed graduated from Homestead High School, Homestead, Florida, in June 1938 and continued with a post-graduate course at Redland High School until June 1939. After attending the University of Miami in Miami, Florida, on a journalism scholarship, from September 1939 to June

1941, Ed left school to serve in the Coast Guard from July 1942 to May 1943. From that date until May 1944, Ed enlisted in the Naval Air Corps, and then re-enlisted in the Coast Guard until April 1946. While serving our country in Greenland, Ed felt called by God to enter the ministry. Florida Southern College was next in Ed’s plans. He attended FSC from September 1946 to June 1948, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Ed’s graduate work was done at Garrett Biblical Institute (now Garrett Evangelical Seminary), in Evanston, Illinois, from June 1950 to June 1954. Graduating with a Master of Sacred Theology degree, he was the honored recipient of the Howe Theology Award. Ed Norman met Irma Lee Packard while they were students at Florida Southern College. They were married December 28, 1947. Their children include Edward James Norman III, born October 16, 1948; George William Norman, born March 18, 1955; and Jane Norman (now Woolever), born February 15, 1958. Ed and Irma were married 53 years. Seven grandchildren survive him. Ed served churches of all sizes in his ministry, and he and his family lived in all parts of the state – from the East Coast to the West Coast, from the capital to the far south of the state. He joined the Methodist Church in Redland at age 17 but soon transferred his membership to Homestead Methodist Church. He received his license to preach at Eaton Park Methodist Church in June 1947 and then was appointed their pastor until December of that year. Next he served Cork Methodist Church from January 1948 to June 1948. From there, Ed served the Tice/Estero Circuit until June 1950. While in graduate school, Ed served the Nichols Circuit in Iowa from June 1950 to June 1954. As a courtesy to the Florida Annual Conference, he was ordained a deacon at the Iowa-Des Moines Annual Conference in June 1953. The family celebrated with Ed the receiving of his elders orders from the Florida Annual Conference in 1955. He was appointed to Bowling Green Methodist Church from June 1954 until June 1956. Next Ed served the Tarpon Springs First Methodist Church until January 17, 1962. From there Ed and his family moved to Titusville, where Ed served as pastor of the First Methodist Church until June 1968. Trinity United Methodist Church in Bradenton came next. Ed served there until June 1972. Then, the Norman family moved to Tallahassee, where Ed was pastor at Trinity United Methodist Church until June 1976. His last pastorate was at Pasadena Community United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg. While there, Ed received an honorary doctor’s

Part V 27

degree from Florida Southern College. He served Pasadena Church until he retired in June of 1988. Though Ed retired from active ministry, he never stopped serving God as guest preacher and teacher. He was forever the student, the reader (probably the best-read preacher in the Florida Conference), the writer, and a faith communicator without equal. Ed Norman served on many conference boards and agencies for the United Methodist Church. He chaired the Conference Council on Ministries, was a delegate to the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference, a trustee of Florida Southern College and the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home, chaired the Conference Work Area on Social Concerns, and was on the Conference Finance and Administration Committee. Ed taught in district Christian Enrichment Schools, led preaching missions and was an instructor of homiletics at the Conference License to Preach School. He wrote a Manual to Guide Small Groups in the Development of a Personal Theology, wrote extensive expanded notes for the DISCIPLE Bible Study program, and was always adding to his own personal book on theology. The “real” stories of Ed’s ministry cannot be contained in a list of “Who’s Who” but are better preserved in a 400-page autobiography that he wrote for the family. What Ed taught and preached he gracefully and humbly lived. He was a very real, down-to-earth man with a giant sized faith. Ed Norman died on October 1, 2001, of cardiac dysrythimia and bullous pemphigus. Visitation was held at the Vinson Funeral Home in Tarpon Springs on October 4. A memorial tribute was held at Pasadena Community United Methodist Church on October 6 with the Rev. Sylvia Russell officiating as many friends shared remembrances. Ed’s ashes were spread on the Gulf of Mexico. We are better people because Ed Norman came our way. We miss him greatly!

Submitted by Sylvia Russell

ORIEN BRUCE PICKERING

Much like John Wesley, O. Bruce Pickering found God’s call in a brush with death. Instead of a burning building, Bruce was saved from suffocation in a ditch he was digging. The sides suddenly collapsed, and he was buried alive. His father, nearby, discovered his peril, and dug him out just in time to save his life. A search for the meaning of his deliverance led into pastoral ministry. Bruce’s joy in living for God was his companion ever after. You heard it in his cheery whistles, his playfulness, his encouraging thoughtfulness, his merry powder-blue eyes, and his wonderful sense of humor. You felt it in his sermons, and especially in his singing. Melodies of joy seemed to those closest to him as echoes of the promise of heaven.

He was born Orien Bruce Pickering, June 15, 1918, to Russell D. Pickering and Mildred Sackett Pickering in New York State. He grew up in Endicott, New York, and

Part V 28

was baptized at First Methodist Episcopal Church there. His Grandfather Sackett was a preacher and his Grandma Sackett dedicated little Bruce to the Lord. Years later, he would credit his decision to enter the ministry to his grandmother’s determined prayers. June 15, 1940, Bruce wed Zereta Confer and soon settled in western Pennsylvania, where their young family entered Bruce’s first pastoral work on the Nelson-Thompkins charge; then to Scio, New York. Then, during World War II, he moved his growing family to Montana Conference, where Bruce became pastor of the Phillipsburg-Drummond charge. In 1946, Bruce decided to move to the Florida Conference (serving Melrose) and began studies toward full conference membership. He attended the University of Florida and embarked on the 8-year Advanced Course of Study, which he completed. In 1950 he was admitted on trial and was voted probationary membership and ordained deacon in 1952. In 1954, he was granted full connection and in 1956 he was ordained elder. During this time Bruce moved the family to Hawthorne (1951) and Florida City-Redlands (1952). His service continued in MacClenny (1956) and Jacksonville, Main St. (1961). At Main St, Bruce and Zereta’s family was completed with the birth of their sixth child. Russell, Roger, Romaine, Rebecca, Randy, and Rhonda stretched diapers and tricycles over nineteen years. Shortly after moving to Eustis (1966), Zereta succumbed to ALS and passed away. In 1968 Bruce married Wesley St. John and she and her daughter, Linda, Bruce’s children, Randy, Rhonda and Becky, who was bound for college, moved to Bruce’s next appointment, Ft. Myers Central. Bruce and Wesley brought their two families together in a gracious way that gave them a family of nine children (including Wesley’s two grown children, Rebecca and Fred) and fourteen grandchildren. After a very successful ministry at Central, Bruce moved to Fernandina Beach (1976), Lockhart (1979) and Largo, Calvary (1981), where they retired in 1986. After his retirement, Bruce served as assistant pastor at Pine Castle UMC, Orlando, from 1988 until 1996, and both he and Wesley enjoyed wonderful fellowship during their time there. Wesley passed away in 1994, and Bruce later moved closer to four of his children by retiring to Winter Haven. His last years were spent there in lively efforts to encourage others, including organizing a song service in his retirement home. His full confidence in the Lord Jesus brightened every situation Bruce entered. Even on his deathbed, Bruce had the retirement home staff listening to his jokes, and seeking his advice, and telling the Good News in his cheerful way. He went home to his Savior on July 25, 2001, aged 83 years. Officiating at the celebration of his life held at Pine Castle United Methodist, Orlando, on July 27 were pastors Sara Reed and Jeff Smith. Well done, good and faithful servant, and good bye for now.

Submitted by Rev. Jack Hileman

Part V 29

WILLIAM E. (BUCK) ROWELL

William Edmond Rowell, affectionately known as Buck, was born in Lancaster County, South Carolina, on September 8, 1911. He was the son of William A. and Isabella Carnes Rowell, a Christian family of whom he thought the world. Rev. Rowell attended Wofford College in South Carolina for two years then stopped because of the lack of funds. It was at this time that he was asked if he had ever considered preaching. He began to pray, “God, is this what you want me to do?” With a positive answer, he never looked back. He returned to Wofford and graduated. He also graduated from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Rev. Rowell received a license to preach as a

Methodist minister in South Carolina in September 1937. He was ordained as a Methodist minister in the State of Florida in 1943. He became an elder in the Florida Conference. His ministry started in Lancaster, South Carolina, at a Methodist church. His pastorate in Florida included churches in the Miami area, Stuart, Delray Beach, Clermont, Jacksonville, MacClenny, Bradenton, Canal Point, Alturas, and Wahneta. He retired after serving Davenport United Methodist Church in 1977. He continued in service as the visitation minister at the Haines City First until 1987. In 1993, Rev. Rowell received a Golden Anniversary Award for 50 years of service in the ministry of Jesus Christ. In 1938, Rev. William E. Rowell married Alice Duncan, also of South Carolina. In the following years they had no children so they adopted the Children’s Home in Enterprise, Florida, with faithful support. His wife preceded him in death in 1993, leaving only a brother-in-law, Forrest Crosby of Clermont, Florida, and dear friends, Charles and Doris Edge of Lake Hamilton, Florida. At 90 years of age, he suffered from a fall that brought about his death in Haines City on December 2, 2001. He was buried in Haines City, Florida, with the Rev. Charlie Boggs of the Haines City First United Methodist Church conducting a memorial service and burial on December 6, 2001.

Submitted by Charles C. Edge

Part V 30

WALTER BLAKE RUTLAND

In his later years, Walter Rutland turned his creative intelligence to writing stories about New Testament figures, producing narratives such as "Mary Remembers," "The Centurion," "The Innkeeper," "Judas," and "Peter's Mother-in-Law." Each story testified to his rich understanding of God's goodness and love and the intricacies of the human condition, an understanding that also suffused his entire life and pastoral ministry. We who were touched by him will keep and share the faith he shared with us, not out of fear but out of love, and not by imitating him, but by following the same Lord he followed.

The Reverend Walter Blake Rutland was born in Harris County, Georgia, on November 10, 1924, and died

suddenly of an aneurysm in Clyde, North Carolina, on ctober 4, 2001. He was the younger son of the late Ransom Eugene Rutland Sr. (3/18/1892 - 5/19/1972) and Leila Cotton Rutland (11/21/1901 - 5/12/1975. Both of his parents were active in the Florida Conference, his father having transferred to Florida in 1933 after having served in the North Georgia Conference since 1914.

He graduated from Emory University in 1947, where he was involved in numerous honor societies, the Glee Club, the swim team, and other activities. He earned a master's degree in sociology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1948 before returning to Emory to attend Candler School of Theology. Ordained a deacon in the Florida Conference in 1949, he served an appointment at Marietta Campground, Georgia, as he completed his Bachelor of Divinity degree at Candler. He was ordained an elder upon his graduation in 1951, when he returned to Florida and served appointments at Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Lakeland. In 1971 he was appointed superintendent of the DeLand District. His service as D.S. of the DeLand District included an appointment to the Board of Trustees of Bethune-Cookman College, which awarded him an honorary doctor’s degree in 1978. He later served churches in Ocala, Sarasota, Tampa and Gainesville. He retired to Lakeland in 1991.

During his retirement, he enjoyed two part-time positions. He was honored to assist President Oswald P. Bronson of Bethune-Cookman College, where he served as director of church relations from his retirement in 1991 until his death. And, he returned to First United Methodist Church, Lakeland as minister of visitation from 1992 until his death; he appreciated the opportunity to work with senior minister, Riley Short.

He dedicated his time and talents to that which was most important to him. His involvement with the Florida United Methodist Children's Home lasted for over thirty years. He was a man of keen wit and intelligence, and maintained a variety of interests.

From listening to opera to hunting, repairing cars to bee-keeping, analyzing Shakespeare to tending citrus trees, he embraced the intricacies of art and nature with lively zeal. Yet his loyalty to the church, and particularly to the Florida Conference, remained the focus of his life.

He is survived by his wife, Ann Carolyn Allison Rutland (1/21/1925). He was devoted to his Ann, who filled each parsonage with music and Christian love. She will

Part V 31

continue to live in Lakeland, Florida, and Clyde, North Carolina. Walter and Ann celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on August 3, 2001. They had three daughters: Ann Carolyn Rutland (9/4/1953), married to Christopher Schmidt), Dorothy Leila Rutland Trogolo (4/20/1956), married to Robert Trogolo), and Jane Allison Rutland Soulen (8/15/1960), married to Kendall Soulen). They had seven grandchildren: Charles Blake Schmidt, Gene Walter Schmidt, Christopher Morgan Schmidt, Maria Lynn Trogolo, Emily Ann Trogolo, Leila Rebecca Rutland Soulen, and Rebecca Blake Rutland Soulen. He was preceded in death by their son, Walter Blake Rutland, Jr. (10/31/1957 - 4/11/1980), whom he mourned, but whom he also expected to see again. Walter and Blake are hunting together again, or the heavenly equivalent thereof.

He is also survived by his older brother, Ransom Eugene Rutland Jr. (3/25/1923), a member of the Florida Conference, and his wife, Martha Jane Brown Rutland. His life was enriched by his kinship with those who both shared a depth of commitment to God and who enjoyed active lives in God's wide world.

He had the knack of making many of us feel uniquely special. He saw what was good in us and gave us the confidence that comes when we know that we are loved unconditionally. Family, parishioners, staff, clergy, and others who were fortunate enough to cross his path enjoyed his marvelous folksy colloquialisms that cushioned the piercing wisdom of his observations and opinions. His wisdom drew on his inner certainty in God's inexhaustible goodness and mercy. His certainty came not in the knowledge of answers, but out of his depth of commitment to God in Christ.

A memorial service was held in Lakeland, Florida, on October 9, 2001. Officiating ministers were his friends Riley P. Short, Sue Haupert-Johnson, Charley Reeb, Tom McCloskey, Kendall Soulen, and George Lutz. In a joyous service the following morning, the family placed his ashes in the columbarium at the First United Methodist Church, Lakeland. His buddy, Riley P. Short, presided. Walter's and Gene's younger grandchildren sang lustily; granddaughter, Emily, accompanied on her violin; granddaughter Maria sang a cappella. His niece, Martha Ann Rutland-Wallis, also a member of the Florida Conference, offered the benediction.

A second memorial service was held at the Memorial Chapel, Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, on October 19, 2001. His friend, Charles G. Turkington, presided; Robert M. Blackburn delivered the message; Caxton Doggett, Jimmy Jones, and James Crook participated in the celebration and remembrance for the life and new life of their friend and colleague.

He made it easy for his children to believe in the love of a heavenly Father, because he himself trusted in that love.

Addendum: In the Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, he was elected to General Conference twice and to Jurisdictional Conference four times. He served as a member of: Board of Evangelism (chair); Conference Relations (chair); Board of Ordained Ministry; Camps and Conferences (chair); Board of Finance and Administration; Council on Ministries; Board of Higher Education and Ministry; Board of Social Concerns (Chair); General Board of Publications; Board of Trustees, United Methodist Children's Home; Board of Trustees, Bethune-Cookman College; Board of Trustees, Florida Annual Conference.

Appointments: Marietta Campground, Georgia 1949-1951; Belmont Park, Clearwater 1951-1953; Pasadena Community Church, St. Petersburg 1953-1967; First United Methodist Church, Lakeland 1967-1971; district superintendent, the DeLand District 1971-1977; First United Methodist Church, Ocala 1977-1982; First United

Part V 32

Methodist Church, Sarasota 1982-1984; Palma Ceia United Methodist Church, Tampa 1984-1988; First United Methodist Church, Gainesville 1988-1991; director of church relations, Bethune-Cookman College 1991-2001; minister of visitation, First United Methodist Church, Lakeland 1992-2001.

Submitted by Allison Rutland Soulen

JAMES HOYT TATUM

“And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the

stars for ever and ever.” -Daniel 12:3

James Hoyt Tatum was born on March 23, 1911, in Myakka City, Florida. A true “Son of the South,” Dr. Tatum embodied in his life the genteel manner and quiet spirit of a bygone era. Judge James D. Bruton Jr. dubbed Dr. Tatum “The Parson” and the sobriquet stuck. He was “The Parson” in every best sense of the word. The call to Christian service would take him from his native south central Florida to places and stations beyond his boyhood dreams. It is impossible even to mention Hoyt’s

ministry without including his faithful helpmate, Thelma. The Tatums were a team across the span of his long and productive ministry and into retirement where they were still leaders in the Mature Years Retreats with Hoyt developing the spiritual content and Thelma leading the physical exercise. Thelma often reminds us that “Hoyt is the best thing ever to come out of Myakka City . . . and I got him!” Indeed, she did “get him,” but she shared him, too. She shared him with the following congregations: Naples-Bonita Springs, Boca Grande, Palmetto, Avon Park, First Ft. Lauderdale, Palatka, Leesburg, First Bradenton, Orlando Goss Memorial and First Plant City. He served two appointments as district superintendent, first in the St. Petersburg District and later in the Miami District. Hoyt died on December 31, 2001, and his life and ministry were remembered and celebrated on January 4, 2002, at First United Methodist Church in Plant City, Florida. More than twenty-five ministers joined the throng which gathered to witness to God’s grace in giving Hoyt to us as a friend, colleague, husband and father. Bishop J. Lloyd Knox, Dr. Duncan Gray and The Reverend Jeremy Rebman were among those who offered eulogies. Dr. Alan Beaver gave the memorial sermon. As we appreciate this gentle man and all he accomplished, as we observed him live the gospel he preached, there is a growing sense that the Lord will not have to do as much to “finish” his creation as in many lives. Much of that work was accomplished as this servant walked in obedience in his years on earth. At the death of his father, Earl Grey, Lord Grey offered the following tribute: “He lighted fires in so many cold rooms.” These words are also a fitting tribute to the memory of the Reverend Doctor James Hoyt Tatum.

Submitted by Alan Beaver

Part V 33

MANUEL VIERA

Rev. Manuel Viera was born on June 1, 1922, in Santiago de las Vegas, Cuba. His parents were Maria Bernal and Manuel Viera Sr. Manuel Viera attended elementary, middle and high school in the public school system of Santiago de las Vegas. He graduated from the Institute of Holguin in 1955 and from the Evangelical Seminary of Theology in Matanzas in 1959. Rev. Viera served as a United Methodist pastor in Cuba in the cities of Manzanillo, Antilla, Buenaventura, Nuevitas, Cardenas, and in his hometown of Santiago de las Vegas. Rev. Viera founded the Movimiento Social Cristiano in 1957. This movement of Christians in Cuba wanted to improve the well being of all Cubans under a democratic system. In

1961 he came with his family to the United States. He served as minister in Miami, Tampa, Zolfo Springs and West Palm Beach. Rev. Viera was secretary of the National Council of Evangelical Churches in Cuba from 1959 – 1961. He was the first president of MARCHA (Spanish caucus of the United Methodist Church). Rev. Viera retired on June 1, 1987. Rev. Viera married Minerva Arias in 1947. They had two sons, Alexis Viera (08/10/47) and Ariel Viera (09/18/50). Rev. Manuel Viera died on May 28, 2001, of a heart attack in West Palm Beach. The funeral took place on May 29 at Mizell-Faville-Zern Funeral Home. The burial took place at 10:00 AM on May 30 at Hilcrest Memorial Park in West Palm Beach. The officiating clergy were the Revs. Germinal Rivas, Emilio Chaviano, and Mario Chacon.

Submitted by Minerva Viera

VIRGINIA ROBINSON BOYE

Virginia Robinson Boye was born March 18, 1917, to George and Alice Robinson of Raven, Virginia. She was the widow of Glenn E. Boye, a minister in the Florida Conference from 1966 until his death in 1978. After completing her early education in the public schools of Russell County, Virginia, Virginia entered Emory and Henry College, a Holston Conference College in Emory, Virginia. As a student in college she acquired the nickname “Cindy” and renewed a special friendship with fellow student Glenn Boye.

Part V 34

Glenn and Cindy were quietly married May 21, 1937, in Elizabethton, Tennessee. They moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where Glenn entered Candler School of Theology. Cindy completed her college studies in 1938. Cindy embraced the challenges of a minister’s helpmate with grace and poise. Her outgoing spirit and infectious laughter provided support and friendship to her community and to other clergy families. Glenn and Cindy served 25 years in the Holston Conference before transferring to the Florida Conference. Cindy had been a public school teacher for many years prior to moving to Florida. She was committed to teaching others, but also was determined to never stop learning herself. Her life as a mother, a wife, a teacher, and a minister’s helpmate was full and rewarding. During their ministry in Florida, Glenn and Cindy served in Ft. Myers at Wesley Memorial and at Central. They also served in Miami Springs. After Glenn’s death, Cindy moved back to Virginia in 1997 to be near her family. Virginia R. Boye died May 12, 2001. Funeral services were held in Marion, Virginia, and burial in Bluefield, Virginia. She is survived by three daughters, Jerilyn, Glenna and Alice, four grandsons and four great-grandchildren.

Submitted by Jerilyn Tate

RUTH ANN BAILEY BURKE

Ruth Ann Bailey was a native of Tazewell, Virginia, born April 2, 1925. She was a graduate of Emory and Henry College, Emory, Virginia, and received her masters’ at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois. She began her vocation and career as a Christian education director in Knoxville, Tennessee, and Charlottesville, Virginia. She was the first full-time director of a Wesley Foundation in the State of Virginia, located at Farmville State Teachers College (now Longwood University). She was a born teacher. She was an educator, a retired teacher, having taught in schools in Virginia, Florida, and Venezuela, South America. She taught in

both public schools and in colleges across the state of Florida: Flagler College in St. Augustine, Miami Dade Community College in Miami, and Valencia Community College in Orlando. Ruth Ann was the wife of Rev. Elwyn Reed Burke, a retired United Methodist minister in the Florida Annual Conference. They were married for over fifty-two years of sharing love and friendship. The mother of two daughters, Mary Elizabeth Burke Tillett and Rev. Dr. Marta J. Burke, son-in-law, William James Tillett, and the proud grandmother of Matthew James Tillett and Sara Elizabeth Tillett. Other family members that she held dear to her are her brother, Rev. Ray Bailey, and his wife Ellen; sister, Mrs. Nell Moore, and nephews and nieces, Mr. James Ayers,

Part V 35

Mr. Alan Ayers, Rev. Daniel Moore, Mrs. Nancy Moore Simpson, Mr. Kevin Bailey, and Mrs. Kristin Christensen. Following her death in April of 2002, a memorial service was held at First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables, Coral Gables, Florida, on Sunday, April 14, at 4:00 PM. A reception followed at Founder Hall where the family received and greeted friends. In lieu of flowers a memorial was established at First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables in education and missions.

Submitted by Marta Burke

GERTRUDE VIRGINIA RENWICK HARRISON

Mrs. Gertrude Virginia Renwick Harrison, 80, widow of the late Rev. Daniel Earl Harrison, born August 17, 1921, in Washington DC, passed away October 31, 2001, in Jacksonville, Florida, after a lengthy illness. Mrs. Harrison grew up in Washington, DC, and spent many years working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation after graduating from Eastern High School. While attending the Epworth League, at Wilson Memorial Methodist Church, she met a young airman, Daniel E. Harrison, and they were married December 18, 1941, at Bolling Air Field in Washington DC. To this union were born two daughters, Bonnie Jean Ammons and Judith Ann Jenkins, both of Jacksonville, Florida.

In following her husband, after 22 years of Distinguished Service in the United States Air Force, Rev. Harrison entered the ministry and served the Florida Conference for 15 years, at Port Tampa; Seville; associate at First Church Daytona Beach; St. Andrews; Daytona Beach; and Good Shepherd, Jacksonville, Florida. A gathering celebrating her life was held at her home in Jacksonville on November 3, 2001. Along with family and friends, honoring her were Rev. Mike Moore, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, and Rev. George Dzyndra, Wesconnett United Methodist Church. Burial was at Bellevue-Cedar Hills Memory Gardens in Daytona Beach, beside her husband, on November 10, 2001.

Submitted by Judith C. Jenkins

Part V 36

CATHERINE MORRISON HOFFMAN

Catherine Morrison Hoffman was born on February 5, 1958. Cathy died January 9, 2002, after living a joyous life of blessing and after an eight-month battle with cancer that came on suddenly and severely. She died with grace and secure in her faith. Cathy was born in Marion, Ohio. Her parents were William and Irene Morrison. Her father died in 1993. Her mother was also a dear friend and a tender, prayerful caregiver during her illness. Her family moved to Peoria, Illinois, for several years where Cathy got a lifelong dream of being a teacher of children. In 1968 her family moved to Miami, where Cathy graduated from Killian High School in 1976. Cathy attended secretarial school then began a professional career as a legal secretary for 23 years with

firms in Coral Gables, Stuart, Daytona Beach, and Hollywood. She had a deserved reputation for integrity, diligence, and an infectious humor. Cathy is survived by her husband, Rev. Stephen Hoffman, who experienced the gift of being fully loved and accepted; mother Irene Morrison who shares so many of Cathy’s attributes; and step-children, Leonard and Meredith Hoffman. Cathy was a devoted sister to her two brothers, David and Mark Morrison, and sister, Mary Hammel. She loved being an aunt to all their children. Cathy and Steve met in Daytona Beach while Steve was serving a church there. Rev. Montfort Duncan married them at First United Methodist Church of Daytona Beach on May 3, 1998. A month later they moved to North Miami Beach, where Steve was appointed to Fulford United Methodist Church. Cathy immersed herself in making their parsonage come alive with a personal touch. As a pastor’s wife Cathy lived out her vision of loving and nurturing children and being an encouragement to those who were sick and lonely. Her devotional life consisted in large part of preparing to teach her Sunday school class. She was known for her hospitality and loved ushering at church. She was very down to earth. When people asked how she liked being a pastor’s wife, she would reply “I don’t think of myself as a pastor’s wife. I think of myself as married to Steve, and I love being his wife!” Cathy also lived out her vision by being committed to the Guardian Ad Litem Program. Cathy’s illness was sudden and severe, but over and over she remarked how overwhelmed she was by all the expressions of love and prayer she received. Cathy chose to believe that somehow God would use this ordeal as a blessing, and she claimed the mantle of being “highly favored.” A dear friend and Marlin buddy, Rev. Betty Batey, was present and prayed with Cathy throughout her illness, and also served her as her hospice chaplain. Betty led Cathy’s Memorial Service and was assisted by Rev. Clarke Campbell-Evans, Rev. Beverly Ross, and Rev. Mark Caldwell. The theme of her Memorial Service was “Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.” To her last breath Cathy held on to the motto “It is always too early to give up.” Her ashes have been scattered on Flagler Beach, and the remainder will be marked with a headstone in Friendship Cemetery in Weston, West Virginia, next to her father. Cathy’s vision and

Part V 37

passion for children will continue to be cherished by her husband. Forty-three years is too short a life, and forty-five months is not long enough to be married, but true joy is measured and nurtured by eternity.

Submitted by Rev. Stephen Hoffman

ELLEN CARRIE ILES

Ellen Carrie Iles was born on July 31, 1924 in Westerville, Ohio, the daughter of Walter Edward McKee and Carrie Ellen (Smothers) McKee. She married the Rev. Emerson Clifford Iles on August 24, 1943. To their union were born Ellen Elaine Perkins, August 22, 1944; Patricia Ann Kerr, October 2, 1945; Emerson Clifford Iles Jr., July 14, 1947; Paula Ruth Lobetti, December 2, 1948. The family also includes fifteen grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Mrs. Iles passed away on September 11, 2001, at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, of kidney failure. A graveside service was held on September 13, 2001, at the Union Memory Gardens in Blairsville, Georgia. The Rev.

Patty Ryle Clay, of Sharp United Methodist Church, Young Harris, Georgia, officiated. Her husband, the Rev. Emerson Iles, preceded her in death on December 27, 1996. She was a loving and caring mother and grandmother. Her faith remained strong through all her suffering, and prayer was her constant comfort.

Submitted by Patricia Kerr

RACHEL ANNA IVEY

Rachel was born December 29, 1908, in Cicero, Indiana, to Ithiel and Ada Jessup Shoaf. In 1922 she moved with her parents to Tampa, where she attended and graduated from Hillsborough High School. She was gifted in music and became an accomplished pianist and organist as well as playing the violin, accordion and other musical instruments. As a young adult she was the organist at First Christian Church in Tampa and sheet music saleswoman and demonstrationist at Woolworth Department Store in Tampa. She was very active in the Tampa city-wide Epworth League in which she held numerous offices, including vice president. Her involvement in the Epworth League brought her in contact with John Milton Ivey, whom

she married on November 17, 1934. They were a loving, devoted, inseparable couple until Milton’s death in August of 1990. When Milton responded to the call to ordained ministry in 1944, Rachel became his constant helpmate in ministry as they served seven

Part V 38

charges during their 31 years of active ministry, plus the 16 years in retirement they served Sun Ray United Methodist Church and as the staff persons for the Conference Preacher’s Relief Board. Rachel was a prolific letter writer whose messages encouraged the bereaved, the neophyte Christian, the new minister and even the President of the United States! In her last years, confined by the infirmities of age, she stayed in touch with her scores of friends as well as made many new friends through her correspondence. Rachel died June 10, 2001, quietly in sleep at her daughter Donna’s home in Ft. Pierce, Florida. She is survived by two daughters, Mitty Ann Courtoy and Donna Rae Ard; a sister, Inalee Robinson; six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Her home going service was held at Sun Ray United Methodist Church with interment beside her beloved Milton in Silver Hill Cemetery in Frostproof, Florida. Her son-in-law, Charles W. Courtoy, and Eugene M. Zimmerman were the officiating ministers.

Submitted by her family

NANCY CHAPMON ROSS KINCAID

Born Nancy Wray Chapmon January 17, 1938, in Reidsville, North Carolina, the eldest of three children, to Robert Lee and Ellen Lee Wells Chapmon, members of the Baptist faith. As a child Nancy was a bright learner in school and in church. She was possessed of a strong sense of curiosity and intuitiveness. Her mind was filled with questions – intellectual and religious. At an early age she was given piano lessons and in high school was a member of the Glee Club. From these experiences she and two of her cousins formed a trio and participated in city-wide evangelistic services, Nancy at the piano. Her love and appreciation for music and the arts continued and expanded – especially through the medium of writing and poetry – the ability of expression

of inner feeling. She won an award in poetry in the Arts Festival conducted annually in her city. Her talents were extensive in many directions. She was a musician, a writer, a poet, an interior decorator, a master seamstress making clothing for her children, herself and husband, riding habits for our girls to ride their Arabian horses and shows, and in psychiatric therapy. Almost anything Nancy wanted to make or do she could. After high school Nancy completed cosmetology school and was employed in this profession for several years. While in Florida she owned her own beauty salons: Jasper, Ellenton, and St. Cloud. At an early age she married James E. Ross, her high school sweetheart, and by the time she was twenty-four they had two children – Sarah Kimberly and James Clark. Soon after James was born, difficulties arose in the marriage and a divorce ensued, leaving Nancy in a very unhappy situation. Two years later she married the Reverend John J. P. Kincaid Sr., the father already of four children, who had also been divorced, for seven years. They were married in the Marion District parsonage by the Reverend Charles Shannon, district superintendent, on August 8, 1964. In 1965 Nancy and John sought a transfer from the

Part V 39

Western North Carolina Methodist Conference to the Florida Methodist Conference. They met with Bishop James Henley in Lakeland – John had met Bishop Henley when he was the pastor of the West End Methodist Church, Nashville, Tennessee, and John was Mid-South CROP Director, in Memphis – and in June of 1965 the transfer was made. From 1965 through 1976 they served four charges: Jasper 1 year, Ellenton 3 years; Matecumbe 3 years; Kirkman Road 4 years. In 1976 Nancy’s mother had her first bout with colon cancer. We moved back to North Carolina. Nancy went to work in mental health and while working daytime she went to college at night and received a Bachelor of Science degree (3.8 GPA) from Central Wesleyan University December 16, 1989. She became a psychiatric social worker – a very dedicated patient advocate and respected professional in her field. Nancy was also a para-legal and certified forensic screener. During the last two weeks of her mother’s life in 1994 Nancy pulled two disks in her back attending her mother. For the next two years, when she complained with back pain, the doctors treated her for back problems and overlooked the two ovarian cancer tumors seedily growing in her stomach. When they were discovered in August 1996, she was in stage three, almost inoperable. But by the grace and love of God and the excellent care of Duke University doctors, and an indomitable spirit, and courageous trust in God, she lived five and one half more beautiful and fulfilling years. She truly was an inspiration to everyone who ever knew her, and especially for those who had cancer. After the first six months of the normal anger and fear (which she never expressed to anyone, nor did anyone suspect that she was in that kind of pain), she accepted her cancer as a “part of her body” and God healed her from her fear and anxiety. For the next five years she was a happy loving spirit. She suffered painful episodes very often, far beyond anything I could imagine a person could undergo and still survive. Yet when each episode ended she would immediately return to her normal happy, outgoing self. One looking at her would never think she was sick, except toward the end when she had lost so much weight, but even then she maintained that happy smile. She was a special kind of lady. Discussing Nancy with one of her childhood friends, brought up together in the same playpen, she commented to me “I observed Nancy as always happy, vivacious, outgoing and energetic. And this never changed as we grew into adulthood.” Nancy was a beloved lady ‘til the end, attested to by all who knew her and by her progeny – four children, four step children, 18 grandchildren, one great granddaughter, and a husband who knows she was the best thing that ever came his way. Nancy’s death came on January 6, 2002, in Reidville, North Carolina. A service of Death and Resurrection was held on January 9 at Wentworth United Methodist Church, Reidville. Officiating at the service were the Reverends Larry Durham and Eugene Tyson.

Submitted by John Kincaid

Part V 40

BERNICE HANNA OLIVENT

Bernice Clara Hanna was born in Decatur County, Georgia, on November 14, 1933, to Guy and Amanda Hanna. She grew up in a close-knit farming community called Hannatown, where she enjoyed the benefits of being raised in a community of love. Even though times were tough in those Depression years and no one had much in the way of material things, she had all the important ones, such as a loving God, deep roots, nurturing parents, and a sense of place and of peace. She excelled in her schoolwork, was a member of the National Honor Society, and graduated from Quincy High School in 1950. Shortly afterward, she met James and they were married in December 1952. They had two sons, Chris and Chad. Bernice worked hard at home to provide a

wonderful, nurturing home life for her husband and sons. She did this as she did most things, with a strong sense of determination, love and compassion. As the wife of a new minister, Bernice found herself in a career that would last 29 years in eight different parishes. She acted as a guide and inspiration to their parishioners, her friends, and above all, her family. As a minister’s wife, she helped James in whatever was needed. She did office work, taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, led innumerable small groups, and basically left a lasting impression on many lives. Her sweet, gentle spirit endeared her to each parish where she served with her husband. Her prayer ministry was without question her strongest. She interceded for people all over the world on a daily basis. In March of 2001 Bernice was diagnosed as having idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. She used this illness to draw others closer to Christ through the prayer groups she organized. The Great Physician saw fit to give her the ultimate healing while at Emory University Hospital, July 27, 2001. Some of her parting words to family were “All praise and glory to God. There is no fear, only joy and peace.” Bernice is survived by her husband, James, now living in Hannatown, Georgia; two sisters, Mary H. Watson of Suwanee, Georgia, and Becky Nix of Williston, Florida; two brothers, William Hanna of Crestview, Florida, and Sterling Hanna of Tallahassee, Florida; two sons, Chris Olivent of Altamonte Springs, Florida, and Chad Olivent of Ocala, Florida; and three grandchildren. A service of celebration for Bernice’s life and faith was held on July 31, 2001, at the Morrison United Methodist Church in Leesburg, Florida, with the Reverends Walter Edwards, Barry Lane and Ivan Corbin officiating. Interment was at the Hannatown Cemetery in Decatur County, Georgia.

Submitted by family members

Part V 41

LEONA MARIE RILEY RASMUSSEN PREVETTE

Ordained in the Illinois Methodist Conference in 1940, she acquired the formal designation to fulfill her life devotion to Christ. Serving churches in Illinois until 1947, when her partner-in-life elected to go to Asbury Seminary, Leona shifted to helpmate to C. Harold Rasmussen in his student charges in Kentucky and pursued her education degree at Asbury College, Midway College, University of Miami and graduating from the University of Florida, consequently teaching for 23 years all over Florida. The Rasumssen Five went to Reddick, Midway and Orange Lake in June of 1950 for their first assignment and continued serving at Perrine-Peters, Davie, Dinsmore, Fairfield, Hastings, Tampa, Sebastian,

Redlands, Coconut Grove, Miami, Myakka City and finally Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Bradenton, May 1983. Leona continued serving her church after C. Harold Rasumssen’s passing away in May of 1983. She married Alvin Prevette in August of 1986; he also preceded her in death. Leona was born in Liverpool, Illinois, January 10, 1914, to Edward and Florence Riley and died April 10, 2002, in Springfield, Tennessee. She is survived by her daughters Carolyn Marcin Geisbuhler (Jim) of Springfield, Tennessee; Gloria Michalski (Larry) of Bradenton, Florida; Martha Prevette Mitchell (Jim) of Orlando Florida; son Roland Rasmussen (Judy) of Chulota, Florida; fourteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. She also is survived by a sister, Mamie Riasetto, of Pembrooke Pines, Florida, and a brother John Riley of Canton, Illinois, the last of a family of 10 children. Her Celebration of Life was held at Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Bradenton, Florida, with the Rev. Ernie Dorrell officiating, assisted by Rev. Gary James. Granddaughter Michele Easterling of Holmes Beach gave a eulogy highlighting her grandmother’s influence on all the lives she encountered. There is sadness at the loss of her presence but joy that she achieved her lifetime goal of seeing our Heavenly Father and His Son.

Submitted by Carolyn J. Geisbuhler

Part V 42

WILMA RAE FISHER ROGERS

Wilma Rae Fisher Rogers was born June 3, 1911, in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was the third daughter of James Willis and Ida May Balsley. She remembers her high school years with a great deal of pleasure, playing on the basketball team, singing with the Glee Club, being a member of the Demagogrian Team of speakers, and as vice president of her senior class of 1,000. She considered herself to be the “happiest girl in the world!” Nearly every early memory she had was connected with the church in some way, including meeting her husband, Kenneth. They were married in the Irving Methodist Church in Indianapolis on April 10, 1931. In the fall of that year, they started their formal

pastorate in New Hampshire with a three-point circuit. Wilma worked closely with Kenneth in the church and the community. She helped create plays, game nights, and youth entertainment for their rural community. During the Great Depression Wilma helped print fake money to be used to pay jobless men for work around the church. The community grocery store and gas station owners accepted the money as cash and the church eventually bought back all the bills. To help Ken recover from tuberculosis, Wilma and the family moved to Florida in 1938. For over 50 years Wilma and Ken were a team who worked with children and young people in churches, youth camps, and district and conference programs. Throughout her life she started and taught Sunday school classes, junior church, Bible classes, was a substitute teacher in the public schools, and set up several clothes closets for those in need. No task was too menial or too hard for her to undertake. Wilma had three children, Carl Willis (C.W.) Rogers, Jeanne Tucker, and Maxine Tyree, and over the years, took in over 100 foster children. Wilma was voted Florida Mother of the Year in 1952. Her home was always opened to the unfortunate. Her compassion stemmed from her frequent saying, “But for the grace of God, there go I.” As a member of the Florida United Methodist Conference, Wilma and Ken served: Mount Dora, First Church DeLand, First Church Winter Park, First Church Gainesville, Rader Memorial Miami, First Church Sarasota, and Hyde Park Church in Tampa. They retired to the Village of Dowling Park, where she continued an active personal ministry of making choir robes for the children, costumes for the cantatas, dressing Kings, and spreading kindness and good cheer. Seldom has the wife of a minister been more dedicated to the church nor has she given so much of her time and energy. Wilma brought to her husband’s work enthusiasm and joy that were refreshing to all who worked with her. Wilma passed into God’s good and loving hands July 31, 2001. In the interest of humanity, she bequeathed her body to the University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, for scientific research. She is buried next to Kenneth in Gainesville, Florida.

Submitted by Maxine Tyree

Part V 43

CLEONA HAITHCOCK RUSTIN

Cleona Haithcock Rustin, loving wife of 60 years to the Rev. Lee D. Rustin, passed away on November 14, 2001. Cleona was born on August 22, 1917, in Durham, North Carolina, to Mr. And Mrs. James Haithcock. One of four siblings, Cleona was raised in Durham and was an active member in the Baptist church. In 1941 Cleona met her future husband, Lee, who was completing his last year studying theology at Duke University in Durham. Shortly afterward, she joined the Trinity Methodist Church and there began her stewardship of more than 60 years for the United Methodist Church. On August 30, 1941, Cleona and Lee were joined in marriage at the Duke University Chapel.

Cleona and Lee’s partnership in the ministry of the Lord began at the Wilshire Methodist Church in Los Angeles, California. Following their next appointment to Brawley, California, they moved their membership to the Florida Conference, where they served churches in Delray Beach, Miami, Atlantic Beach, St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Belle Glade, Riviera Beach, Hialeah, Winter Garden, Quincy and Mt. Dora. Two daughters were born to complete their family, Gwen Lee Rustin, now of Hartford, Connecticut, and Sheila Ann Rustin, currently of Atlanta, Georgia. After her investment of time and effort to learn the leading-edge fundamentals of childhood Christian education, Cleona taught leadership schools throughout the Florida Conference. She became respected as a recognized authority on childhood Christian education by ministers and lay people alike. Further service to her church included altar guild activities, Sunday school, WSCS, youth groups, choir and eager participation in the social life of the congregation. Cleona also had many and varied personal interests including worldwide travel, various community clubs, gardening and a flair for interior design. Cleona and Lee retired from the ministry in June 1978 when they moved into their first home in Tallahassee and became active in the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Cleona died November 14, 2001, in Tallahassee, Florida. Her memorial service was held at St. Paul’s on November 18, 2001, where she was eulogized by her daughters in a service officiated by the Rev. Bill McCloud. Following Cleona’s wishes, her family had her body cremated and her ashes spread throughout the family garden in a private ceremony in which her family celebrated her life.

Submitted by Sheila Rustin

Part V 44

DOROTHY PELSANG SHANNON

Dorothy Pelsang Shannon was born to Eliza Hewlitt Pelsang and Abijah Pelsang in Baltimore, Maryland, on February 12, 1907. Her parents were on a trip to Miami from Fisher’s Island, New York, when they had to stop in Maryland for her birth. Her father was a yacht captain who went into the dry dock ship repair business in Miami. The Pelsang family members were early South Florida pioneers whose associates included both Henry Flagler and Dr. Jackson of Jackson Memorial Hospital fame. Dorothy graduated from Miami Senior High School in 1925. She attended Dennison College in Ohio and transferred to the Barnard College of Columbia University in New York City, where she earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Latin and English. While attending

college she was a member of Chi Omega social sorority and Eta Sigma Phi, the honorary Latin and Greek fraternity. Dorothy was a member of the First United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches and a life member of the United Methodist Women. Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, Rev. Dr. Kenneth C. Shannon Sr. Reverend Shannon was a member of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. Dr. Shannon’s last charge was the Grace United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches. She is survived by her son, Kenneth C. Shannon Jr., born 1938, and her younger sister, Charlotte P. Cox, Coral Gables, Florida. Dorothy passed away peacefully January 29, 2002, at Heron’s Run Assisted Living Facility, West Palm Beach, Florida. During her passing she was surrounded by her son, daughter-in-law, granddaughter with husband, and great-grandchildren. Dorothy’s funeral service was held February 2, 2002, at Tillman Funeral Home in West Palm Beach with the Reverend David McEntire, pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches officiating. She is buried at Lake Worth Memorial Gardens alongside her husband, Rev. Dr. Shannon.

Submitted by Kenneth C. Shannon, Jr.

Part V 45

SUE CHAPMAN LOVELACE THOMPSON

Sue Thompson always planned to be a missionary. When she entered Asbury College in 1928, she intended to complete one year of college, transfer to earn a nursing degree, then serve overseas. At college, however, her plans changed. She met Claude Holmes Thompson (9/21/1908 – 10/16/1971), a student from Bethlehem, Maryland, who aspired to be a minister and missionary. The two of them graduated in 1932 and married on September 6 of that year at Winter Haven Methodist Church (now Beymer Memorial, Winter Haven, Florida). Sue Lovelace was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on August 19, 1910, to Arthur Chapman Lovelace and Mary (Mamie) Lewis Carter Lovelace. Her brother, Lloyd Paleske Lovelace (d. 12/13/1993), was six years older.

When Sue was about 10, the family moved to Winter Haven, where they operated a retail citrus business. After Sue’s and Claude’s college graduation, with no money for Claude to enter graduate school, he took an appointment in Cordova, Maryland. Over the next 17 years, Claude served churches and earned both his B.D. and Ph.D. at Drew University and did graduate work at Oxford University and the University of Edinburgh. All the while, Sue cared for their growing family and her increasingly feeble parents who lived with them. She frugally managed the household through many moves and through the stress of World War II, volunteering with the Red Cross, working side by side with her husband in his appointments, and always seeking to help others. In 1947, Claude joined the faculty at Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. Less than four years later he began teaching at Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He then transferred into the Florida Conference. During all this time, Sue was never idle. She taught school, did graduate work in special education at Syracuse University, taught children with cerebral palsy, hosted with her husband prayer breakfasts for students and faculty at Candler, and supported and helped many international students. When Claude was stricken with cancer, Sue’s care over the last three years of his life enabled him to die at home, as he wished, trusting always in the sustaining love of the God they served. Sue’s drive in life was to serve Christ and to help others. Fiercely independent, she could be stubborn when she believed she was right. As Parkinson’s disease diminished her physical abilities in later years, she reluctantly but with grace allowed others to do for her what she could no longer do for herself. She regretted most her decreasing ability to help others. She died April 22, 2001, of complications of Parkinson’s and stroke. She is survived by her three daughters and their husbands: Marilyn Carter Thompson Casey (b. 4/27/34) and Robert Casey; Mary Sue Thompson Stevenson (b. 5/5/36) and Charles (Chuck) Stevenson; and Nanci Anne Thompson Youngblood (b. 6/14/42) and William (Bill) Youngblood. There are five grandchildren: Brian Nelson Casey, Helen Elizabeth Casey-Rutland, Derek Lamar Youngblood, Gaela Sue Youngblood, and Charles Wesley

Part V 46

Stevenson, IV. There are six great-grandchildren: Elizabeth Leila, Robert Nicodemus, and Carter Tewning Casey-Rutland; Isabella Leilani Casey; and Emily Lauren and William Luke Youngblood. Theodore H. Runyon Jr., and William Mallard Jr., officiated at the memorial service at Wesley Woods in Atlanta on May 12, 2001. Later that day, the ashes were buried at Dawn Memorial Cemetery in Decatur, Georgia, in a family service led by the three pastors in her family, Robert Casey, Bill Youngblood, and Helen Casey-Rutland. In keeping with her lifelong desire to help others, she had arranged to donate her brain for research into Parkinson’s. Sue Thompson’s life was one of service, duty, hard work, and prayer. Her trust in the goodness of God never wavered, and she sought nothing more than to do God’s will.

Submitted by Helen Casey-Rutland