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2008

April

• Bonnie Catherine McClellan Peterson Mrs. Bonnie Catherine McClellan Peterson, age 67, died Saturday, March 22, 2008, in Panama City, Fla. Born in Jacksonville to Roby Blount McClellan and Bonnie Knox McClellan on Jan. 20, 1941, Bonnie spent most of her life in Tallahassee. She graduated from Florida High School, where she was salutatorian of her senior class and received her BS degree in elementary education from FSU. She also received her Master of Library Science from Florida State University. She was predeceased by her parents and is survived by her daughter, Catherine Marguerite Youngblood and her siblings, Roby Blount McClellan, Jr. (Elaine) of Hightstown, N.J., Susan Knox McClellan of Tallahassee, Jennie McClellan Hyman (Tom) of Atlanta, Peter Knox McClellan (Hien) of Alexandria, Va., and Helen Mary McClellan of Ellicott City, Md. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. EDT Friday, March 28, in Carter Chapel at St. John's Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations in Bonnie's memory be made to St. John's Episcopal Church, 211 N. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32301. Published in the Tallahassee Democrat on 3/25/2008.


• Jesse Thomas Nettles, 82, of Marco Island, passed away March 24.
  He had lived on Marco 20 years.
  Born in Mobile, Ala., he was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He was retired from the Navy after 20 years of active duty in 1975 and transferred to the Fleet Reserve.
  Nettles received his B.A. degree in journalism in 1952 at the University of North Carolina. He received his master's degree in library science in 1976 at Florida State University.
  Nettles was employed for 10 years as director of the Oktibbeha County Library System in Starkville, Miss. He relocated to Marco Island with his first wife and served as Marco Island's librarian for 10 years. After the death of his first wife in 1998, he retired.
  Nettles is survived by his beloved second wife, Jackie Preston Nettles; children Jesse T. and MaryLynn Nettles III of Lancaster, S.C., Douglas Nettles and David Nettles, both of Naples, Woody and Robin Montgomery of Starkville, Miss., Bobby and Rana Burt of New Market, Ala., and Duane and Karen Nettles of Marco Island: grandchildren, Michael and Aimee Wolf, Steven and Amanda Osborn, Matthew and Rachel Prisco, Jesse and Melanie Nettles, Mark and Jamie Soper, Douglas Nettles., Jr., Michael and Heather Nettles, Jonathan Nettles, Christopher Nettles, Travis and Megan Toole, Hailey Montgomery, Wesley Montgomery, John Anders Burt, Katie Burt, Tyler Nettles, Parker Nettles and Cooper Nettles; great-grandchildren, Wyatt Wolf, Bailey Osborne, Brena Soper, Brandon Soper, Cameron Soper, Gracie Nettles and Bailey Nettles; niece, MerrieAnn Jenkins and son, Christopher.
  The funeral was held March 26 at First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations to the Marco Island First Baptist Church Building Fund.


• Katie Mary Logan Walters SNEADS - Mrs. Katie Mary Logan Walters, age 88, a native and lifelong resident of Sneads, Fla., passed away Thursday evening, March 13, 2008, at her home in Sneads. She was a retired English teacher and librarian for the Jackson County School System and Apalachee Correctional Institution. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Sneads and founding member of the Sneads Carlisle Rose Garden Club. She was also a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma. Visitation for Mrs. Walters will be from 6 to 8 p.m. CDT today, March 15, at Lanier-Andler Funeral Home in Sneads. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. CDT Sunday, March 16, at the First United Methodist Church in Sneads, with the Rev. Bill Kundo and the Rev. Rusty Burleson officiating. Interment will be at Pope Cemetery in Sneads. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 8042 Church St., Sneads, FL 32460, or Sneads High School, 8066 Old Spanish Trail, Sneads, FL 32460. Katie Mary is survived by her daughter, Annie Hollister (and husband Charles) of Marianna, Fla.; two sons, Rupert A. Walters Jr. (and wife Jean) of Larchmont, N.Y., and Holmes W. Walters (and wife Sherry) of Mobile, Ala.; two sisters, Martha Wood Posey of Huntsville, Ala., and Laura Smith of Abbeville, Ala.; her grandchildren, Rupert A. Walters III, Peter Walters, Laura Holladay (and husband Jason), Dajen Walters (and wife Jennifer), Heather Miller (and husband Jarrett) and Hobie Hollister (and wife Vanessa); and 10 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Walters was preceded in death by her husband, Rupert A. Walters Sr., and daughter, Ginger Walters Perkins. Lanier-Andler Funeral Home in Sneads is in charge of arrangements. Published in the Tallahassee Democrat on 3/15/2008.


• Maria T. Chavez-Hernandez Dr. Maria T. Chavez-Hernandez, 58, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at her home in Tallahassee, Florida on March 19, 2008. She was a native of Managua, Nicaragua, and the oldest of 11 brothers and sisters. Dr. Maria T. Chavez-Hernandez was an associate and director of the Internship Program (London, England, and Florence, Italy) at the Florida State University, College of Information Studies She oversaw the recruitment, alumni affairs and placement activities of the College in addition to teaching graduate and undergraduate students. In 1972, she received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Puerto Rico. She received her Master of Library Science from the University of Pittsburgh in 1979. Dr. Chavez-Hernandez received her Ph.D. in library science and information studies from Florida State University in 1991. She was responsible for a large body of works focusing on library and information services in the Caribbean region and provided many resources and programming on the specific library and information needs of Latin American immigrants and their families. Dr. Chavez-Hernandez was also a very active member of FL, ALA, the Association of Library and Information Science Education (ALISE), the National Education Association (NEA) and REFORMA (National Association to Promote Library Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking). Additionally, she was a member of the Fulbright Specialists Programs. As an international volunteer conducted training seminars in the Central American/Caribbean regions in partnership with the Florida Association of Volunteers in Caribbean Action (FAVACA) In 2007, The Florida Library Association created the Maria Chavez-Hernandez "Libraries Change Peoples' Lives" Award in her honor to perpetuate the dynamic spirit of her work in expanding the opportunities of information access to under served and immigrant populations. She is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Miguel A. Hernandez; her daughters, Teresa Durban (husband David Durban), Carmen Amparo (husband Alex Amparo) and Priscilla Hernandez; three grandchildren, Amber Amparo and David Durban, Lauren Amparo; her mother, Carmen Josefina Chavez; brothers, Alfonso Chavez, Gilberto Chavez, Javier Chavez, David Chavez and Franklin Chavez; and sisters, Carmen Zamora, Marta Ramirez, Ivania Adams, Elena Quinones. She was preceded in death by her father, Alfonso Angel Chavez, and sister, Maria del Rosario Chavez. In lieu of flowers the family request that memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tallahassee, 712 E. Seventh Ave., Tallahassee, FL 32303. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 22, EDT Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, Riggins Road Chapel (850-877-8191). The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Published in the Tallahassee Democrat on 3/21/2008.


• "Mary Muse Gregory Burel, 86, of Taneytown Road, Gettysburg, passed away at her home on Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 5:30 p.m. She was born Dec. 19, 1920, in Sapulpa, Okla., the daughter of the late L. Elbert and Mary Lucille Muse Gregory. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Dr. Walter D. Burel. Mrs. Burel was a member of the Gettysburg United Methodist Church. She was a graduate of Oklahoma University, with a BA in drama and received a Masters of Library Science from Florida State University. She was a member of the American Library Association, Kappa Delta PI, honorary education society; El Modjii, Arts Society; and the Toast Mistress Club. Her list of accomplishments is long and varied and includes helping the WWII war effort by doing the ground break-in tests of B-17 bombers and writing articles in the Tulsa World newspaper about the bombing missions of B-29 pilots flying over Japan; teaching drama to children in England; teaching high school English and French; serving many libraries in several capacities; playing Contract Bridge in numerous tournaments earning Master's Points; and acting and directing in the Adams County Senior Acts production. She lived abroad in both Germany and England, traveled extensively in Europe and had visited Africa. Mrs. Gregory had served as librarian in public schools in both Florida and New Jersey, and a city library in Dayton, Ohio. Locally, she served as Director for Adams County Public Libraries. She retired in 1986 from Gettysburg College after 16 years and was awarded Emeritus status. In addition to her husband, she is survived by a daughter, Candy Fritchley and her husband, David, of Athens, Ohio; a step-daughter, Lori Caruso and her husband, Johnny, of Columbia, Md.; a step-son, Mike Patrick and his wife, Lynn, of Mount Airy, Md.; two grandsons, Matthew Fritchley and his wife Jennifer, of Athens, Ohio, and Eric Fritchley and his wife Tiffany, of Columbus, Ohio; a step-grandson, Alex Person, of Columbia, Md.; four great-grandchildren, Alexis and Tyler Fritchley, of Athens, and Alexis and Tyler Fritchley of Columbus; a brother-in-law, William Burel, and his wife, Adaline, of Florida; nieces Ruth Thompson, Barbara and Tim Henderson of Fairfax Station, Va., and Beth and John Hayden, of Columbia; great-nieces and nephews Kelly and Jackson Henderson, of Fairfax Station, and Jessica and Patrick Hayden, of Columbia. She was preceded in death by two sister-in-laws, Rachael Thompson and Louise Root; one niece, Mary Lynn Rice, and long-time special friend Jane Schleicher. A graveside memorial service is being held Saturday, Sept. 15 at 11 a.m. from Evergreen Cemetery in Gettysburg. A gathering of friends and family follows at the Dobbin House in Gettysburg. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Hospice of the Good Shepherd, 1075 Old Harrisburg Road, Gettysburg PA, 17325. The Monahan Funeral Home in Gettysburg is in charge of the arrangements"

February

• Patricia "Patty" Paul Patty Paul, 71, passed away Tuesday, February 14, 2008, from complications after surgery. Funeral services will be held Monday at 10 a.m. EST at St. John's Episcopal Church, with interment to follow in Tallahassee Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tower Bell Memorial of St. John's Episcopal Church at 211 N. Monroe, Tallahassee, FL 32301. Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, Riggins Road Chapel (850-877-8191), is handling arrangements. Patty was born on March 1, 1936, in Mansfield, Ohio. After graduation from North Texas State University, she taught physical education in Carthage, Texas, followed by three years as a service club director in Verdon and Vitry, France, with the Special Services of the Army. She returned to the states and settled in Tallahassee for the remainder of her life. Patty enrolled in Florida State University and received a graduate degree in library sciences. She had a long career with the State Library of Florida, retiring after 30 years of service as the State Reference Librarian. Patty had a love of many things including all sports - especially Florida State teams - her family, friends and extended family at St. Augustine Plantation. "Coach Paul" and "The Bell Lady" were two titles she wore proudly at St. John's Episcopal Church. She coached the youth basketball teams for many years and was an authority on the tower bells of St. John. She played the bells and taught many more to play them through her years of involvement at St. John's. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, John and Dottie Paul of Aiken, S.C.; her sister and brother-in-law, Peggy and Steve Simmons of Jasper, Ga.; nephew Scott Simmons and wife Ronda, great-niece Emma, and great-nephew Tommy of Ft. Collins, Colo.; and nephew Andrew and wife Elizabeth, and great-nieces Isabel and Camille of Las Vegas, Nevada.


• William James "Bill" Blankenship, 66, of Woodbine, passed away suddenly at home Sunday evening. Mr. Blankenship is a native of Marion County, Ind. He was born in Indianapolis on July 23, 1941, to the late Herbert James and the late Lillian Charlotte Warren Blankenship. Mr. Blankenship was a career military man entering service in the U.S. Navy in August 1960 and retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer in June 1989. On August 1, 1961, Mr. Blankenship was wed to the then Claudia Ann Parker and they shared 38 years together until her passing in 1999. After military service, Mr. Blankenship became involved with the St. Marys Library and retired as the director in 2002, with 11 years of service. Also in 1991, he became a member of the Rotary Club of Camden County. He went on to serve as a president, assistant governor and district governor of No. 6920 with the Rotary Club. He was a Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member, a Multiple Paul Harris Fellow, a Rotary Foundation Benefactor, the founder and member of the Rotary Foundation Bequest Society and a Will Watt Fellow. In 2002, he became vice president of the Georgia Fence Co. until January 2008. For pleasure, Mr. Blankenship loved the outdoors and the woods were his "paradise." He liked to shoot guns and loved driving big equipment. He also had an affinity for gambling. He had an easy laugh, was generous to a fault and loved the relationship he had with his son. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Mr. Blankenship is survived by his children and their spouses, David and Christine Blankenship of Woodbine, Jennifer Lynn and Ken Gilbert of St. Marys, and Karen Ann and Phil Nethery of Brandon, Miss.; his brother and spouse, Dennis and Cindy Blankenship of Atlanta; his four grandchildren and their spouses, Christina and Ben Turner of Germany, Sarah Nethery of Miss., Stephanie and Mark Delewsky of St. Marys and Chelsea Gilbert of St. Marys; and a one-year-old great-grandchild, Landon James Turner. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church with Father Gabe Cummings presiding. Graveside services will be privately held by the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Georgia Rotary Student Program, P.O. Box 61327, Savannah, GA 31420. Edo Miller Funeral Home Camden Chapel, Kingsland, is in charge of arrangements.

January

• Claire Doris LaChance, 56, of Charlotte, passed away on January 25, 2006 at her home. A memorial service will take place at a later date. Arrangements for the family are in the care of Heritage Funeral Service, Indian Trail/Matthews.


• Jaryd Tyler Boros, of our hearts and dreams, returned to the harbor of God's embrace December 14, 2007 age twenty-six and in eternity ageless. Love of family, unity, laughter and compassion are his signatures on the memories of all who carry him. Incredibly creative and remarkably talented in expression, he filled our ears with his music, painted our eyes with his art, opened our hearts by his listening and warmed our souls with his kindhearted wit. With a heart of gold, our beautiful Jaryd was filled by love for all. If a friend was in pain, he was there, if someone needed a little extra cash, his pocket was open, if you needed a shoulder to cry on Jaryd was always willing to lend his. He dreamt big, striving to use his creativity to build a life for himself and one day a family. He received his masters in Information Technology from FSU. His passion for design and the websites he created earned him much admiration. His friends are abundant. "They are all such good people", Jaryd would say and the company he kept mirrored the life he lived. Music filled his soul and some of his happiest moments were spent disc jockeying with friends and on the radio Friday nights. He was as passionate about music as he was about art, friends and family. Jaryd knew how much he was loved and felt secure in those bonds. A companion on the path to all, and without judgement, he did not mean to leave us this early. All who love him know he has arrived in a better place. He will be in our hearts forever and the loss will strengthen and inspire the future of our family: "mom" Linda Mendelson, "always like a father to me" George Mendelson, ""dad"" Bruce Boros and his loving spouse Christina, brothers and sisters "big bubby" Aaron, "remy" Jeremy, Alan and Laura, his soul's complement and true love CV Vidal, and his loving immediate family. A welcoming lighthouse on familiar shore, his radiance brings us safely home in remembrance. Always with a smile, always with a hug. Services will be held today at 12:30pm, Riverside Gordon Memorial Chapels, 1920 Alton Road, Miami Beach, FL. Donations are welcome to The American Cancer Society and The American Heart Association.

2007

November

• Barbara Ellen Walker Buffham 1946 - Oct. 18, 2007. Barb transcended this earthly plane, beautifully and peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007, surrounded by those who loved her. Barb was born in Dayton, Ohio, and moved to Fort Walton Beach, Fla., in 1954. She graduated from Choctawhatchee High School in 1964 and went on to achieve her master’s in Library Science at FSU, graduating in 1969. She worked as a librarian from 1969 to 1974 in Brooklyn, N.Y., and returned to continue as a librarian in Fort Walton Beach. She was a passionate and devoted advocate for victims of domestic violence at Shelter House from 1992 up until a few days before her departure. Barb was also an advocate for anyone in a crisis situation, and volunteered her compassionate listening skills to the Crisis Line for 16 years. Barb was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, a devout Democrat, with true belief of the personal is the political, and a member of the Community Friends organization. Her loving husband, Clifford Buffham, and her beloved canine companions, Buddy and Emily, preceded Barb in her journey, respectively. Barb leaves behind her brother, Swami J. Habarati; her last faithful canine companion, Digger; and so many dear and loving friends whose lives she has touched and become a part of. A remembrance service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 22, at Scully’s On The Bayou, 200 Eglin Pkwy., N.E., Fort Walton Beach. Although Barb loved every living creature and thing, including flowers, we believe she would prefer donations be made in her name to her life’s final passions, which were Shelter House Inc. and The Crisis Line



• Jean LeFurgey Hoffman, age 89, born November 28, 1917. She is a graduate of Florida State and Samford University. She was a member of Huffman Baptist Church. Mrs. Hoffman was a librarian at Auburn and a teacher for 60 years. She worked with the Salvation Army, Business and Professional Women, Symphony, the Republican Party, Chicago Press Club and Los Angeles Press Club. She was past president of American Library Association. She will be missed by friends and family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lamar C. Hoffman; and parents, William James LeFurgey and Viola Hulgan LeFurgey. She is survived by her niece and nephews, Jane E. Marshall, Charles E. Marshall, Jr.; sister, Betty L. Culver; nephews, David Cockerham and Benny Cockerham. Visitation will be Sunday, November 25, 2007 from 12 to 2 pm at Roebuck Chapel. Funeral will be Sunday, November 25, 2007 at 2:00 pm at Roebuck Chapel with burial at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville. Ridout's Roebuck Chapel directing.



• Kay Haines Hatfield passed peacefully from this life to be with the Lord on November 4, 2007. She was born to Mary and France Brownrigg on December 7, 1933 in Daytona Beach, Florida and spent her life spreading her own Florida Sunshine to persons whom she met, befriended, and loved. After graduating from Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, she ventured to Tallahassee to attend Florida State University. Here she became an active member of the Kappa Alpha Delta Sorority, holding several officer positions within the organization. She was truly proud of her lifelong membership in the sorority and would often remark, Once a Theta, always a Theta. Kay's love of her school was not limited to the scholastic and Greek life, but extended to their sports teams, especially the Seminole football team. Ask any of her friends and they would gladly confirm that when an FSU football game was being televised, Kay would surely be watching and rooting for her alma mater. As a result of her hard work and excellent scholarship, she graduated from FSU with two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Library Science and English that she earned simultaneously. Kay was an adventurous person who was always seeking to explore her world to the fullest. So it was no surprise to her friends that shortly after graduating from college, she packed up her belongings and drove cross-country with a college girlfriend to explore the Southwest. Kay met Phil Wilson in Santa Fe, New Mexico and decided to stay put and eventually marry him. Kay put her degrees to use, teaching high school English and Journalism, followed by working as a librarian. After Phil fulfilled his active service obligation to the U.S. Army, he and Kay moved to Austin where he worked as an engineer and administrator with the Texas Highway Department. With the birth of their three children, Lawrence D. Wilson, Richard F. Wilson, and Rosemary E. Tardo, Kay spent the next two decades raising her children and becoming active in local organizations, especially St. Mark's United Methodist Church. Raising a family was her true passion, but the marriage ultimately ended in divorce. With her children grown and finding herself single, Kay began a career with the Texas Education Agency where she worked as a Teacher Certification Specialist and worked evenings in a sales position with Foley's Department store. After supporting herself for many years, Kay met John Jack Hatfield, Jr. and after a short courtship they married on February 14, 1999. Unfortunately, this marriage was shortened by Jack's untimely death in 2000 as a result of cancer. Once again, she chose to turn lemons into lemonade by completing her working career with retirement in 2003. During the final years of her life, Kay could often be found singing in the church choir, tutoring school children at Walnut Creek Elementary, volunteering her time to charitable causes, studying Christianity with a passion, and traveling to places such as England with her son, Larry, and to Israel, Egypt, Alaska, and even New York with her good friend, Joan King. In fact, Kay and Joan were scheduled to cruise the coast of Greece this November when Kay was unexpectedly diagnosed with aggressive and advanced cancer in October. After a brief but courageous battle with the disease, Kay's spirit left this world to join those who preceded her to Heaven. Kay is preceded in death by her daughter, Rosemary, but is survived by her two sons, Larry and Richard; six grandchildren, Erica, Brittany, Lawrence, Joseph, Jason, and Michael; and a host of friends whom she considered to be her extended family. True to her giving spirit, she donated her body to science for the education of future physicians. A celebration of Kay's life will be held during a service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 8, 2007, at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 601 W. Braker Lane, Austin, Texas



• SUEANNE MAXWELL FIELD Of Springfield, VA passed away at the Capital Hospice Inpatient Center in Arlington on Saturday, November 10, 2007, after bravely fighting an extended battle with cancer and a deteriorating liver condition. Sueanne leaves behind her beloved husband of 50 years, Clarence Edwin Field and sons David and Lewis. Sueanne was born in Orlando, FL on February 24, 1937. She graduated from Florida State University in 1957 shortly after she and Ed were married, and worked in the Florida School System for a number of years as a librarian. After moving to Springfield in 1967, she became a stay-at-home mom and put her efforts into the Boy Scouts, volunteering with the local school system, and other community activities. She continued her volunteer work until illness forced her to quit. Her last volunteer activity was with the Fairfax County Health Department at the Springfield Clinic. Sueanne was very active in the Daughters of the American Revolution and Colonial Dames of the XVII Century. During her active participation with these two groups she was, over the years, elected to every office in each of the local chapters. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 17, 1 p.m. at the Demaine Funeral HomE, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22151. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2 p.m. at The Waterford of Springfield, located at the corner of Commerce St. and Bowie Drive. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Sueanne's memory to the Capital Hospice Organization's Halquist Memorial Inpatient Center, 4715 N. 15th Street, Arlington, VA 22205, the Cancer Research Society, or charitable organization of your choice

July

• Margaret Fountain Wilson (MS 1972 LS), 75, who retired and provided 33 years of dedicated service as technology librarian and coordinator of Branch Libraries at Florida A&M University, went home to be with the Lord, Wednesday, July 11, 2007. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from formerly Alabama State College, and a Masters degree in education from FAMU. Later Margaret received her Masters Library Science degree from Florida State University and an Advanced Masters Degree in Library Science.

June

• Beverly Irene Whiting Means (MS 1983 LS), 71, passed away Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at her residence after a long courageous battle with cancer. She moved from Atlanta, Georgia to the Jacksonville, Florida area in her teen years where she later earned her masters degree at Florida State University in Library Science. In 1984 she moved to Swain County to become director of the Marianna Black Library, the position she held until her retirement in 2002.
  
  
• Col. Robert D. Marion (MS 1968 LS), 81, died Monday, June 11, 2007, surrounded by his loving family. Col. Marion dedicated 30 years to the United States Military in the Army.
  
  
• Dr. Cythia Beryl Ducan (MS 1965 LS), 75, passed away on Monday, June 4, 2007 at Samaritan Inpatient Hospice, Mt. Holly, NJ. Dr. Duncan retired from Old Dominion University where she served as Dean of the Library.

May

• Frances S. Hamilton (MS 1970 LS) passed away on May 29, 2007. She was a graduate of the University of Alabama with a degree in Education and also a Specialist Degree in Library Science. She obtained her Master in Education Degree at Florida State University. Frances dedicated her life to serving students for over 30 years in the public school system. She had a passion for traveling around the United States and abroad, especially observing wild life.
  
  
• Janet Claire Rogers (MS 1977 LS) died Friday May 4, 2007 at her home in Neptune Beach at the age of 78. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and History from Florida State University, a Master of Arts in History and Teaching from the University of Illinois, and a Master of Library Sciences from Florida State University.

January

• Elizabeth "Bettie" Morgan Barnett Cowen (BS 1960 LS & MS 1972 ED), who taught three generations of some of Gadsden County's brightest and most challenging students, died Jan. 3, 2007, in Gainesville. She was 78. Born in Panama City, Cowen grew up in Chattahoochee. She earned a bachelor's degree in library science in Tallahassee, accepting a diploma as part of the first graduating class of a newly-established Florida State University, formerly known as Florida State College for Women. After serving briefly as a teacher in Panama City, and librarian at Indiana University, she accepted a position at Chattahoochee Public School, her alma mater, as the city's first dedicated special education teacher. She remained there for the rest of her teaching career, a period that spanned more than 30 years. Known as Mrs. Barnett at the time, she touched the lives of thousands of students in the Gadsden County school system's gifted and special education programs. Cowen was awarded a master's degree in special education from Florida State. She and her mother were dedicated supporters of FSU, a passion demonstrated by a sizeable endowment to the university's College of Hospitality and Hotel Management. Cowen was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma (Tallahassee chapter), Friends of the Chattahoochee Library, Florida State University Alumni Association and Gideons International.

2006

November

• Diane Cargulia Altimari (MS ’98 LS) died November 18, 2006.

September

• Ralph Black, 82, died Wednesday September 6, 2006 in Rochester, NY. Ralph E. Black served with the 796th AAA in WW II. He was a man of many talents and interests, active in the church, theatre, music, education and the library. Ralph was a Professor of Library Science at SUNY Geneseo.
  
  
• Mary Dunbar Grist Whitehead (MS 1965 LS) died at the age of 93 on Sunday, September 10, 2006 at Early Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Whitehead was born April 5, 1913 in Early County to the late William James and Ouida Dunbar Grist. She earned her Bachelor's degree at Agnes Scott College and her Masters of Library Science at Florida State University. Mrs. Whitehead served as Early County's first extension librarian with DeSoto Trail Regional Library System where she served from 1962 through 1981. She was instrumental in the organization of the Early County Historical Society and was a charter member and president for many years.
  
  
• Agnes Marie Studt Unger, 78, died Monday September 25, 2006 at her home. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Frank Unger. She was born Nov. 4, 1927 on her parent's farm in Lyman, S.D. Baptized and confirmed a Lutheran, she has stayed with her faith throughout her life. Her early education took place in the farm belt of South Dakota during the Dust Bowl and Depression years, before moving to Rapid City, S.D., where she completed a business college education. She first worked in Sturgis, S.D., where she met her Air Force husband, Frank Unger. She and her family settled in Tallahassee in 1968, where she worked several years for a professional journal in the Geography Department at Florida State University, before advancing to a position in the School of Library and Information Sciences. In Tallahassee she for many years supported and participated in the activities of the FSU International (Student) Center, was a longtime member of Quilters Unlimited and a volunteer at the Friends of the Leon County Library Shop and also actively supported the American Cancer Society. Of special note was her association with the Apalachee Bend Girl Scout program, where she influenced many, including her daughters, to continue being active in scouting programs in their adult life. As a member of Grace Lutheran Church, she lived her faith in God and inspired her family and friends to emulate her beliefs.

August

• Catherine Fridy (BA 1950 LS), 79, of Clearwater, Fla. formerly of New Port Richey, died Monday, August 7, 2006. She was born in Palmetto, Fla. and moved there from New Port Richey in 1982. She was a retired librarian for Cypress Elementary and Gulf High School with 20 years of service, a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, New Port Richey and St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Hudson. She was a member of the Retired Officers Wives Association, a member of Red Hat Ladies, and a Florida State University Alumnus.
  
  
• Edith Johnston Fraser (MS 1960 LS), 88, Port Charlotte and formerly of Sarasota, died Aug. 9, 2006. She was born May 6, 1918, in Fort Smith, Ark., and lived in Sarasota from 1955 to 1963 and also from 1993 to 2003. She graduated from the University of Arizona in 1939 with a B.A. in education, from Florida State University in 1963 with an M.S. in library science, and from the University of Illinois in Urbana in 1969 with a certificate in advanced librarianship. After a career as an elementary school teacher in Tucson, Ariz., and Sarasota and as school librarian at Alta Vista School, she worked in the office of Johnston No-Roach in New York City. She worked as a Department of Defense Special Forces civilian librarian, serving for several years in Germany, Vietnam, South Korea, and at Fort Huachuca, Ariz. She was recognized for her service during the Vietnam War with the Medal for Civilian Service in 1969 and retired in 1982.
  
  
• Patricia Burke Ackal (MS 1972 LS), 49, who passed away Monday, Aug. 21, 2006 at, Lafayette General Medical Center. The Rev. Larry G. Wilkes and Father Fred Reynolds will conduct the funeral services. Mrs. Ackal was the daughter of Lt. General and Mrs. Kelly Burke. Patty was born on Nov. 8, 1956 in Winter Haven, Fla. As a member of a military family, she lived in Japan, Guam and England as well as a number of locations in America. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Texas University, and a master’s from Florida State University. She then won a scholarship from Tulane School of law, where she graduated with honors. While studying for her bar exam, she met fellow student Mark Ackal. They soon fell in love and married, settling in Lafayette, La. Patty then became essentially a full time mom, a role at which she excelled and thoroughly enjoyed. She was also active in civic and community affairs. Patty fought a long and courageous battle against the cancer to which she finally succumbed. At the end she was comforted by the love of family and friends who attended her. She will be sorely missed by all.

July

• Jean Longhorn Froshcer (BA1946 AS & MS1948 LS) of Springhill, Florida died at the age of 81 July 2, 2006.
  
  
• Delores Tookes McCoy (MS1978), 74, who retired as head librarian for Florida High School, died Monday July 17, 2006. The service will be held at 11 a.m. EDT Saturday at the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More, with burial at Greenwood Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. EDT Friday at the chapel of Strong & Jones Funeral Home (850-224-2139). Sigma Gamma Rho sorority will have services at 5:30 p.m. EDT Friday at the funeral home. She was a lifelong resident of Tallahassee. Survivors include two sons, James McCoy (and Kathy) of Chicago and Ronald McCoy of Tallahassee; a daughter, Bonita Shelmon (and William) of Lathrup Village, Mich.; a brother, James Tookes (and Hortense) of Tallahassee; an aunt, Juanita N. Jones; and other relatives.

June

• V. Dianne Reedy (BA1970 & MS1974), passed away on June 27, 2006 in Houston, Texas. Born to John Wesley and Virginia Reedy in Jacksonville, FL on July 27, 1947. She is survived by her mother, Virginia M. Reedy; sister, Dorothy Friedman; brother, John Wesley Reedy; nieces, Alison Hayer, Amber Simmons, Amanda Reedy; nephews, Adam Reedy, James-Michael Reedy; great-nieces, Abigayle Winn, and Catherine Simmons. Dianne received her B.S. from Florida State University in 1969 and her M.A. from FSU in 1974. She had 30 years of service in the Houston Public Library, as head of acquistions. A member of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, the National Association of Librarians, Texas Association of Librarians, with many years of service in the choirs of Grace and Memorial Drive Presbyterian Churches with tours of Canada and Europe. A lifetime loyal Florida State fan and an avid sailor. A Memorial Service to celebrate her life will be held at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, 11612 Memorial Drive, Houston, 77024 at 1 pm on Friday June 30th. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations to the American Cancer Society, or to donate a book to the Houston Public Library System.

• Bruce M. Nugent (MS1963), 70, of Dade City passed away June 26, 2006 in Clearwater, FL under the care of Suncoast Hospice. He was born in Winchester, KY on March 5, 1936 to Nell M. Nugent and Vernon T. Nugent. He grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. He graduated from Deer Park High School and the University of Cincinnati as well as received his master's degree from Florida State University. He moved to the Tampa Bay area in 1964, was a retired librarian from the St. Petersburg Public library system and a member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society. He is survived by his brother, Dr. Jeffrey T. Nugent, Atlanta, GA; his sister, the Rev. Tara Susnjar, Land O' Lakes, FL; nieces, Courtney A. Millwood, Sadie Millwood and Savannah Motz. Funeral services will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday July 1, 2006 at Hodges Family Funeral Home 301 Chapel. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory to The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33760.

May

• Betty Cleveland Burgess (BA1959 & MA1960), 68, died May 21, 2006 at Bayfront Medical Center. She was born in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was an Admissions Specialist at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale, Virginia. She was Methodist and a Member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority at Florida State University.

April

• Brian Kurt Arbogast De Hubert-Miller (MS1988), 54, died on April 16, 2006 after a struggle with stomach cancer. Brian had an unusually diverse life he developed along "the road less traveled." Born in Raymond, Minnesota in 1951, he was raised in Eaton and Muncie, Indiana and migrated to Winter Park in 1977. He was the award-winning designer of specialty stores. The Candle Tree (a chain) B.K. Hubert and Company, he had retail stores, selling antiques, decorative accessories. Leisure Living Systems of America. A concept designer and consultant to the trades. Between 1978 and 1997 he was a professional sculptor, working in pure paper relief as a response to the organic paper movement in fashion at the time. His work is in the collection of many corporations, such as exhibited in several museum shows. In the early 1990s he was active in the gay community in Orlando, Florida as a co- founder of Orlando Regional Pride, as the co-founder of GLADD Florida, the first statewide chapter to the Gay and Lesbian Alliance against Defamation. He played a significant role in convincing Disney to implement an anti-discrimination policy, and helped develop a statewide directory of gay and lesbian organizations and businesses, lead protest against discrimination in the military and by employers in Florida. He was the senior information archCI Help Deskt in the office of the Deans and lead the Information architecture Group at the College of Information at Florida State University, where he was a Faculty Practitioner and influenced the design of an undergraduate IA concentration. He left the faculty to turn his full attention to IA research and completing his dissertation. At the end of his life he was focused on helping form the field of Information architecture. He helped to found the specialist interest group for IA at the American Society for Information Science and Technology. He was awarded the prestigious Eugene Garfield Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship from the national Beta Phi Mu Honor Society. At the time of his passing, he was near completion or his seminal dissertation titled: Information architecture and the nature of potential information: Opening a formal conversation about information architecture philosophy, theory and research. Brian studied music performance and art as an undergraduate at Ball State University, but ultimately received his BA in interdisciplinary humanistic studies from Rollins College, where he graduated summa cum laude and was honored as the year's most outstanding senior and valedictorian. He received his MS in Library and information Studies from Florida State University.

March

• Carolyn Crane Fitz passed away March 27 at Baptist Beaches Hospital. She was surrounded by her children, and supported with love and comfort. Carolyn was born on Feb. 12, 1930, in Montclair, N.J. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts, with honors, from Middlebury in 1952. After marrying Thomas Fitz in 1954, they moved around the United States and to the Bahamas with their four children, finally settling in North Florida in 1973. Carolyn went on to receive a Masters of Library Science from Florida State University in 1975, and then began a career as a librarian, culminating in her role as Head Librarian of the Fernandina Beach Library. After retirement she continued supporting the library part time at the Braddum Brooks library in Jacksonville. Carolyn loved the symphony, baseball, books and animals. She was a loving person who will be remembered for her caring and light-hearted approach to life. She is survived by her children, Gordon Fitz and his partner, Colette Hartshorne, Sharon Lucius and her husband Kenneth, Brian Fitz and his wife Laurie, and Timothy Fitz and his wife Jennifer. Carolyn also had three beloved grandchildren, Chelsea Lucius, and Austin and Emily Fitz; her sister, Constance Meyer of New Jersey; and a brother, Ralph Crane of Bradenton. An informal remembrance of her life will be held today, March 31, at 2 p.m. at the gazebo at Main Beach Park at the ocean in Fernandina Beach (near Sandy Bottoms restaurant). All are welcome. The family asks that donations be made in lieu of flowers to: Save the Manatee Club, 500 N. Maitland Ave., Maitland, FL 32751.

January

• Orrin S. Whitten (BA 1960 & MS1961), 91, of Tavares, FL passed away January 14, 2006.

2005

December

• Gay Hamrick Laffitte (BA1954), 74, of Rock Hill, S.C., died Friday, Dec. 23, 2005, at Piedmont Medical Center. The funeral was Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2005, at Neely's Creek Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, with burial at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church Cemetery. The Rev. Jan Senneker officiated with Dr. Jack Basie assisting. Greene Funeral Home in Rock Hill (803-326-2051) handled arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Diseases and Related Disorders Association, 222 S. Cherry Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732, or the Area 11 Special Olympics, P.O. Box 11706, Rock Hill, SC 29731. She was born Jan. 26, 1931 in Leesburg, the daughter of the late H. Pope and Esther Hamrick. She attended Leon High School and graduated from Florida State University with a major in library science. She was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority and the Florida State University Orchestra. She was a librarian at Crawfordville High School and worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, D.C. She received a master's degree in library science from Winthrop College and retired as a librarian from Chester County schools in South Carolina in 1997. She was a member and past president of the Rock Hill Women's Club. She was a member of Neely's Creek Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, where she was active in the Caroline Boyd Circle, and was also very involved in a Rock Hill book club and sewing club.

November

• Martine B. Ostap (MS 1989), 46, Laramie, died Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2005, at Ivinson Memorial Hospital. She was born March 31, 1959, in New Brunswick, N.J., the daughter of Edward and Helen (Lebiedz) Ostap. She was educated in Laramie and graduated from Laramie High School. She graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in English and she held degrees from various universities in Texas, New Mexico and Florida. She was a member of St. Laurence OÆToole Catholic Church and enjoyed being in the outdoors and around animals. She was preceded in death by her father, Edward C. Ostap. A memorial Mass will be at a later date with inurnment taking place in New Jersey. Memorial contributions may be made to the Laramie Animal Shelter, 1064 N. Fifth, Laramie, WY 82072. Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
  

September

• Ethel Ingram DuBose (MS 1974) of Jacksonville, FL, died September 16, 2005. She was born in Barney, Ga. on June 28, 1918 to the late S.O. and Maude Melton Ingram. She graduated from Pavo High School, attended Norman Park Junior College and graduated from the University of Georgia with a BSEd degree. She received her master's degree in library science from Florida State University. She had resided in Waycross since 1943 where she taught in the local public schools and served as librarian at Waycross High School. After retiring, she volunteered in libraries at Waycross College, Baptist Village and Central Baptist Church. She was an active member of Central Baptist Church for 51 years. She was a member of the Mary Martha Sunday School Class and also a circle member in her church. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the Waycross Retired Teachers Association and the Georgia Retired Teachers Association. Her passion was golf. She served on the Georgia State Women Golf Association Board of Directors and as president in 1969. She was active in the Okefenokee Women Golf Association and served as captain several times. She was a winner of many local tournaments and a state champion golfer winning the Georgia State Women's Championship in 1972. Her skill as a golfer earned her enshrinement in the Waycross-Ware County Sports Hall of Fame. Her other hobbies included quilting, sewing, scrap booking and gardening.

August

• Virginia K. Sharp (MS 1988) of St. Augustine, FL, died August 13, 2005. Virginia was born on February 18, 1946, in Jackson County to the late D.A. and Myrtle Gabbard Cole. She attended Berea College and graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in English Education. She later completed a Master's degree in Library Science from Florida State University in Tallahassee. Virginia married Joseph Wayne Sharp on July 20, 1964, and they had two sons, Joel Gregory Sharp and Benjamin Madison Sharp. After living in Kentucky, Washington DC, and Michigan, they settled in Florida where Virginia was self-employed as a law librarian and researcher for Smith Hulsey & Busey in Jacksonville, FL. Virginia was a skilled artist and was known for her love of home and family, arts and music, and faraway places.

June

• John D. Marshall (MS 1951) of Murfreesboro, TN, died June 6, 2005. He was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in McKenzie. He was the son of the late Max Marshall and Emma Walpole Marshall. Marshall received numerous awards including the 1989 Distinguished Alumni Award from Florida State University School of Library and Information Studies, where he graduated with a master's degree in 1951 and the 1989 Alumni Achievement Award from Bethel College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1950. Marshall was a noted expert on the life and works of Sir Winston Churchill and was elected a Churchill Fellow by Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri in 1982. In 1989, he was elected to the Board of Governors of the Winston Churchill Memorial and Library at Westminster College in Fulton. The board has a membership of fifteen, including Churchill's daughter, Lady Mary Soames DBE. His distinguished career as librarian/scholar/author includes 41 years of service to academic libraries in Florida, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. He authored or edited 16 books, published over 25 articles and contributed over 300 book reviews.
  
  
• Eileen D. Brunner (MS 1979) of Frenandina Beach, FL, died June 21, 2005. She received her bachelor degree from Beaver College, now Arcadia University, Philadelphia, Pa., and held a master's degree from Murray State University and a master's in library science from Florida State University, Tallahassee, Fla. Beginning in early 1970s, she became librarian in the Union County Schools and later in the Columbia County School System. By the mid-1970s she joined Columbia County Public Library where she worked as director until retirement in 1992. Mrs. Brunner was a member of American Association of University Women, American and Florida Library Association and State of Florida Friends of the Library. She had organized Swim Teams at Murray Country Club, Fernandina Beach Recreation Center and Lake City Country Club. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Lake City, and attended First Presbyterian Church, Fernandina Beach. Born in Freehold, N.J., she was the daughter of the late Chief of Police Cornelius and Julia Ostrander DeVries.
  

April

• Mary K. Lewis (MS 1961) of Tallahassee, FL, died April 27, 2005. Born in Philadelphia, Mrs. Lewis moved to Miami with her parents in 1949. She was a graduate of Miami Senior High School and received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Library Science from Florida State University. She was a teacher in the Miami-Dade Countyand Leon County school systems. Later, she was a historic sites specialist with the Division of Archives, History and Records Management, Florida Department of State. She also worked as a legislative coordinator for the Florida Education Association and as a statistician with the Division of Rehabilitation and Liquidation, Department of Insurance. She was a member of the FSU Alumni Association and the Board of the Emerald Isle Society. She also served on the Society's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee.

February

• Patricia Joan Allen Trosper (MS 1977) of Pomona, California died at the age of 61 Monday, February 27 at 2:00pm at Albertville Funeral Home in Albertville.

2004

December

• Herbert R. Defuniak (MS 1965 LS) of Lake Worth, FL died December 13, 2004.

October

• Patricia Sikes (BA 1960 LS) of Winter Haven, FL died of heart failure on Friday Oct. 8, 2004 at Winter Haven Hospital. She was 67 years old and was born in Miami on Nov. 29, 1936; she was a longtime resident of Polk County. She was a homemaker, a Methodist, and graduated from Florida State University.
  
• Cynthia Iacono (MS 1987 LS) died Thursday, Oct. 14, 2004. She was 51 years old and was born on Jan. 27, 1952 in Buffalo, N.Y. Memorial contributions can be made to the FLC Cindy Iacono Memorial Bookfund, made payable to the FLC Foundation. Mail checks to Chandler Jackson, John S. Reed Library, Fort Lewis College, 1000 Rim Drive, Durango, CO 81301.

September

• Betty B. Tyson (MS 1979), a resident of Montgomery, AL, died at the age of 53 Sunday, September 5, 2004.
  
  
• Ruth Erie Hansell (MS 1964 LS), 83, died Sept. 29, 2004. She was born in Avon Park and lived in St. Lucie County since 1960, coming from Davie. She was a librarian.
  
  
• Lucille Buckels Leslie (MS 1955) of Rogers, AR, died September 30, 2004. She was born June 19, 1907 in Jasper, to Robert C. Buckels Sr. and Luanna Crews Buckels. She was married to Thomas Dale Leslie, who preceded her in death. Mrs. Leslie moved to Arkansas in 1997 from Florida where she taught high school math and history for approximately 50 years. She earned a Bachelor s Degree in Education from the University of Florida, and a Master s Degree in Library Science. Mrs. Leslie wrote poetry, and traveled to Hawaii, Europe, the Orient and extensively in the United States. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

August

• Katherine C. McCallie Brubeck (MA 1954) of Salmetowne, NC ,died August 13, 2004 . She served as librarian at Jacksonville Junior College and director of Bard Library, Community College of Baltimore , MD. She was listed in the first edition of Who's Who of American Women.

July

• Merle Souter Doran (BA 1943, MA 1949), died July 7, 2004. She taught elementary and high-school in Taylor County and was a librarian and library science professor at FSU.

• Katherine K. Yarish (BA 1985 & MS 1988), 44, passed away July 25, 2004. Katy was a Media Specialist who loved the children and staff at Loretto Elementary School. She was a member of the Jacksonville Jewish Center. Survivors include her husband Paul; two great children, Joseph and Samuel, whom she loved with all her heart; and sisters Paula, Julia and Shaun. Graveside Funeral Services will be held at New Center Cemetery (43rd and Liberty Streets) at 10:30 on Tuesday July, 2004 with Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner officiating. Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL.

April

• Karen Chepko (Advanced MS 1994, MS 1993) FSU Strozier Library technical services librarian and a doctoral candidate at the School died in Tallahassee on April 16, 2004. She had been a past President of the School’s Alumni Association among other extensive professional activities. Gifts can be made in Ms. Chepko’s memory to the Information Studies Earmarked Scholarship Fund #3920.

2003

September

• Glenn Tims (MS 1973 LS) died September 27, 2003.

June

• Alvin D. Aurand (MS 1961) died on June 30, 2003. Mr. Aurand taught at Stranahan High School and later at Broward Community College, retiring in 1998 after 34 years.

April

• Warren S. Gailbreath, Sr. (MS 1957) died on April 25, 2003. He served in the Navy during the Korean War and was residing in Ft. Worth, Texas at the time of his death.

2002

November

• Vera J. Maxwell (MS 1950) died on November 3, 2002. She was a resident of Thomasville, Georgia.

2000