EMBRACING TRANS4MATIONS

CLASS NEWS

• Gathered & Written by Class Representatives •

Dear Classmates,

Today I am thanking God that my family and you, hopefully, are safe after the devastating hurricane. Our lovely town took quite a blow and along with it the college. Slowly but surely we are all returning to our normal lives.

Taking up where our last newsletter left off, I will bring you up to date with news of our class.

Our annual beach trip to Jean Fore McDaniel and Mac’s home at Pawleys Island was on the quiet side in June. The only ones able to go were Betty Jean Lee Hunsinger and me!! We had a wonderful time though and spent time with Mickey McDowell who was also at Pawleys with his daughter, Cindy. We went out for dinner one evening and did a lot of reminiscing. He loves living at Clemson and has recently sold the family home where he and Anne lived all those many years.

Mitzi DuPre Matthews and one of her lovely friends were in Hartsville attending a church meeting, and after joining them for dinner, I gave them quite a tour of our town. Her friend was not familiar with Hartsville, so it was with a great deal of pride, I “showed off” Hartsville which of course one of the highlights was Coker. It truly is a place to be proud of.

For some time, Jennie Herlong Boatwright had been asking us to visit her in Ridge Spring. Betty Jean, Mitzi and I finally cleared our calendars and made the trip. We were entertained royally with a delicious dinner to which she invited several friends. After spending the night and partaking of Phillips and Jennie’s mouth-watering breakfast, we went downtown to their market where we bought peaches for which that area is so famous.

We were so saddened that our very own Beth DuBose Cottingham’s husband, Walter, died after fighting cancer. Since the funeral was the day we left to visit Jennie, we made plans to go to Beth’s in a few weeks. That was a memorable day with Jo Anne Boyd Sires coming over and bringing lunch. We were there for four hours enjoying talking about our Coker days!! Our sympathy and love are with Beth.

Betty Jean and I had a lovely visit with Felicia Brown McElveen at Brookdale, an assisted-living home in Florence. I took our senior Milestone with me, and we shared many memories. She sends her love to all of you.

Mitzi and I attended Leadership Saturday which is held at the college. She had come the day before and spent the night with me. We always have a good time. These meetings are always so wellplanned and keep us abreast of what is taking place at the college.

When we learned that Ina Jean Webster Godwin was in a home in Florence, we planned a trip there. Betty Jean and I had a nice visit with her in Heritage Home of Florence. Her sister who also attended Coker was visiting too, so we had lots in common.

To continue working on our “bucket list”, Mitzi, Betty Jean and I decided to go and see Sarah Sampson Bell in Pembroke. We met her and son Joey for lunch and then continued our visit at her home. Maxine Locklear Amos ’56, came over for a visit and dessert. We had lots to talk about.

Every summer the college has drama workshops for young children. After only nine days of instruction during which they learn and practice a musical production, they present it for two nights. The performances are awesome!! I attended “Mulan” and was absolutely amazed.

I was very honored to have Dr. Wyatt speak to my senior citizens’ group at my church recently. Several remarked afterwards that they were not aware of all that the college is doing. Coker students are very involved in our community.

Charlie Chewning would have been included in all of our visiting, but some health issues kept her from doing so. She lost her great-nephew, one she felt very close to, the week before the hurricane. We are so sorry, Charlie.

I called Daphen Yarborough Edge to check on her since she lives in Little River. Her only problem was no power for a few days. Her husband, A. J., is in a rehab center presently and not well at all. Please pray for Daphen since she is not able to continue to care for him any longer.

We had our visit to Betty Carol Mobley Bynum and Bundy all set up but have postponed it because of all the problems caused by the hurricane.

One more visit Betty Jean and I made was to see Norma “Bootsie” Hurst Owens ‘54, who lives in Covenant Place, a lovely retirement home in Sumter. We had a wonderful visit and enjoyed learning about her life since Coker.

We are all sorry to learn that Jane Cureton Williams died this year. She had lived in Still Hopes for many years.

I celebrated my 85th birthday in June and all of you have done the same or will be doing the same soon. Can you believe that we are this age?

Please take good care of yourselves. Don’t forget our Endowed Scholarship and the Annual Scholarship Fund. Let’s keep in touch.

My love to everyone,

Pat Chapman Huff

1957

Dear Class of ’57,

Where are you and what are you doing? Good friends from Coker Days want to know! I know we are old but what do we care? We are still Coker Nuts and there are those out there who want to hear from you. I can make that happen!

Call me: 843-332-3040. or email me: lwoates@ roadrunner.com

I think my trip last March was my best so far. Stayed two days at the Carlton Intercontinental Hotel in Cannes, France. Spent a day at Monaco--rode a lap of the Grand Prix, gambled at Monte Carlo (lost my 5 euros quickly but enjoyed watching others win! and went in the Cathedral where Princess Grace was married and is buried. Going to London and Scotland next.

Cannot believe I am experiencing so many things Dr. Davidson exposed us to in Civ. classes!

My wishes for good health and happiness to all of you. Let me hear from you.

Lynn

1958

Mary Harvey Holmes is contemplating a move to a retirement village with long-term care, perhaps next January or February. Her family thinks it is wise to prepare. Currently, she is living in an apartment. There are other of our classmates that have already made this move. When Annette Cooke Stokes spoke with her recently, Annette said Mary “sounded good.”

Annette Cooke Stokes broke her shoulder in August and was still healing in November, but was able to do some things. They had a trip to eastern Canada in July, and Niagara Falls! In case you didn’t notice, her name was mysteriously changed to Flora Collins Baker in the last issue of the Commentary. Anyone know her? Please read the article again, now that you know who I am talking about.

Lucy Parker Stranch has a new email address – “old WINDSTREAM is gone!” lpstranch@outlook.com. She would love to hear from all of you.

Lamar and Lucy Singletary Caldwell ’54 celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in August. They had a great visit in September with their older son Steve who lives in Montana, and their older daughter Phyllis who lives in Iowa. They, along with their younger daughter LuBeth, who lives in Lexington, SC, and Lucy spent a week at the beach. Since Lamar does not care for the beach, he sat out on that trip. He is a “mountain person.” Lamar celebrated his 86th birthday on October 26. Congratulations!

I am still very active in the Woman’s Club of Nashville, and do a lot of traveling around the country, either visiting friends or traveling with them. With four sons, I have really enjoyed my two granddaughters. Girls are so different from boys. Please send me your mailing address so I can keep in touch. There are many I do not have, and some are outdated and incorrect.

1960

Sherrill E. Jordan sent the following email: November 4th was a very special day! Louise Atkinson Cleveland and Bubba came through Florence on their first trip since Louise’s accident and stroke!

Joyce Gregg Fincannon joined us along with two long-time friends from Timmonsville for a lengthy lunch at Olive Garden—Bubba and Louise’s treat! Louise looks fantastic as does her wonderful husband, Bubba. From here they were going to Bubba’s Citadel reunion and then on to Columbia to meet long-time friends from their days in Berlin.

For those who did not hear the news earlier, their son Charlie was promoted to Brigadier General this year. We saw pictures and he is a handsome dude!

Ann Matthews Bragdon is now living at the Methodist Manor here in Florence. I talked to her earlier and she loves life there. I consider it the finest facility in our area for retirees and those who need assisted living or other special accommodations. I plan to visit with her soon.

Laura McLeod and Beverly Ann Touchberry came to Florence on November 13 for my birthday. We met at my place, then went to Red Lobster for seafood because Laura and I were starving for fried oysters! My first cousin and a neighbor joined us, and a grand time was had by all.

I hear often via email or phone from Lois Sawyer Lott and B. They are doing well and are celebrating the birth of another special grandchild.

Laura McLeod

1961

Coker College Class of 1961: Small in numbers, but strong in spirit! Seven of us attended our 55th Coker Class Reunion: Julie Poole Brice, Easley, SC; Edna DuRant Ellis, Summerton, SC; Gail Power Helms, Charlotte, NC; Barbara (Blue) Littell Nelson, Bluffton, SC; Sylvia Beard Seppala, Hockessin, DE.; Sylvia Eckard Settlemyre, Hickory, NC; and Licia Love Stone, Florence, SC. It was a wonderful time for us to visit, remember our Coker days, and catch up on our adult lives. We appreciated Sylvia Eckard Settlemyre’s husband, Terry, bringing her along with their daughter, Julie. It seems that as we get older, our Coker friends become dearer. We all agreed to try to keep in touch with one another and make a special effort to meet somewhere in 2017 or 2018 to enjoy each other and, again, remember our Coker days.

The Class of 1961 is “reconnecting” again and there has been good response. If there is anyone who has not been contacted or if a classmate knows of someone who has not been contacted, please let us know. A BIG THANK YOU from the Class of 1961 to Regina Swygert Smith for the wonderful job she did as our class representative for so many years. A special THANK YOU, also, to Sylvia Beard Seppala who helped Gina in the last several years. Thank you, Gina and Sylvia for holding our class together.

“We are sharp, young, smart, good looking and the best of the best...No old ladies in our group!!” says Blue Littell Nelson. All of the Class of 1961 agree with her!!!!!! Frances Gray Atkinson lives at the Methodist Manor in Florence, SC. She and her husband lived in Florence for 45 years. She and her husband then moved to the mountains of NC. After her husband passed away, she moved back to Florence, SC. Her main interests have always been Music and Art. She says she is busier than she has ever been teaching Art and playing the piano for various functions at the Methodist Manor. She says “add Bible Studies and Bridge and my calendar is full”.

Joyce Coates Leasure and Larry live in Florence, SC. At the 50th reunion 2011, Joyce was very sick and her husband, Larry, came and represented her. She is healthy again. They celebrated their 52nd anniversary in 2016. Larry was a teacher and principal for 25 years in Virginia and retired and they moved to Florence. He is a Colonel in the Civil Air Patrol and loves flying with the cadets. Joyce says “on one trip, we flew to Dothan, Al. and we waited for Rosa Parks and her entourage. I was so excited, because we studied her story in my class when I taught. I finally got enough nerve to introduce myself to her and told her that my students had studied her story. She was so gracious and I will never forget my encounter with Rosa Parks”! Joyce has a sister who is 6 years younger and graduated from Coker. Daughter, Danielle and husband, Byron Matthews, live in Wisconsin. They have 2 daughters, Makayla, 11th grade, and Sydney, 8th grade. Makayla has beautiful voice. Sydney plays soccer. Danielle was a music and voice major and teaches music at a Christian School. She was in the Miss SC. Pageant as Miss Darlington in 1990 and as Miss Florence in 1992. She won the non-finalist talent award for singing Amazing Grace. Byron works for GE Medical Systems. Granddaughter, Makayla, 13, was in hospital from Jan. to May in 1993 with flu, Mrs and staph. She had 4 surgeries, one a heart-lung by-pass surgery. Her left diaphragm was “nicked” during one of the surgeries which left it paralyzed. She had to give up volleyball which she loved and has to be extra careful. Joyce keeps in touch with Isabel (Ibble) Smith, Mary Miller, Penny Clements. After Coker graduation Joyce, Ibble, Mary, Lillie Easterling, and Penny went to Lake Smith, VA.(outside Washington, D.C.) Mary Miller Roethlisberger, who lives in Wirtz, Virginia met and married a Marine while in VA. They have 3 boys and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary several years ago.

Penny Clements and Lou live in Sierra Vista, AZ. She and Lou celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August 2016 on an Alaskan Cruise. Penny transferred to Coker her junior year.

Gail Power Helms and Tim live in Harrisburg, NC. celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary in 2016. She wrote “ It doesn’t seem so long ago that we were students, but there have been such changes since those days that I guess it was long ago”!

Sylvia Eckerd Settlemyre and Terry with daughter, Julie, live in Hickory, NC.

Beryl Hills Carter and her husband, live in Lake City, SC. She writes: “We have been blessed with a precious grandson who is now 2. His parents come to see us often and I am having the time of my life bonding with Capers. Our granddaughter attends Clemson where she is a sophomore. After she graduates she plans to apply to veterinary schools. I retired from AT &T years ago, but am working full time with my husband in furniture restoration in Lake City”. Betty Robertson (BJ) Coughlin lives in Marietta, GA. She writes: Although I was a day student, it seems my interest in Coker and my peers has increased as my life has slowed down. I say slowed down meaning I retired from the Federal government after 39 years, became a professional sculptor and am trying to ease out of big projects and travel more. My second husband (and the love of my life) died one and a half years ago so I’ve been adjusting to being alone......I am filling that time with duplicate bridge, golf and traveling. I leave for the Pantanal section of Brazil on 9-26-2016 for an 11 day trip into the jungle with a conservation group to observe the habitat of exotic animals and birds. It will be an adventure and a new type of travel for me. I have scheduled a safari for 2017..... trying to “maximize” my time. All of my 4 children live in the Atlanta area.

Licia Love Stone lives in Florence, SC.

Barbara (Blue) Littell Nelson and Landy live in Bluffton, SC. Landy retired as a Colonel in the Army in 1989. During August 2016 they were in Italy with their daughter, Julie and her family. They have 2 sons, Sandy and Tom and 5 grandchildren.

Sandy Poole Winn and Ron live in Austin, TX. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in June 2016. They have 3 sons and 5 grandchildren. Sandy writes: “Our youngest son is a single father with primary care for his children. We are VERY involved with those three teenagers (13, 15, 17) and have some care for them everyday. We love it and pray they help keep us young.

We thought in our senior years we would be doing mission trips regularly and although, not in the way we thought, they are our mission field. So happy to be a big part of their lives daily.

Our oldest granddaughter, daughter of another son, is a senior at Clemson this year. She loves it there. SC is like home to her because they lived in Charleston until the family moved to Austin 2 years ago”.

Julie Poole Brice and Jimmy live in Easley, SC. They have 2 children who live close to them and 3 grandchildren. Julie writes: “Although many years have separated us, I still recall many fond memories of our years together. Jimmy and I have been living in Foothills Retirement Community for about 9 months, and haven’t found anything not to like yet. We’re still healthy enough to participate in many of the activities here and enjoy the freedom from housework, cooking, and yard work. I read twice a week in the Alzheimer’s unit and really enjoy doing that. Also go to exercise classes and “field trips” that they organize for us”.

Mary Shirley Whelchel and George live in Liberty, SC. They had a 52nd anniversary in 2016. The have 4 children who live close by and have 7 grandchildren (ages 21 to 10 years old). A daughter has worked in Atlanta for years and bought a house in Easley 2 years ago. She has been driving to and from Atlanta 4 days a week and now she is thinking of working in Greenville.

Joyce Medlin Eaton lives in Florence, SC.

Sally Caskey Sutton and Mark live in Tucker, GA. They celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary in 2016. They have 4 children. Sally writes “May 2015 I was diagnosed with fast growing aggressive breast cancer. I am the “Chemo Queen”. This is a stubborn cancer and does not want to go away. Mark has

been my “rock”. Our family, friends, and neighbors have been fantastic and my oncologist is wonderful. All of this is in God’s hands so we are thankful for every day”.

Jane McLeod Webb visited in August 2016. Her son lives close to Sally. She lives in Augusta, GA.

Pat Cullum Yarbrough and Tom live in Summerduck, VA. They spend time in Moore Haven, FL. during the winter and frequently drive their camper to Alaska in the summer. They have 2 daughters and 4 sons. 10 grandchildren…5 girls and 5 boys and a great grandchild, a girl born December 2016.

Judy McCartt Dickson lives in Taylors, SC.

Jane Mcreight Turpin lives in York, SC.

Bleeker Sisk Cannon and Bubba live at Pawleys Island, SC. Bleeker writes: Bubba and I have just returned from a river cruise down the Blue Danube from Budapest, Hungary, to Nurenberg, Germany ( August 2016). Loved it, but getting harder to travel internationally and deal with all the airports. Took us 22 1/2 hours to get home!

Emily Mathis Betts lives in Fuquay Varina, NC. Emily writes: I lost Bud in April, and it has been rough learning how to be a widow. Thank goodness both my girls live here, and I have a good support system from the ladies in my Sunday School Class. I have arthritis in my hands, knees and back, and get around with a cane. And yes, that dad gum knee that I hurt while at Coker still gives me fits! And I am determined not to get a knee replacement. I did not make it to nursing school with Blue and Dorcas but I did work in the WakeMed hospital system out of Raleigh as a secretary and learned a lot. No MRSA for me!

Louise Foster Thomason and Buddy live in Seale, Al. and celebrated in 2016 their 57th wedding anniversary. Buddy went to the Citadel and Louise and Buddy met at a Valentine Dance at Coker. Martha Gibbons played the organ at their wedding. Buddy has retired from his dental practice and enjoys golf. They have one daughter and 2 sons. They have 9 grandchildren and 4 great Grandchildren---ages 5 to 1 years old. Louise saw Julie Brice in 2012 at their 55th high school reunion in Easley. Louise has had both knees replaced and a hip replacement in 2016.

Beverly Davis Mims lives in Columbia, SC. She is real active in her church, Eastminister Presbyterian Church.

Esther Davis Pearman lives in Columbia, SC. She has a daughter and a son and 2 grandchildren. She is very active in her church, Eastminister Presbyterian Church.

Ann Wooten Sanders and husband live in Dalton, GA. She writes: “Finishing in 3 years makes me one of those “in between” alumni! I have wished through the years that I had saved those civilization books, weren’t we fortunate to have had Dr. Davidson for our professor! My husband is a 2 time cancer survivor and thankfully is doing well. We are blessed with 2 children, Becky who teaches in Marietta, GA and Will who is in the Navy and each one has doubly blessed us with 2 little granddaughters; Maddie 11 and Piper 7 (we got a late start)”.

Martha Gibbons has lived in the Columbia, SC area since she graduated from Coker. Her address is Irmo, SC. She writes: “I think about Coker, classmates and good times quite a lot.

Yep, we are Senior Citizens!!! I tell everyone that it is not the AGE that I mind, it is “the side effects”!! About 9 years ago I had to deal with a mild post polio syndrome issue - caused “foot drop” and I have been on crutches since then. Slows me down more than I would like, but doesn’t keep me from doing most of what I want to do.

Have out lived 2 husbands - even though I divorced the first one and took my maiden name back (kept it even though married again) - we later became friends again so that we could enjoy the grandchildren at some of the same events and holidays. Second husband had Alzheimer’s. I now live alone with my 17 year old cocker spaniel. My heart throb - my 6 year old, 1st grade GreatGrandson spends every other weekend with me (he has since he was 1) and we have a good time together!!! Have 2 other great-grandchildren, but never see them, so don’t know them (one of those tragic modern day situations that I don’t like nor understand)!!!!!

Had 2 sons by first husband (after divorce and resumed maiden name both sons changed to Gibbons also), so if you didn’t know how that came to be might make you wonder!!! Have 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Taught Elementary School for 30 years, retired and then did Accounting work for 15 years. Had Accounting been an option for females when we went to college I probably would have been a CPA - I LOVED it!!!!! Been completely retired for some time now. Do a LOT of reading, watch very little television, like to “piddle” in the yard and am involved with a Circle, Ladies Lunch Bunch and Over 50’s with my church!!”

Nancy Stewart Myers and husband live in Roanoke, VA. She is an assistant principal at Oak Grove Elementary. She says she loves what she does and believes it keeps her young being around children. Her husband is retired. They have 3 grown children and 6 grands.

Sara Ann Baughman Noll lives in Leonia, NJ right outside of New York City. Her husband, who was a conductor, and also the music supervisor at CBS, died in 2008. She still lives in their home and is trying to go through 18 5-drawer file cabinets which are full of music scores, etc. Also has an attic full of costumes collected over the years. Says the task is overwhelming. She has one daughter and one granddaughter, who she takes care of a lot. The daughter (Christie) and her husband are both actors with touring companies, so Sara Ann spends lots of time with her granddaughter.

Mary Frances Irick lives in Evans, GA and her family lives close to her.

Julia LaBruce Holcombe and Johnny live in Myrtle Beach, S.C. They have 3 daughters and 5 grandchildren. They welcomed a great grandson in November, 2015 and he lives in Mt. Pleasant, SC so they are happy he is close to them! Johnny had quadruple bypass surgery August 2016.

Susan Martin Bryan is living in Lubbock, Texas to be near her children. Kevin and Chris live in Lubbock, Keith lives in Frisco ( six hours from Lubbock). Cathy lives in Nashville, TN Susan has 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. She enjoys her Art work with watercolors which is beautiful. She took ½ of a semester of drawing with Dr. Nickey Brumbaugh. She makes and prints cards and has a portfolio showing these cards. She enjoys this small business. She enjoys along with painting with watercolors, reading, Church and Bible Study, Pilates, and mostly her grands and great grands. Susan has always and continues to be a very positive person with a warm personality.

Regina Swygert Smith and her husband, Michael, live in Stephens City, VA. Regina writes: “I continue to work at PhotoAssist on their contract with the US Postal Service for the stamp program. There’s just nothing boring about contributing to the nation’s postage stamp program. What is difficult is remembering that I can’t talk about what I’’m doing until the Postal Service announces the stamps for next year...while I’m working on stamps that the public won’t see for perhaps three more years. Challenging. Funny for me, a dedicated dog person, is another client I work for: Alley Cat Allies! Interesting editing assignments and when I go to their offices, plenty of cats to entertain me. No, no cats at home.

Michael and I house what we refer to as the geriatric community: 7 terriers aged 15 years down to 7 years. We inherited, literally, an 11-year-old Bedlington terrier (the terrier that looks like a lamb) early this year when a good friend who was one of the world’s top Bedlington breeders died. Nora fit right in with our shorter guys and all is well. We haven’t shown dogs for a few years now but may be getting a young terrier in the next few months so one of us, probably me, can get back in the show ring. Miss the competition.

Had a quick and blessedly uneventful surgery a few weeks ago when I had two small hernias repaired. My surgeon assured me that I had done nothing to cause them but did say that I was not alone as a woman of my age (ahem!) in having these pesky things show up. Ready to return to Taiji classes and to my grooming clients (I am very specialized, only grooming my two breeds, Norfolk and Norwich terriers) in Washington. Love going into town a couple of days a week.

Have been enjoying serving on the Town Council for our little town for the past three years. Who knew there was so much to do for a populace of under 2000 residents! It’s interesting and rewarding. And not too time-consuming.

And, last, because I wonder if any of you has encountered the same situation. Michael and I traded in my four-year-old Volvo XC90 and our dog van for a new Volvo XC60, thinking we could manage with one car. Great idea! We lasted two months! It was a nightmare trying to schedule doctor’s appointments (mostly his) and my grooming assignments, meetings, and Taiji classes. Back to being a two-car family.

Sylvia Beard Seppala and Earl live in Hockessin, Delaware in a retirement community. They had a nice trip to Finland to visit her husband’s family in August 2016.

Julie Blocker lives in Savannah, GA. She is retired but is a volunteer for an animal group. She says that it is sometimes busier than when she worked. She survived Hurricane Matthew (October 2016). Big loss was everything in her freezer. She hopes to make it to the next reunion.

Alice Faye Garris Kulmayer from Williamsburg, VA died 10-6-2016 after a long struggle with dementia. Her son, Jeffrey, who is a retiring Army Colonel emailed this news and sent a copy of her obituary. She was from Lakeview, SC. After her Coker graduation, she earned a Master of Science in Education from Troy State University, AL. She was an English teacher in her hometown while her husband, Joseph Kulmayer, was deployed to Vietnam. He was a Retired Army Colonel and preceded her in death. She taught in the states of SC, AL, KS, FL and VA. She was an Army wife for 30 years, moving 23 times before she and husband settled in Williamsburg, VA for 29 years. She served military communities where they lived as a hospital volunteer, Director of the U.S. Army Community Services Program and Editor of the Officers’ Wives’ Club magazine. She was a Den Mother, Advisor, and Merit Badge counselor for the Boy Scouts of America. Another son, Joseph, Jr. is a mathematics teacher in England. She had 8 grandchildren. She was laid to rest with her husband at Arlington, VA. The Class of 1961 sends deepest sympathy to her sons, Jeffrey and Joseph.

Sandy Poole Winn passed away in Austin TX and her funeral was October 31, 2016.

Edna Durant Ellis and Larry live on Lake Marion between Manning and Summerton, SC. They have a daughter in Columbia, who is in Education and a son and family in Jonesboro, AR. Their 3 grandchildren lived in Jonesboro, AR. Their “trips” are to Jonesboro.

1962

Coker Class of 1962,

Of course, we all wish each other a lovely Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas and a Happy and healthy 2017. Now that the election has been decided, it will be time to move along. It has been so interesting to hear from classmates on all sides and I pray that our country will come together and survive positively. Remember that Coker needs our support. Whatever you are able to donate will be appreciated and used well. Our classmates’ news is listed in alphabetical order according to the last names they used when we were in school.

So sorry to report that our classmate, Linda Elizabeth Oliver Huggins, died on September 11th. Her obituary can be read at http://www. legacy.com/obituaries/name/linda-hugginsobituary?pid=1000000181377354.

Has anyone kept up with Sharolyn Eales Bane? She did live in Alabama and may have moved to Newport News, VA. But I have not been able to reach her.

Do save the dates for our 55th college reunion which will be held on March 24 and 25, 2017. Try to join us. Although Coker has scheduled Coker reunions and homecoming gatherings on February 10th and 11th, we are having one for our own class in March. Many of our classmates preferred to wait until the weather might be better. We will have our dinner at Drengaelen House on Friday, March 24th and our class meeting and campus tour on Saturday. Hartsville has several new motel/hotel opportunities from which to choose as well as new restaurants. Please reach out to your spouses, classmates and friends and let me know when you would like to join us. Of course we are getting older, but then we are all in the same boat. Our class always has such a wonderful time when we get together and I hope most of us will be able to make it. Please let me know if you plan to come.

Sara Anderson Kummer wrote that after the interesting cruise last spring there have been just short trips to the beach (Pawley’s and Gulf Shores, AL) and a trip to Tennessee. They hope to take another big trip next August. She reports that Dot Herlong Hay got wind but no damage in Leesburg, FL with the hurricane, and is happy for once to be living away from the coast.

Mary Bell Kittle and Joe have returned to San Antonio from a busy and delightful summer in Orkney Springs and are busy settling down again. They are well and enjoying seeing their TX children and friends.

Sherrie Berry Wolski emailed last spring that with God’s help she can still do so many different things and is so thankful. She never believed she would be doing all the things she loves to do. She sews, cooks, makes decorations, gardens and always loves Halloween, decorates the house and yard and always has a lot of trick-or-treaters. Her fingernails and hands are not happy, but she thinks she has never had pretty hands. When complaining to her grandmother about this, MaMa would say hands do what they are supposed to do and we do not have to have pretty hands. Sherrie thinks everyone in our class at Coker has done such amazing things and she is so glad she was able to attend for our sophomore year. That was where she always wanted to go. At any rate, she is so proud of all our classmates.

Gayle Brandt Faust writes that her area made it through Hurricane Matthew. There were trees down and that caused misery to home owners. I feel so sorry for the people in the lower part of the state. In June Gayle, her two brothers and sister-in-law took a great day trip to Spartanburg, taking a trip down memory lane reliving their childhood. It was a great day. She still plays bridge twice a month and does a lot of reading. Gayle recommended some wonderful books by Jeffrey Archer to Gaby who loved one of his series this summer. She wishes everyone a very happy holiday season and a great 2017.

Peggy Brown Buchanan is looking forward to seeing everyone at our reunion.

JoAnn Clayton Leist received the new listing of the Coker Class of 1962 this week and enjoyed checking out the locations of friends from long ago who she remembers vividly! She wishes that she could attend our 55th Reunion even though she only attended Coker for the first two years! However, her husband Bill had a stroke in 2004 that made them decide to move to a retirement community in 2005. He had another serious stroke in December 2014, followed by a severe brain bleed in February 2015. He worked extremely hard with therapists of every kind for many months and has made a miraculous recovery, so JoAnn chooses to keep close to home now. They both are very active physically, which helps to keep their spirits up, though she does miss trips to visit family and friends. Joanne sends greetings to all who might remember her. Her new email address is jcleist@ gmail.com. She is planning to reach out to Charlotte Cothran Taylor since they live near each other.

Roz Carrigan Hearon and I had a nice telephone visit. She seems well and is looking forward to our reunion. Her life seems to be straightening out and sounds ever cheerful.

Brenda Cromer Miller has made motel reservations for our reunion. Her daughter and son-in-law evacuated from Pawleys Island in the wake of Hurricane Matthew and stayed with Brenda. It was a wonderful visit.

Doris Duke Straight’s brother, Thomas Paqual Duke, died unexpectedly in September.

Carol Elting Richardson is expecting to enjoy Christmas at her house with her son Brad and daughter, Georgia, who will be arriving from Nevada. Carol and Charlotte Cothran Taylor still get into trouble at least once a month.

Judith Griggs and a cousin were at the beach when they had to evacuate just before Matthew arrived and they returned home. The next morning after Judy woke up she looked out of the window and saw that a large pecan tree had fallen (even the roots) and the wind had blown lots of branches and limbs had been tossed around the yard/garden during the night. Her church found a wonderful new part time minister several years ago. The congregation is very happy. Family members are arriving for Thanksgiving dinner at a young cousin’s and more are coming to visit in early December.

Dorothy Herlong Hay wrote that she and her husband had such a wonderful time at our last reunion. I think they are going to try to join us for our 55th.

Molly Holbrook Birchler and Al enjoyed their annual visit to see friends and family in the midwest. The excuse is always to see a big football game at Purdue. The Birchlers are looking forward to having their children and grandchildren come to visit at Christmas. Molly has kindly reserved 15 rooms for us at one of the newer motels for our reunion, Hampton Inn and Suites. You may call them at 843.332.2128 regarding the Coker Class of 1962 returning alumni. The dates are March 24/25, 2017. We can book for either one or two nights, depending on your stay. Rates for a room are $109.00 plus tax or $122.08 inclusive per night. A good breakfast is also included. When making a reservation either by phone or online please tell them you are a Coker “n” graduate and use this code H62.

Anita Jones Stanton emailed a cousin this morning who lives in Lumberton to see if she had been flooded and had damage from the storm. She only lost power and was staying with her sister-in-law in Laurinburg. Anita asked her if she knew Linda and her cousin emailed about Linda’s death last month. Her cousin lived a only block away from Linda, their children grew up together, and they were members of the same garden club. No one knew that Linda was struggling with pernicious anemia and blood transfusions just quit working. Anita did not lose power and had no damage although many in Southern Pines were without electricity for several days.

Harriet King van Norte roomed with Linda Oliver Huggins while at Coker. They had been very close and good friends for all these years. In fact, one of Linda’s daughters is named Harriet in honor of their friendship.

Karen Mansfield’s contact information near Chicago is no longer useful. She retired from her job and may