Class Notes

Susan Tosh ’73 to Jerry Narramore on May 16, 2020

Susan Hicks Thetford ’78 to Guil Ezell on Sept. 17, 2022

Allison Bishop ’96 to Jamsheed Siyar on Oct. 2, 2021

Meredith Byrd ’07 to John Pekarske on March 26, 2022

Carolyn Murdock ’08 to Kyle Emory on Sept. 24, 2022

Blythe Cate ’09 to Harrison Bryant on Oct. 22, 2022

Emily Sangervasi ’09 to Michael Mitchell on Oct. 15, 2022

Becca Factor ’11 to Lenny Lapidario on Sept. 4, 2022

Lexi Mossman ’11 to Adam Hammerman on June 25, 2022

Emma Dedman ’12 to Julian Caithness on October 29, 2022

Noni Hill ’12 to John Fisher on June 11, 2022

Claire Johnson ’12 to Alex Trevino on June 25, 2022

Margaret Anne Pendleton ’12 to Alan Chester Betz III on Dec. 19, 2021

Emma Snow ’13 to Ferriss Bailey on Oct. 22, 2022

Martha Schull ’13 to Thomas Carr on June 25, 2022

Abby Biesman ’14 to Jacob Green on Aug. 21, 2022

Ellie Davidson ’15 to John Willis Stevens on Aug. 13, 2022

Sara Puryear ’15 to Jeremy Hunziker on Oct. 22, 2022

Elizabeth Stinson ’15 to Patrick Perrier on Oct. 15, 2022

Wynne Briggs ’16 to Drew Mixson on Sept. 25, 2021

Lee Lee Johnson ’16 to Jim Garrett on June 4, 2022

Linda Williams Dale ’56 Trustee 1978-1989 and Honorary Trustee

Linda Williams Dale ’56 of Nashville, Tennessee, died on Aug. 16, 2022. Linda was one of the earliest students at Harpeth Hall. Following her graduation in 1956, she attended Vanderbilt University where she received her bachelor’s degree. She served as a Harpeth Hall trustee from 1978-1989 and became an honorary trustee in 1998. Linda was also the founder and first president of the Harpeth Hall Alumnae Association from 1966-1974. Her husband, Bobby, who also served on the Harpeth Hall Board of Trustees, was the president of Martha White Foods, Inc., the family business. Linda had a deep love of the George Washington Celebration and supported the refurbishing of the costumes worn by the girls. She had a long family history with Ward-Belmont and Harpeth Hall, which includes her mother, Naomi Bandy Williams ’27, her daughters Noni Dale Haddock ’81 and Lezley Dale ’87, her granddaughter Naomi Haddock ’18, and her sister, Connie Williams King ’47.

Patricia Ingram Hart ’53 Trustee 1976-1982

Patricia Ingram Hart ’53, a devoted mother, wife, philanthropist, and friend, died on Aug. 13, 2022. Patricia’s mother Hortense Bigelow Ingram was a Harpeth Hall founding trustee. Patricia attended Ward-Belmont and graduated from St. Timothy's School in Baltimore, Maryland. She earned a bachelor's degree in English at Vanderbilt University and devoted her life to her family and her community, leading in civic, business, education, and volunteer realms of Nashville. She began her service with the Junior League Home for Crippled Children and remained loyal when it moved to Vanderbilt Hospital. She also served two decades on the board of The West End Home for Ladies, co-founded by her mother. After raising her children, Patricia served in leadership capacities at FiftyForward, STARS, United Way, and Bridges; and, together with her husband Rodes, was a founding member of the Tocqueville Society of the United Way of Metropolitan Nashville. Patricia was a Harpeth Hall trustee from 1976-1982. She is survived by her husband, her sister-in-law and Harpeth Hall Honorary Trustee Martha Ingram, two sons, her daughter Patti Hart Smallwood, who attended Harpeth Hall, 10 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Donald Paxton McPherson III, Ann Teaff's beloved husband of 26 years, died suddenly on Sunday morning, Nov. 20, 2022, as he was preparing to leave for church. It is a great comfort to Ann and the family that Don died in their home with Ann by his side. The Harpeth Hall school community had the great fortune to come to know Don while Ann served as head of school from 1998 to 2014. He became an invaluable part of Harpeth Hall and remained loyal to the school, as well as to his Nashville friends, until his death.

Shortly after Ann and Don married in 1996, Ann received the offer to become Harpeth Hall’s fifth head of school. Don, who was a successful attorney in Baltimore and was tied to Gettsyburg through generations of McPhersons, encouraged Ann to accept the position in Nashville and gave his new wife his unequivocal support. For 16 years, Don commuted to Nashville from Baltimore, attending as many school activities as possible. He was easily identifiable on campus in his classic navy blazer and bow tie, often the one made of Dress Campbell plaid.

Don delighted in school traditions, ceremonies, and performances, student achievements, and faculty intellectual life. Many remember how easily tears came to Don’s eyes when Ann spoke at events — he was that proud of her and of the school. He accompanied Ann to alumnae events around the country, where he loved asking graduates about their education, careers, interests, and families. He made each alumna, student, and teacher feel they were vitally important, and he strengthened the school’s sense of community. It was a true privilege to have Don’s leadership, example, and influence as he partnered with Ann to realize big goals for generations of girls at Harpeth Hall.

“Don provided a beautiful example for our students and faculty of how to demonstrate love for his wife through his admiration of her as a leader,” current Head of School Jess Hill said. “In every encounter he was selfless and always the epitome of a community member who fully believed in the strength of an all-girls education and Harpeth Hall.”

Don was also a great member of the Baltimore community. He was a highly respected lawyer specializing in real estate development, commercial leasing, and public finance at DLA Piper, and he generously offered pro bono legal assistance to nearly 1,000 individuals through local nonprofit organizations.

Don was devoted to his family — his wife Ann, his daughter, Cindy, his son, David, who predeceased Don, his grandson, Tyler, and Tyler’s siblings Flora and Richard. He personified integrity, loyalty, and honor, and he enriched the lives of all who knew him.

Jean Rose Ayers Development Assistant 1982-1994

Ruth Jean Rose Ayers of Lebanon, Tennessee, died on Aug. 20, 2022. She attended Cumberland University and held a variety of jobs at academic institutions ranging from military academies to universities. Jean worked as the assistant to Polly Jordan Nichols ’53 in the development office at Harpeth Hall from 1982-1994. She was an active member of Lebanon First United Methodist Church and several community organizations. Jean is survived by her two sons, one daughter, Margie Ayers ’89, six grandchildren, one sister, and several nephews and nieces, including Susan Stuart Oney ’87.

Marion Pickering Couch

Harpeth Hall Spanish Teacher 1979-1991

Marion Pickering Couch, a former Harpeth Hall Spanish teacher known for her ability to bring the culture to life in her classroom, died on June 1, 2022. Marion attended the University of Iowa where she received bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She taught Spanish for many years in Nashville at Harpeth Hall and the Watkins Institute and frequently tutored individuals. In addition, she took students on study abroad tours to Spanish-speaking countries to enhance their language and cultural studies, and she excelled in engaging her students during lessons at school.

“Señora Couch was a true inspiration and friend to me and so many of my classmates,” Harpeth Hall alumna Carrie Smith Woodruff ’89 recalled. “In the classroom, she made lessons about grammar and vocabulary come to life with adventurous stories of her experiences on the road in Mexico and elsewhere. Twenty years ago, I left my job as associate media director at Fidelity Investments to follow my passion and teach Spanish. It is most likely because of Señora Couch that I am such a good teacher. I learned from her to set high standards for my students, share my own experiences with them, be creative, and provide global opportunities for my students to learn from and experience. She was a true inspiration, and I know I am not the only one from my class (and others) who will truly miss her.”

Marion deeply supported arts, culture, health, animal, and educational organizations in Nashville. She served as president of the Nashville Symphony Guild and the Nashville Opera Guild. She was the first non-medical female president of the Middle Tennessee Heart Association board of directors. In addition, Marion was a lifelong animal lover and longtime volunteer with the Nashville Humane Association.

She is survived by her five children, including Nena Couch ’68, CC Couch ’71, and Barbara Couch Rose ’74, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

William “Bill” Hayward Harpeth Hall Business Manager 1987-1999

William “Bill” Bernard Hayward of Hendersonville, Tennessee, died on Oct. 15, 2022. He graduated from Marietta College. A veteran of the Army, he was awarded a Purple Heart and later worked for the Veterans Administration and was recognized for his service to disabled veterans. After moving to Tennessee, he worked in administration for Service Merchandise and Nissan Motor Corporation. He was then employed as business manager for Harpeth Hall and taught economics for eight years before retiring in 1999. Bill was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church and taught Sunday School for many years. Bill is survived by his wife, son, and two grandsons.

Joan Severeid Schmitt

Harpeth Hall Secretary 1963-1991

Joan Severeid Schmitt of Brentwood, Tennessee, died April 7, 2022. After graduating from North Texas University, she taught elementary school in several cities before residing in Nashville. After her teaching career, Joan worked as a secretary at Harpeth Hall from 1963-1991. She was a former member of Fannie Battle, The Nashville Dental Auxiliary, and a longtime member of Calvary United Methodist Church. Joan is survived by her son, her daughter, Kelley Schmitt Rice ’88, one granddaughter, one grandson, step-grandchildren, and her niece.

Sarah Frost Stamps

Harpeth Hall English Teacher 1970-1985

Sarah Ann Frost Stamps of Nashville, Tennessee, died on Aug. 21, 2022. She graduated from Peabody Demonstration School (USN) and Vanderbilt University before receiving her master’s degree from Columbia University. She worked at The Methodist Publishing House and taught at Harpeth Hall from 1970-1985. When she spoke of “her girls” that included many more than her three daughters. Upon her retirement from Harpeth Hall, she wrote the following:

“Farewell, fair ladies, and goodbye!

May you "fare well" in all your ways.

Whatever trails you choose to try,

And "God be with you” in all your days.

So, farewell and goodbye.

Love always, Sarah Frost Stamps

In the 2001 book “Celebrating Milestones,” alumna Lisa Rudolph Turner ‘80 wrote, “Mrs. Stamps’ class was a lesson in self-expression. She taught us not to be afraid to explore our feelings and put them on paper. She was so animated and full of life … I was a journalism major, probably thanks in part to her.” Sarah was a lifelong West End United Methodist Church member and was involved in many community organizations. She is survived by three daughters, Sallie Stamps Swor, Mary Stamps Gambill ’76, and Martha Stamps ’79, and six grandchildren. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, including Dory Stamps Ingram ’64.

Marguerite Wallace McClure ’37 of Nashville, Tennessee, died May 10, 2022. She loved to travel, play golf, and was involved in many community organizations. She is survived by her daughter Chrissie McClure ’71, two sons, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Starling Pressnell Davis ’42 of Nashville, Tennessee, died May 18, 2022. She is survived by one daughter, three granddaughters, and two great-grandchildren.

Betty Jo Warden Keirstead ’42 of Hartford, Connecticut, died April 7, 2021. She enjoyed music, golf, and travel. She is survived by her husband, three daughters, one son, nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and four step-children.

Mary Eagle Keith ’42 of Nashville, Tennessee, died Oct. 23, 2021. She established the Walk Through Bethlehem at Woodmont Christian Church. She is survived by two sons, two daughters, seven grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Nancy Anderson Landstreet C’42 of Nashville, Tennessee, died Aug. 31, 2022. Nancy was an avid bridge player and was known for her beautiful flower arrangements. She is survived by two daughters, Lucia Landstreet Cherry ’66 and Jane Landstreet Longhurst ’73, three sons, 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Adelaide Bowen Owens C’43 of Decatur, Georgia, died Sept. 19, 2022. She is survived by two daughters, one son, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Josephine (Jo) Durrett Doubleday ’44 of Nashville, Tennessee, died Nov. 6, 2022. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, she tutored elementary school children for many years and also worked in public relations. Jo was a member of West End Methodist Church and was active in many community organizations. She is survived by her husband, her daughter, Margaret Hicks Doubleday ’71, and one granddaughter.

Lavinia Jones Fillebrown ’44 of Nashville, Tennessee, died Dec. 17, 2022. Lavinia was involved in many community organizations and was a longtime member of St. George’s Episcopal Church. She is survived by her daughters Peggy Fillebrown McMurray ’69, Bea Fillebrown Isenhour ’71, Ellen Fillebrown Vaughn ’74, and Scottie Fillebrown Coombs ’78; nine grandchildren including Sallie McMurray Simpson ’95, Sara Isenhour Washburn ’03, Lauren Quinn Barnacastle ’08, and Marguerite Coombs ’18; and eight great-grandchildren including Anna Simpson ’26 and Mary Coleman McMurray ’30.

IN MEMORIAM — ALUMNAE

Joan Chaffin Daugherty ’45 of Nashville, Tennessee, died Oct. 5, 2022. She is survived by one son, two daughters Deborah Daugherty Whaley ’72 and Mary Daugherty Overstreet ’77, eight grandchildren, including Corinne Hartong Mattern ’05, Graham Hartong Rucker ’07, and Mary Liza Hartong ’12, and seven great-grandchildren.

Clare Corson Armistead ’47 of Nashville, Tennessee, died July 20, 2022. She was a supporter of many Nashville organizations and was an admired community volunteer. She is survived by two sons, daughter-in-law Tara Crenshaw Armistead ’75, three grandchildren including Anna Armistead Clinton ’08, and four great-grandchildren.

Dorothy "Dot" Hailey Buchanan ’47 of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, died July 23, 2022. She lived briefly in Auburn, Alabama, where she provided mathematical support to Buckminster Fuller’s original design calculation for his geodesic dome and Wernher von Braun’s aerospace team at NASA. In Fort Walton Beach, she had a successful career in construction and real estate. She is survived by two sons, two daughters, sister Mary Anne Hailey Capeci ’46, nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Sara Scott Harris Nelson '47 of Nashville, Tennessee, died Nov. 5, 2022. She was a founding member of St. George's Episcopal Church and spent many summers at the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly. Sara loved the outdoors and hiking, as well as world travel. She is survived by her daughters Becky Nelson ’74 and Sara-Scott Nelson Wingo ’80, her son, four granddaughters, one grandson, and nieces and nephews.

Caroline Terry Lowe Brown ’48 of Cookeville, Tennessee, died Aug. 14, 2022. She was the first woman editor of the Vanderbilt University newspaper and earned a master’s degree in history from Harvard University. Caroline is survived by two daughters, one son, three grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Helen Seay Quinn C’50 of Memphis, Tennessee, died May 24, 2022. Helen was an avid tennis player and community volunteer. She is survived by one son, two daughters, six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Martha “Jane” VanTuyle Brauburger C’51 of Bellaire, Michigan, died April 19, 2022. Jane taught piano and was active in her community. She is survived by one son, one daughter, one stepson, two stepdaughters, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Mary Margaret “Peggy” Jarrell Marshall C’51 of Appomattox, Virginia, died Oct. 5, 2022. For many years, she worked alongside her husband at Marshalls department store in Appomattox. She is survived by four sons, seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and one sister.

Hazel Lamb Maxwell Rust C’51 of Columbus, Georgia, died July 17, 2022. Hazel was an avid gardener, loved music, and was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church. She is survived by her sister, two daughters, one son, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Ruth Gay Robbins ’53 of Champaign, Illinois, died Sept. 13, 2022. She worked as an audiologist at Kaiser Permanente in the Portland area throughout her career and was involved in the arts community. Ruth Gay is survived by her husband, brother, sister, and nieces and nephews.

Kathryn “Kay” Woodard Lazenby ’54 of Nashville, Tennessee, died Aug. 19, 2022. Kay was an accomplished artist and involved in several community organizations. She is survived by two daughters, Kathy Lazenby Boehm ’82 and Grace Lazenby ’84, and three grandchildren.

Carol Lord Mayo ’56 of Southampton, New York, died March 15, 2022. She had a career in real estate and was an accomplished equestrian. Carol is survived by her husband, daughter, two sons, and seven grandchildren.

Linda Christie Williams Moynihan ’57 of Nashville, Tennessee, died June 7, 2022. Linda was named Lady of the Hall her senior year. She had a 30-year career as the executive director of the Tennessee Conference of Social Welfare and was a community volunteer. She is survived by three daughters, including Christie Williams '79, one son, one stepson, 14 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Jean Ann Miller McNally ’58 of Nashville, Tennessee, died Sept. 14, 2022. A beloved and inspirational Bible teacher, she started Jean Ann McNally Ministries where she ministered at Bible studies and churches. She is survived by her husband, son, daughters Lynn McNally Scarola ’80 and Cindy McNally Pittman ’83, 10 grandchildren, including granddaughters Lucy McNally ’23, Mae McNally ’25, and Winn McNally ’26, her sister Berenice Miller Denton ’54, and one brother.

Alice Kelly McCurdy ’59 of Plano, Texas, died April 22, 2022. She taught school, was passionate about music, and was a longtime supporter of many Dallas arts organizations. She is survived by her sister, one brother, two sons, one daughter, and eight grandchildren.

Barbara Nordholt Reynolds ’61 of Leesburg, Virginia, died July 16, 2022. She is survived by her son and grandchildren.

Carol Copple ’65 of Nashville, Tennessee, died May 20, 2022. She went to the University of North Carolina, received her Ph.D. from Cornell University, and became an expert in the field of child development. Carol is survived by her son, a brother, two sisters Diane Copple Grantham ’64 and Laurie Copple Power ’76, a nephew, and two nieces, including Lesley Grantham Grandstaff ’96.

Julia Lipscomb Jarman ’68 of Nashville, Tennessee, died Oct. 3, 2022. She was involved in many community organizations and was a successful interior designer. Julia is survived by her husband, three sons, daughter-in-law Calyn Cheadle Jarman ’02, sister Linda Lipscomb Hummell ’64, one brother, and 10 grandchildren.

Alexia Jeanette “AJ” Wolery Blood ’76 of Euless, Texas, died July 13, 2022. She was an elementary school counselor with advanced degrees in education and counseling. She devoted her life to teaching, counseling children, helping others, and serving in her church, St. Vincent’s Anglican Cathedral. AJ died from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a rare disease similar to Parkinson's that has no treatment. She donated her body to UT Southwestern medical school with the hope that research about her disease would help others. AJ is survived by her husband, two sons, one stepdaughter, two step-grandchildren, her sister, a niece, and two nephews.

Dorothea “Honey” Sensing Hetzel ’76 of Nashville, Tennessee, died July 22, 2022. She is survived by her brother, nieces, and a great nephew.

Kelly Wellman ’80 of Camarillo, California, died July 8, 2022. After a career in the entertainment industry, she was a professor of criminal justice at Ventura County Community College.

Parent Chairs

Laura and David Braam

Parent Class Chairs

Grade 5:

Graham and Neel Webb Young ’02

Grade 6:

Bonna and Terry Johnson

Grade 7:

Susan and Robert Hartmann

Grade 8:

Kevin and Marguerite Nielsen

Orndorff ’90

Grade 9:

Amy Liz and John Riddick

Grade 10:

Laura and Mark Stankewicz