In Memory

FRIENDS AND HONOREES

Rev. Dr. Lloyd M. Hall Jr., DL

h.c. ’01 of Waterford, Michigan, passed away on October 22, 2018, at the age of 78. He is survived by his wife, Hannah Hall, and their three children. Hall served for more than 40 years as an ordained minister in churches of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches. He was a committed member of Kiwanis and served as a regional leader for the Boy Scouts of America for 30 years. Hall served on the Board of Trustees for Piedmont College from 1994-2009.

James “Gene” Sutherland of Jonesboro, Georgia, passed away on March 6, 2019. He was the son of the late Andrew Washington and Lucy English Sutherland. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Joan Miller Sutherland, and son, Andrew. He is survived by three daughters and one son. Sutherland served on the Board of Trustees for Piedmont College from 2009-2016. From 1947 until his passing, he worked in the family business, Sutherland Produce. Sutherland was inducted into the Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2011 and was a leader in the poultry and egg industry.

Dr. Franklin “Frank” Lester

Edge of Hull, Georgia, passed away on August 19, 2019. He had served as an Associate Professor of Math in the School of Arts & Sciences at Piedmont College since 2007.

Grant Stannard of Wichita, Kansas, passed away on August 28, 2019, at the age of 95. He was the son of the late Grant and Faye Stannard of Lincoln, Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his wife, Katie Stannard, and is survived by their two daughters. His ties to the

Plymouth Congregational Church and his commitment to service led him to serve on the Board of Trustees for Piedmont College from 1993-2001. Stannard was an avid sports fan and loved giving back through his leadership and financial contributions.

Dr. Betty L. Siegel,

DL h.c. ’10 of Kennesaw, Georgia, passed away on February 11, 2020, at the age of 89. She was preceded in death in 2019 by her husband and fellow educator, Dr. Joel Herbert Siegel. Siegel served as president of Kennesaw State University from 1981 until retiring in 2006. She was the longest-serving female president of a public university in the U.S. and was the first woman to lead an institution within the University System of Georgia. She taught English literature throughout her career and was an educational icon in the state of Georgia. She served as Trustee Emeritus for Piedmont College.

ALUMNI

Judge Handsel Grady Morgan Sr.

’42 of Buford, Georgia, passed away on February 29, 2020, at the age of 98. He was the son of the late Henry Grady Morgan and Eva Benson Morgan. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Joy King Morgan, and is survived by their three children. After graduating from Piedmont College, Morgan went on to obtain a master’s degree from the University of Georgia. He earned his law degree while teaching at Buford High School by attending night classes at John Marshall Law School. Morgan served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was deployed in several allied invasions. Morgan served three terms in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1959-1965 and is an Honorary Lifetime Member of the American Legion. He served as Judge of the City Court of Buford and was Gwinnett County’s first Juvenile Court Judge.

Madeline Goodlett ’45 of Tucker, Georgia, passed away on March 24, 2019, at the age of 95. She was the daughter of the late Plumer and Vivian McFarlin. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert William “Bob” Goodlett Jr., and is survived by two daughters. After graduating from Piedmont College, she went on to earn a master’s degree from Georgia State University. Goodlett taught high school English and was a member of the Disciples of Christ.

Jo Jordan French ’49 of Young Harris, Georgia, passed away on March 17, 2019, at the age of 90. She was the daughter of the late Roy and Sue Smith Jordan. She was preceded in death by her husband, John French. She taught school in Atlanta, Australia, and Alaska. French was a gifted musician who enjoyed entertaining family and friends.

Ollie Jo Nix ’49 of Columbus, Georgia, passed away on September 22, 2019, at the age of 89. She was the daughter of the late Karl Eugene and Sophie Felton Randall Maret of Lavonia. She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Garland A. Nix, and is survived by their three children. She taught high school chemistry and physical education and coached girls’ basketball in Summerville. Later in life, she assisted her husband with their family business, Nix Discount Supply. She was an excellent baker, proficient seamstress, and an avid sports fan. Nix played basketball for Piedmont and was crowned May Queen.

Rev. Lloyd Edward Free ’50 of Cornelia, Georgia, passed away on February 9, 2020, at the age of 92. He

was the son of the late Martin and Vadie Woodall Free. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Clarice Cantrell Free, and their three daughters. After graduating from Piedmont, Free obtained numerous graduate degrees from the University of Georgia. He served as an educator in Northeast Georgia for 42 years. Free worked with the State Board of Education for 11 years and taught developmental studies at Lanier Tech. He was a bivocational Baptist minister and served as pastor for several local churches.

Aubrey Moore

Finch ’51 of Lexington, Georgia, passed away on December 17, 2019, at the age of 88. He was the son of the late Marshal Alexander and Annabelle Moore Finch. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Kate Maxwell Finch, and their four children. He graduated as the valedictorian of Union Point High School in 1948 before attending Piedmont. He would later earn his Master of Education and Education Specialist degrees from the University of Georgia. Finch served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He taught physical education and coached basketball before serving as principal in several high schools. Finch was inducted into the Piedmont College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1985 and received the Piedmont College Alumni Service Award in 2008. He also served on the Piedmont College Alumni Association Board from 2000-2006.

Ruby Ash Nix ’52 of Cleveland, Georgia, passed away on March 6, 2019, at the age of 97. She was the daughter of the late Joseph Marion Ash and Ila Mae Young Ash. She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Jack Phillip Nix, Dr. h.c. ’67, and is survived by their two children. Nix volunteered with the Girl Scouts of America and was active in the Shallowford Garden Club. She attended Piedmont from 1951-1952 as a transfer student from Young Harris. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1952. She then taught elementary school from 1952 until retiring in 1977.

Elsie Ilene “Jackie” Burrell Brady

’52 of Kitzmiller, Maryland, passed away on January 26, 2020. She was the daughter of the late Fitzhugh L. and Edna O. Shank Burrell. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Elzie Brady, and is survived by their four children. Except for her time at Piedmont College, Brady lived her entire life in her hometown of Kitzmiller, where she taught elementary school. She became one of the first women to serve on the Garrett County Board of Education. She was a member of the Kitzmiller Empowerment Group, as well as other service organizations. She was also the founder and curator of the Kitzmiller Coal Heritage Museum.

Celeste Durham Thornton Wilson

’53 of Thomasville, Georgia, passed away on April 9, 2019, at the age of 86. She was the daughter of the late Merle and Fletcher Durham. She was preceded in death in 2018 by her husband, Wesley Allen Wilson, and is survived by two daughters. While a student at Piedmont College, Wilson became a cheerleader to overcome her shyness and joined the Drama Club. After graduating from Piedmont, Wilson went on to earn a master’s degree from the University of Georgia and later became a Reading Specialist. She was a teacher and librarian for more than 35 years. She co-authored three children’s books and wrote a memoir of her late Piedmont colleague, Jean Banks Caudell ’53. Wilson served as a director of the Piedmont College Alumni Association Board for three years and received the Alumni Service Award in 2002 for her service to the college.

James Daniel Smallwood Jr.

’53 of Greenville, South Carolina, passed away on February 8, 2020, at the age of 95. Smallwood was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Daniel Smallwood Sr. He is survived by his wife of 76 years, Runette Taylor Smallwood, and their daughter. Smallwood served in the U.S. Army Air Corps, the U.S. Air Force Reserves, and fought in World War II, including during the Normandy invasion. He worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture until his retirement. Following his passing, he received a Quilt of Valor for his service.

William Glenn “Bill” McClure

’55 of Tiger, Georgia, passed away on February 15, 2019, at the age of 88. He was the son of the late Larry Porter Sr. and Mertice Burrell McClure. He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna June McClure, and daughter, Gigi. He is survived by four daughters and three sons. McClure attended Piedmont College on a basketball scholarship. He was inducted into the Piedmont College Hall of Fame in 1982. McClure served in the U.S. Air Force, after which he played minor league baseball. He is credited with starting Duluth High School’s first football program. He taught mathematics and coached basketball and football before selling real estate. McClure was also a noted musician and songwriter.

Joseph “Joe” C. Roane ’58 of Carnesville, Georgia, passed away on April 12, 2019, at the age of 84. He was the son of the late Lewis Edward “Ed” and Martha Elizabeth Justus Roane. He was preceded in death by his wife, alumna Julianne Hall Roane ’59, and is survived by their two sons. After graduating from Piedmont College, he went on to receive his master’s degree at the University of Georgia. Roane taught high school classes for the Cumming, Stephens County, and Franklin County school systems, as well as the Lee Arrendale Correctional Institute. He worked for Toccoa Ford and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department for many years.

Byard Monroe Roper Jr. ’58 of Clarkesville, Georgia, passed away on December 8, 2019, at the age of 88. He was the son of the late Byard M. Roper Sr. and the late Julia Landers Roper. He was preceded in death in 2015 by his wife of 64 years, Doris Stonecypher Roper. He is survived by their three children. Roper served in the U.S. Navy

during the Korean Conflict and worked in various positions at Fieldale Farms for 39 years. He served as a deacon at Bethlehem Baptist Church and volunteered with many community organizations.

Polly Ann Whitmire

Snyder ’59 of Toccoa, Georgia, passed away on February 12, 2019, at the age of 81. She was the daughter of the late Yoda J. and Pearl Davis Whitmire. She was preceded in death by her husband, alumnus Lynn Snyder ’61 , and is survived by their daughter. Snyder was a graduate of Toccoa High School and taught elementary school in Stephens County for 30 years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Toccoa, as well as the Ladies Auxiliary of Toccoa Elks Club.

S.Y. “Woody” Woodall ’63 of Valdosta, Georgia, passed away on October 26, 2019, at the age of 83. He was the son of the late Lawrence and Lula Denny Woodall. He is survived by his wife, Brenda Edwards Woodall, and son, Victor. He was preceded in death by his son, Bradley. Woodall served in the U.S. Army and received a master’s degree from Valdosta State University after graduating from Piedmont College. He served as director of the evening classes at Val-Tech and was involved in Distributive Education in Albany. Woodall enjoyed golf and Georgia football.

Morris Edward “Eddie” Ashurst

Jr. ’65 of Eatonton, Georgia, passed away in St. Simons on February 5, 2019, at the age of 75. He was the son of the late Morris and Louise Stanley Ashurst. It was at Piedmont College that he met his wife of 53 years, alumna Janice Wallace Ashurst. He is survived by her and their two children. Ashurst was inducted into the Piedmont College Hall of Fame in 1987, and he received the Piedmont College Alumni Service Award in 1989 for his outstanding service to the college. Linda Marie Coley ’66 of Dallas, Georgia, passed away on September 30, 2019, at the age of 74. She was the daughter of the late Leonard Earl and Hazel Coley. She taught math at Cedar Shoals High School in Athens and served as an advisor for the Student Council for many years until retiring. Coley was a past president of the ADK Fidelius NU Society and was recognized by Who’s Who of American Educators for her leadership in education. She enjoyed reading, singing, gardening, and doting on her pets.

John Albinus “Al” Chambers ‘69

of Toccoa, Georgia, passed away on April 10, 2020, at the age of 72. He was the son of the late Howard and Lillian Chambers. He is survived by his wife, Margaret “Peggy” Greer Chambers, and their three children. Chambers graduated from Toccoa High School before attending Piedmont. He served in the U.S. Air Force, worked at Milliken, and retired from Coats & Clark in Toccoa. Chambers was influential in establishing the ToccoaStephens County Humane Shelter. He loved fishing, golfing, and was a member of First Baptist Church in Toccoa.

Candice “Candy” Raye Herron

’74 of Clemson, South Carolina, passed away on April 27, 2019, at the age of 66. She was the daughter of the late Bill and Tyna Hamilton Herron. She worked as a librarian at Clemson University for many years.

Claude D. Godfrey Jr. ’75 of Sugar Hill, Georgia, passed away on February 2, 2019, at the age of 69. Godfrey was the son of the late Claude Sr. and Inie Godfrey. He was a 1967 graduate of North Gwinnett High School and served in the U.S. Army. He worked as an accountant.

Michael William Carroll ’91 of Alto, Georgia, passed away on February 26, 2020, at the age of 79. He was the son of the late Stanley J. and Mae Lou Cox Carroll. He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Pam Brooks Carroll. He was the Lay Liturgist Coordinator for five years and taught the Good News Sunday School Class at Clarkesville First United Methodist Church. Carroll worked at Mountain Resources as a specialist until retiring and served as an instructor with Lee Arrendale Prison for two years.

Michael Lonnie Burns ’03 of Cornelia, Georgia, passed away on October 14, 2019, at the age of 40. He was the son of Phyllis Franklin Burns ‘67 and the late Lonnie Ronald Burns ‘70. He graduated from Habersham Central High School in 1997, where he was a member of the Raider golf team. Encouraged by a long legacy of alumni, he chose to earn a degree in Business Administration from Piedmont. He used that degree to own and operate Anytime Fitness Gym in Gainesville.

Julie Marie Shanahan Burke, M.

Ed ’04 of Buford, Georgia, passed away on February 11, 2020, at the age of 41. Burke was the daughter of George and Mary Anne Shanahan of Fernandina Beach, Florida. She is survived by her husband, alumnus James “Eric” Burke ‘96, and their two sons. Burke graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2000 before obtaining her Master of Education degree from Piedmont College. She was a teacher at Rock Springs Elementary School for 15 years. Following her career as an educator, she worked in business development for Armor Lock & Security. Burke enjoyed being involved in various networking groups. She was a lifelong athlete, completing two Half-Ironman races, among others. Burke was a devoted mother, entertainer, and outdoor enthusiast.

Alexandra Nicole Faerber ‘15

of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away on April 8, 2020, at the age of 27. She was the daughter of Febby and Craig Faerber. Faerber graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Piedmont and was a dedicated nurse. The Faerber family has created the Alexandra Faerber Nursing Scholarship through Piedmont College to honor her devotion to the industry. The fund will assist nursing students with financial aid.

Piedmont Rainbow

"Sometimes you are in the right place at the right time," said Piedmont College Diversity Recruiter Gabe Gutierrez '18, who captured this image in February 2020.