News & Announcements
Announcements
'63 Does 60! Reunion Events Held on May 19-20
Eighty classmates, spouses and guests attended the Saturday Night Dinner/Dance and the Country Club of Birmingham.
Updates to the 60th Anniversary Directory
(1/15/24) The second update to the 60th Anniversary Directory is online. It contains new or updated listings and photos for 5 classmates. All updated names are in green.
(12/4/23) The first update to the 60th Anniversary Directory is online. It contains new or updated listings and photos for 13 classmates. All updated names are in green.
(10/16/23) After several months, the new 60th Anniversary Directory is online. Thanks to those who responded! We needed everyone's cooperation with updating the old 50th Directory to create the 60th, but many responses were late in arriving (or not at all) and so the 60th was delayed until now. We will continue to update it throughout 2023 and beyond, so please send your new or updated info. If you did not update in 2023, the only data from your old 2013 50th bio that was used in the 60th was your name and valid email address, so please update your listing with new data!
Update your listing or create a new one here - classmate_data.html
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News
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Obituaries
Click to refresh page for the most recent information. Visit the In Memoriam page for a complete list and links to archived obituaries.
Older Obituaries
(1/5/24) Obituaries for the following classmates were found during recent searches for missing classmates and obituaries. These names have been added to the In Memoriam page: Ralph Best, Marvin Bristow, Milton Brooks, Marsha Ann (Burgin) Kinard, Carol (Dabney) Eulenstein, Abbie Dowling, Charles Edwards, Jim Ethetton, Robert Gelles, Morgan Gentle, Garry Hill, Ellen (Holder) Blumberg, Jerry Lewis, John Miller, James Morton, Raymond Pollitt, Gary Russell, Olin Stapp, Lewis Stevens, Mary Lillian (Strong) Norris and Raymond Westbrook.
Recent Obituaries
Robert Scott Cameron
(8/6/24) We learned today from Richard "Irish" Cameron that his brother Robert Scott Cameron passed away suddenly on December 12, 2023, at age 79 from natural causes.
Scott lived in Huntsville, AL, was not married as of his passing, and was retired from the automotive manufacturing industry.
There is no obituary available to share.
Lee (Wilson) Kidd Marks
(7/23/23) Lee Wilson Marks passed away peacefully in her home in Birmingham, AL on July 14, 2024 surrounded by her family. She was born on June 18, 1945 in Greenville, SC to the late Marydel Carpenter Wilson and Roscoe Bates Wilson, Jr.
Lee graduated from Shades Valley High School in 1963 and from the University of Alabama in 1967 where she was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education and utilized it teaching special needs children.
Lee worked at Fletcher and Associates, Ray & Company, and ended her 50 year successful real estate career at RealtySouth, which she considered her extended home and family. Lee's hobbies included being a Master gardener, "chef" taking southern cooking and turning it into southern cuisine, astute collector of art, avid traveler abroad and within the United States. Lee was a long standing supporter and board member of Studio By The Tracks, a non-profit community art studio for artists with autism in Birmingham, Alabama, a faithful member of her "Garden Club" and The Junior League of Birmingham.
Preceded in resurrection life by her mother, Marydel Carpenter Wilson; sister, Ellen Bates Wilson; father Roscoe Bates Wilson, Jr. Lee is survived by her son James (Jimbo) M. Kidd, IV; daughter in-law, Andrea Wells Kidd and granddaughter Estelle (Stella) Stewart Kidd; sister Laura (Laurie) Wilson Glass and brother in-law Eugene Glass (Gene); her nephews and their families: Andrew Glass (Robyn) and their children Joel and Daniel Mark Glass (Jessica) and their children Madelyn, Jacob, and Mallory.
The Memorial Service to be held on Wednesday, July 31st, 2024 at 2:00p.m. at Church of the Highlands Chapel, Grants Mill Campus. 4700 Highlands Way, Birmingham, AL 35210. A Celebration of Life Reception/Visitation will follow at The Country Club of Birmingham from 3:00-6:00p.m., 3325 Country Club Road, Birmingham, AL 35213.
The family asks that In lieu of flowers donations can be made in honor of Lee Marks to:
Church of the Highlands at: https://churchofthehighlands.com/give
or Studio By The Tracks, 301 20th Street South, Irondale, AL 35210, where you can support artists on the Autism Spectrum. Read the online obituary and guestbook here.
William James Dorroh (8/27/1946 - 5/19/2024)
(5/22/24) Jim passed away peacefully due to natural causes on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at 5:20 a.m. at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, Jackson, Tennessee. Jim was our teacher, mentor, friend, a gentleman and a scholar. He was educated at Birmingham-Southern College, University of Texas, Austin, and Vanderbilt University. He taught at Walker College, Jasper, AL., Birmingham-Southern College, and Samford University. Jim first served as organist at Walker Memorial Methodist Church and later as Choirmaster/Organist at Canterbury United Methodist Church and Saint Luke's Episcopal Church, both in Birmingham, AL.
Following his retirement, he continued to serve as organist for South Highland Presbyterian Church and Mountain Brook Baptist Church. Following his tenure at Mountain Brook Baptist, he moved to Jackson, Tennessee where he served St. Luke's Episcopal Church as Music Associate.
Jim was preceded in death by William James Dorroh, Sr (father), Louise Fort Dorroh (mother), Thomas Louis Dorroh (brother), and Linda Dorroh McDonald (sister). He is survived by Melissa McDonald Stoll of Auburn, Alabama (niece), William Joseph McDonald of Auburn, Alabama (nephew), and Thomas Bryan McDonald of Destin, Florida (nephew).
The Memorial Service in Jackson, TN., will be Saturday, June 8, 11:00 a.m., at Saint. Luke's Episcopal Church. On Saturday, June 15, 2024 the Memorial Service in Birmingham will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, Woodlawn at 10:00 a.m., followed by a private committal service.
Jim requested that memorials (and in lieu of flowers) be directed to Friends of Music (music discretionary fund) at Saint Luke's Episcopal Church, Jackson, TN. 309 Easter Baltimore St, Jackson, TN 38301. Visit the online giving link here.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store. Read the online obituary and guestbook here.
Sheryl (East) Francis (September 26, 1945 – March 24, 2024)
(3/27/24) With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Sheryl East Francis. Though we mourn her loss deeply, we find solace in knowing that she has transitioned to her eternal reward in the loving embrace of Jesus and those who have gone before her. Sheryl departed peacefully at the age of 78 on Sunday, March 24th, Palm Sunday, surrounded by her family.
Sheryl was born on September 26, 1945, in Birmingham, AL, to the late William D. East and Kathrine Louise East. She pursued her passion for teaching after graduating from Shades Valley High School and attending Auburn University, where she met her cherished husband, Ken.
For 20 years, Sheryl poured her heart into teaching 1st and 3rd grades in the Mountain Brook School System, endearing herself to her students and their families with her warmth and dedication.
Sheryl's life was a testament to faith, joy, and boundless love. She was a beaconof light to her family and a steadfast friend to many. Her unwavering devotion to the Gospel and her deep understanding of God's Word shone through in every aspect of her life. As we bid farewell to Sheryl, we take comfort in the belief that she has been welcomed into the arms of her Savior, hearing His words, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:23).
Sheryl is survived by her devoted husband, Kennon Thompson Francis; loving daughters, Jill Copeland (Chris) and Wendy Handley (Brian); cherished grandchildren: Matthew, Benjamin, and Joshua Handley; and her dear brother, William David East Jr., among other relatives and friends. Her memory will forever be treasured by all who were touched by her kindness and grace.
A private graveside service will be held for family on Thursday, March 28, 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sav-A-Life (savalife.org) in her memory.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/sheryl-francis-obituary?id=54713097
Donna (Davis) Muir (December 18, 1945 – July 18, 2023)
(1/5/24) Donna was born Donna Arlene Davis on December 18th, 1945 to William and Ina Davis. She graduated from Shades Valley High School in 1963 and attended Auburn University. Donna was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority at Auburn University. Donna met Doug Muir in 1965 and married shortly thereafter. Donna worked at Watts Engineering Sales in Accounts Receivable from 1981 to 2014.
She leaves behind her son, John Muir (Lori) of Birmingham; brother Douglas Davis (Linda) of Marietta; nephew Bret Davis and niece Natalie Davis of Marietta; grandsons Forrest (Janvier) Muir of Auburn and Logan Muir of Birmingham; and her great grandchildren Mila and Madeline.
A memorial service is scheduled for Friday August 11th at noon at Canterbury United Methodist Church in the chapel. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/homewood-al/donna-muir-11376035
Hilary 'Muffin' Luks Chiz
(11/3/23) We regret to report that Muffin Luks passed away on October 22, 2023 at home in North Carolina. Our deepest sympathy is extended to her family.
Hilary 'Muffin' Luks Chiz, a dedicated lifelong advocate for justice and good troublemaking, died peacefully with her children by her side on October 22, 2023, in Asheville, North Carolina, after bravely battling pancreatic cancer. She was 78 years old. For more than 5 decades, Hilary was unwavering in her commitment to peace, civil rights, free speech, gender, social, economic and racial equality, workplace safety and fair wages for all.
Hilary was not only known for her well-informed, principled, and resolute opinions, but also for her remarkable ability to bring joy to the lives of those around her. Her energy was boundless, unmatched by most people half her age. Even in the darkest times, her indomitable spirit and keen sense of humor shone brightly. She shared deep connections with countless people, many of whom credit her with profoundly influencing their careers and lives. One close friend remarked, "She was a piece of work-tough, jocular, a damned good cook, a critical thinker, fearless, soft, hard, vulnerable, single-minded, broad-minded, so much more."
Born in 1945 in the Deep South in Birmingham, Alabama, Hilary's Jewish upbringing in the suburb of Mountain Brook instilled in her a strong sense of social responsibility. After graduating from Shades Valley High School in 1963, she married, moved to Shaw, Mississippi, and raised two children, Scott and Liz. She later earned a BA in English Literature from Colorado College in 1981.
Her lifelong dedication to social justice issues began with her career in the mid 1970s. While taking classes at Delta State University, she became Associate Editor of Delta Scene magazine. Attending the 1976 Democratic National Convention as an alternate delegate further fueled an interest in politics and was a turning point in her life. During her tenure with American Friends Service Committee, she wrote and edited 'Created Equal', a newsletter dedicated to gender equality in public education. Between 1985 and 2001 she served as Executive Director of American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) affiliates in Mississippi, Georgia, and West Virginia. She transformed ACLU-WV into the professional organization it is today, as its first ever Executive Director. In the early 1990s, she was Director of Development with Legal Services Alabama. From 2001 to 2006, she was Director of Special Projects with PACE (Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical and Energy Workers International Union) in Nashville. After a merger, she joined USW (United Steelworkers Union) in Pittsburgh from 2006-2013 as a specialist with the Civil and Human Rights Department. She is revered by colleagues as being a tireless trailblazer and a fierce defender of civil liberties.
Upon retiring to Asheville, North Carolina, in 2013, she enjoyed spending time in her garden, collecting art, cooking, supporting local live music, traveling overseas on educational group trips, and tending to her nest, always striving to create a warm welcoming home for her to sit quietly or to entertain friends and family. Her eclectic collection of treasures and art, as carefully chosen as her friends, paint a colorful picture of her well-lived life. Even in retirement, her dedication to making the world a better place was firm, as she volunteered with the ACLU of North Carolina, Health Equity Coalition, Racial Justice Coalition, and Green Opportunities. She was a guardian ad litem, a volunteer advocate for children navigating the court system. She continued her quest for learning with online classes in all things that interested or fascinated her.
Hilary Chiz was preceded in death by her parents, Sol and Bertha (Krantz) Luks and her sister, Judy Luks. She is survived by her brother Marc Luks, her children Scott Chiz (Leslie) and Liz Chiz (Richard Metawi), many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins, as well as her wide circle of friends from around the globe, all of whom she loved deeply and unconditionally. A celebration of her remarkable life will be held at a later date.
Keep her light burning bright inside you and all around you, and never give up the fight for what is right and what is just.
The family asks donations to be given in Hilary's name to: Blue Note Junction - www.bluenotejunction.com; Pancreatic Cancer Action Network - www.pancan.org; Planned Parenthood South Atlantic - give.ppsat.org; Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience - www.msje.org/ways-to-give
View the online obituary and guest book at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/hilary-chiz-obituary?id=53501867
Terry Ellen (Widener) Wade
(3/14/23) We regret to report that Terry (Widener) Wade passed away on March 5, 2023. Our deepest sympathy is extended to her family.
Graveside services celebrating the life of Mrs. Terry Ellen Widener Wade will begin at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, March 10, 2023, at Magnolia Cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.
Mrs. Wade, age 78, of Meridian, passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at the UAB Hospital. Terry was born on Feb. 10, 1945, in Fairfield, Ala. She was a graduate of Shades Valley High School and honors graduate of Birmingham Southern College. Terry was a devoted wife and mother, and she was the original owner and operator of Arby's restaurant in Meridian. Terry was a member of Central United Methodist Church.
Survivors include her husband, Dr. Stanley A. Wade Jr.; her sons, Stanley "Allen" Wade III (Ellie Moore) and Dr. Brian Wade (Ivey); her grandchildren: Thomas Wade, Anna Wade, Will Moore, and Anna Catherine Moore; sister-in-law, Karen Widener; special cousin, Susan Horn; and numerous other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas K. Widener and Emma Margaret "Bobbye" Widener and one brother, Ronald "Ronnie" K. Widener.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to East Mississippi Animal Rescue and/or to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.robertbarhamffh.com. The family will receive guests from 1-2 p.m. on Friday at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home.
Read the complete online obituary and guest book at https://obituaries.meridianstar.com/obituary/terry-widener-wade-1087246895
Visit the In Memoriam page for a complete list
and links to archived obituaries.
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Archived News
Three Reunion Committees Donate 1947 Architect's Drawing
Pictured L-R are Bill Trotter '63, Debbie Davis Denson '65, Warren Bailes Cain '63,
Pierre Tourney '63, Mae Bayliss Coshatt '65, Shades Valley Principal Dr. Antjuan Marsh,
Avery Sloan '63, Marsha Currie Terrell '63 and Virginia Kelser Jones '64.
(4/19/18) In January 2017, Class of 1963 Webmaster Avery Sloan was searching for early photos of Shades Valley's old campus in Homewood and found a link on Google to an eBay ad for a framed drawing. He contacted the owner of the drawing, Rick Carter, and found that it was by the original architectural firm Van Keuren & Davis and dated 1947, two years before the school opened. Carter had found it in his aunt's attic when preparing for an estate sale at her house. He had no idea as to how his late aunt may have come to own the drawing. She was an RN at UAB Childrens' Hospital and had passed away the previous year.
Sloan then contacted several Shades Valley Reunion Committee chairpersons for whom he does work. Warren Bailes Cain '63, Lynne Epsman Cohen '64, Virginia Kelser Jones '64 and Mae Bayliss Coshatt '65 agreed to share the cost of the drawing restoration with the idea of donating it to the new Shades Valley. Virginia Jones took the drawing to Presentations, etc. Studio in Edgewood for restoration and reframing. After years in a hot attic, several air pockets developed between the drawing and its backing. The result is what was presented to the school on Friday, April 13, 2018, prior to the Class of 1963's "Combined" 55th Reunion celebration that included the Classes of 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964 and 1965. After the presentation, Dr. Antjuan Marsh, Principal at Shades Valley, conducted an hour long tour of the new campus for the committees. [Continued . . .]
Email exchange leads to bio/photo update from Grady Lloyd in Prague, Czechoslovakia
Grady Lloyd, wife Lida & grandchildren - July 2012(6/5/16)
(6/5/16) After a recent exchange of emails between Charles Caldwell (husband of Mary Ruth (Sevier) Caldwell '64) and Larry Holt '63, Charles contacted our classmate Grady Lloyd '63 who has lived in Prague since 1990. Grady emailed a bio update and several photos to Charles, who shared them with Larry. Now we are posting them for classmates to enjoy.
Visit this page for the full report - gallery-lloyd.html.
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