"Old times there are not forgotten"
Eagles nest but they don't flock. When the last of these eagles flew from the nest on May 27, 1958 they scattered to the four winds and made new nests all over the world. Also, they became successful in their different endeavors. Here is a brief look at what some of our classmates are doing today.
Thelma Adams-McNaughton took the secretarial route out of Beckley following high school. She served one enlistment in the United States Army and then worked in law offices in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C. She is now engaged in para-legal work in Florida and contemplating retirement. Thelma says she is seriously considering Beckley for that phase of her life.
Ida Rose Adkins also enlisted leaving Beckley - the United States Air Force. She took a civilian position with the Air Force before moving on to the Internal Revenue Service. When she retired, she had 30 years federal service. Rosie lives in Denver and claims to carry an affliction attributed to the shopping gene. Rosie also spends her fair share of time at a canasta table.
Mike Allenbaugh served eight years in the United States Air Force, involved in intensive electronics work. He moved on to manufacturing plant maintenance and then plant management in Iowa. He attempted to design a part-time property management business for retirement, but it grew into another full-tme career. His hobbies are woodworking and motorcycling. Learn more about Mike from his Classmate Profile.
Jim Anderson does not appear anywhere near retirement. He practices corporate law in Beckley, in the same building his father's dental practice and Columbia Gas once occupied. Jim is the beacon that draws us back to Beckley two times each decade for our class reunions.
George Arnold retired from teaching at Marshall University in 2004 to become a full-time gentleman farmer in Shady Spring. Or should we say he retired from professing? Anyway, he was doing whatever PhDs do in academia and some of our children and grandchildren are the better off for it.
Charles "Buddy" Bales is an educator in Miami, Florida. When he closed out his public education service following 33 years in the Dade County school system, he took a position with a private prep school. Buddy is number two honcho there. Cannot imagine Buddy in any occupation where he would not be giving of himself for the benefit of others.
Betty Jean Ballard has had a full and successful life since WWHS. She married Dwayne Wingler (WWHS 1954) in 1961 and lived in Richmond, Virginia and subsequently worked as a bank executive in Richmond, Las Vegas, and Florida until 1995. She then opened her own Real Estate company in Daytona Beach and has been selling ocean breezes ever since. BJ (a nickname given to her many years ago by a boss in Las Vegas) has been married to Jack Miller for 30 years and they spend their leisure time between homes in Port Orange, Florida and Ormond Beach, Florida, and look forward to escaping in their motor home with the cat that "rules the roost" Jo-Jo. One of the few of us who is not retired, BJ says she is having too much fun working to even think about retiring. She invites anyone who is thinking about moving to Florida to check out her web site www.FloridaProperties1.com, and call her anytime 24/7 365...honest.
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WOODROW WILSON HIGH SCHOOL
Beckley, West Virginia
Class of 1958
"Old times there are not forgotten"
Epilogue
Jim Bays is in the wholesale furniture business in Pennsylvania. In February 2005, he celebrated a new marriage with a honeymoon in Cancun, Mexico. Jim attended the 45th Class Reunion in 2003 and the mini-reunion in June 2005.
David Bennett, a Mabscott boy retired from the United States Navy in 1977, spent 15 years in law enforcement then embarked on a third career as an owner-operator of a over the road tractor-trailer engaged in freight hauling. He is a family man, living in Jacksonville, Florida and may be driving through your town any day now!
Judy Benson added Keener to her name and lived in Arlington and Falls Church, Virginia while working at the United Mine Workers Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Disability forced Judy into retirement in 1998. Her retirement home is in North Carolina where she can be near family and the Wake Forest Medical Center.
Melvin Bostic served in the United States Army before moving to Ohio where he worked in the maintenance department of the Midview Board of Education for 31 years. Melvin is still in Ohio.
Rita Bright is still shining. She lives in southwest Colorado where she has filled up her life with a man, children, grandchildren and llamas. If you need a real live llama, has Rita got a deal for you! Rita is a retired educator having taught at the middle school and high school levels. She was also a student counselor for a time.
Glenn Buckland looks back on four years in the Air Force following high school, several years spent in consumer finance and banking, followed by becoming a John Deere dealer in North Carolina. Glenn is now retired, maintaining homes in Greensboro and Sunset Beach, North Carolina.
Paul Chikos became Paul Chickos, M.D. He is a radiologist in the State of Washington. Paul has cut his practice back to part time to devote more time to smelling the roses and being a hands-on grandpa.
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WOODROW WILSON HIGH SCHOOL
Beckley, West Virginia
Class of 1958
"Old times there are not forgotten"
Epilogue
James Cole spent three years in the 82nd Airborne and pursued an electrical career when he got out of the Army. James obtained an unlimited electrical license in North Carolina in 1978 and became an educator at North Carolina Community College in Jacksonville, North Carolina after practicing his craft for 29 years. James was named educator of the year in 1997. He now calls himself a road warrior teaching classes all over the United States and Mexico.
Janey Cooke and her physician husband are retired. They split their year between Alaska and Arizona. Janey is doing well. We always knew she would.
Tony Cueto married Nancy Walker from the class behind us and spent 20 years in the United States Army. After his military service, he worked as an EMT/ambulance attendant in New Jersey. Tony is retired and living in Greenbrier County with Nancy. His health is not good.
Janice Gayle Curtis stayed on in Beckley where she became Janice Gayle Curtis-Walker. She also became an educator after receiving perhaps the first bachelor degree in the class - July 14, 1961. Janice spent 30 years teaching elementary school, mostly third grade (her favorite) at Fireco, Teel, Institute, Piney View and Stanaford from which she retired in 1999. Janice also taught two years in the Cleveland, Ohio area. We hope to see Janice at the 50th Class Reunion in 2008.
Peggy Davis became Peggy Davis-Davila and is retired from an administrative position at the University of Maryland. She, her husband and their daughter live in South Carolina. One son lives in South Carolina and the other son still lives in Maryland. Peggy had hoped to attend the mini reunion in June 2005 but she did not get there.
Andy Earehart is still in Beckley. He retired twice and now has opened yet another car dealership. Andy has some health issues but is in good condition overall. Anyone who can count Andy Earehart among his or her circle of friends cannot do better. Andy attended the class mini-reunion in Beckley - June 2005.
Sherry Lee Evans married Jerry Rose from the class behind us. She is a lady with many accomplishments. Sherry and Jerry took over the dance school Miss Beard established in Beckley all those years ago. In partnership with one of her sisters, Sherry helped to operate a home decorating studio (Pandora's Box) on the old Valley Drive and she manages some real estate properties. In her spare time she writes mystery novels having her first one published in May 2007.
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WOODROW WILSON HIGH SCHOOL
Beckley, West Virginia
Class of 1958
"Old times there are not forgotten"
Epilogue
Frankie Ferro lives in Owings Mills, Maryland. She has an administrative position with the State of Maryland, Office of Administrative Hearings. Frankie attended the 45th Class Reunion and plans to be at the 50th. She intends to stay on in Owings Mills when she retires.
Nancy Fink became Nancy Fink-Witschey out of college. She lived in Richmond, Virginia for 30 plus years working with computers. Nancy is single again and has a farm in western Virginia within sight of the West Virginia border. She fills her retirement with looking after her farm, independent consulting in the computer field and being a grandmother. Nancy is still smarter than the average bear and a whole lot better looking.
Carol Fitzgerald married a North Carolina transplant and became Carol Fitzgerald-Hodges. She lived in New Jersey where her husband was stationed with the United States Air Force until they returned to Beckley in 1965. Carol worked part time while raising two daughters. When parenting became a part-time endeavor, Carol returned to full time employment until 1998 when she retired from Stewart Enterprises. Carol and husband Jim live on their farm at Sandstone, West Virginia where they raise Black Angus cattle, garden and maintain bee hives.
Barbara Fitzpatrick-Casarow makes a home for her barrister husband in New Jersey. She must be planning to live forever because she is just now putting the finishing touches on a brand new dream home. Gooooo Barbara! Barbara serves as a volunteer at both the Miss New Jersey and Miss America pagents.
George Terry Fitzpatrick spent four years in the United States Navy out of high school before settling in Ravenswood, West Virginia. Terry was employed at Kiser Aluminum there for 38 years. He and his high school sweetheart have four children and raised one grandchild.
Phyllis Ann Fitzwater married Eddie Marshall (WWHS '59). They lived in Maryland for the first 16 years of their marriage. In 1979 they returned to Prosperity, where Phyllis grew up. Phyllis came to the class mini-reunion in June 2005.
Mary Lou Forren-DePolo still lives in the house her father purchased on East Prince Street in 1947. Mary Lou retired from Appalachian Hospital in April 2005. She had an administrative position there for many years. Mary Lou and her husband are renovating a country home at Bragg, West Virginia where they plan to move and sit out their retirement in seclusion. Let's hope she will not object to an occasional visit from an old friend!
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WOODROW WILSON HIGH SCHOOL
Beckley, West Virginia
Class of 1958
"Old times there are not forgotten"
Epilogue
Shirley Ann Garland added Sammons to her name and her family grew to three children. She lived in Dallas, Texas and Phoenix, Arizona before settling down in Tennessee. Shirley worked as a hairdresser, then traveled and trained franchisees in glamour photography. When she got to Tennessee, she became a real estate broker and appears nowhere near retirement.
Sandra Lee Goodall tap danced her way through high school, went to Concord College (now University) were she earned a B.S.in Education, then went to Shoney's in Charleston, WV and ordered up a Mrs. She was duly served and became Sandra Lee Goodall-Gunter. Sandra taught business subjects in the Kanawaha County school system for 32 years and was a welcome presence at the class mini-reunion in June 2005.
John Gorsica is a retired pharmacist in Waynesboro, Virginia. It would be hard to imagine John in any other profession. John is the father of two very accomplished children, a son and a daughter.
Tamara Dale Harrah went to West Virginia University after high school where she earned a degree in Elementary Education. Her first position as an educator was in Morgantown while she waited for her future husband (Mike Jones) to finish his degree. Following her initial year as an educator, Tammy taught in Illinois (one year) and at Central Elementary in Beckley (four years) before leaving the profession to remain at home while raising their two children. Tammy lives in North Carolina but is giving consideration to moving closer to family in South Carolina.
Clyde Douglas Harper has been living in the Hampton Roads area (Virginia) since 1982 while working as an engineering supervisor for a major defense contractor.
Bob Hancock spent 25 years in retail management at F.W. Woolworth and more years at Dollar General. Bob's experience is somewhat unique in that he retired from Florida instead of to Florida. He lives in Tennessee.
James (P.A.) Hatcher is living in Maryland, retired from an accounting practice. He spends his time attending to a part-time American heritage and military memorabilia business, battlefield preservation projects, genealogical research and dabbles in website design - including this one. "P.A." served as host for the class mini-reunion held in June 2005.
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WOODROW WILSON HIGH SCHOOL
Beckley, West Virginia
Class of 1958
"Old times there are not forgotten"
Epilogue
Frank Heatherly. If you look up the word educator in a dictionary, you will see a picture of our own Frank Heatherly. Frank majored in education at Concord College and earned Masters and Doctrate degrees at the University of Alabama. Beginning as a classroom teacher, Frank became a school principal after three years of teaching, then assistant superintendant of schools, then superintendant of schools, and finally was employed by the Alabama State Department of Education. Frank has educated classes in China and South America as well as here in the states. Learn more about Frank from his Classmate Profile.
Billie Sue Hedrick-Harless broke new ground in the corporate world when she became the first female sales representative for Hershey Foods Corporation (the chocolate company). When the combination of business travel and parenting became a burden, she accepted employment with Unisys where she achieved her first retirement. Sue has lives in the greater Atlanta Metro Area and held a senior administrative position with the Gwinnett County Police Department. Sue retired again on August 31, 2007 and plans to attend our 50th Class Reunion in 2008.
Linda Henson, that cute little flag girl who wore the "B" became Linda Henson-Meadows. Linda gave up Virginia for Pennsylvania and then gave up on Pennsylvania. She retired and moved to Florida with two of her three sisters just in time for the 2004 hurricane season. Linda had a streak of bad luck, two automobile accidents during the year before her retirement that left her with lingering injuries and need for long-term rehabilitation.
Johnnie Herbert Hoskins arrived at Syracuse University in July 1958 to study the Polish language on behalf of the United States Air Force. He remained in the Air Force for 22 years involved in various Intelligence programs around the world. Following active duty, Johnny earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration from the University of Arizona and was employed by the State of Arizona Department of Economic Security until a heart attack ended his working career on September 11, 2001. Johnnie works for the Vetarans of Foreign Wars on a volunteer and remains active in that organization. Learn more about Johnnie from his Classmate Profile.
Jimmie Genell Houston retired, returned to West Virginia and remarried. He is doing well. Jimmie is a co-sponsor of the Golden Flying Eagle reunions held at Little Beaver Lake each year.
Cecilia Ann Hovanski went out to Illinois where she added Baden to her name, stayed on and raised a family. Cecilia has worked as a receptionist and a beautican but is now retired.
Frank Huston served in the United States Army, worked part time as a mail carrier and bartender until he caught on with Firestone Fibers and Textiles Company in Hopewell, Virginia. At Firestone, working with polyester and polymerization manufacturing, Frank worked his way up to General Foreman. When the plant was purchased by Allied Signal Company Frank was promoted to Operations Engineer, a position he held until 1999. Frank has stayed on in Hopewell during retirement.
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WOODROW WILSON HIGH SCHOOL
Beckley, West Virginia
Class of 1958
"Old times there are not forgotten"
Epilogue
Nancy Kay Johnson-Ramey worked as a secretary before going to college and becoming an educator. She closed out her career teaching adult education in Kentucky. She still lives there.
David Kennedy has been in and out of West Virginia since high school. He is currently living at Crab Orchard and is still working in the carpentry trade. David came to the 45th Class Reunion in 2003.
Nancy Ellen Lawson of Crab Orchard became Nancy Lawson-Pruett of Detroit, Michigan. Nancy spent her early years in secretarial work, while continuing her education, doing the single mom thing and rising to the executive ranks with a major transportation company. Super Nan is now retired and makes several trips to Beckley each year.
Gene Lilly moved to Chicago after high school. He returned to West Virginia (Mingo County) and worked in coal mine maintenance until retirement in 2005.
Ray Lilly is retired from a number of ventures including ownership of a sporting goods store in North Carolina. He has purchased a farm near Athens, West Virginia but has not moved there yet. Ray came to our mini-reunion in June 2005.
Corky Lively is a retired hi-techie. He married a lady he met while in the Air Force and wound up living on a farm in cold, cold, New Hampshire. Keeps in shape with cross country skiing. Corky is believed to be our only classmate living in all of New England. What does that say about Corky? What does it say about us?
James Ethan Lowe attended an Iowa Medical School affiliate in Pennsylvania, received a degree in Family Practice from MSU and a Masters Degree in Family Practice from the University of Nebraska on his way to becoming a physician's assistant. Ethan has been in private practice since 1978 and taught for a time at Mountain State University. He still works three days a week at an endeavor he enjoys immensely. Ethan divides his spare time between grandchildren, beagles, guitar, writing and golf. He is an ardent Mountaineers football fan. Ethan also serves on the board of directors of the Raleigh County Emergency Operations Center.
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WOODROW WILSON HIGH SCHOOL
Beckley, West Virginia
Class of 1958
"Old times there are not forgotten"
Epilogue
Denny Mahoney spent one year at Beckley College following high school then moved to Southern California. He completed his education at Cerritos Junior College and Long Beach State College. He majored in Math concentrating on computer courses. He became a computer programmer, then a systems engineer and later a systems manager with Honeywell. He continued his career with Apple Computer as a sales training manager, retiring in 1991. Denny has lived in Los Angeles, the Silicon Valley and Phoenix. He currently lives in Prescott, Arizona. Learn More about Denny from his Classmate Profile.
Rev. Wayne Manning is retired from a ministry in California. Wayne is a co-founder of the WWHS Prayer Support Group and maintains a consulting practice to coach individuals, professional people and company entities toward leadership, vision and integrity. Wayne also serves in our class chaplain corps by contributing to the Class Chapel on our website.
Ted Maxey is still working. He has been a federal mine inspector for more than 30 years. Ted lives in Mabscott and is a regular at class reunions.
Martha May is now Martha May-Maxwell. Martha left Beckley to become a Duke Blue Devil. Martha is a social worker, married to an Episcopal clergyman and they nest in Michigan. Both Martha and her husband are involved in battles with cancer and need our support through prayer.
Jimmy McGrady began adult life as a soldier, leaving the Army after 8 years. He was employed at Earheart's until becoming disabled in 1992. He lives in Sprague.
Tommy McGrady's life's work includes two years with Beckley Newspapers, several years with C&O Railroad and more years in the coal mines. Tommy is still working. He owns and operates a small used car lot on Robert C. Byrd Drive.
Tom McKinney retired from the U.S. Army in 1979, worked in the electronics field and then went back into government, with the U.S. Postal Service. He currently has 48 years of federal service and plans his second retirement in June of 2006.
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WOODROW WILSON HIGH SCHOOL
Beckley, West Virginia
Class of 1958
"Old times there are not forgotten"
Epilogue
Ray McManamy spent 24 years in the United States Army. He tried a number of things thereafter, finally settling in with United Parcel Service which led to a second retirement. Ray moved back to West Virginia in 1987 and now lives on the Grandview Road, near Little Beaver Park. He is staying active by driving a tour bus that operates out of Beckley.
Norman Richard Meadows is now to be addressed as Rev. N. Richard Meadows. Following high school, he served three years with the U.S. Army (82nd Airborne Division), married Connie Ballard from the Class of 1961 and settled into the family building supply business. After 30 years, Richard moved to Florida where he entered into contracting and acquired a mountain home in the Great Smokies. The Meadows split their year between the New Smyrna, Florida residence and the vacation residence in North Carolina. Rev. N Richard serves in our class chaplain corps, posting clergy messages in turn and being on standby for those who feel the need to approach him for spiritual guidance.
David Miller may be the smartest man in the class. He landed a job teaching at an all girl college in South Carolina. A lot of guys from the Class of 1958 wanted to invade all girl schools, but David actually figured out how to do it! David moved on to educate students of both sexes at the La Cross campus of Wisconsin University. He retired from full time teaching in the spring of 2004, but returned shortly thereafter on a part time basis retiring a second time in the spring of 2007.
Harold Eugene Miller worked in the coal mines, then sold doors and windows and now installs doors and windows in the Beckley area where he still lives.
Rachel Mullins-Dove lived in the Washington, D.C. area until 1979 when she moved to North Carolina. She hired on with the State of North Carolina, retiring in 1999. According to Rachel, "If God isn't a Tarheels fan, why is the sky Carolina blue?" Rachel attended the 45th Class Reunion in 2003.
Bobby Lee Mullins lives in Daniels, West Virginia. He retired in 2000 after driving a truck for most of his working life.
Lynda Oscar-Willis manages the back office of a certified public accounting firm in Falls Church, Virginia. The Willis in her name came from classmate Larry Willis. They married in November 2005. Lynda is a regular at our class reunions and was co-hostess of the class mini-reunion in June 2005.
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WOODROW WILSON HIGH SCHOOL
Beckley, West Virginia
Class of 1958
"Old times there are not forgotten"
Epilogue
Sandra Peraldo is now Sister Sandra Peraldo. Her Order, the Sisters of St. Joseph is devoted to nursing and teaching. Sandra lives in Parkersburg and hopes to attend our 50th class reunion in 2008.
Darrel Pettry made a career out of retail management and now lives in retirement in Lexington, Kentucky. Darrel attended both the 45th Class Reunion in June 2003 and the mini-reunion in June 2005.
Barney Pippin spent his working years in Florida Law Enforcement and Corrections. His last assignment was Warden of a maximum security prison. He lives in The Villages, Florida. Learn more about Barney from his Classmate Profile.
Jeanette Premo added Marcinko to her name and moved to California. That was in 1959. There, Jeanette entered nurses training and became a RN, which she worked at until 1991. Jeanette occupies her time with bingo, fishing, Vegas and grandma stuff.
We always knew John Robert Pyles would go far. He did. He lives in Hawaii where he is a successful businessman. Actually, if Johnny had gone any farther he would be on the other side of the world headed back again!
Barbara Sue Quesenberry entered nursing school in Ohio during 1958, graduated as a registered nurse and stayed on there. She retired in 1998, having worked 37 years with the Mercy Hospital System. Barbara owns a boarding kennel and dog rescue business - intending to live out her retirement in Ohio. She provided foster care and placed four canine survivors from Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Sue Ellen Redden married a soldier, added Walters to her name and lived all over the world. She favored Taiwan among the many places she lived. After rasing a son and a daughter, the Walters adopted a son in 1984. Owing to poor health of her parents, Susie returned to Mabscott in 1995 where she had started out. She still lives there. Learn more about Susie from her Classmate Profile.
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WOODROW WILSON HIGH SCHOOL
Beckley, West Virginia
Class of 1958
"Old times there are not forgotten"
Epilogue
Alice Faye Rice became Alice Fay Rice-Vest. She began her family while living in New Orleans but moved to Tennessee where she contributed four sons to the University of Tennessee. One is a lawyer, one is an engineer, one is in business and the fourth is a minister.
Alice Faye Riffe stayed in Beckley. She took a job in the office of Beckley Hardware out of high school and later moved to Beckley National Bank remaining there 38 years while the bank changed names four times, finally becoming Chase Bank. Alice is retired and living in Crab Orchard.
Jo Roles went to Washington D.C. following high school and took a job with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. There, she met and married a Navy man who kept her hopping around until his retirement from that service. Jo has worked in retail and as a special needs instructor at the elementary school level. Now living in Illinois where she intends to remain, she dabbles in antiques.
Bill Rose attended West Virginia University after WWHS, served in the United States Marine Corps and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration (Accounting Major) from West Virginia Tech in 1967. He also got married to classmate Patty Costelli. Bill's last full tme employment was as the Chief Financial Officer of Pinecrest Hospital in Beckley, retiring in 2003. Bill lives in Conway, South Carolina, near Myrtle Beach. Learn more about Bill from his Cassmate Profile.
Gary Schiffer - "Herman" is a retired Raleigh County educator and lives in the Beckley house that Jim Anderson grew up in. Gary has some serious health issues, diabetes among them. He never married.
Barbara Scott-Bentley traveled all around the country as a military wife before entering her second single hood. She says she likes it! Barbie lived in New Hampshire for about 20 years working for Northern Telecom. She moved to North Carolina and retired in 1999, but fills in retirement time as a sales associate at a retail store. Barbara attended our 45th Class Reunion in 2003.
David Ray Scott went west as a young man. He spent four years in the United States Army and then worked at Boeing Aviation until retirement. David returns to West Virginia from his home in the Seattle, Washington area to visit his mother who lives in Fayetteville.
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WOODROW WILSON HIGH SCHOOL
Beckley, West Virginia
Class of 1958
"Old times there are not forgotten"
Epilogue
Joyce Kay Shumate has been Joyce Kaye Shumate-Phipps since 1960. She spent two years at West Virginia University before graduating from Concord College (now University) with a degree in education, becoming a teacher for two and one half years. Joyce then changed careers to become a Social Worker with the West Virginia Department of Welfare. She earned a Master of Social Work degree from West Virginia University. Following her retirement from the State of West Virginia, Joyce became the Director of the Raleigh County Head Start Program. She continues as a consultant participating in federal reviews of Head Start Programs throughout the nation. Joyce holds one of three seats on the WWHS CLass of 1958 Scholarship Fund Committee. Learn more about Joyce from her Classmate Profile.
Mary Louise Smith became Mary Louise Smith-Roser and worked 46 years as a hairdresser in Ohio. Mary Louise retired to Tennessee during July 2005 but lost her husband Jim in November 2005, following 46 years of marriage. She has returned to Ohio to be near her son, daughter and three grandchildren.
Ed Snuffer is a building contractor in Beckley, like his father before him. Ed married Connie Curtis from the class behind of us in 2007. Ed is semi-retired, living part-time in Beckley and part time in Virginia. We saw Ed at the 45th Class Reunion in June 2003 and again at the mini-reunion in June 2005. Ed is a regular on the Class Reunion Committee and serves as the alternate member of the Class of 1958 Scholarship Fund Committee.
Bobbie Jean Snyder is still sharp. Indeed, so sharp she found a sharp husband and made her name Bobbie Jean Snyder-Sharp. Bobbie Jean is retired from nursing, lives in Arkansas and became a grandmother for the first time in June 2005.
Eugene Solonka worked as a roofer in Maryland, then as a bartender in Florida, then as a bar owner before becoming disabled during the 1970s. He lives in Beckley.
John Spinelli built a contracting business in Maryland, then retired to Florida. His orange trees sustained some damage during the hurricane season of 2004.
Joyce Taylor went to Florida in 1958 and found Mr. Right four days after her arrival. She is still there. Joyce came to the class mini-reunion in June 2005 and has committed to attending the 50th Class Reunion.
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WOODROW WILSON HIGH SCHOOL
Beckley, West Virginia
Class of 1958
"Old times there are not forgotten"
Epilogue
If you ask Florence Thomas-Denny about her career, she will tell you she is a "kept woman". Florence has never been employed outside the home. Having intended to retire in Clearwater, Florida, the Dennys sold the condo they had bought there and purchased a home at Daniels, West Virginia for retirement purposes. Florence attended the 45th Class Reunion in June 2003 and the class mini-reunion in June 2005.
Perky little Barbara Thorne went to Morris Harvey College (now Charleston University) were she earned a degree in education and added Burdette to her name. After teaching at the high school level in Raleigh County for a couple of years, Barbara changed professions and entered social work. She is retired from the State of West Virginia. Barbara and her husband moved to Florida in January 2000. They are still there.
Mary Ellen Thorpe who became Mary Ellen Thorpe-States attended Concord College (now University) upon graduation from WWHS. She married in 1960 and left Concord when her husband graduated in 1961. Over the next 34 years Mary Ellen lived in Norfolk, the Great Bridge area of Chesapeake, Richmond and Roanoke, all in Virginia. Mary Ellen was both a stay at home Mom and student at Old Dominion University, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. She also earned a Master's degree from Old Dominion. Mary Ellen applied her education as a first grade teacher, retiring in 1995. She and her husband Ed States live at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. Mary Ellen has attended several of the Class of 1958 five year reunions and has registered to attend the 50th. Learn more about Mary Ellen from her Classmate Profile.
Ernest Wayne Tucker, sometimes remembered as "Sam", worked at J.C. Penny and George's Fashions before joining the Beckley Fire Department (BFD) in 1971. He retired from BFD June 1999 with the rank of lieutenant. Still living in Beckley, Wayne is the father of two daughters and grandfather of four. His hobbies include hunting, riding his four-wheeler and competitive shooting. Wayne has committed to attending the 50th Class Reunion. Learn more about Wayne from his Classmate Profile.
Linda Lou Underwood became Linda Lou Underwood-Klopp and bounced around some very important offices on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. before going home to Beckley. She is a deputy in the Raleigh County Clerk's Office and is a member of the board of directors and treasurer for the Raleigh County Emergency Operations Center. Linda received our Class Spirit Award at the June 2005 mini-reunion. Learn more about Linda from her Classmate Profile.
Ann Wallen has lived in Texas, Iowa, Ohio, Tennessee, Oklahoma, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, and Arkansas, where she picked up a husband. A farm in Arkansas provides for a busy retirement.
Micki Wender was raised in West Virginia, received her higher education in Ohio and teaches college in California. She married an educator from Ohio and retains her great sense of humor.
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WOODROW WILSON HIGH SCHOOL
Beckley, West Virginia
Class of 1958
"Old times there are not forgotten"
Epilogue
Bob Wickline lives in Ohio, one of five states (plus the District of Columbia) he lived in prior to retiring in 1992 from marketing management with AT&T. Bob has engaged in entrepreneurial projects during his "retirement".
Lewis Williams is a retired school principal from the Fayette County school system. Lewis lives on the same farm he lived on when we were in high school. Following a serious bout with cancer, he gave up the farming part of his residence. Many classmates were glad to reunite with Lewis at the 45th Class Reunion and again at the mini-reunion in June 2005.
Larry Lee Willis served in the United States Army following high school, before going to work for the government (Department of Defense) in the Tele-communications field. Larry stayed with DOD more than 30 years and is retired now. He moved to Falls Church, Virginia following his marriage to classmate Lynda Oscar in November 2005.
Martha Jane Wood followed her mother into nursing, then met an engineer who grew up in Clarksburg, West Virginia while working in Rockville, Maryland. She went to Germany where the army had transferred her engineer and married him. They returned to West Virginia to work and raise a family of three in Charleston. Martha retired from the State of West Virginia at the end of March 2005 and served as co-hostess of the class mini-reunion in June 2005. Martha serves on the Class Reunion Committee and was one of the chief planners of the 50th Class Reunion. She also holds one of the three seats on the Class of 1958 Scholarship Fund Committee.
Shirley Jean Wooten grew up in Mac Arthur, became Shirley Jean Wooten-Dinsmore and moved to Coal City. She worked for the Raleigh County Board of Education for 21 years, retiring in June 2004 and sadly became a widow in November 2004. Shirley Jean stays active with church work and grandma work. Her three daughters gave her eight grandchildren, who gave her six great grandchildren - enough to win the award for most great grandchildren at the class mini-reunion in June 2005. Shirley reported in March 2006 there was another great grandchild on the way.
If you are can provide an update on a classmate (including yourself), please forward that information. Every member of the Woodrow Wilson High School Class of 1958 is a very important person and we want to hear about them.