The Pinecone

A MISSION OF LOVE & GIVING

Humor, hard work, clean living, and having God in control seem to be the elements that have framed the extraordinary life of Hugh Gregory. Although stories of his life may invoke similar memories in people his age, Hugh defies the odds by continuing his zest for new learning experiences at 94 years of age. 

In 1930, at the beginning of the Depression, Hugh was born in a house that had cracks large enough for snow to fall on his bed. His father was a farmer, and the family lived in a tenant’s residence on his great-grandfather’s farm. However, the farm supplied the necessities for life. Hugh had loving and godly parents; he was the only child until a sister arrived seven years later. Life was considered normal in the rural community of Auburn, Mississippi, which was the ancestral home for the Gregory family. Located northeast of Tupelo, Mississippi, Auburn had stores, a school, and several churches.

When Hugh was four years old, his parents gave him a tricycle. The house they lived in had a long porch that was unrailed and two feet off the ground. Hugh was cautioned about riding too close to the edge. The family birddog, Dan, must have gotten the message and became Hugh’s constant protector. Never leaving his side, Dan would always manage to be between Hugh and the porch edge. Another time, Hugh went for a walk and was gone for several hours. It was almost dark, and his parents were frantic. They finally spotted the top of his head in the cotton field. Of course, Dan was with him and was bringing him home.

In 1936, a devastating tornado hit Auburn and surrounding communities. There were many deaths and much destruction. The Gregory home was spared. Hugh’s father, along with neighbors, used hand saws to clear the trees that were blocking the road to the most damaged area. Six year old, Hugh went along to help. The sights he witnessed remained an indelible memory for him. Hugh’s father, then, built a nice, new house for his family.

In 1943, at the age of 13, Hugh assumed management of the farm the family now owned when his father was conscripted by the military to build structures needed in WWII. Arising at 5:00 a.m., Hugh milked three cows, and helped to feed other farm animals. At 7:00, Hugh boarded the school bus for high school in Tupelo. While in high school, Hugh played basketball all four years; however, that was not all he was interested in. A girl, Mary Curbow, had been a friend his entire life, and Hugh was interested in taking it to a new level. One day while Hugh and some friends were sitting in Mary’s yard, they learned that WW II was over. This good news prompted shy Hugh to ask Mary to the movies. Hugh had been driving his father’s school bus since the age of 12, and this was the vehicle he planned to drive on their date. He even built a stool for Mary by the driver’s seat. Unknown to Hugh, his mother had alerted all the neighbors that Hugh was driving the bus to the movies. Imagine Mary’s surprise when she got on the crowded bus! But, Mary forgave him; they dated for three years and married at age 18.

Hugh wanted to be an electrical engineer. However, he delayed college and enrolled in an electrical school in Chicago. He returned home and worked for an electrical company for two years. Surprisingly, he was offered a job with the FBI working in classified documents, so Hugh and Mary moved to Washington, D.C. for two years. In 1951, even though employed in a government job, Hugh expected to be drafted. Instead, he volunteered and spent four years in the Navy. While on active duty, he served on USS Currituck which was an AV-7 Seaplane Tender carrying supplies to aircraft patrolling the shorelines of various countries. He received the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class.

Following discharge from the Navy, Hugh returned home and worked for an electrical company. He had been offered the FBI job but did not want to live in Washington. Hugh also enrolled in college and completed three years of study in various institutions.

In 1959, Hugh began employment with Southern Airways as a station agent. He retired after 27 years, most of that time in management positions. After retirement, he and others started an electrical testing company (EMT). For 20 years, and until retirement in 2014, Hugh’s company supervised technicians in their various jobs.

Hugh and Mary were married for 75+ years. They were blessed with three children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. They lived in Southaven for 50 years and were members of the Carriage Hills Baptist Church where Hugh served as deacon and continues his membership. Hugh and Mary were fortunate to enjoy extensive travel including all 50 states and several countries.

In 2021, Hugh made the decision to move to Kirby Pines due to Mary’s declining health. Sadly, Mary died in 2023. “We lived a wonderful and charming life,” states Hugh.

Hugh continues to be involved in several activities at Kirby and is serving as a Wing Leader. Woodwork has always been a favorite hobby; he now spends time learning new things in the woodworking shop. “I appreciate all the people here and love all the new friends I have made. It is a great community to live in,” declares Hugh.

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident of Kirby Pines.

A MISSION OF LOVE & GIVING

Love and giving go together so well. So do Marilyn and Leon Sanderson, who have plenty of love to share and express it in so many ways. Their lives have been focused on giving to others: Leon as a minister in various churches of Christ, and Marilyn as an esteemed educator of the young. Both continue to share their many talents with the residents of Kirby Pines and contribute to the sense of family we all cherish.

Marilyn Cobb was born in Springfield, Missouri. Hers was a close-knit family who enjoyed simple but significant times together. She has a sister who is older, so Marilyn was “the baby” for 11 years until a baby brother came along. According to Marilyn, “I lost my status, and our family dynamics changed.” As a member of Future Teachers of America, Marilyn would have the experience, in her senior year of high school, of spending the afternoon in an elementary school as a cadet teacher. This would provide the groundwork for Marilyn’s professional career.

In 1966, Marilyn graduated from Harding College (University) with a B.S in Elementary Education. She says her college years were very enjoyable, but most exciting was the time she spent singing with two elite groups of singers from the college. During her junior year, one group spent five weeks traveling in the Eastern part of the United States which included singing at the World’s Fair in New York. 

In 1966, Marilyn began her teaching career in Long Island, New York. It was a different culture for her, but she enjoyed the nearby cultural venues. During this time, she and a friend spent eight weeks in Europe, traveling by Eurail and staying in pensiones.

In 1969, Marilyn returned to Harding College and earned an M.A. in Teaching. She moved to Memphis to teach in the city schools and was assigned to teach fourth grade in a school with all African American students. “This was again culture shock,” admits Marilyn, “but that class became one of my all-time favorites!” However, after one year, she was persuaded to teach at Harding Academy, one of the largest private schools in Memphis. She remained there for 39 years, as classroom teacher, principal, and eventually as Director of Elementary Education for Harding Academy.

Leon Sanderson was also born in Springfield, Missouri. His only sibling was an older sister. His father and mother were involved in church work over the years. Leon’s families were musicians; his father wrote the words to several published hymns. So, music was a large part of their family. At a young age, Leon joined his father in teaching in music schools and worship leadership.

Despite occasional re-locating, Leon had a happy childhood. He recalls playing kick ball, riding his bike, playing “catch,” and making model cars. His favorite was a blue, 1904 model Oldsmobile with seats covered in burgundy velvet – a contribution from his mother. His school years were good, and he sang with all singing groups in school. He also played the tuba in the marching band during his high school years.

Having decided to become a minister of the Gospel, Leon entered Harding College in 1950 and graduated four years later with a degree in Bible and Speech. He continued his studies at Harding, earning a graduate degree in Ministry. He would then move to Memphis for his first position with a church.

Although both Marilyn and Leon were born in the same city and attended the same college, they did not meet until Leon accepted an associate minister position in the church where Marilyn attended. Together, they would become an integral part of that church’s mission to serve not only the church members, but the non-members of the community around them. 

To better prepare himself to serve, Leon became a life-long learner. Since moving to Memphis, he has earned two additional masters degrees and the Doctorate of Ministry from Harding School of Theology. He has the distinction of earning the most degrees of any student in the school’s history! He has used his musical talents in various ways, leading singing as well as teaching others to lead songs in church. He has written several hymns with special attention to setting scripture to music. Blessed with a beautiful voice, Leon sang for several years with an elite musical group in Memphis.

The Sandersons have three children, nine grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Twice a year, at Thanksgiving and in June, 22 family members meet for a reunion – a 25 year tradition. Travel continues to be a significant activity for the Sandersons. They have visited all 50 states; Leon has been to 33 foreign countries and six continents, and Marilyn has visited 40 countries and five continents. 

Since moving to Kirby Pines in September 2021, both Leon and Marilyn have become vital members of the Kirby family. Marilyn enjoys The Bookbaggers and Mah Jongg. Both serve as Wing Leaders, sing in the Chorus, visit residents in the hospital, and attend various Bible studies. Leon participates in Vespers, conducts sing-a-longs, and reads the Bible to residents in the health areas on a regular basis. Both are members of Germantown Church of Christ where Leon serves as a Worship Leader. 

The Sandersons say that they are very happy in this loving, family atmosphere of Kirby Pines, and getting to participate in the myriad of activities. Both admit, “We think we made a good decision to come here!

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident of Kirby Pines.