Resident Spotlight

A LIFE OF VOLUNTEERING 

There is a truism that states, “If you want something done, give it to a busy person to do!” There isn’t anyone at Kirby Pines who is busier than Carolyn Hladky. She is involved in a myriad of activities and volunteers her time in various ways. 

Carolyn moved to Kirby Pines from New Jersey. However, she spent her first 18 years in Memphis. Born in 1941 as Carolyn Welch, she and her family lived in a small apartment in the back of a “Mom and Pop” store in East Memphis, which her father bought when he returned from serving in the Army. He would own the store for 30 years, but the family moved to the White Station area when Carolyn was seven years old. 

Carolyn remembers her childhood as a happy time, playing with children in the neighborhood and her older brother, Jimmie. For school, she attended East Elementary, White Station and Memphis Christian. When the Memphis Christian School became Harding Academy, Carolyn was among their first graduates in 1959. Her family attended the Church of Christ regularly, and Carolyn loved all the activities provided. In fact, her faith became so strong that she became involved, at an early age, as a volunteer in church ministry– working with young people in VBS. In high school, during summer vacations, she was involved in Camp Wyldewood near Searcy, Arkansas, first as a camper, and then on staff.

Following graduation, Carolyn enrolled in Harding College in Searcy, majoring in Elementary Education. In 1961, following her sophomore year, she volunteered to work at Camp Shiloh, a Christian camp in Mendham, New Jersey. She met another staff member, Roger Hladky, who was a student from Abilene Christian College. There was a mutual attraction for each other, so they began dating. Carolyn returned to Harding for her remaining two years of college; Roger transferred to Harding. They were married six months after they met in a beautiful December wedding. They lived in student housing until Carolyn graduated in 1963. Carolyn relates this story, “Before Roger and I married, I introduced him to my grandfather. When I spelled his last name, my grandfather replied, ‘Aw, that don’t spell nuthin!’ So, for our married life of 61 years, we often used that phrase when people questioned the spelling or pronunciation of our last name.”

Following graduation from Harding, Carolyn and Roger made the decision to move to Tabernacle, New Jersey. They already had friends there, so it made the transition easier. Carolyn began teaching in an elementary school while Roger continued his education. Later, Roger began teaching in middle school. They welcomed Holly, their only child, and would make Tabernacle their home for 60 years. Roger would eventually become principal of his school. Carolyn has this to say about Tabernacle, “It was a wonderfully nurturing place to live, work and attend church. Roger was an elder in the Church of Christ, and I taught the Ladies Class. We also served in Youth Ministry for over 50 years. What a rewarding experience! We have ‘kids’ all over the United States and regularly keep in touch with them.” For many years, Carolyn and Roger also directed a camping session each summer for high school students at Camp Manatawny in Pennsylvania. They also took their “teens” on two mission trips to Scotland.

Carolyn retired from teaching after 32 years but continued her involvement with church. Retirement allowed her time to enjoy reading, gardening and travel. She and Roger visited many well-known tourist sites in the U.S. and Europe.

Carolyn and Roger knew they needed to be close to Holly when Roger began to have multiple health issues. Holly lives in Collierville with her husband, Steve Pruitt; they have two daughters. Madison is a teacher, and Savannah is a nurse. Carolyn says, “Holly and I are ‘best friends’ and talk almost every day.” She continues, “With the wonderful assistance of Holly and Kirby staff, Roger and I moved to Kirby Pines in December 2022.” Sadly, Roger died unexpectedly a short time after they moved in.

Carolyn stays busy. She is involved in almost every activity available at Kirby Pines! She is in the Bookbaggers, Entertainers Chorus, Trivia Group, and “thrilled” that she was selected to be in the Rhythm Band. “I play a mean washboard,” she admits. She has learned to play Mahjong and Mexican Train, and she volunteers for the “Gift Shop.” She loves to cook and is always leaving “goodies” at resident’s doors–especially her neighbors. Carolyn says one of her most enjoyable activities is the time she spends reading and sharing with the residents in the Villa, and she finds serving on the Memorial and Advisory Committees very rewarding. She attends Bible classes and is a member of Germantown Church of Christ where she is involved with the Diaper Ministry. This group supplies diapers for a number of families, prays for them and assists them as needed. 

As such a positive and active member of our Kirby community, Carolyn has endeared herself to all. It is no secret that Carolyn loves to whistle! She says, “If you hear some ‘chirping’ in the hallways, it is probably me.” 

Carolyn says, “Moving to Kirby was like ‘coming home.’ I was so grateful to be among friends when Roger passed away. Everyone was so kind and supportive. I love my apartment and neighbors. I am enjoying this new chapter in my life and feel so truly blessed!”

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident of Kirby Pines.

PROUD TO BE AN IRISHMAN

“I’m 50 percent Irish,” proudly proclaims Terry Burke. Like many European Americans, Terry’s ancestry is rooted in Ireland; his father and paternal grandparents were 100% Irish. Also, according to genealogy research, the name Burke is associated with nobility in 12th century Ireland, so Terry has reason to be proud.

Terry was born in 1928 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, at the beginning of the Great Depression. His brother joined the family six years later. Terry started kindergarten at age four and remembers a happy childhood, spending a great deal of time on his grandparent’s farm. This farm also provided a good food source for the family during the Depression years. The one hardship Terry recalls is that between his first and eighth grades of school, his parents moved to eight different cities in Iowa due to his father’s employment in the hotel business. However, for his high school years, Terry attended Immaculate Conception in Cedar Rapids. During high school, Terry did not get involved with many school activities. Rather, he concentrated on being a good student and working as a caddy on the golf course, having learned this job at age 12! He “felt” rich earning 65 cents each time he caddied. Terry admits, “I finally found a game I could play.” 

Terry completed high school requirements early by attending classes in the summer. He immediately joined the Army and spent the next 18 months (1946-47) in El Paso, Texas. Three months into his service, the war ended. Terry says he was able to play and improve his golf game during this time – enough that he played for the base championship, but he lost to the Colonel!

Leaving the Army, Terry enrolled in Loras College, a Catholic private school in Dubuque, Iowa, majoring in Accounting. On week-ends he would hitch-hike to home and then “hitch” back to school on Sunday afternoon. After two years, Terry transferred to the University of Iowa in Iowa City and completed requirements for a B.S. in Business Administration, graduating in 1951.

Terry’s first employment was with Neilson Marketing Service. He spent six months in Chicago in orientation, followed by another six months in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was assigned to the Drug and Food Division and chose Memphis, Tennessee, as his home base, a position he held for 22 years. The job involved a lot of travel as he gathered statistical data for the Neilson reports. This was great for his bachelor lifestyle.

That bachelor lifestyle would come to an end when he began to pay special attention to a beautiful red-headed widow he kept seeing at various social gatherings. Her name was Barbara Espy, and she had two children– Donna, age 11 and Michael, age 4. Terry and Barbara began a courtship and married in 1968. Together, they would have a son, Patrick. Terry says his life-style changed dramatically, but the relationship between him and his step-children was great. “They both were very loving and accepting of me,” admits Terry. Unfortunately, both Donna and Michael died prematurely of heart disease.

However, in the early years, because of financial need, Terry thought he needed to find a way to increase the family income. He first tried a restaurant, but it was a failure. He then started a dry cleaning business, Kirby Parkway Cleaners, which offered many challenges and was near failure when a friend advised Terry and encouraged him with suggestions. Fortunately, with adjustments, and with family members as staff, the business succeeded and provided a good income for the next 40 years! Terry retired from the business in 2017.

The Burke’s were able to travel extensively, even prior to retirement. “Since it was a family business, Barbara and I felt comfortable taking time away; leaving everything in competent hands,” remembers Terry. One of their more memorable trips included a submarine ride that took them down 100 feet. “It was unbelievably beautiful to see the creatures of the deep,” states Terry. However, their most memorable trip was being in New York City and, on their last night there, dining in a restaurant under the Brooklyn Bridge. That was on September 10, 2001. The next day, not knowing about the events that occurred earlier that day, they packed to leave but were, of course, unable to leave New York. Terry and Barbara walked to 42nd and 5th streets and witnessed the destruction of the twin towers amid the smoke and dust. They happened to stand next to a gentleman who was very distraught. “My father was on the 32nd floor of that building,” cried the man. “I was at a loss for words,” admits Terry. “And, it was certainly something I will never forget.”

When Barbara began to have falls and memory problems, Terry realized he would need to find a suitable place for her care. With their son’s suggestion, they investigated Kirby Pines and made the decision to move here in 2021. A short time later, it was necessary to move Barbara to the Manor. Sadly, she died in 2023. Terry says, “She had good care there.”

Terry loves to read and enjoys the weekly visits with son, Patrick. He has three grandchildren who are also close by. He is a member of St. Louis Catholic Church and attends the weekly Catholic service at Kirby Pines. He also takes advantage of the exercise and yoga classes offered here. “We made the right choice to move here,” states Terry. “I am happy!”

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident of Kirby Pines.

The transportation team, led by Latanya Bailey, continues to shine day in and day out. More importantly, during our winter storm on January 10th, the team came together and worked around the clock to shuttle employees from both Kirby and the Farms to work and home. 

Bailey’s leadership skills with coordinating and communicating with her transportation team make her an amazing leader! 

THANK YOU TO BAILEY AND HER TEAM FOR A JOB WELL DONE! 

The transportation team, led by Latanya Bailey, continues to shine day in and day out. More importantly, during our winter storm on January 10th, the team came together and worked around the clock to shuttle employees from both Kirby and the Farms to work and home. 

Bailey’s leadership skills with coordinating and communicating with her transportation team make her an amazing leader! 

THANK YOU TO BAILEY AND HER TEAM FOR A JOB WELL DONE! 

RECONNECTED FOR LIFE

Sometimes in life, circumstances occur which lead to a seemingly providential conclusion. According to Parker, his marriage to Ruth was “arranged” due to the fact that their families were closely associated from the time of their births. Although contact with each other was sporadic in their youth, a reconnection as adults would unite them forever. In March of 2025, Ruth and Parker will celebrate 56 years of marriage.

The primary circumstance that would eventually bring Ruth and Parker together occurred when their parents met while attending an Evangelical Free Church in Jersey City, New Jersey. The families became very close, and when Ruth’s mother, who had enrolled in Nyack Missionary Institute, was having financial difficulty, Parker’s family helped to support her so that she could remain in school. This is their story:

Born in 1942, Ruth Nilsen (Knopp) describes herself as “double trouble” as she was both a preacher’s and missionary’s kid (PK/MK). Ruth and her parents lived in Holiday Cove, West Virginia, where her father was pastor of a church. The family later moved to Dearborn, Michigan, and while there, Ruth’s brother was born, and her parents were “called” to become missionaries to Columbia, South America. Unfortunately, Ruth’s father died of typhoid two and one-half years after their arrival in Columbia, but her mother remained there in missionary work for 28 years. However, Ruth’s family always returned to Teaneck, New Jersey, when her mother had a “leave” from her missionary work; that would always put Ruth and Parker’s families in close contact.

Ruth would call Columbia her home base from 1948 until 1960. The family lived in seven different parts of Columbia while Ruth lived there. To attend an appropriate school, it was necessary for Ruth to spend nine months of each year in a boarding school for missionary children in Quito, Ecuador. Except for the two weeks at Christmas, and the two and one-half months of summer break, Ecuador was her “home.” Because of limited communications during school, each student was expected to have a letter written to their parents every Sunday, or they would not be allowed to eat supper! Ruth had her 6th and 12th grades in the United States when her mother was on “leave” from her missionary work. Her 12th grade was in Teaneck, New Jersey, where the number of students was over 600. That was cultural shock as Ruth’s previous school had 12! 

Following graduation from high school, Ruth remained in Teaneck and entered secretarial school while living with an aunt and cousins. During this time, she found part-time employment in a law firm and remained in the legal field for 13 years, eventually becoming the office manager.

Parker Nilsen was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1941. He had an older brother and was later joined by a younger one. Parker and his brothers were First Generation Americans as their parents and grandparents came to America from Norway. When he was four years old, Parker’s family moved to Maywood, N.J., where he attended school through the ninth grade. It was necessary for him to ride public transportation through two towns to reach a school for the remaining high school years. Parker began work at 12 years of age as a stock clerk in a gift shop. “Because my family was lower middle class economically,” recalls Parker, “it was necessary for me to begin work two years before I could actually get work papers!”

The work and family examples were influential in molding a strong work ethic in Parker. His desire for a better life led him to enroll in Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. He arrived on campus and experienced cultural shock– coming from a metropolitan area near New York City to a small town surrounded by corn fields! Parker graduated in 1964 with degrees in Mathematics and Chemistry. He entered the Army military service and served three years in what Parker calls an “interesting assignment”–military intelligence. He was assigned to a field office in Karlsruhe, Germany, and served in civilian clothes the entire time.

Returning to Maywood after his military service, Parker and Ruth reconnected at a church activity. Ruth was still working for the law firm, and Parker took a position with SAFECO Insurance Company. The couple began dating in 1968, became engaged in three months, and married in March 1969. Four years later, their son, Thomas Allen, was born; three years later, their daughter, Kristin, joined them. Unfortunately, at the age of 25, Tom developed Ewings sarcoma and passed away after 17 months of treatment. Parker recalls, “Tom had a great faith, and from the time he received the diagnosis, he said, ‘I am in God’s hands –there is no better place to be.’ ’’ It was during this time that Ruth was diagnosed with breast cancer.

The Nilsens were living in St. Louis, Missouri, but after retirement, they wanted to be closer to their daughter, Kristin, and her family. They believed that their ministry was to help Kristin and their son-in-law, Alex. At Easter in 2022, they visited Kirby Pines and made the decision to move here. They babysit their granddaughter, Kayleigh, at least two days a week while Kristin works as a nurse at St Jude’s. They attend First Baptist Church in Collierville with Kristin’s family.

Ruth and Parker say, “We are thankful for our move to Kirby Pines as we have met a wonderful group of loving and caring people.”

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident of Kirby Pines.

BORN TO TAKE THE STAGE

She was taken to Hollywood when she was five years old to audition for the movies. When told that “Shirley Temples were a dime a dozen,” she returned home but never lost her love of drama. Wherever she has lived, Jan Thomson has found ways to be involved in creative works. 

Following her move to Kirby Pines in 2015, Jan became involved in creating “off-Broadway” productions for the entertainment of others. Originally, she and several friends took “shows” to the medical areas of Kirby Pines. Eventually, she combined her creative ideas with the music of the Entertainers Chorus. Together, they are known as “Theatre in the Pines.” Jan has written and produced three versions of Broadway shows as well as three large Christmas programs. Her scripts sometimes involve as many as 20-30 actors along with the chorus. 

Marjorie Ann (Jan) Neely was born in a hospital in El Paso, Texas, in 1931. Her grandfather objected to her name, and it became Marjan and eventually Jan. Her family lived on a remote homestead ranch, along with other relatives, 87 miles from El Paso. According to Jan, Texas was still “wild and wooly” at that time, but life was good despite the depression the country was experiencing. “All of our supplies had to be transported over the 87 miles on a largely dirt road,” recalls Jan. “We had no electricity until 1945, and eventually one house acquired a telephone. But as children, we would grow up free and unsupervised.” School life was difficult after completion of the eighth grade in a one room school house. The nearest high school was in El Paso. One of the mothers on the ranch would rent an apartment in El Paso for Jan and her cousins to live in for them to attend school during the week. They would return to the ranch for week-ends and holidays. 

During the war years, Jan’s father was in Navy intelligence, and the family moved often, requiring a frequent change of schools. When the war was over, the family was living in a small town in Georgia. Due to a re-alignment in that school from 11 to 12 grades, and having just moved there, Jan became the only 12th grade student. That was a lucky break as she was declared valedictorian and was awarded a scholarship to college!  

Jan entered Bessie Tift College for women in Forsyth, Georgia, majoring in English as well as Speech and Drama. Midway during her junior year, she transferred to the University of Tennessee (UT) in Knoxville. On a Christmas break in 1951, Jan returned to El Paso to visit relatives. She was excited to be wearing an engagement ring she had just acquired from “Mr. Georgia.” A former high school friend intervened and introduced Jan to “Mr. Right.” According to Jan, “After four days, I was ‘sunk’ and decided to return the ring.” After returning to Knoxville, she and her new love, Dudley Thomson, had a long distance romance with only a few weekends together before their wedding. They were married in 1952 as soon as Jan graduated from UT. 

The newly married couple’s first move was to New York for Dudley’s job on Wall Street. During their 47 years of marriage, they lived in 14 different cities due to Dudley’s auditing business. Jan and Dudley became parents to four children, Teri, Tim, Tobin, and Traci, all of whom have had successful lives and careers. The “Terrific T’s” have also blessed Jan with 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Sadly, following a long illness, Dudley passed away in 1999. 

While living in Nashville, Tennessee, and with all the children in school, Jan decided to re-enter college for a master’s degree in Library Science at George Peabody College, a part of Vanderbilt University. Finally, the last move was to Memphis in 1962. Jan became employed by the Memphis School System, teaching classes for 28 years; retiring in 1999. Since moving to Memphis, Jan has been a member of the Presbyterian Church. Currently, she is a member of Germantown Presbyterian. 

Throughout all her moves, Jan has found a way to be involved in theater groups and organizing speech and drama with children and adults. In Memphis, she discovered church drama and has worked in that capacity for several years. 

Following retirement and the death of Dudley, Jan began to think of finding a place to live before her children were required to care for her. “My friend Mary Blanch Scott lived at Kirby Pines,” recalls Jan. “I visited and found a wonderful library, theater for movies, hand work, bridge, entertainment, wonderful people and staff. I saw here a way to combine all the things I love.” Jan and her church friends who live at Kirby have a strong bond and are affectionally known as “the Presbyterian Ladies.” 

The need to create seems to be embedded in the DNA of people, seemingly stronger in some more than others. When a creative surge is directed toward activities that will please or entertain others, it comes from the heart rather than a selfish endeavor. Such would describe Jan Thomson’s talent and creativity. 

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident of Kirby Pines.

We are thrilled to announce that the December Champions of the Month are the Security Department!

Under the exceptional leadership and guidance of our three Kirby superheroes, Carl Walker, Lonnie Scott, and Dondrianna Dixon, the Security Department continues to thrive and unite, ensuring the safety and security of our residents and employees.

We are incredibly grateful for our wonderful security team, who consistently take the initiative to look after us all while delivering outstanding customer service to everyone on campus.

Congratulations to the Kirby Pines Security Team!

LIFE’S GOAL: HELPING OTHERS 

When asked their philosophy of life, both Richard and Beverly Colditz enthusiastically responded, “To help others.” That has certainly been obvious from the number of years both served in the “healing professions”: Richard as an OB-GYN physician, and Beverly as a registered nurse. Together, they also would rear three wonderful children. 

Although Richard and Beverly did not meet until they were adults, it seemed destined that both would find their way to Atlanta, Georgia. 

Richard was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1939. His family, which also included an older brother, moved to Knoxville when Richard was four years old. He attended schools in that area, including two years of “pre-med” at the University of Tennessee. Fortunately, he was accepted into the medical program at the prestigious Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, graduating in 1965. While there, Richard was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. 

To practice medicine, following graduation from medical school, an internship and a residency in a specialty is required prior to establishing practice. Again, fortunately, Richard was able to do both at Emory. His clinical experiences were at the notable Grady Hospital, ending with three years of residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1969. 

At Grady Hospital, there were about 900 babies delivered each year. According to Richard, not all of them made it into the delivery room. He tells of the time he was assisting a lady give birth on an elevator. The lady looked at Richard and asked him to suggest a name for the baby. Thinking about their location on an Otis elevator, Richard suggested, “How about Otis?” “That’s good,” she replied, “Otis it is!” 

Richard survived his year of internship, rotating through all the specialties. He later served as president of the Emory Resident’s Program and achieved a remarkable feat by meeting with all the powerful people at Emory and Grady, getting the salary of residents increased from $.50 an hour to $500.00 per month. Finally, a livable income! Richard’s life was not all hard work. It was during this time that he was introduced to, dated and married a beautiful, young nurse, Beverly Smith, who was teaching at Emory University. 

Beverly was born in Bessemer, Alabama in 1937. She entered the University of Alabama Nursing Program, earning a B.S. in Nursing, and began her practice at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina. Eventually, realizing she wanted to teach nursing, Beverley moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to teach at Emory University. To enhance her qualifications, she enrolled in the Masters of Science Nursing Program, completing requirements in 1968. However, she had not been in Atlanta long when she was introduced by a friend to a medical student by the name of Richard Colditz. Following two traditional-type dates, Richard decided to make a giant impression on Beverly by inviting her and another couple to dinner at his apartment. He was the cook! This was his menu: standing rib roast, asparagus casserole, and a scratch lemon icebox pie topped with homemade whipped cream. The two couples then went to a bowling alley and bowled until 4: 00 a.m. It must have made a good impression on Beverly because she and Richard were married in March 1966, during the one week that Richard had off as an intern. 

Beverly and Richard were thrilled with the arrival of their first child, Stephen, in December 1966. He was soon followed by Cindy in 1967 and Jennifer in 1972. Life was difficult with a growing family, so it was necessary for Beverly to continue working during Richard’s residency. 

Following his residency, Richard and family moved to Louisiana where he served two years in the Air Force as Captain at Barksdale Air Force base, practicing obstetrics and gynecology. Finding a good opportunity for practice, Richard and family moved to Carrollton, Georgia, where he joined three other OB-GYN physicians at Tanner Medical Center. Their practice served the area of west Georgia. During that time, Richard served on multiple organizations which supported medical practice, such as the hospital board, and as chief of the medical staff. In 1981, he served as state president of the OB-GYN Society. Finally, after working many 50- hour weekends on call, Richard confined his practice to gynecology, retiring in 2009. 

When medical problems began to surface, Richard and Beverly decided to move to Memphis to be closer to their daughters. After research, they decided on Kirby Pines and moved into a garden home with their dog, Josh, in 2018. 

In addition to their three children, Beverly and Richard are the proud grandparents of four, all of whom are doing well in their life choices. Beverly has lots of hobbies which keep her busy. She loves to decorate her house and lawn for seasonal celebrations. In fact, she has a collection of 56 small Dept 52 Snow Village houses and figurines she loves to use in her Christmas decorations. Naturally, both Beverly and Richard spend time watching Alabama sports! Richard unfortunately had a bad experience with COVID which left him with problems of balance and memory, which has affected his activities. 

According to Richard, “We have met many good people at Kirby and are very grateful that we can receive good care for our various conditions. The move to Kirby was a good choice.” 

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident of Kirby Pines.

A FARM BOY FROM BELLS

Although born in humble circumstances, Lee Todd seemed destined to become a leader. Personal qualities developed during youth were influential in producing those characteristics needed in his varied leadership positions as an adult. The devotion he displays as caregiver to his wife, Merle, indicates a basic quality of empathy and concern for others. 

Lee Todd was born in the front bedroom of a white, frame house on a small and “much diversified” farm near Bells, Tennessee. Engulfed by farm work as a child, Lee says, “I spent a lot of time looking at the rear end of a mule, plowing crops; my least favorite work was picking cotton.” However, the farm in Bells continues today to be Lee’s recreation and “golf course.” 

In high school, Lee opted to enroll in vocational agriculture as an elective– rather than Latin. This choice would have a profound influence on his future, primarily by leading him to membership in the Future Farmers of America (FFA). During Lee’s junior year, he competed in the FFA’s national public speaking contest before 12,000 delegates at their national convention, placing second! Two years later, he became vice-president of the national FFA which provided him with opportunities to speak to various youth and meet notables of industry and politics, including Raymond Firestone, President Dwight Eisenhower, and Alvin York, the most decorated soldier in WW I. 

Following high school, Lee enrolled at the University of Tennessee in Martin, Tennessee with a major in General Agriculture. While there, he served as class president for two years. Due to serving another term as an FFA officer, it was necessary to delay college. However, while waiting to re-enroll, he became involved in a training program offered by the John Deere office in Dallas, Texas. Fatefully, he was introduced by a mutual friend to a student nurse, Merle Rompel. According to Lee, “We met on a ‘very’ blind date; things ‘clicked’ and have been ‘clicking’ for over 62 years!” Merle was born on a Hereford cattle and Angora goat ranch. She grew up with many home and ranch responsibilities which resulted in a strong work ethic. Lee credits Merle as a great factor in the success of their personal lives and careers. Merle fulfilled her dream of becoming a nurse, graduating from Texas Women’s University with a B.S. in Nursing. According to Lee, Merle’s character made her a desired member for future leadership roles in numerous organizations. 

Both Lee and Merle completed their college work and became engaged. However, Lee joined the National Guard and spent the next six months on active duty. They married in December 1961, and Lee accepted a job in advertising sales with The Progressive Farmer magazine in Birmingham, Alabama, a job he held for 11 years. During that time, the couple, with the addition of three children, David, Janet, and Robert, moved to Atlanta, Chicago, and Dallas before finally returning to Memphis for Lee’s job with a different company. While living in Chicago, Merle worked in a hospital owned by the Chicago Mafia. “She could really tell some stories from that job,” remembers Lee. 

The last 20 years of Lee’s career was in Memphis as executive vice-president of the Southern Cotton Ginners Association. This is an association of people who own and operate cotton gins in the five mid-south states. Lee was also completely responsible for their annual show at the Cook Convention Center. The association’s show became the largest indoor farm show in the mid-south. According to Lee, this was the most satisfying job of his career. 

When Lee retired in 2003, he and Merle fulfilled a lifetime dream of traveling to exotic as well as most European countries. This included such places as Iceland, Nepal, Tibet, China, Vietnam, and Burma. When not traveling, they enjoyed visits with their three children and three grandchildren. Their son, Robert, is the closest as he lives on the family farm. Both Lee and Merle stayed involved in and served as leaders in a number of community agencies. Lee served as president of the Memphis Agricultural Club, the local chapter of the National Marketing Association, and as chairman of Agricenter International. Merle was president of the Memphis Cotton Wives and Germantown Women’s Club. 

Because of Lee’s love for his farm, he works on it at least one day a week. Because of his respect of every veteran, each year on Veterans and Memorial Day, Lee goes to Bells and places American flags on each veteran’s grave. He also installed a flag pole and an American flag which flies over the city cemetery. 

In 2017, it became apparent that Merle was beginning to have memory problems. Merle had lovingly cared for their three children and home while Lee was required to spend time away from home due to his work. Now, Lee made the commitment to provide the best possible care for Merle. None of their children lived close by, so Lee was Merle’s only caretaker until he became physically unable to care for her. Having made the decision earlier, they moved to Kirby Pines in 2023. Merle was placed in Job’s Way, and Lee spends most of his day with her, taking her for daily wheelchair rides around the beautiful areas of Kirby Pines 70 acres. “I should have moved here two years ago,” states Lee. “I am pleased with our move and that Merle is receiving the care she needs and deserves.” 

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident of Kirby Pines.

LIVING IN STYLE WAS MEANT TO BE

Sometimes nature cooperates and makes a beautiful young person even more beautiful as they age. Paula Cwikiel is one of those fortunate people. However, her physical beauty is matched only by her joyful personality and her willingness to engage in activities to help others. Making other people look beautiful has been a major role her entire life.

Born in Haiti, Missouri, in 1945, Paula Gail Gurley was the last of five children–four boys and then Paula. She says her early childhood was a happy and normal one with school and church activities keeping her busy. “Being the only girl was not bad,” remembers Paula, “as I was often cared for and protected by my brothers.” 

Unfortunately, the “normal” life came to an end when Paula’s father was accidently killed when she was 13. “It was a terrible time for all of us,” says Paula. “We thought we were also going to lose our mother because she was so grieved and overwhelmed with the sudden responsibility of our loss.” Paula’s mother gradually recovered and decided she needed a job to help support the family. She enrolled in a cosmetology course, subsequently, opening a shop in their home. “This was so much fun,” remembers Paula, “as Mother allowed me to bring my girlfriends to the shop, and we would try every hair style on each other.” This “fun” would ultimately have an impact on Paula’s professional life.

While in high school in Haiti, Paula found she loved acting when she enrolled in a drama and speech class her senior year. She was chosen for the leading part in all of the plays they performed that year and was presented with an award as Best Actor at her graduation ceremony in 1963. Paula dreamed of a life as an actress.

Paula’s plan was to get a college education by enrolling in Harding College (now University) in the fall. However, one week following graduation, Paula’s mother insisted that she enroll for the summer semester. Paula had wanted a break from school, but her mother’s wishes prevailed and Paula enrolled. “I was miserable and homesick the entire summer. I couldn’t wait to get home,” remembers Paula. “The bus ride home to Haiti was the longest trip I’ve ever made!”

Refusing to return to Harding in the fall, Paula declared she needed a “rest” before returning to school. Paula’s mother encouraged her, while she was “resting,” to enroll in a cosmetology course. So, Paula took her advice and became a licensed “hairdresser” in 1967, and she never returned to college. 

As sometimes happens with future plans, Paula met and began dating a local man, Jess O’Quinn. After a whirlwind romance, they were married in 1964; two daughters were born to the couple. Because of Jess’ work in heating and air conditioning, they moved several times. Kimberly was born in Memphis in 1966, and Alicia was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in1970. After the daughters were grown, Paula and Jess decided to end their 20 year marriage in 1984.

Paula continued to work in the salon owned by a dear friend – former Kirby Pines resident, Carolyn Scarberry. “I had sought a position in ‘hairdressing’ following our move back to Memphis; fortunately Carolyn hired me,” remembers Paula. “I dearly loved Carolyn. She was like the sister I never had. We worked together for 30 years!”

In 1985, Paula met Steve Cwikiel. They dated for six and a half years before getting married in 1991. Steve worked as a computer auditor for Federal Express, eventually becoming Senior Executor of Auditing. “We had a very happy life together,” recalls Paula. “We loved travel, fishing, and camping–especially in Grand Father Mountains in North Carolina. We honeymooned in Hawaii and traveled to Europe.” They had 18 wonderful years together before Steve died in 2009 with leukemia.

To stay busy, Paula continued to work her last ten years as a “hairdresser” at Gould’s salon in Memphis, retiring in 2015. She also became very involved in the women’s ministry at Highland Church of Christ and continues there in Bible class and small group fellowship.

Paula began to think about moving to Kirby Pines. “I knew several from church who lived here as well as several former clients. I have two beautiful daughters who live close by, and I have three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren that I am so proud of, and enjoy every minute I can be with them. Even so, I realized I needed to be around people my age and become more active,” says Paula. With all those positives, Paula moved to Kirby Pines in July, 2022.

Paula has this to say about her decision: “I knew Kirby was the perfect place to live and enjoy my retirement. Kirby has so much to offer. I enjoy getting to use my drama experience by working with the Theater Group. I love the opportunities to worship and attend Bible studies here. I love the movie theater and going on day trips, celebrating birthdays – I could just go on and on. I can’t forget the wonderful people and family feel here, and the staff, too! There is so much to do here; I can’t imagine living anywhere else. SO BLESSED!”

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident of Kirby Pines.