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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Bill and Katy Dorsey met early in their lives. Together, they have had an active and rewarding life. However, Katy’s life had an unusual beginning:
Imagine what it would be like to have two names, two mothers, and to have been adopted at birth. Born to an unwed mother in 1947, Katy was taken to the now infamous Tennessee Children’s Home in Memphis. That was three years before the home was closed due to the exposure of an illegal baby trafficking operation.
Katy always knew she was adopted, and although she had wonderful Christian parents, a younger sister, and a delightful childhood, there was always that desire to know about her biological roots. In 1991, while watching television’s, “60 Minutes,” Katy learned that adoption records were now unsealed. She was able to contact her birth mother; they connected and remained close until her mother’s death in 2007.
Finding additional information, Katy also learned that at five days old, her name was Judith Ann Sellers, and she had been tentatively “purchased” by the Hollywood couple June Allison and Dick Powell. “Fortunately,” according to Katy, “I had also been promised to Ruby and Tony Johnston, and they won the contest! I went home with the Johnstons, and was given the name of Kathryn Wayne Johnston.”
Katy spent her first years in the Cooper-Young area of Memphis, attending Idlewild Elementary School; the family regularly attended Bellevue Baptist Church. The family later moved to East Memphis, and in 1965, Katy graduated from White Station High where she was active in social and sorority life.
Bill Dorsey was also born in Memphis in 1947. He lived the first ten years of his life in the Bethel Grove community. Bill says that he and his brothers spent their free time running and playing in an area “filled” with children. Bill’s mother taught school, and his father worked downtown “in cotton.” In 1957, the Dorsey family moved to East Memphis; their house located just around the corner from Katy’s home. Bill also attended White Station High School and participated in all the sports offered. According to Katy, “I was driven to school each morning, and I kept seeing this cute boy from my classes walking to school. It wasn’t long until Bill was riding in our car! As my mom used to say, ‘Katy chased Bill until he caught her’!”
Both Katy and Bill graduated high school in 1965. They continued as a couple but were separated due to different career choices. Bill chose to major in Engineering at the University of Tennessee; Katy remained in Memphis and graduated in three years from Memphis State University with a B.S. in Zoology, cum laude. During the summers, both worked– Katy in a dental office, and Bill for an oil company on President’s Island. In 1967, Katy was selected as a Princess for the Cotton Carnival. “That was such an enjoyable, memorable, and fun time,” remembers Katy.
One week following Katy’s graduation, she and Bill married, and she joined Bill in Knoxville for his senior year. They lived in student housing and both had jobs to support them. Following Bill’s graduation, the couple moved to Huntington, West Virginia, where Bill would be employed by International Nickel Company as Project Manager–for the next 30 years! According to Katy, life in Huntington was great for raising a family. Katy worked as assistant to a bank officer until their son, William Kevin, was born. Two and one-half years later, daughter Angela Kathryn was born.
Once the children began school, Katy again became employed as a dental assistant. Soon, an opportunity occurred to teach dental assisting and anatomy at Huntington Junior College; she taught there for 21 years. While living in Huntington, both Katy and Bill were involved in church and several community activities. They became avid golfers and supporters of sports at Marshall University.
In 2000, following retirement in Huntington, Katy and Bill moved to Collierville to be near family. Bill began a new career, this time with Fed Ex, working there until 2014. They continued golf at Windyke Golf Club, became loyal University of Memphis fans– especially basketball, and often followed the team to away games. They maintained their purpose to continue in community service and have volunteered many hours in multiple organizations, one being the Fed Ex St. Jude golf tournament. Grace Evangelical Church is their church home.
In 2002, the Dorsey’s welcomed their first (and only) grandchild, and Katy had a new “job” of babysitting their granddaughter, Emma Kathryn. They have been thrilled to watch her grow and be involved in her life, following all the numerous activities of a popular and active child. “Grandparenting,” says Katy, “is the greatest reward we have received!
For several years, Katy and Bill had looked forward to downsizing. In 2023, they chose a garden home at Kirby Pines because of the amenities offered, and their family and friends are nearby. Both Katy and Bill continue their church and several community activities, as well as those at Kirby Pines. They are also learning the “joys” of downsizing.
Written by Joan Dodson, Resident of Kirby Pines.
Music provides one of the joys of life. There is scientific evidence that listening to music uses all parts of the brain, thereby enhancing brain cognitive function. It is also known that playing a musical instrument increases these benefits. A recent study reported by Penn Medicine News, indicated that even beginning to play the piano between 60-85 years of age maintained the cognitive functions significantly! Residents of Kirby Pines have a unique exposure to a variety of musical performances. We are fortunate to have many residents who are talented musicians; one is Janie Smith, who performs as pianist for Vespers, Sunday morning worship services, the health areas, memorials and as primary pianist for our choral group, The Entertainers.
Lois Jane (Janie) Provence was born in a small community close to Knoxville, Tennessee. She had a sister who was 13 years old and a brother who was nine when she was born. According to Janie, “I think they would have been much happier without the interruptions of a baby sister.” As a child she remembers her greatest joy was swinging and singing and riding her bicycle. Janie attended elementary and secondary schools in Knox County. She began taking piano lessons when she was nine years old and was allowed to leave her school for the lessons. Janie’s goal was to be able to play the piano in church. She got that opportunity when she was 12 years old; the regular pianist at their church was absent one Sunday. A man who attended that church heard her play and asked her to play for his quartet. With them, Janie would travel to many revivals, homecomings, and special services at other churches. While in high school, Janie played piano for two choirs and graduation services.
Following graduation from high school, Janie enrolled and graduated from the two-year Knoxville Business School program. She began employment at Merrill-Lynch, for whom she worked for 21 years.
Soon after her graduation and beginning her employment at Merrill-Lynch, Janie was invited to her best friend’s church. Her friend wanted her to meet someone “she was crazy about” and wanted to date. That someone happened to be Edgar Earl Smith. Well, no surprises how this turned out! Earl’s father kept reminding him about that cute, blond girl that occasionally visited and played the piano at church. Janie had also been recruited to play for another gospel quartet and was traveling with them to other churches. Eventually, Earl asked Janie for a date. They were married a year later (1960) in the same church where they met. They would live in Knoxville where they were both employed.
Janie decided that she wanted to learn to play the organ and enrolled in lessons. In 1985, she decided to begin learning the pipe organ, a more complicated instrument. She contacted an instructor, and with her previous talent, she quickly learned. With her teacher’s encouragement, she gave a performance at the Fist Baptist Church in Knoxville in 1990. Also, Janie and Earl learned of a church, First Baptist Concord in Farragut, Tennessee, which was close to Knoxville. The church had a wonderful choir and needed someone to replace the retiring organist. Janie would play the organ for that church for many years as well as piano for two ladies choirs that sang for civic groups and different venues.
Janie and Earl lived and worked in Knoxville until 1992 when Earl was transferred to Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was the Operations Manager for American Limestone Company, a division of Asarco Corporation. The primary business was selling crushed rock for paving roads. Earl, needing a change, chose to begin employment for a similar company, Martin Marietta Materials in Indiana, and finally, a move to Maryland for similar work. Earl retired in 2003, and Janie and Earl moved back home to Knoxville. Both enjoyed the retirement life: having a large garden, Earl playing golf, and Janie continuing her music. They were also “die-hard” University of Tennessee football fans and were season tickets holders for 40 years! They attended many away games after retirement.
In 2018, Janie and Earl made the decision to move to Memphis to be close to family members. Both were beginning to experience health issues. They looked at several places and were glad to learn about the continual care options available at Kirby Pines. The decision was made to move to Kirby Pines in 2018. Earl is now a resident of Job’s Way, our memory care unit. Janie visits him daily and frequently plays the piano for the residents there.
Janie and Earl were a godsend to Kirby Pines. Not only is Janie a wonderful pianist, her positive attitude and warm personality make for pleasant associations. She gives so freely of her time to play for many of the musical venues at Kirby. She definitely has filled a void with her talent.
Janie misses those East Tennessee mountains but enjoys living at Kirby Pines. She especially appreciates the friendly people and staff and all the amenities that are available. She enjoys yoga and is pleased to be able to share her musical talents. Thank you, Janie and Earl, for making the decision to be a part of the Kirby community!
Written by Joan Dodson, Resident of Kirby Pines.
Unquestionably, Marilyn and Bill Crosby will leave a strong legacy as both have achieved much in their personal and professional lives. They have reared two sons, Chris and Matthew, who are productive citizens, and devoted their lives toward their families and helping others.
The Crosbys are typical of many couples in the South: one born in Arkansas, the other in Mississippi, then to Memphis, Tennessee, to start their adult lives. However, to interact with this couple, you will find they are atypical in their personalities. Although both have the same persona of warmth and friendliness, Bill is more reserved, whereas Marilyn is “bubbly” and enthusiastic in her interactions with others. Both personalities have blended well, and they remain happily married since 1965.
Marilyn Meador’s life began in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. However, her parents divorced when she was seven; her mother moved with Marilyn and her brother to El Dorado, Arkansas. Before Marilyn’s senior year in high school, her mother became ill, and it was necessary for Marilyn and Johnny to move to Helena, Arkansas, to live with their father.
Despite a disruptive life, Marilyn thrived, making good grades and lasting friendships wherever she lived. In high school, she played French horn and was voted most friendly her senior year. Marilyn always knew she wanted to be a nurse, but she also wanted to have an opportunity to experience college. However, her father had other ideas, so she applied and was accepted into the prestigious Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in Memphis. The requirements and restrictions there, according to Marilyn, “were much like living in a convent.” Marilyn continues, “We were treated well by Baptist: everything was provided for us, and we were taken on outings and given nice gifts at Christmas. Classes were difficult, but I loved my instructors and classmates.”
Following graduation, Marilyn immediately began employment at Baptist Hospital, relieving the head nurse on the Charity Unit. Her entire professional life was spent at Baptist working all services, and at one time becoming the youngest head nurse there.
As a registered nurse, Marilyn set a good example with her warm, tender care of patients and employees. She retired after 35 years, but, soon began work part-time in the Baptist Out-Patient Pavilion. She worked there an additional 15 years: a total of 50 years giving nursing care! Marilyn says that the individualized care and the wonderful co-workers made this one of her most rewarding experiences. While working part-time, Marilyn enrolled in the nursing program at Union University, earning a B.S. in Nursing.
When Baptist Memorial Hospital celebrated its 50 year anniversary, Marilyn was asked to write an article about “the early days.” The following are some excerpts from the article, The Way It Was: “Nurses have a special bond: no one can understand what is involved in nursing unless you are one. As soon as I started working in the hospital, I knew I had chosen the right career. It was great to see how my efforts could help and encourage the patients. Few professions can provide the satisfaction that nursing does. When things are difficult, the nurse must maintain the empathy and drive to provide the best care possible. As a profession, nursing is still a high calling in every sense of the word.”
Bill Crosby was born in Greenville, Mississippi, but Bill and his three siblings spent most of their youth in Indianola, Mississippi, where their father owned a home appliance store. Their father, an entrepreneur, pioneered in the cable television industry. This venture “allowed” Bill to spend his last year in Indianola, climbing poles to hang TV cable and crawling under houses where he met all kinds of vermin.
While in school, from seventh grade until graduation, Bill played football and whatever sport was in season. He also played football at Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. There, he received a B.S. in Sociology and, according to Bill, graduated “Thankya Laude.”
Bill’s first job was with Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity Headquarters. The remaining years of his professional life were spent in property management and construction marketing: first for First Tennessee Bank, and then with various construction and hotel companies. After retirement, he was once again lured in to work 19 additional years for a renovation contractor in New Jersey. Although travel was involved, Bill maintained an office based in Memphis.
Marilyn and Bill met at a party given by the girl who was dating Bill. Not surprisingly, Bill realized he would rather date Marilyn. Bill says it took him a year to convince Marilyn to marry him. In addition to their two wonderful sons and daughters-in-law, they have three grandchildren with which they enjoy much “grandparenting time!’
The Crosbys have traveled extensively, including Europe and the Holy Lands; some of it was in missionary work. They have been active members of Christ Methodist Church since 1971. Bill has served in several capacities there: as Chair of Church Council and Trustees, and assisting in establishing the Emmaus Walk in England. Bill has also coached various youth sports, including soccer, which he has never played!
Marilyn and Bill have been at Kirby Pines for two years. Pleased with all the amenities and activities here, both enjoy the exercise programs, and Bill has developed an interest in acrylic painting. They are also happy to be here with about 20 members of their Sunday School Class. They are a great addition to our Kirby Pines community.
Written by Joan Dodson, Resident of Kirby Pines.
3535 Kirby Parkway
Memphis, TN 38115
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Kirby Pines, a sister community of The Farms at Bailey Station, is part of the family of LifeCare Communities of Retirement Companies of America. For more information, visit retirementcompanies.com
