Resident Spotlight

A Recipe for Happiness

They were the same age and had known each other since elementary school. How could Richard make Arrena really notice him? The story unfolds:

Arrena Andrews was born in Columbia, Tennessee, the middle of three girls known as “The Andrews Sisters”. They actually sang on a local radio program! Her father was a physician and her mother was “into everything”. She was in the fourth grade when Richard moved with his family from a 96 acre farm in Pottsville, Tennessee, to Columbia mid-way his fifth grade. In Richard’s previous school, the decision was made for him to omit first grade because his mother, a teacher, had taught him at home. This decision was not ideal for Richard socially or physically as he remained the smallest boy in his class. In high school, the popular Arrena caught the eye of Richard and he asked her for a date. “After our one date, she ignored me”, says Richard. He adds, “As a senior in high school, I was five feet, two inches tall and weighed only 98 pounds”. Then, Richard went away to college and during his freshman year, grew twelve inches in height and gained to 135 pounds. When he returned to Columbia and Arrena spotted him at church, she asked, “is that the Cheek boy”? The rest is history.

Arrena had a very happy childhood and was known as a “tomboy” who loved to play “Roy Rogers and Dale Evans”. She and her family were active in the Presbyterian Church. She was a cheerleader in elementary school but chose to play saxophone in the band in high school. Following high school, Arrena entered Vanderbilt University and earned a B.A in Business. She was active in Chi Omega Sorority and continues in the Memphis Alumnae Chapter.

Richard obtained a B.S. in Chemical Engineering at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville as part of the Co-Op program with Monsanto Chemical Company in Columbia. During their college years, Richard often visited Arrena at Vanderbilt and romance was born. However, Richard decided to give up engineering, applied to University of Tennessee Medical School, and enrolled in September, 1961. Arrena was not pleased that Richard chose medicine over engineering. “I had always said that I would never marry a doctor. My family life had always centered around hospital visits and sick people.” Nevertheless, after five years of dating, their love for each other was secure. They were married in June, 1962, and made Memphis their home. While Richard was in medical school, Arrena taught school. They have two children, a son John, deceased, and a daughter Lucy who lives in Arizona. They have three grandchildren. 

Graduating from medical school in 1964, Richard was first in his class and was inducted into AOA Honorary Society. He chose John Gaston Hospital for his internship and declared a residency in general surgery. He achieved the rank of Chief Resident and completed his residency in 1970. He also served in the 330th General Hospital Unit of the Army Reserves, achieving rank of Captain. 

When Richard finished his residency, he joined the staff of the UT Department of Surgery and taught there until 1980. During this time he was part of the team that performed the first kidney transplant in Memphis. He also published several articles in medical journals, authored chapters in two surgical textbooks and authored a monograph of carcinoid tumors. In 1980, he left teaching to enter private practice. At Baptist Hospital, he performed the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy. He closed his private practice in 1997 but took a part-time teaching position at the Memphis VA Hospital until his complete retirement in 2005. 

For Richard, his skill at surgery was possibly due to his ability to work with his hands. He is an accomplished wood master, having made many things, such as violins. His other hobbies include fishing, reading, and playing pool. He loves to sing in choral groups and has been a member of the Entertainers Chorus, and, a frequent soloist since moving to Kirby. 

Arrena loves cooking, gardening, photography and reading. She has devoted much of her time to community activities such as Woman’s Exchange. She served as a core leader of the non-denominational Bible study group, Community Bible Study. “This was my priority” says Arrena. “I dearly loved studying with such knowledgeable ladies”. Both Arrena and Richard have been members of Christ Methodist Church since 1985. “We both love the church”, says Arrena. “We try to never miss a Sunday and we are committed to the Lamplighters Sunday School Class and the 11:00 service”, adds Richard. 

The Cheeks moved to Kirby Pines in 2017. They were familiar with several people who lived here and were anxious to downsize. “The people here are very special. They care for one another and step up when someone is in need. It is a great place to spend the last chapter of our lives and God has blessed us with this beautiful place”, agree both Arrena and Richard. 

Having a couple like the Cheeks, who are so talented, compassionate and friendly is what makes Kirby Pines the special place it is. Both Arrena and Richard agree that the following recipe is the foundation for their life: 

Recipe For Happiness – First: Serve God; Second: Remember decisions, not circumstances, determine the flavor of your lives; Third: Live each day so you’ll never be afraid of tomorrow, nor, ashamed of yesterday. 

Wrtten by Joan Dodson, Resident, Kirby Pines

A Humble Servant

A life-long career that provided a unique service to the community, a father of two successful children and a life devoted to serving others and God are words that describe the life of Lyle Hendrix. His humble attitude reflects a man who is confident and comfortable with self. His early life, with many challenges, reminds us of what is so familiar to many: determination and hard work can provide a better life. 

Born in Gibson County, Tennessee in 1932, Lyle Hendrix was the last of six children born to parents who were farmers. Farming required that every hand available was given chores and being the last child provided few favors for Lyle. However, he recalls that one older sister became his second “mother” and he was somewhat spoiled by her. 

By the time Lyle was twelve years old, all the older children had left home and farming became impossible for the family. They moved to Trenton, Tennessee where his father was able to support the family as a trader of cattle. According to Lyle, “My Dad wanted me to stay out of trouble and he insisted I get a job delivering newspapers for the entire town. I had to fold the papers and learn to throw them, with either hand, from the street to the front porches.” This skill helped him become a member of the high school basketball team because he could shoot with both hands! While in high school, Lyle also started working in the meat department of the local grocery store on Saturdays. This experience would have a lasting impact on his life. 

During Lyle’s senior year of high school, he was elected President of the Student Council. Soon after graduation in 1951, enrollment in business school proved impossible because of the hardships and complications it imposed. He left school, joined the Naval Reserve, and was soon called to active duty because of the Korean War. Because of his experience in working as a meat cutter, he was stationed at Bainbridge, Maryland as a Commissary Man-a fancy name for “cook”, according to Lyle. He was released from active duty in 1954 and promptly enrolled in an eight week course offered by National Meat cutters in Toledo, Ohio. 

Following school, Lyle moved to Memphis and became employed as an apprentice in the meat department of a small grocery store. The titles of various positions in the meat cutting industry are controlled by the Meat cutters Union; apprentice being the beginning position. 

Soon after moving to Memphis, Lyle began to attend gatherings of single young people from the local Churches of Christ. It was at these meetings that he became acquainted with a young lady name Oconee Henry. Their first date was to a movie at the Orpheum Theatre. After dating for six months, they married on February 26, 1956. Together they would have two children, a son and daughter. There are now four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Lyle remains very close to his family. 

Following marriage, Lyle realized that he would need to find better work. He moved to the meat department of Kroger and remained there, at various locations, for eleven years. He then worked for the Fred Montesi Stores for seventeen years, followed by sixteen years at the Piggly Wiggly Stores. He would become Manager of the Meat Department at all of these. 

In 2000, Lyle retired from meat cutting and took a part time position with White Station Church of Christ as Facilities Manager, caring for the building and grounds. The Church at White Station became an integral part of the Hendrix family when they purchased a house in the White Station area in 1958, and the family began worship there. According to Lyle, “although we enjoyed family camping, our social life revolved around church activities. We formed many great friendships that last until this day”. His wife, Oconee, taught a children’s Bible class for over forty years. Lyle had the daunting task of being an Elder of the Church for thirty-five years. Both Oconee and Lyle served on the Missions Committee and in that role, visited many missionaries in foreign countries and throughout the United States. 

In 2018, Lyle’s wife passed away after a long battle with an auto-immune disease, scleroderma. During her last three years of life, Lyle stopped all work to care for her. After her death, Lyle sold the house they had lived in for sixty years and moved to Kirby Pines in February, 2019. Lyle says, “I chose to move to Kirby Pines because of the LifeCare concept and so that my children would not have to worry about my safety and care”. Lyle also offers this, “I had friends who already lived at Kirby and they have helped greatly with my transition. I have made many new friends since moving here and treasure them very much. I have enjoyed living here! 

Lyle is a member of the Garden Club, and before COVID, was a part of the group that popped popcorn on Saturdays and distributed it to the Health Areas. Presently, Lyle serves as a greeter and facilitator for the 8:00 am Church of Christ services on Sunday morning. 

It has been said, “a deed is not a good deed unless it is done anonymously”. Lyle, in his own words says, “I want to be the person behind the scenes, helping someone else out”. Lyle Hendrix, a true humble servant. 

Happy Father’s Day to Lyle and all Dads at Kirby Pines! 

Wrtten by Joan Dodson, Resident, Kirby Pines

Celebrating a Nurse & Mother

During the month of May, two special groups are celebrated: MOTHERS AND NURSES. Wynanne Dierssen, a “happy” resident of Kirby Pines, can claim the honor of being both. As nurses today are struggling and dying in caring for COVID-19 patients, Wynanne’s life as a nurse was always in areas where nursing care was most challenging. Her early life was a happy one but full of challenges as well. This is her story:

Wynanne was born and reared on the North side of Chicago. Born during the Depression, her family struggled. Yet, she had a happy childhood because many members of her extended family lived in the same apartment, and, there was an amusement park nearby. Her only sibling, a nine year older brother, often “scoffed at the idea of having to babysit his sister”. Wynanne feels fortunate that she was always able to attend parochial schools.

Wynanne chose nursing as a career because of the encouragement of her mother. According to Wynanne, “Mother said nursing was a noble profession and one could always find a job”. She took her mother’s advice and was accepted into St. Xavier University, Chicago, graduating with a B.S. in Nursing in 1957. Wynanne says this about her studies: “Those were hectic years and I often wonder how I managed to graduate. I had lost my mother to heart disease in 1953. My father and extended family supported me for those four years. School was very difficult. We attended classes in the day time and spent evenings and nights providing nursing care to patients. We hardly ever slept!” Of course, studies and work didn’t interfere with dating! In 1955, Wynanne met her future husband. They married on October 12, 1957.

Wynanne’s first job was with the City of Chicago as a Visiting Nurse. Her job was high risk, visiting tuberculosis patients in their homes and assisting them in following their medical program. On learning she was to become a mother, Wynanne left this position and practiced private duty nursing for her remaining pregnancy. She temporarily left nursing to care for her children. According to Wynanne, “my family grew from one son to an additional two daughters-three fun, smart, and rambunctious kids”. Soon, however she returned to a part-time job at an outpatient clinic in Chicago. One of her most pleasant surprises was to meet the “Hamburger King”: the founder of McDonald’s who had availed himself of their services.

In 1977, Wynanne’s husband was transferred to Memphis. This was an exciting time to be in Memphis. Elvis Presley had just died! Wynanne took another hiatus from work as she stayed at home to help her children adjust to their many challenges from the move. In 1979, Wynanne was offered a job with a home health agency. This was a new and growing area of nursing and says Wynanne, “it was exciting to be able to bring ‘solid’ nursing care to patients at home”. This experience led to her move to the new rehabilitation and extended care offered by the Memphis Veterans Hospital. The laid back and relaxed atmosphere promoted, allowed nurses to wear jeans and tee shirts. According to Wynanne, patients sometimes asked, “When am I going to see a nurse?” When the VA decided to open a home health agency, Wynanne was one of four nurses selected to practice there. Wynanne ultimately became the Director of Home Based Primary Care, an innovative, interdisciplinary approach involving all branches of medical services caring for over 100 homebound veterans.

In 1992, the HBPC was honored to receive the Federal Executive Public Service Award. In 1996, Wynanne was recognized as one of the “Excellent Eleven” during the Celebrate Nursing Ceremony in Memphis. In view of this experience in developing a new role for nursing, Wynanne encourages all nurses in this way, “Don’t be afraid to create your own nursing job built around your own needs that coincides or expands those of your employer”.

Since retirement from nursing, Wynanne has stayed busy. She volunteers for the Germantown Community Library. Pre-pandemic, she tutored kindergarten students at Sherwood Elementary and was a greeter at Church of the Holy Spirit. She formerly collected “primitive” antiques and currently enjoys reading, theater, movies, concerts and “praying for the resolution of the pandemic”. Laughingly, Wynanne says, “I think the word ‘panDAMic’ is a better description”.

Wynanne has traveled extensively in this country as well as France and Greece. “I would love to travel again. I have mini-trips planned to see my daughters and grandchildren in St. Louis and friends in Atlanta ASAP”. Wynanne moved to a Garden Home in October, 2016. Her reason for choosing Kirby Pines was the Life Care Concept.

In a tribute to Florence Nightingale, Wynanne recalls, “Nurses honor her each year during Nurses Week, May 6-12. Nightingale, born on May 12, 1820, established a NOBLE profession by introducing care that would revolutionize nursing. Nightingale’s ‘Notes on Nursing’ became the model for the education of nurses throughout the world. Today’s nurses are having life changing experiences and many have died providing care for COVID patients. Those of us who are nurses understand the nature of nursing and what it means to be an integral part of a team sacrificing to save lives and provide security to those in crisis. To the Kirby Pines Nurses, I say, you are ALL honored during the month of May. You most emphatically deserve it. Be Proud!”

Thank you, Wynanne and all twenty retired nurses who are residents of Kirby Pines, for your years of service!

Wrtten by Joan Dodson, Resident, Kirby Pines

Accentuating the Positive

In the realm of relationships, a positive attitude is a desirable attribute for anyone, especially for someone in the teaching profession. In 1986, Peggy Reynolds’ principal nominated her for the Rotary Club’s Award for Teacher Excellence. Using the words of a famous song, he wrote: “Accentuating the positive and eliminating the negative and doing it with enthusiasm could be Mrs. Reynolds’ most personal quality”. Peggy received this award as well as others in her thirty-five years as a teacher in Memphis City Schools. 

Peggy Perkins was born August 3, 1937 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Memphis. Her father owned Memphis Auto Parts and her mother was a homemaker. Peggy was the third of five children, four of whom were girls. They were always known as “the Perkins Girls”, according to Peggy. Church and school activities along with music lessons and many family gatherings are among Peggy’s fond memories of her childhood. 

Peggy attended public schools, graduating from Humes High School in 1955. She continued her education at Memphis State University where she earned a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education and a Masters in Special Education with a minor in Journalism. While there, Peggy pledged Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority and was active in the Baptist Student Union. The BSU chose Peggy to be a missionary in California during the summer of 1957. 

Well, it is said that opposites attract! Such was the case of the outgoing and friendly Peggy. While out with a group of friends, she met a very shy gentleman, Joe Reynolds. As Peggy states, “it was an immediate, opposite attraction”. After dating for a year, they married on Thanksgiving Day, 1958. Together, Peggy and Joe had four children, three sons and one daughter. There are now ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Sadly, Joe passed away in 1992. 

Peggy’s teaching career began in 1958. Although married and with a growing family, Peggy was able to continue teaching and pursue a successful professional career. Peggy says that it was possible because her family worked as a team, each person having responsibility for assigned tasks. 

In 1973, Peggy was elected Vice-President of the Memphis Education Association and served as President during the 1976-77 school year. Peggy states, “While serving as a professional educator and not a ‘union leader’, I advocated for the improvement of teaching conditions which were the children’s learning conditions”. She further adds, “When I taught, I individualized my instruction to the students’ needs”. This incorporated using teacher made materials, learning centers, and the media. Peggy was recognized for teaching reading using the newspaper. Because of her novel interventions in teaching, Peggy was requested to conduct many reading workshops. This prompted the writing of a book, “Here’s Something for Johnny to Read and Do”. In 1992, Peggy was awarded “Teacher of the Year” by the American Newspaper Publication Association. 

In 1994, Peggy retired from teaching in the Memphis City Schools. She didn’t stay retired long as she expanded her professional career to managing the grant program for teachers offered by the Memphis Rotary Club. After a year, she took a position with Johnson Auxiliary, coordinating volunteers for The City of Memphis Hospital. 

Given the opportunity to work with special students, Peggy was once again lured into a teaching position at Olive Branch High School. For eight more years, Peggy was inspired to introduce her innovative approach in teaching life skill classes. She introduced horseback riding, encouraged Special Olympics participation and had a “Spring Fling” for the students. 

In 2008, the teaching at Olive Branch ended and another chapter in Peggy’s life was about to begin. While continuing to be requested for workshops, Peggy was conducting reading workshops at Mississippi State University. There she made many friends and one in particular kept insisting she meet her cousin from Texas. With Peggy’s permission, the cousin, Charlie Gatlin, started calling. After a trip to an NCAA basketball tournament in San Antonio, Peggy agreed to meet Charlie at the Cracker Barrel in Fort Worth on her way home. 

According to Peggy, “The Cracker Barrel rendezvous went well and we made plans for Charlie to come to Memphis. He came to Memphis, we got acquainted and he met my family. After a whirlwind courtship over the next couple of months, Charlie proposed and I said ‘yes’! Charlie said at our age, we didn’t need to wait too long”. 

On August 6, 2008, Charlie and Peggy were married with Dr. Jimmy Latimer officiating. According to Peggy this new chapter in her life would “take a lifelong Memphian to a Texas ranch and to raising miniature horses. We ‘honeymooned’ for 38 days, RVing to California, took a 15-day cruise to Hawaii and then RV’d across the USA to our home. Our Texas life continued for eight years with NASCAR races, motorcycle rallies, winters in Port Aransas, many family reunions and always looking for a new adventure. We loved our Springtown, Texas home.” 

Eventually, it came time to downsize. As a member of Central Church in the 80’s, Peggy had heard about Kirby Pines. Little did she dream that she would someday be living here. In 2016, Peggy and Charles moved to a Garden Home at Kirby Pines. Sadly, Charlie passed away in August of 2020. Peggy has endeared herself at Kirby for writing the wonderful biographical sketches of new residents for the Pinecone. According to Peggy, “I’m looking forward to the new normal after COVID-19 is over”. Think POSITIVELY, Peggy! 

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident, Kirby Pines

Man with a Vision

Early in life, Dr. Warner Dickerson envisioned a “ladder” that would take him out of poverty to a level of comfort and fulfillment. From the life of a sharecropper to one that incorporated becoming a community leader and a top executive in the state of Tennessee, Warner Dickerson overcame many obstacles to achieve that goal.

Born in rural Haywood County, Tennessee in 1937, Warner Dickerson grew up in a family of sharecroppers. When he was just a toddler, he followed his mother into the cotton field, pulling the lowest cotton bolls and putting them in his mother’s sack. As he aged, he was given a pillowcase of his own to fill. Warner was the last of six children; the older five were girls. According to Warner, his sisters begged for a brother and when he came along, they smothered him with love. In fact, they were so overprotective that it interfered with him doing the things most boys want to do, like playing football.

When Warner was nine years old, the family moved to Memphis and the economic status of the family improved greatly when his father found employment helping to build railroads. Warner was able to attend better schools and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1956. He took vocational courses there and specialized in automotive mechanics. When he decided to enter Tennessee State University in Nashville, he declared his major in Mechanical Engineering. Much to his surprise, that major had nothing to do with automobiles! Eventually, he declared a different major and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1961.

While living in Nashville, Warner met his future wife, Arcola Leavell, on a blind date. According to Warner, “Initially, Arcola had absolutely no romantic interest in me. I couldn’t understand this, since I thought I was ‘the cat’s meow’! Then, in trying to figure out why she wasn’t interested in me, I discovered that she had the character and qualities I wanted to be with for the rest of my life”. Warner evidently found the way to win her heart and they were married in 1960.

Warner made the decision to teach in schools. Education became the “ladder” to achieve his goals. He says that the philosophy of Marian Edelman on education mirrors his own. That is, “Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.” He and Arcola moved to Memphis eventually, and while teaching, both continued their education. Arcola completed requirements for a B.S. in Home Economics and Warner earned a M.S. degree in Mathematics from University of Memphis in 1967 and an Ed.D from University of Sarasota, Florida in 1979.

Warner began his career teaching mathematics at Carver High School, then moving to LeMoyne College, and then to State Technical Institute of Memphis, eventually becoming Vice-President. While there, he developed several programs which were applied to prison reform. These programs attracted the interest of other states and countries. The Governor of Tennessee, Lamar Alexander, recognized the talent and experience of Warner and appointed him as Tennessee State Commissioner for Vocational Education. He remained in that position for four and one-half years, traveling the state and being responsible for one-fourth of the state budget. Once his political life was over, Warner and his family moved back to Oakland, Tennessee and he became Superintendent of Schools for Fayette County. He retired in 1990 and he and Arcola moved to Olive Branch, MS.

Warner’s professional career and family obligations were all encompassing, and he and Arcola had a son and a daughter to rear. Yet, Warner found time to become a community activist and volunteered many hours in helping to improve his community. His past political life and frequent speaking engagements gave him the opportunity to mingle with the power structure of Tennessee and Memphis. Also, as an active member of Greenwood CME Church, Warner became a Bible teacher and eventually Director of Education.

During their lives, Warner and Arcola had time and resources to travel. They have visited Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Jamaica, Bermuda, Canada, France, Puerto Rico and many other places. Warner developed a hobby of collecting rocks and driftwood. His love of motors was manifested in riding a motorcycle every day until he could no longer leave Arcola, who had begun to show signs of dementia. This was the determining factor for them to move to Kirby Pines in September, 2019. Arcola moved to Job’s Way and until the pandemic of COVID-19, Warner visited her twice a day. He says that the most difficult thing he has ever experienced, tapping on his heart, is the situation that now exists where he has had no personal contact with Arcola for a year. He is only able to see her on face-time and through a glass door.

Warner says, “I am pleased with the comprehensive nature of Kirby Pines in the matter of health care, safety, culture and family style”. He is involved with the men’s Bible and Alzheimer’s Groups and loves to read. He remains close with his son and daughter. “They have been a tremendous support system for me”, adds Warner.

Warner Dickerson’s persona reflects a gentle, soft-spoken and professional gentleman. When you hear the story of his life, one realizes the impact h has had on others. A true model of ambition and overcoming much adversity, Dr. Warner Dickerson will leave a legacy to those who follow. What a great addition he is to the Kirby family!

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident, Kirby Pines

Abundant Love

Marty and Janie Kocman grew up only three miles apart, but did not meet until they were seniors in high school. That is when “the arrow struck” and they dated while attending Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Following graduation, they married and recently celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary. The affection Marty and Janie have for each other has grown deeper through the years because of the common bond they share in love of teaching, life goals and activities.

Marty and Janie were born in 1947 and lived in neighboring cities in Indiana. Janie (nee Dahlkamp) was the second of five children in the family. She says her escapades as a child would “fill a book”. “I have always maintained I am short because I was spanked so much! I was the original ‘Evel Knievel’ riding off the front porch on my tricycle, splitting my chin open, having to have stitches resulting in my continuing fear of needles.” One of Marty’s favorite childhood memories was hearing his mother speak of her early life and immigration, at age sixteen, to America from Czechoslovakia. She spoke no English, but had instructions pinned on her coat to get her to her aunt’s home in Gary, Indiana.

The high school Marty and Janie attended was in Hammond, Indiana. Each class year had over 500 students, so it was not until they shared a class as seniors that they met. According to Janie, “because I was so small the boys picked on me, and would move my chair to the front of the class before the teacher arrived”. One of those boys was Marty.

During summers in high school (and college) Marty worked in factories to help with his college plans. His love of music accelerated in high school with involvement in band and choir. In his senior year, Marty won the “Young Artist” competition on flute and soloed with the Chicago Heights Symphony Orchestra. Marty furthered his love of music earning a Bachelor in Music Education and a M.A. in Flute Performance. One of the highlights of Marty’s college career was marching with the Marching Hundred in the 1968 Rose Bowl Parade at half time of the IU-USC game.

Following graduation from college, Marty began his teaching career as a band director in Olympia, Illinois. His symphonic and jazz bands won festivals throughout the midwest. His love of music helped him encourage young musicians to achieve. His bands had opportunities to play with many famous professional musicians. Marty retired from high school teaching in 2003 and took a position as Director of Jazz Studies at Governor’s State University until he and Janie moved to Bartlett, Tennessee in 2006. Janie earned a B.S. in Education and later a M.S. in Communications. As a career educator, in Flossmoor, Illinois. Janie taught Home Economics to junior high students for thirty-four years, retiring in 2002.

The move to Bartlett was another chapter in the lives of the Kocman’s. Their love of gardening was manifested in their home being a “showplace” of beauty. Their love of travel took them many places. They traveled to Slovakia to visit Marty’s aunt and uncle, survived three earthquakes while in Costa Rica, experienced an insurrection in Guatemala and cruised with Orca whales on the coast of Alaska. A “dark experience” occurred when visiting Coober Pedy, Australia, a town carved entirely out of rock and underground because of the temperature there.

Marty became involved with the Bartlett Symphony, creating the Flute Choir which performed several times at Kirby. Because of their love of miniature objects, both Janie and Marty became involved in hobbies that nurtured that love. Marty builds and flies remote control airplanes. Janie belongs to Tri-M, a miniature group. She has several collections, including Santas, teddy bears and a lovely dollhouse with museum quality miniatures.

There is much to love about the Kocman’s. Despite the pandemic, Marty has participated in solo flute performances and both have participated in the mask and Halloween contests at Kirby. The talents, personalities and professionalism of both Janie and Marty Kocman are welcomed assets to the Kirby family, known for the LOVE we have for each other.

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident, Kirby Pines

A Love for Others

Was she “heaven sent” or our good fortune when Genenne Wilson chose to make Kirby Pines her forever home? Her enthusiasm and willingness to help others are the hallmarks which indicate her love and concern for others. Genenne believes that growing up on a farm and the influence of her parents have given her a moral standard, a strong work ethic as well as an understanding of working together. Her love for animals and others, Genenne further believes, comes from her early influences.

Genenne’s family lived on a dairy farm in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina near the small town of Bakersville which is at the foot of Roan Mountain. She joined two brothers to complete the family on September 17, 1952. As anyone who has lived on a farm knows, an enormous amount of work is necessary to keep everything productive. Genenne’s life was no exception. “I not only had farm jobs, I had to help with the gardening, food preservation and housework. My favorite job was taking care of the calves”, says Genenne. Her favorite pastime was pretending she was a cowgirl while riding her horse or hiking the beautiful mountains.

Following her sophomore year in high school, the farm was sold and the family moved to Asheville, NC. Moving from a high school which had a total enrollment under 500 to a school where there were over 500 in her class was overwhelming for Genenne. She missed her farm life! Despite this, she graduated as Valedictorian of her class in 1970 and was accepted to North Carolina State University and The University of North Carolina. However, she chose to attend Berea College in Kentucky because it was smaller and a family tradition. She graduated in 1973 with a B.S. in Counseling.

Genenne then began her career in the mental health field. She first worked in a psychiatric hospital in Asheville but was soon offered a job with the State of Tennessee. So, in 1975, Genenne moved to Memphis and began work with the Child Protection Agency then transferring to Mid-town Mental Health Center where she was a consultant with psychiatric referrals. She held this position until 1988. During this time, she earned a Masters Degree in Social Work at University of Tennessee, Memphis as well as developing two mental health programs for Memphis/Shelby County. This work was adopted by other cities and states.

Taking a break from mental health, Genenne bought a farm in Hernando, Mississippi. “I have always loved animals and people. I just had to add animals back in my life!” She had every kind of farm animal but her focus for some time was raising over 250 pedigreed racing pigeons which were used at military and wedding events. She also raised and showed Shar Pei dogs in confirmation and obedience competitions. Because of her “animal knowledge” she was convinced to work part-time for her Veterinarian. For several years she was the only person providing water fowl rehabilitation in the tri-state area. Genenne became a member of Baker’s Chapel United Methodist Church when she moved to Hernando.

In 1998, at age 46, Genenne married “Captain” Phil McGee. According to Genenne, “Phil was a wonderful musician and played several instruments. He gave solo as well as band performances”. In 2001, Genenne’s parents moved to Hernando to live with them. Unfortunately, she lost all of her significant others during a short period of time. Her father died in 2011, her mother in 2012. In 2014, her husband Phil died of complications from diabetes. Despite the losses and a treatable period of depression, Genenne says that being a caregiver to her parents was the most rewarding thing that she has ever done.

In August of 2019, Genenne moved to Kirby Pines. She admits, “friends questioned my move because they thought I was too young to move here. I had no family left and I knew that at Kirby Pines I could enjoy retirement with all the activities and friendships that make Kirby Pines such a special place. I can no longer say I have no family because the residents here have become my family—this is my heaven on earth!”

Soon after her move to Kirby, Genenne involved herself in the activities here. She has been Mrs. Santa Claus on several occasions. She volunteered to restart the Rhythm Band but that has been delayed. Anyone who knows Genenne knows that she is always glad to care for dogs when needed by owners. She is also known for her compassion in caring for her neighbors who are experiencing a health crisis, even moving them into her apartment until recovery. “I am happiest when I can help others, spend time with animals and make people laugh.”

Thank you Genenne, you have brought a special gift to Kirby Pines!

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident, Kirby Pines

A Christmas Story

The Christmas season is a special time for John and Sally Coleman. Their families always celebrated Christmas but in different ways. John’s grandparents hosted their family on Christmas Eve, and with eighteen grandchildren, the group eventually grew to 65-70! Sally’s family, however, believed that Thanksgiving was for eating and Christmas was for rejoicing. “There was always plenty of food for friends and family to ‘graze’ on, says Sally, “but Mother stayed out of the kitchen. I have followed her example!”

Several important events have taken place in John and Sally’s lives during the Christmas season: they met after a Christmas party, became engaged during the Christmas season and moved to Kirby Pines on December 28, 2018.

John’s life began on August 12, 1936 in Memphis, Whitehaven area. “At that time”, according to John, “Whitehaven was country. I lived among lakes and farmland.” John raised calves and slept with them at the Mid-South Fair. He had a worm farm, selling to fishermen. Not only was John industrious, he was a good student. He won science awards, ran track and worked as a “runner” for Mid-South Title Company. “I had to be good”, says John, “my mother was secretary of the school”. 

Following high school, John received a five-year scholarship to Rice University, graduating with a B.A. and B.S. in Engineering. He also received a Navy ROTC scholarship. During college summers, John served as Midshipman on Navy ships and enjoyed the travel. He continued with the Navy for three years, ranking as Lieutenant, Jr. Grade at discharge in 1962. 

Sally (nee Cross) was also born in Memphis and “into a wonderful family” on March 22, 1939. Sally says, “I had a great time at Messick and St. Luke’s Methodist Church. I loved math and debating. I became a ‘talker’ at an early age!” Involved in many school activities such as Student Council and Honor Society, her greatest award was being selected the first “Teenager of the Year” by The Press Scimiter, a Memphis newspaper. She won a trip to New York and Washington which ‘whetted’ her appetite for travel!

Following high school, Sally attended Southwestern College (now Rhodes). “It was a fun time with studying thrown in” says Sally. She was active in many organizations, including AOPi, graduating with a major in English and a minor in Mathematics. She finished school in time to marry John after his first year of active duty in the Navy. 

Sally first met John in 1957 when he came to pick up his sister at Whitehaven Methodist Church Parsonage. John was home for Christmas during his fourth year at Rice. Sally had been at a slumber party there and was waiting for a ride home. John offered to drive her home and Sally accepted. 

The next summer, John called Sally for a date and after dating for some time, John asked Sally to his family’s Christmas gathering. When it came time to have a group picture made, Sally first declined. Then, one of John’s uncles said, “Sally, you need to be in the picture because you are going to marry John and be in our family”. So, she did and they were married on August 26, 1960. They have two sons, Jack and Tommy and one granddaughter, Lilly. 

While in the service, John was stationed in California and Washington State. Sally taught school and they traveled extensively along the West Coast. Also, away from family, Sally says “that it was a great opportunity for them to bond”. They decided to spend their first Christmas alone with Sally cooking. According to John, “Sally went to the grocery store but came home crying”. It seems that the turkeys weighed 20 lbs. and were frozen! So, John saved the day by taking them to Disneyland for dinner. 

Following discharge from the Navy, the couple “happily” returned to Memphis. John started his thirty-year career with Dupont. After seven years, John was transferred to the corporate office in Wilmington, Delaware. The years there were “truly great”, according to Sally. “We had wonderful friends, a spiritually strong church and many wonderful experiences. We played golf and bridge and traveled with friends and family. We benefited from being so close to historical sites.” Sally continued to teach math in an independent school for thirteen years. 

Both John and Sally retired in 1994, John retiring as Corporate Environmental Manager. At that time, Dupont had a Safety and Environmental Consulting Service and John continued part time as a Senior Consultant for six more years. John and Sally became very involved in volunteer work with several community agencies, especially the Pink Palace and their crafts fair. Sally was treasurer and board member for Woman’s Exchange. John became a board member for the Durham Foundation and Alzheimer’s Day Service. He served both along with volunteering for the FedEx-St. Jude Gold tournament for twenty years. He also held membership in the Optimist and Engineer’s Clubs. Both became active in Emmanuel Methodist Church, Sally teaching Bible study for fifteen years. During these years, they traveled extensively, France and Egypt being their favorites. 

John and Sally, along with their beloved rescue dog Louie, moved to Kirby Pines as a “Christmas gift to their children”. They love water aerobics, dancing, trivia and the movies. John reads mystery novels and plays golf, having made three holes in one! Sally assists with Vespers and volunteers in The Blossom shop. According to both, “Kirby Pines is the place to be!”

This Christmas for John and Sally will be different but they will be with some of their family. They wish for all staff and residents of Kirby Pines a “MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPIER NEW YEAR”!

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident, Kirby Pines

Loyal and Faithful

John Davis is an icon for the qualities of loyalty and faithfulness to his country, having served eight years in the Army. Also, he has recently devoted his life to caring for his wife, JoAnn, who is now a resident of The Manor at Kirby Pines. Until the Covid-19 virus changed policy, John spent many hours of his day in the Manor with JoAnn. 

John Davis wears many titles. Not only is he a veteran, husband and father, he is a singer, a Colonel Sanders “look-a-like, and a “teller of tall tales”. You can spot him nightly with a group who gather around the Post Office area after dinner. John refers to this group as “The Liars Club”. When asked if he would be offended by the title of “good ol’ boy”, he said, “No, I’ve been called much worse”. 

John Davis could rightfully be called a “good ol’ boy” as the term is positively used to compliment someone who not only has a Southern background but is considered dependable and loyal to a fault. These are John’s words describing his early life: 

“I was born and raised in the ‘big town’ of Bandana, Kentucky, population 200. If you don’t know where Bandana is, it is located between Paducah and Monkey’s Eyebrow. It was a good place to grow up. I was an unexpected surprise to my parents who were forty-two and forty-four when I was born. I had two older sisters, fourteen and sixteen years older, so, as you might guess, I was a ‘spoiled brat’. We lived on an eighty-five acre farm with a big red barn and a windmill sixty to seventy feet tall. My dad had a trucking business for many years, hauling milk and livestock from three counties to areas as far away as East St. Louis. He let me ride along with him and the saddest day of my life was when school started and I could not go with him. My Dad raised beef cattle and when I was nine years old, he gave me a calf to raise. By the time I went to college, I had a small herd of my own”.

Following graduation from high school in 1952, John entered Murray State College in Murray, Kentucky. He graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration in 1956. John says, “Murray was a great college but I was not a great student”. During his sophomore year, John was invited to go on a blind date with another couple. The girl for John, of course, turned out to be JoAnn. They dated for three years and married on August 25, 1957. Their first son, Rich was born in 1965 followed by another son, Chuck in 1969. They now have three granddaughters. 

After graduating from Murray State, John volunteered for active duty in the Army rather than be drafted. He had joined the Army Reserves during his freshman year in college and achieved the rank of Sergeant. Following basic training, John was assigned to Nike Missile School in Ft. Bliss, Texas. Being newly married, he was happy to remain in the states. However, as luck would have it, his battalion was the first to be sent oversees to Wiesbaden Air Force Base in Germany. Since there was no housing for Army personnel, he and JoAnn made the difficult decision to be separated for the twenty months of the assignment. The trip to and from Germany was on a WWII Victory ship which, according to John, “was nothing more than a big floating bathtub, nothing like the modern ships. I was sick nine days over and twelve days coming back. When we docked in New York, I kissed the ground and promised the good Lord that I would never leave our shores again. These were words I would ‘eat’ almost forty years later”.

Following his discharge from the Army in 1959, John and JoAnn moved to Memphis. John’s first job was with General Electric Corporation. After a year in an apartment, they bought a house in East Memphis. They joined and were active in Mullins Methodist Church. According to John, “We had wonderful neighbors and made a lot of life-long friends with our neighbors and at church”. 

John decided his real interest was in sales and through a friend, became employed with Ortho Diagnostics selling blood typing products to blood banks and hospital laboratories. He would later work for two more companies, Nuclear Medical Labs in Dallas and Hybritech in San Diego. “I had a ball!”, says John. “I loved every minute of it. Because of the travel involved, JoAnn, the boys, and I got to see all but three states. We visited many countries of the world, including trips to Spain and England which JoAnn won by selling encyclopedias. For a school teacher, she was a ‘heck’ of a sales lady. I often wonder how a ‘green’ country boy and a ‘sharp-eyed’ little girl from Kentucky ever got to all of those places”. 

John and JoAnn moved to Kirby Pines in August, 2012 when JoAnn’s arthritis worsened. “Thank God we came when we did! We have been blessed”, says John.

Since moving to Kirby Pines, John has found time to sing with The Entertainer’s Chorus and is frequently a soloist. “I really love singing with the Chorus”, states John. He is also a member of the Men’s Fellowship Group and is currently a Wing Leader. 

To know John Davis is to admire him for his strength and steadfastness. He is truly a “good ol’ boy”. THANK YOU JOHN AND ALL VETERANS FOR YOUR SERVICE!

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident, Kirby Pines

A Monumental Life

To know Alma Crone is to sense the essence of a peaceful mind and an optimistic future. Alma’s smile and friendly disposition are transparent of a life that has been full and rewarding. Alma says, “My life has been simple but very different. It was always full of laughter and good times”. Another analysis might be that Alma’s life could be described as “monumental” because her life includes: birth into a “healthy” family, a happy childhood, a college education, marriage into an iconic Memphis family, having healthy and productive children, world travel, community service and now, living a contented and busy life at Kirby Pines.

A native Memphian, Alma was welcomed into the Barnes family on June 12, 1938. A sister and a brother would come later. Her father was General Manager of the Brittling Cafeterias and her mother, a homemaker, was “the best cook in the world!” According to Alma, “I had a typical ‘50’s life’ with slumber parties, etc. Friends were always welcomed and everything took place at my house, even through college. Homecoming floats were always made in our front yard”.

Alma attended Peabody Elementary School and graduated from Messick High School in 1956. She completed studies at Memphis State University in 1960. Alma laughingly admits, “I was very much involved in fun and ‘studying for my MRS degree’ while in college”. She pledged Sigma Kappa and met her future husband, George Crone at a Pi KA Rush Party in the fall of 1956. “He was the handsomest guy at MSU”, declares Alma. They married in August, 1958 and have three children, Kelley, Luanne and George “Tad”, III. There are four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Alma’s life revolved around her children, her husband’s business and church life at Buntyn Presbyterian Church. George was an Elder and Alma was an officer of the Women of the Church for the many years they worshiped there. The family went to Destin, Florida every year. 

Alma’s story would be incomplete without including the business and social aspects of her life with husband, George. George Crone became a fifth generational Memphian when born into the Crone family which had owned Crone Monument Company since the early 1920’s. The Company made cemetery memorials, bronze historical monuments and statutes, not only for Memphians, but all over the mid-South. Those in Memphis include the statue at St. Francis Hospital, bronze plaques at University of Memphis, University of Tennessee and the Orpheum Theater. George’s work as a sculptor and memorialist assured him membership in the prestigious organization, The American Institute of Commemorative Arts, which allows only one member from each state. George served as a Director and as President for two terms. His membership resulted in long lasting friendships with artisans all over the world. George and Alma traveled the world, including being passengers on the QE 2 on the last sailing from the American shores. Perhaps the most “awesome” trip was visiting Italy and visiting the quarry where the white marble used for Michelangelo’s David was mined. “We also visited quarries all over the U.S. If you like ROCKS, ask me about them”, offers Alma. 

George was also known for his involvement in local activities. He was President of the Memphis State University Alumni Association for two years and he and Alma were able to travel to all the University’s sporting events. George would later be named “Alumni of the Year” by the University. Also, for several years, George was President of the Elmwood Association. 

When the children were no longer at home, Alma became involved in other projects. However, to achieve that “empty nest”, Alma was faced with planning the weddings of both daughters and sending her son to college, all in one year. Alma became a member of the LeBonheur Club and Subsidium which worked primarily with Memphis Oral School for the Deaf. However, for twenty years, her Thursdays were reserved for Bible study fellowship, then later a community Bible study. 

In addition to her travels with George, Alma made several trips to England and the British Isles. Two trips to England were with her sister, Martha. Both Alma and Martha had attended seminars in Williamsburg, Charleston and the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts in Winston-Salem to learn the appraising of antiques. The trips with Martha resulted in “wonderful buys” for members of their family who owned antique stores. “It’s a family joke”, says Alma, “that the collection gene was inherited by all the girls in the family”. Martha remains a respected appraiser in this field. 

George became increasingly ill with Parkinson’s, which had been diagnosed in his late sixty’s. In 2013, the decision was made to move to Kirby Pines. Alma realized she could not bring all her antique collections with her, but, she did bring the most interesting ones. “Ask me about them” volunteers Alma. After two years in their apartment it became necessary to move George to the Manor. “He had the wonderful care of the staff there”, states Alma. George passed away in 2016. “When the family gets together now, our thoughts always go to George and they bring laughter, remembering the joy he brought into our lives”, adds Alma. 

Alma remains active at Kirby Pines. She says, “The chapter I’m in now is different but as happy. I have my family to enjoy. My new friends and I have such good times together with lots of laughs. There is peace here knowing that we are taken such good care of—and guess what? THE BEST IS YET TO COME!”

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident, Kirby Pines