Resident Spotlight

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

Thankful and Optimistic

A love story is usually made of several parts. This is certainly true in Ellen and Bill Sayle’s story. One part is about the love which Ellen and Bill Sayle have for each other. They will celebrate their 61st wedding anniversary this month. Another part of their story is Bill’s experience with his physical heart – a heart transplant survivor of twenty-two years! The third part, if known, would be about the family who made the difficult decision to give the heart of a dying loved one. 

All stories have a beginning. Ellen and Bill met on a blind date. A friend coerced Ellen to “go out” with Bill. “Well”, she agreed, “I’ll go just this one time”. We know what happened in this part of the story! Ellen and Bill married on September 7, 1959.

Ellen was born in Batesville, Arkansas in 1937, the youngest of 4 children, Ellen says she had a happy childhood – “I was spoiled by everyone”. Following graduation from Batesville High School, Ellen enrolled in Baptist Hospital School of Nursing, Memphis. She remained employed at Baptist as a Registered Nurse, taking time off as life experiences required. 

Bill was born in Memphis in 1935. He graduated from Messick High School in 1954 and enjoyed being on the football and baseball teams. After high school, Bill served in the Army for 2 years as a Combat Engineer in Korea. Following discharge, Bill enrolled in Memphis State University. During his first year, he played on the baseball team. Following college, Bill became employed by Chrysler as a Parts Distributor. He remained at Chrysler as long as his health permitted. 

Ellen and Bill have two sons, Brian and Craig. Their sons have four children each and there is one great-grandchild expected soon. Ellen and Bill spent much of their time attending sporting events when their sons and grandchildren were young. Bill coached youth baseball for many years all over the Mid-South.

At the age of forty, Bill suffered a heart attack. He attributes this to the life style of traveling, eating the wrong foods, etc. A year later, triple by-pass surgery was performed, followed by implants of a pacemaker and a defibrillator. The defibrillator was very bulky and produced a heavy weight in the body. Yet, Bill survived with this for ten years. Then, shocking news came as Bill’s heart function declined. The doctor informed Bill that he needed a heart transplant, otherwise, he had only about two months to live. The entire family helped make the decision. The first heart transplant was done in Memphis in 1985, yet, many fears concerning the surgery, rejection and a life of medications had to be contemplated. Bill decided the transplant was the only alternative. He was required to stay in the hospital until a heart became available because an intravenous medication was necessary to maintain heart function and keep Bill alive. Bill endured 3 months of hospitalization before the “new” heart was available. During this time, Bill said Ellen was a very good nurse, staying with him in the hospital.

On July 11, 1998, Bill had a heart transplant. The surgery went well and Bill was discharged home after ten days. To everyone’s relief, there was only one minor occurrence of rejection following surgery and Bill has continued to do well for twenty-two years! He recently had a heart catheterization and an intervention was recommended. However, due to the Covid-19 virus, and assurance that he is not high risk, Bill has elected to delay any procedure for awhile. 

The third part of the story is about the family who gave the heart of a loved one to Bill. Usually, the recipient of the heart never knows from whom the heart was “harvested”. However, there is an interesting aspect to this story which occurred while Bill was visiting with a group of people. In conversation with a man in the group, Bill learned that the man’s occupation involved transporting donated hearts to the locations needed. Then, Bill began telling him about his heart transplant. The man asked Bill the date of his surgery. According to Bill, “this guy’s eyes opened real wide, he smiled and said, ‘I’m the one who flew to Johnson City, Tennessee and brought your new heart to Memphis’”! No names were given but Bill learned that his new heart came from an eighteen-year-old boy. Imagine the love for others that the young man’s family must have had to make that difficult decision! “Not a day goes by that I don’t think about and be grateful to that boy and his family”, says Bill.

In 2018, Ellen suffered an illness and became increasingly weaker. The decision was made to move to Kirby Pines. Ellen already had a sister, Margaret Tanner, living here. Both Ellen and Bill state, “We have enjoyed making new friends and becoming involved in the activities here”. Both attend Sunday church services here, formerly attending Fisherville Baptist Church. They both exercise in the Oasis. Ellen attends the Book Baggers and the Sewing Club. Bill serves as Wing Leader, sings in the Entertainers Chorus and participates in the Saturday morning Men’s Group. 

What a wonderful couple are Ellen and Bill Sayle. They are thankful for so many things in their lives and they remain optimistic with a strong religious faith.

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident, Kirby Pines

A Gentle Man

It is not unusual to meet a resident of Kirby Pines who has many talents as well as having lived a fulfilling life. Yet, who among the residents is so exceptionally talented in art to have gained recognition from the White House as well as other honors? Who has had repeated art displays on the Art Wall at Kirby? This is a story of such an individual, Jack Williams. Jack, at 92, is also one of the few remaining WWII Veterans to whom we owe so much. He is also quite a joke master.

Jack was born in Muskogee, OK in 1923, the middle child of 3 boys. His father was a Jewel Tea Salesman and a store owner; his mother was a teacher. They moved to Memphis when Jack was about 3 years old when his father became employed with the Post Office. The family rented 7 different homes until finally owning their first home in 1937. Jack says of his childhood, “We lived during The Great Depression. We were poor but didn’t know it. We were like everybody else. My older brother and I had fights as boys do. I was told that when he was 5 years old and I was 3, he put me in his wagon and took me to a neighbor’s house and tried to sell me to them. The neighbors declined and escorted us back home”. Jack said that he and his brothers always had jobs and shared jobs such as a 17-mile paper route, cutting grass, or, operating a Coca-Cola stand in the summer. All three brothers became Boy Scouts. Jack’s favorite job was caddying for golfers at Galloway Golf Club, subsequently learning to play the game. Jack believes that golf opened doors for him as he was selected to play with dignitaries and guests who visited his employer. Jack says, “I enjoyed the game of golf and met many people who helped me in my career.”

In 1940, during the summer prior to graduation from Messick High School, Jack was accepted into a program offered by the Defense Department to prepare workers for the war. Jack chose the class in drafting which resulted in a move to Nashville for classes in advanced drafting conducted at Vanderbilt University. Following completion of that course, Jack took a defense job with Fisher Aircraft. However, in October of 1942, Jack volunteered for the Army Air Corps and after basic training was assigned to the Meteorology Program at Vanderbilt University.

In 1944, Jack was re-classified and sent to Yale University to study Communications. He was eventually commissioned to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and when the war ended in 1946, Jack had served on 17 different bases. 

Following the war, Jack enrolled and graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1948 with a major in Electrical Engineering. Visiting back in Memphis, Jack met his future wife, Margaret Jordan at St. Luke’s Methodist Church. They were married while Jack was still enrolled at Vanderbilt. Three children, two daughters, Linda and Carol and a son, John Paul, who died of leukemia at 3 years of age, were born to their union. There are presently two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren in the family for Jack to cherish. 

Following graduation from Vanderbilt, Jack was hired by General Electric and was employed by them for 36 years. His first jobs were menial labor, however, he had been promoted to General Manager of 8 District Managers at the time of his retirement. 

Jack’s love of art began at the early age of 17. However, putting all other efforts first, he did not resume his painting until he was in his 50’s. He presently has over 70 paintings. About his artwork, Jack says, “landscapes are my favorite but I also like florals and abstracts”. Learning to paint in several mediums, Jack became famous for his unique style which he refers to as “fractured option” painting. This involves interfacing one painting on top of another. Moving to Germantown in 1989, Jack became a member of the Memphis and Germantown Art League. In 1997, Jack won “Best of Show” for one of his “fractured” paintings in a contest sponsored by the Art League. Among his honors was a reception, a phone call from President Clinton and an article in the Commercial Appeal. The painting was also used on the MGAL’s invitations to their Juried Exhibition in 1998. An article about Jack’s “fractured option” style also appeared in a 1998 issue of The Artist’s Magazine. Another of Jack’s paintings was selected to appear on the front of the Germantown Calendar in 2008. Refusing to accept genius as an acceptable description of his artwork, Jack humbly adds, “I started painting as an adult and advise others to join a group and take classes. Everyone has some talent just waiting to be discovered”. To visit the Arts and Crafts room at Kirby Pines is a testimony to the number of Kirby artists and the opportunities available to the residents to develop their talent. 

Jack loves living at Kirby Pines, moving here in September, 2019 from Germantown after spending three months in Kirby Rehabilitation. Sadly, his wife, Margaret died earlier in 2019. He says “there are many friends and ‘old golf buddies’ here and everyone is so friendly”. To preserve history, Jack has written journals about his ancestry, childhood, employment and war experiences. What a rich treasure for his family!

Get to know Jack. You will be honored to know such a gentleman, a war hero, an exceptional artist, and humorist who is ready to tell you a story.

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident, Kirby Pines

Our Beautiful Rose

The word “rose” has several meanings. It is often used as a name in a song or a poem, or, a category of flower. Generally, when we hear the name, we think of something pretty, sweet, or, romantic. To know Rose Strange is to sense the essence of sweetness, kindness and beauty of soul. No doubt her happy childhood, successful marriage of 60 years and the rearing of three wonderful children defined “the Rose” we know today-“Our Rose of Kirby Pines”.

Rose Strange (nee Scott) was born at Methodist Hospital on November 15, 1928 and spent most of her life in Memphis. The family moved to Marked Tree, Arkansas, when Rose was in the second grade and lived there for 6-7 years. Small town living and school life was different but very enjoyable. Rose sums up her childhood this way: “I had a wonderful family with a great sister and brother and a Mom and Dad who loved each other for 60 years. Our family life was always peaceful, fun and loving.

At age 5, Rose was diagnosed with polio and the family was quarantined for a period of time. Fortunately, Rose had the attention of the well-respected pediatrician, Dr. Tom Mitchell, who came to their home and taught her father how to exercise and massage the affected leg. Rose recovered fully after her father dutifully followed the instructions.

Rose graduated from Bellevue Jr. High and Central High School, then enrolled at Memphis State University. There, during her sophomore year, she met her future husband, Ralph Strange. They were married on February 25, 1949. Their first child, Diane, was followed by another daughter, Julie and a son, Ralph III. The family lived in Whitehaven for many years and according to Rose, “the children seemed to think that Southland Mall was built for them! There was always a yard full of children playing”. Her husband Ralph traveled in his work but found time to build a water fountain for them. Rose and her husband were active in the National Iris Society and were recognized for their hybridized irises. Their garden was so outstanding that visitors from the National Iris Society visited by busloads when the convention was in Memphis. They also raised and showed German Shepherd dogs. The iris gardens and the dog shows were always a family endeavor. They required “lots of hard work but were also lots of fun”.

The family moved to Arlington, Texas, for a few years and was there when President Kennedy was killed. They also lived outside Batesville, Mississippi at one time and enjoyed the country living. There, their iris garden was also a tour site for the Iris Society. However, collectively, the family lived in Memphis the majority of time. One of the most favorite things for the family to do while living in Memphis was to fish in Sardis Lake.

Rose moved to Kirby Pines in 2010, following the death of her husband Ralph in 2009. Rose said that on her first visit she knew that Kirby was her new home. The first thing Rose appreciated at Kirby Pines was the peace and quiet after a tumultuous period of medical emergencies with her husband’s illness. She says of Kirby Pines, “I love the staff and there is always something to do”.

Music has always been important to Rose. She took piano lessons for several years and has shared her talent by playing for Vespers and piano duets on several occasions. Also, since moving to Kirby Pines, Rose has been a member of the singing group, The Entertainers. She has this to say about the experience: “The Entertainers have been an important part of my life here. The hard work and love of music by this group always results in a good program. There is nothing like the anticipation as the curtain opens and you see the large, appreciative audience waiting.

Soon after moving to Kirby, Rose was introduced to a card game “Joker”. Thus began weekly meetings “with a great group of people and which took place no matter what!” Rose also enjoys Bingo, and other card games, reading and watching her favorite soap operas and Masterpiece Theater on WKNO.

Rose feels fortunate to have among her family, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Rose has always been active in the Methodist Church, formerly involved in the Women’s Missionary Circle and teaching young people. She is currently a member of Emmanuel Methodist Church but considers Chaplain Don and Cheryl Johnson’s ministry at Kirby Pines “close to my heart”.

To know Rose Strange is to love her. The only unkind thing to be said of her is that she, reportedly, can “be quite mean” when playing cards! When asked what the future holds for her, she replied, “I want to continue to enjoy my friends and the fun I have at Kirby Pines, but I also have a date with DeDe Scott to go fishing when we meet in Heaven”. Way to plan, Rose!

An unknown author has said, “Someone with inner beauty will live forever, like the essence of a rose”.

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident, Kirby Pines

 

A Lifetime of Adventure

Imagine that you have traveled to 7 continents and in excess of 70 countries. Imagine a successful marriage, profession and the rearing of 3 children. Such are the experiences of Dale and Peter Jones. Their life together chronicles so many adventures and experiences it is difficult to condense. Here are only the highlights of their lives:

Dale (nee McBride) was born in Alexandria, Louisiana in 1944. Her high education studies began by attending Texas Women’s University in Denton, TX. Although TWU only accepted women students at that time, Dale was invited by the U.S. Marine Corps to join and “become a leader of men”. She was tempted to accept the offer! Returning home after 2 years, Dale enrolled in Louisiana Tech, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Food and Nutrition. She then began a dietetic internship at Duke University. While there, fate stepped in and on a blind date, met the one to become her life partner, Peter Jones. Following a year of courtship, they were married in September, 1967.

Peter Jones was born in Palmerston North, New Zealand in 1940. Following high school, he began his studies in chemistry at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Following the awarding of both a B.S. and an M.S. in chemistry, Peter was awarded a Fulbright- Hays scholarship for graduate studies at Duke University, eventually earning a PhD in Biochemistry.

During Peter’s academic climb, Dale worked as a dietitian at Duke University. Following graduation, they moved to Tucson, Arizona where Peter had accepted a post-graduate fellowship at the U of Arizona College of Medicine. Dale worked as a clinical dietitian. 18 months later they traveled on a 3 week voyage to Wellington, New Zealand where Peter had accepted a position at his alma mater. While there, Dale gave birth to their first child, Stephen. An interesting story in itself, Dale gave birth in the Salvation Army Home for Unwed Mothers. Fortunately, they accommodated private patients in a special section of the home.

In 1972, Dale and Peter returned to the U.S. and Memphis, TN. Peter had accepted a position as Assistant Professor of Biochemistry at UTCHS. At UT, he was actively involved in curriculum development for the College of Medicine and served for many years on the Admissions Committee. Peter became a naturalized citizen of the U.S. in 2006 and after 35 years at UT, retired as Professor of Molecular Science in 2007.

Dale and Peter became parents to 2 other children, Katherine and Phillip, after moving to Memphis. Dale’s career moved from being a full-time mother to being a pre-school teacher and eventually moving back into a clinical dietitian position until retirement. She was involved in church activities as well as the Cub and Girl Scouts. When the children became old enough to travel, frequent trips were made to New Zealand to visit grandparents and family members. However, following retirement, most of Dale and Peter’s travels occurred. How exotic are visits to countries like Mongolia, Tibet, Antarctica and a safari in Kenya? One of their favorite trips was celebrating their 45th anniversary, on the actual date of their anniversary, in an authentic village of Old Believers near Ulan-Ude in Siberia. Dale and Peter performed in a simulated Siberian ceremony acting as bride and groom and wearing authentic Costumes.

Peter has had an interest in Rugby (New Zealand’s National sport) since early childhood. Thus began an almost 70 year involvement in the sport, from player to becoming one of the top 5 referees in the U.S. He was recently inducted into the Memphis Rugby Hall of Fame. Dale and Peter now have 4 grandchildren, all of whom lived in Colorado at the time they began looking at retirement communities. They didn’t like the idea of cold winters and finding a Garden Home that met all of their needs, they moved into Kirby Pines in early 2019.

Since moving to Kirby, Dale and Peter have been involved in many activities. Peter says “yes” to almost anything asked to do. They enjoy the Book Baggers, Saturday Trivia, the Travelers Group and walking around the campus. Peter walks 4 to 5 miles daily, sometimes in the Oasis. Dale participates in water aerobics, Arthritis Sit & Stand, Needle Arts Group and Line Dancing.

Dale and Peter are members of Woodland Presbyterian Church where Peter serves as one of the trustees and Dale gives the Bible study in the monthly Women of the Church Circle.

Both Peter and Dale state that the proudest accomplishment for them is raising and educating 3 talented children, all of whom are gainfully employed in chosen professions and who are now raising and educating their own,. Peter adds, “I am very fortunate that I’ve been married for almost 53 years to the same wonderful lady”. Dale says, “I’m blessed that I am married to a delightful, steady, faithful, never boring man who led me to places I never would have gone and introduced me to an outside world I never dreamed was there.” To meet and engage in conversation with this wonderful couple is a joyful experience. Their willingness to participate and serve in various activities has made them a welcomed addition to Kirby Pines.

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident, Kirby Pines

 

A Nursing Legacy

Today’s heroes are the nurses, doctors and associates who are on the front line to keep us alive and well. Appropriately, May is the month in which nurses are honored each year with May 6th through 12th designated as National Nurses’ Week, the 12th being the birthday of Florence Nightingale. Nightingale, the “mother of modern nursing” was the first nurse to recognize and institute the practice of cleanliness and hygiene as essential to wellness, healing and recovery from illness.

Currently, there are 20 retired nurses who live at Kirby Pines. Each in her own way has been on the front line during war time or times of high contagion. Kirby nurses remember caring for tuberculosis and polio patients. Many volunteered to help in massive immunization programs such as the polio vaccine of the late 50’s.

So, it is appropriate to recognize one of Kirby’s nurses, Gail Waldrop, who, at age 40, chose nursing as a third career. Her story is not the typical story but one which is inspiring and revealing.

Gail Dodson was born on a farm in Winfield, Alabama, the oldest of nine children. Her nurturing instincts came in to play early as it became her role to be a “second mother” to her siblings. The family moved to Wyandotte, Michigan when she was 14 years old. Her mother was a homemaker and her father was a welder. Following graduation from high school, Gail took a giant step and left her family in Michigan to attend David Lipscomb College in Nashville. She graduated with a B.A. in English and was elected to the honor society, Sigma Tau Delta. Following graduation, Gail chose to be close to family members and moved to Mobile, Alabama for a teaching position. A faithful Christian, Gail met her future husband, Gene, at church. He was a Mississippi State engineering student and was spending the summer working at Brookley Air Force Base. Following his senior year, he “persisted in the pursuit” and he and Gail married on August 29, 1959. They moved to Birmingham, Alabama where he was employed by Chicago Bridge and Iron Co. Gail taught school until their first daughter, Melissa was born. This began Gail’s second career as homemaker. Julie, their second daughter, was born four years later.

During her time as homemaker, Gail’s husband was transferred frequently. They lived in many states, but Gail’s favorite place was the four years they spent in London, England. While there, the family traveled extensively in UK and to most European countries and Russia. In 1976, Gene was transferred to Memphis and the family resided in Germantown. It was during this time that Gail recognized a need to be “useful to society” again. She enrolled in the Associate Degree Nursing Program at Memphis State University. She graduated in 1980 and began her third career. She worked at St. Francis Hospital on the oncology unit until Gene was once again transferred-this time to Birmingham, Alabama where Gail worked in oncology and hospice care. She soon began to feel the burden of so much sadness and opted for a job with BlueCross/Blue Shield in rehabilitation care. During the 10 years Gail worked for BCBS, she enrolled in the RN to BSN program at University of Alabama. On graduation, Gail was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau, a national honorary society of nurses. She also passed the national test for Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurses. Gail’s mother questioned, “Gail, are you ever going to quit going to school?”

Finally, retired from BCBS, but because of her expertise in rehabilitation, Gail was employed part-time by Medicare, working on special projects in conjunction with doctors in all fields of medicine. She was active in the community, serving on the Literacy Council and as docent at Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Birmingham Museum of Art.

When husband, Gene retired, Gail and Gene moved to Collierville to be near family, especially grandchildren. In addition to the two daughters, Gail and Gene were grandparents to four and great-grandparents to one. They became active members of Germantown Church of Christ. Gail also became involved in several community activities, serving as docent at Brooks Museum of Art as well as church activities.

Gail and Gene moved to Kirby Pines in July, 2015. This was the SIXTEENTH home or apartment Gail has lived in. Sadly after nearly 57 years of marriage, Gene passed away on May 20, 2016 from complications of surgery.

Gail Waldrop indeed has a legacy of service. Her 20 years as a nurse met her needs to be of value to mankind as well as meeting the needs of special areas in the nursing arena of care. Gail says, “I have had a wonderful life. I am glad to be at Kirby Pines. It is where I need to be at this stage of my life.”

A special thanks to all the nurses who have contributed to our well-being. Thanks to all the Kirby nurses for the role you have played in making our city and country THE BEST health care system in the world.

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident, Kirby Pines