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Friends United
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January/February 2009
BEANE Ercil Victor Beane, 93, October 25, 2008, LeGrand Friends, Iowa. Ercil was born on January 14, 1915, on the family farm north of LeGrand, Iowa, to Quaker parents, Charles and Edna (Ferguson) Beane. Ercil attended school in Green Mountain and graduated from LeGrand in 1932. He attended William Penn College, Lincoln Chiropractic College and graduated from Palmer Chiropractic College in 1937. Upon graduating he returned to operate the family farm and establish a chiropractic practice. He married Maxine Hoover on November 26, 1938, in an unprogrammed Quaker ceremony at Le- Grand Friends Church. Soon they moved to Maxine’s home farm west of LeGrand where they raised their family and lived the rest of their lives. Ercil had careers in farming and chiropractic. He had a growing farm operation and was a strong supporter of Future Farmers of America and 4-H clubs. He was active in his chiropractic profession and later in life he and Maxine traveled extensively, to countries in Africa, Asia, Central America and the Middle East, demonstrating and promoting chiropractic to people who had not experienced that healing art. They recruited and supported young people from those countries to study chiropractic and return to their homes trained to heal others. Ercil taught the Mountain Boys Sunday School class for many years and was president of the LeGrand Quaker Men’s organization. He served as president of the Iowa Quaker Men and the National Quaker Men. He also served on the general board of the Friends United Meeting and their Wider Ministries Commission. He was on the board of governors of William Penn College and the development board establishing the Earlham School of Religion. He also worked with the executive board of the Friends World Committee and the Friends Committee on National Legislation. He is survived by five children, David (Judy), Daniel (Sarah), Marian, Evan (Cindy) and Joel (Rita); 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; his sister, Mary Lois Merryman; and his sister-in-law, Marjorie Beane. He was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine; his parents; two infant siblings; his brothers, Ernest and Donald; his sister, Frances Watland; and a grandson, Matthew Beane. Funeral services were held November 1 at LeGrand Friends Church. Memorials may be made to LeGrand Friends Church or Iowa River Hospice.
CHILTON Grace Miller Graham Chilton, 97, October 12, 2008, Pine Hill Friends, North Carolina. Grace was born October 11, 1911, daughter of the late Rev. Joseph Alexander and Queen McDonald Graham. She touched many lives through her teaching career at Eldora and Copeland schools. Grace served as a Sunday school teacher and the church organist for nearly 50 years. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, M.H. “Sonny” Chilton, Jr. and Linda; three grandchildren and their spouses; and three great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Grace was preceded in death by her husband, Marion Herman Chilton, Sr.; and seven sisters and brothers. The funeral service was conducted October 15, 2008, at Pine Hill Friends Meeting by the Revs. Billy Britt and Michael Thames. Memorial contributions can be made to Pine Hill Friends Meeting, c/o Brenda McKinney, or Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care. The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Grace’s caregivers, Maxine Davidson and Chester and Frances Jones, for the love, care and kindness shown to her during her illness.
COPPINGER Mary Ann Coppinger, 68, July 27, 2008, First Friends Grinnell, Iowa. Mary Ann was born on November 11, 1939, to William Kenneth and Bessie Alice Whitaker Palmer. She was raised in Grinnell and graduated from Grinnell High School with the Class of 1957. She graduated from William Penn University in Oskaloosa with a degree in education. On August 5, 1961, she was married to Del Coppinger who survives. She was involved in her elementary teaching career while mothering two children, Denise and Doug. Wherever the family lived, Mary Ann always found herself involved actively in the Friends churches. She taught Sunday school classes for many years and traveled to Jamaica in 2007 as a Vacation Bible School team member. She also spent many summers counseling children at Quaker Heights. She supported her husband when he served as Iowa Yearly Meeting general superintendent in 1987 and was involved in the Oskaloosa United Society of Friends Women International, receiving the Eliza Armstrong Cox award in 2008. In addition to her husband, she is survived by one son, Douglas (Romy) Coppinger; one daughter, Denise (Randall) Nichols; four grandchildren; three brothers, David, Dennis and Thomas Palmer; and two aunts, Marie Hunnerdosse and Ruth Palmer. She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents, Bert and Susan Whitaker and George and Aletha Palmer; and several aunts and uncles. Services were held July 30 at the First Friends Church in Grinnell with the Rev. Todd Follette presiding. Memorials may be made to First Friends Church of Grinnell, College Avenue Friends of Oskaloosa, William Penn University or Camp Quaker Heights.
CULBRETH Sara Lewis Culbreth, 81, October 14, 2008, First Friends Greensboro, North Carolina. Born in Greensboro, Sara was the daughter of the late James G. Lewis and Mattie Black Lewis. She was a 1944 graduate of Greensboro Senior High and attended Guilford College. She retired in 1997 after working for Shamrock Corporation for more than 35 years, serving as assistant treasurer for most of that time. Sara was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She leaves behind to cherish her memory a husband of 60 years, Charles Thomas Culbreth, Sr.; two sons and daughters-in-law, Tom and Cheryl Culbreth and Chris and Robin Culbreth; two grandchildren, Chris Culbreth, Jr. and his fiancée Autumn Greene and Megan Culbreth. Following a private graveside service at Forest Lawn Cemetery, a memorial service was held on October 16 at First Friends Meeting. Memorials may be made to First Friends Meeting General Fund or to Friends Homes Residence Assistance Fund.
LAWRENCE Frank “Blackie” Lawrence, 88, October 9, 2008, Mt. Airy Friends, North Carolina. As a native of Mt. Airy, Mr. Lawrence spent much of his childhood at the Children’s Home in Winston-Salem, where he played on an undefeated “orphan football team.” Following high school graduation, he attended High Point College before enlisting in the U.S. Army during WWII. After the war, he returned to Mt. Airy, where he worked for United Plastics until his retirement in the 1980s. He held a deep love for his hometown and could often be found sharing a cup of coffee and a laugh in one of his favorite downtown hang-outs. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Clem Gunnell Lawrence; brother, Ed Lawrence; daughter, Sheila Edmondson; daughter and son-in-law, Dianne and Tom Koch; daughter, Susan McGowan; 12 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. A service was conducted October 11 at Mt. Airy Friends Meeting, officiated by the Rev. David Lawrence. Memorials may be made to Mt. Airy Friends Meeting or to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care.
MCADAMS Margie L. McAdams, 84, October 5, 2008, Hemlock Friends, Indiana. Margie was born November 1, 1923, to the late Milton and Anna C. Lawrence Ogden. She married Walter I. McAdams at South Marion Friends Meeting on August 19, 1945, and he preceded her in death on February 18, 2001. Margie was a 1942 graduate of Marion High School and graduated from Marion College (now Indiana Wesleyan University) in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in education. In 1970, she earned her master’s degree in education from Ball State University. She was employed as an elementary teacher by Kokomo Center Schools from 1965 until her retirement in 1989. Margie served on the Western Yearly Meeting pastoral recording committee, belonged to the United Society of Friends Women and served as a coordinator of seasoned Friends. She was an active supporter of Friends missionary projects and at one time was a member of Altrusa. Margie was known as “the epitome of a minister’s wife.” Survivors include one son, James (Debra) McAdams; one daughter, Mary (Bill) Gross; seven grandchildren; two great-grandsons; and a sister-in-law, DorisMcAdams. Funeral services were held October 9 at Hemlock Friends with Pastor Ron Forsythe officiating, assisted by pastors Doug Shoemaker, Annie Glen and Steve Pedigo. Memorials may be made to Quaker Haven Camp or USFW missions.
PICKARD Laurence Kent “Larry” Pickard, 91, November 10, 2008, Wilmington Friends, Ohio. Larry was born April 9, 1917, in Rowley, Massachusetts, son of the late Clarence Noyes and Pernal Sophronia Johnson Pickard. He received his undergraduate degree from Massachusetts State College, now known as the University of Massachusetts, and prepared for a career in agriculture. Raised in the Methodist Church and later convinced of the principles of pacifism, he considered himself a conscientious objector during WWII and received an agricultural deferment. He married Lucille Alice May Brotherton on April 3, 1943, who precedes him in death. He, along with his wife who was educated in the field of Christian education, answered the call to ministry and served in agriculture and pastoral ministry among Methodists in Ironsburg, Tennessee. Upon leaving that ministry, he and his wife moved to New Jersey. They had become familiar with the Religious Society of Friends, Quakers. They joined the Friends and sought Quaker missionary/ ministry opportunities. In 1951, Larry accepted the call as pastor of Council House Friends Meeting in Council House, Oklahoma, under the auspices of the Associated Committee of Friends on Indian Affairs (ACFIA). That ministry included aspects of pastoral ministry, missionary outreach and agriculture. While in that work, he was recorded in the Friends ministry by Nebraska Yearly Meeting, now known as the Great Plains Yearly Meeting. Many lives in the community were greatly improved because of his skill in electrical work, plumbing, preaching and pastoral care. Upon his wife’s leading, they developed and led Quivering Arrow Camp for children. He took the lead in building the physical facilities for Quivering Arrow Camp, the Elizabeth Wallace Sunday school building and the Loom House. Under his and his wife’s ministry, the Loom House projects at Council House were begun and expanded as a major outreach. The form of ministry they engaged in at Council House has been called “a model of Quaker missionary work.” Upon retirement in 1979, they lived in a house he and several volunteers built on their small farm in the Council House community and were active in the church. From 1980-96, he served as pastor during summer months at Grand Lakes Vacation Ministry, Cayuga Chapel. He continued to serve ACFIA in several capacities and was a representative to Friends World Committee for Consultation at triennials in Africa and Guatemala. He continued to preach and teach about Native American life, pacifism and Friends testimonies of simplicity and integrity. After his wife’s death in 1999, he remained at Council House until 2005 when he moved to Cape May in Wilmington, Ohio. He is survived by three sons, Kent (Nancy) Pickard, Clair (Patti) Pickard and Dan (Pam) Pickard; two daughters, Anne (Max) Smith and Linda (David) Brindle; 13 grandchildren; 16 greatgrandchildren; and two great-grandchildren on the way. A memorial service was held at the Cape May Community Center, Matthew Zuehlke officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Community Care Hospice or to Cape May Life Line.
ROBINSON Helen C. Robinson, 97, August 12, 2008, Jericho Friends, Indiana. Helen was born in Ridgeville, Indiana, in 1911 and attended Ridgeville High School. Before her marriage, she helped people in their homes as a housekeeper. She and a friend, Grace Edwards, toured North Carolina to provide music at Friends churches and schools. Helen was a church pianist at both Randolph Friends and at Jericho Friends meetings near Winchester. Helen married William “Bill” Robinson in 1932. Helen was a homemaker and she and Bill farmed for over 50 years. Bill passed away in 1992 and Helen went to live near her daughter, Caren. Survivors include her daughter, Caren (George) Marshall; her son, Max (Jackie) Robinson; two grandchildren; three foster grandchildren; and five foster great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Ermin and Alice Hiatt; and sister, Elberta Eisenhour. A memorial service was held at Jericho Friends Church near Winchester on October 3 with the Rev. Max Edwards officiating. Memorial contributions may be directed to Jericho Friends Church.
SOUTHERN R.B. Southern, 79, November 11, 2008, Pine Hill Friends, North Carolina. R.B. was born February 3, 1929, to the late Dock and Mecie Miller Southern. R.B. served our country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He owned and operated Southern’s Used Cars for 51 years. R.B. was a former member of the board of directors for The Community Bank in Dobson. Heis survived by his wife of 59 years, Maxie Boyles Southern; a daughter, Cindy (Tim) Marion; a son, Craig (Eva) Southern; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a sister, Faye Southern Johnson; a brother, James Ralph Southern; a host of brothersin- law and sisters-in-law; numerous nieces and nephews; and a special cousin, Everette Miller. In addition to his parents, Mr. Southern was preceded in death by two sisters, Lillie Southern Bruner and Frankie Southern; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Hubert and Minnie Shinault Boyles; five sisters-inlaw; and four brothers-in-law. The funeral service was held November 15 at Pine Hill Friends Meeting. Burial followed in the church cemetery, with military honors by the American Legion Post 123. Memorials may be made to Pine Hill Friends Meeting, c/o Brenda McKinney.
STANLEY Jack Clinton Stanley, 76, September 26, 2008, Deep River Friends, Indiana. Jack was born in Forsyth County to the late James Clinton and Martha Victoria Fulp Stanley. He retired from R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company with 30 years of service. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Hutchens Stanley. He is survived by two daughters, AprilStanley Canter and Melinda Shore (Martin) Backstrom; two sons, Ford Mitchell (Jonnie) Shore and Mark (Dena) Shore; nine grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; a brother, Don (Bea) Stanley; and a niece, Donna Bennett. A graveside funeral service was held September 30 at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens with Pastor Scott Wagner officiating. Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care Center.
WALL Bessie Emma Wall, 96, October 7, 2008, Pine Hill Friends, North Carolina. Miss Wall was born February 9, 1912, daughter of the late John Virgil and Cora Bruner Wall. She was a lifelong farmer and a member of the Quaker faith. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Miss Wall was preceded in death by three sisters, Betty Elizabeth Wall, Lillie Ethel Key and Nonnie Alma Johnson; and four brothers, John Wesley Wall, Sam S. Wall, Charlie Washington Wall and Lester Newsome Wall. Funeral services were conducted October 9 at Pine Hill Friends by the Rev. Michael K. Thames.
YORK Thomas Baity York, 87, November 2, 2008, White Plains Friends, North Carolina. Tom was born in Surry County on July 6, 1921, to L.M. and Jettie Robertson York. Tom co-founded York Oil Company with his dad and brothers, and founded Hill-Top Transport. He was a partner with his son, Gary, in Yoco, Inc., and his son, Jim, in Petroleum Transport Company. Tom’s real passion was little league baseball. He coached the White Plains Braves for 18 years where he won 80 percent of his games. He helped organize the Dobson Little League where he served as commissioner for 10 years. He was inducted into the inaugural class of the Surry County Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2007 the White Plains Ruritan Club named its athletic facility the Tom B. York Athletic Fields. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marian Johnson York; his sons, Gary (Charlotte) and Jim (Tammy); his daughter, Anne (Dr. Tom) Fehring; eight grandchildren; and one brother, Jack. Tom was preceded in death by his siblings, Beulah, Bob and Russell York. A celebration of Tom’s life was held November 5 at White Plains Friends Meeting, conducted by the Rev. Jake Penley, the Rev. Wayne Johnson and Brent McKinney. Memorials may be made to White Plains Ruritan Club, Attn: Garnett Beasley; White Plains Friends Meeting; or Mountain Valley Hospice.