Jeannette (Cramer) Hills ’62

Jeannette (Cramer) Hills ’62 of Jacksonville, Illinois, died August 28, 2020. She was 79. Jeannette studied at Cottey College before transferring to Illinois Wesleyan, where she met future husband Steven Hills ’61. Jeannette taught in South Jacksonville, Illinois, before starting her family. After her children were raised, she attended and graduated from Passavant Hospital’s licensed and practical nurse program. Jeannette was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church and participated in the handbell choir at Central Christian Women’s Club Bible Study. She also volunteered at Barton W. Stone Christian Home. She enjoyed travelling and spending time with friends and family. She was preceded in death by her husband. She is survived by two children.

Barbara (Pinks) Dalton ’62

Barbara (Pinks) Dalton ’62 of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, died July 12, 2020. She was 79. Barbara studied history at Illinois Wesleyan and later earned a Master’s degree in library science from the University of Illinois where she met her husband. Barbara worked as a membership secretary for Westminster Presbyterian Church, and she was later a member and financial secretary for Bethany Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed helping others, baking for her grandchildren, and travelling to Paris with her husband. She is survived by her husband, son, two grandchildren, and a brother.

John Brownfield ’62

John Brownfield ’62 of Redlands, California, died April 28, 2020. He was 79. John studied art and was active in Theta Chi at Illinois Wesleyan. He subsequently earned a master’s degree at the School of Fine Arts of Chicago before a nearly 40-year teaching career at University of Redlands. He is survived by two daughters, three grandchildren and a sister, Margaret (Brownfield) Galivan ’65.

Robert Hix ’60

Robert Hix ’60 of Pine Grove, California, died June 5, 2020. He was 87. Bob’s college studies were interrupted by the Korean War as he served in the U.S. Army’s 36th Engineers Group. He earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Illinois Wesleyan upon his return, and, later, a master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado. Bob and his wife were teachers at an elementary school at Roanoke-Benson (Ill.) for 31 years. He served his community as a volunteer firefighter, a Boy Scouts scoutmaster, and in civil defense and emergency services. He was also a tenor in his church choir. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and two grandchildren.

Josephine (Chiza) Gurira ’67 Receives Outstanding Woman of Color Award

Josephine (Chiza) Gurira ’67 earned the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Outstanding Woman of Color Award in March 2020. Josephine is the reference services librarian at UW-Platteville’s Karrmann Library. The award recognizes female faculty, staff, and students of color at UW-Platteville, as well as women of color in the Platteville community. Congratulations, Josephine.

 

Joan (Richardson) McGraw ’61

Joan Robinson McGraw Class of 1961

We are sorry to share the sad news that Joan (Richardson) McGraw ’61 passed away in New Bern, NC December 2020, after a 12-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Those classmates who may remember Joan’s twinkling eyes, ready smile and friendly personality will be happy to know that she retained those wonderful traits throughout her lifetime.

Joan and husband Thomas McGraw ’61 raised two fine sons, John and Doug, and after they became independent, Joan decided she would like to have a career of her own, and began what became a 17 year stint with the Retired Officers Association (now known as the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)). She loved the professional and patriotic environment at TROA and was very proud of her work in the Payroll Department. Retiring in 1998, and ever the “beach person,” Joan chose Little River, SC as the couples final getaway place. However, two years later, they moved to New Bern, NC (still near the ocean), a town with a rich cultural heritage and just right for retirees. Joan thrived with the many social and volunteer organizations she joined in this friendly town.

Joan is survived by her husband Tom in New Bern, sons John and Doug, and grandson “JT,” all in Stafford County, VA. She was predeceased by her granddaughter, Bailey.