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RECENT PASSINGS
Derek Knell Responding to our Reunion Registration package, Derek Knell's wife, Cetta, informs us that Derek passed away last year. 47 classmates have now passed.
Dear Jerry,
My name is Cetta Knell and I am writing to inform you that sadly we lost Derek on October 23, 2003. He had 2 serious heart attacks within 1 week and underwent a 5-way by-pass operation. However, there was too much damage and he passed away 8 days later.
The joy of his life was his family, especially his 7 terrific grandchildren, thanks to our 2 sons. I think he would have enjoyed attending this reunion if only to brag about them.
Have a great 50th reunion celebration. I hope many former students attend and share memories. Best wishes to all of you.
Concetta Knell
The information I have for his widow is:
Mrs. Cetta Knell
12013 Neenach St.
Sun Valley, CA 91352
Bobby Small
In our search for classmates we have just learned of the passing of Bobby Russell Small on November 17, 2002, after four years of struggling with kidney failure. His wife's contact information follows should any of you care to express your sympathies.
Mrs. Wanda Small, Telephone 252/291-3946, 4703 Windsor Rd., Elm City, NC, 27822
Jerry Ledwell
Jerry Vincent Ledwell, 67, of Charlotte, NC, died July 12, 2003.
Jerry was born May 23, 1936 in Charlotte, NC. He was the son of the late Louis Lamar Ledwell, Sr. and Sarah James Ledwell. He was a graduate of Central High School. He graduated from the North Carolina State University School of Design where he received his Bachelor of Architecture in May of 1964. He then obtained a Marketing Certificate in Washington, DC.
He was a member of Saint Patrick's Catholic Church and previously served on the Board of Directors for the following: York County Nursing Center, Surry County Nursing Center, Emergency Housing of Charlotte, Inc., Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, City of Charlotte Job Training, Tri-City Committee of the South Piedmont Health Systems Agency, and Shalom Homes, Inc. Jerry was a proud member of the American Institute of Architects, North Carolina AIA and the Charlotte AIA.
A service to celebrate the life of Jerry V. Ledwell will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, July 19, 2003 at McEwen Charlotte Chapel with The Reverend Charlie Foss officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Sharon Memorial Park. Friends may call on the Ledwell family Friday July 18, 2003 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at McEwen Charlotte Chapel.
Mr. Ledwell is survived by his two daughters, Ashley Lamar Ledwell and her fiance, Richard Copenhaver and Christina Ledwell Keene and her husband, Michael Keene; one granddaughter, Keelie Sarah Elizabeth Keene. He was preceded in death by a brother, Louis Lamar Ledwell, Jr.
The Ledwell family would like to send special thanks and appreciation to Patricia Blackmon Huckabee and family.
Memorials may be made to the Heart Association or Episcopal Church of the Saviour, Rock Hill, SC.
McEwen Funeral and Cremation Service, Charlotte Chapel.
Published in the Charlotte Observer on 7/17/2003
A letter to the class from Jerry's daughter:
I was so excited and touched that my father was mentioned on the website chs54. Central High School was a very special place for him.
I remember the day that he attended the 40th reunion, it was such an exciting event for him. I heard about it for an entire month before the event even took place!!! I was exhausted because he talked about it every week.
He was so excited to see his classmates for the first time in years, it meant the world to him to see all of the people he grew up with, especially in the Elizabeth neighborhood. Of course my dad loved a good party and an exciting social event was always his forte.
To see his class picture makes me laugh. He has not changed a bit. His smile was infectious and he was always laughing. He brought such a simple joy into everyone's lives. His pictures carries a carefree tone, like he has no worries in the world. You can even see the same smile in the 40th reunion picture while standing next to Bobby Seagraves, his best friend since the day he was born.
He was so excited to see the old Central High School during the reunion. I believe that he was hired as the architect to renovate the inside of the school some time back for Central Piedmont. My father was an architect for many years but, I think the renovation was his most proud accomplishment in that it brought back many memories.
I think everyone would agree that my father is irreplaceable and he is deeply missed. To have such a generous happy person leave us seems unfair but, I see his class picture and it reminds me of the man he was and the type of person that we all strive to be.
Thank you.
Ashley Lamar Ledwell Copenhaver
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Bo Madden
Ewell C. "Boe' Madden, Jr., 68, of Monroe, formerly of Charlotte, died Friday, June 20, 2003 at Union Regional Medical Center.
His funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, June 23 at the Wilson Chapel of Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service, 5301 Albemarle Road. The Rev. Paula Northrup will officiate. Interment will follow in Sharon Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 2 until 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon at the funeral home.
Born December 26, 1934 in Winston-Salem, NC, Mr. Madden was a son of the late Ewell C. and Mamie Madden. He was reared in Charlotte and was a graduate of Central High School. Mr. Madden retired as a switchman with Bellsouth after 35 years of service. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed flying remote controlled airplanes.
Survivors include his loving wife of 43 years, Patsy Plyler Madden of the home; beloved father to, Christine Madden Murray, her husband, Tim, and their children, Evan Madden Murray and Erin Michelle Murray, all of Monroe. He is also survived by a brother, Michael Madden and his wife, Brenda of Myrtle Beach, SC; two sisters, Jackie Cook and her husband, Bob of Mint Hill and Ann Burgin of Charlotte; and a number of nephews and nieces.
Memorials may be sent to the American Stroke Association, c/o the American Heart Association, 1229 Greenwood Cliff, Suite 109, Charlotte, NC 28204 or to the Humane Society of Union County, PO Box 101, Monroe, NC 28111.
Arrangements are by the Wilson Chapel of Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service, 5301 Albemarle Road, online at hankinsandwhittington.com.
Published in the Charlotte Observer on 6/22/2003.
Spouses
We've also lost Jimmy Weller's wife, Lillian and Carolyn Minogue Meacham's husband Frank recently.
Samuel Ernest Phipps, Sr. .
Mr. Phipps, 68, of Charlotte, NC died Thursday, January 15, 2004 at Presbyterian Hospital. He was born June 19, 1935 in Rockingham, NC and was the son of the late Josiah S. Phipps and Emma G. Duncan Phipps. He was owner of Ernie's Music, Inc. and Hi-fi Camera Center in Charlotte and other businesses in the Charlotte Area. He was a college recruiter for Devry College for 18 years. He also served as a customer service representative with U. S. Airways and Harris Teeter Supermarkets and was an avid photographer. He married Peggy Curtis in Charlotte, NC on February 14, 1959. He was a member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church where he served as an usher, deacon and Sunday school teacher and a past president of the Queen City Optimist Club, a member of the Sertoma Club, served as a volunteer with Make-A-Wish Foundation, Samaritan Purse and the Charlotte Philharmonic Orchestra.
Survivors include his wife Peggy Curtis Phipps; Sons, Rev. Sam Phipps and his wife Tami; Curt Phipps and his wife Julie; Danny Phipps and his wife Lisa; Rev. Matthew Phipps and his wife Christa all of Charlotte, NC; Sisters, Joyce Zeigler of Mt. Holly, NC; Rose Turner of Jacksonville, Fla.; 9 Grandchildren, Seth Phipps, Christian Phipps, Noel Phipps, CJ Phipps, Christopher Phipps, Victoria Phipps, Grayson Phipps, Abigayle Phipps and Maggie Phipps.
Funeral services to celebrate the life of Mr. Phipps will be 2:00 PM, Monday, January 19, 2004 at Hickory Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Joe B. Brown officiating. Interment will be in Sharon Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Monday from 12:00-2:00 PM at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hickory Grove Baptist Church 6050 Hickory Grove Road, Charlotte, NC 28215 or to 'Celebration of Hope' c/o Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central & Western North Carolina, 121 W. Trade Street, Suite 1600, Charlotte, NC 28202.
Arrangements by McEwen Funeral Service, Mint Hill Chapel.
Charles L. Berry born November 8, 1935, in Charlotte and died February 26, 2004 at his residence. He was a member of Bookwalter UM Church. Formerly worked for RCA Service Co in Charlotte and as branch manager in Knowville. He was retired from Whirlpool in Knowville. Charlie was a "people person" and loved to see others having a good time and laughing. His passion was golf but he also loved tennis, having captained several USTA teams in the last few years. Charlie was a loving and kind man and will be missed by many. Preceeded in death by his parents Charles and Irene Berry and sister Marcella Berry, all of Charlotte. Left to cherish his memories: wife, Susan M. Berry of Knoxville, son and daughter Alan Berry and Lynn Roger Davis, all of Charlotte.
(From local Knoxville, TN newspaper)
of Charlotte, died Saturday, February 21, 2004 at her home. One of the regions most loved Christian ladies was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on February 22, 1913 to the late Harold and Margaret Bell Robinson.
A Charlotte resident since 1929, Miss Robinson graduated from Charlotte/Central High School in 1930, where she was senior class president and went on to graduate in 1934 from Queens College. Miss Janet was an educator and teacher. She taught in the Charlotte School System for 42 years, retiring in June 1978. She affectionately was known as 'Dean of the Bible Teachers'. Miss Robinson was also known throughout the area for her Bible study groups she conducted over the years at ARP, Baptist, Episcopal, Methodist and Presbyterian churches.
Miss Robinson is survived by her sister, Sarah Jane Robinson of the home; her dear friends of the Virginia Asher Bible Conference as well as many dear and devoted students and friends.
Derek V. Knell
Ewell C. Madden, Jr.
George W. Spittle
Jerry N. Walker
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