OBITS3 THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2021 B8 LOOME (FORD), Betty Nell Mrs. Betty Nell Ford Loome, of Falls Church, VA and Moultrie, GA, died on August 12, 2021 surrounded by her family. Mrs. Loome was born on January 2, 1926 in Pharaoh, Oklahoma to John and Emma Ford. She was reared in the town of Henryetta with her sisters, Kathryn and Irma, during the Great Depression.
She graduated from the Oklahoma College for Women in 1947 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and began her professional life as a medical technologist. She married Army Lt. James R. Loome, a West Point graduate, in 1949. Throughout their 53 year marriage, Betty accompanied her husband on his various assignments in the United States and Europe, and supported him during his war-time duty in Korea and Viet Nam.
Throughout the years, she and her husband travelled extensively, including to Turkey, Egypt, the Baltics, Croatia, Russia, China, Hong Kong, four Latin American countries, and much of Western Europe. Their home was filled with pieces from around the world. Together they raised three daughters and one son. In 1952, Betty began her teaching career. She spent 35 years in public school classrooms in Oklahoma, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia.
In 1972, she earned her Master of Education degree from the University of Virginia, and dedicated the last 15 years of her career to being a reading specialist in Arlington County, Virginia. She retired 1987. Jim and Betty retired from the Army in 1972 and joined their civilian community. Mrs. Loome was active in leadership in the Arlington Retired Teachers Association, Reading is Fundamental, the American Association of University Women, and the Falls Church Presbyterian Church.
She and her husband were active members of the West Point Society of Washington, D.C. and supported the performing arts as regular attendees of performances by the Arlington Symphony and at the Kennedy Center. They volunteered as poll workers and delivered for Meals-on-Wheels. They moved to Moultrie, GA in 2003 where her husband passed away in 2005. Here Betty volunteered as a school mentor, supported the YMCA, and was an active member of First Presbyterian Church.
She was the loving center and key communicator of a large and dispersed family. She lavished her grandchildren with books, hand-made clothing, and adventures to museums and galleries at the Smithsonian. She was an avid reader, life-long scholar, and excellent bridge player, and through bridge made lasting and loyal friendships. She was feted by a family gathering of 42 on her 90th birthday. She never missed sending a timely birthday card to her many loved ones.
She drove a car and traveled by plane until she was 95. Betty was predeceased by her husband, retired Army Colonel James R. Loome, her sisters Kathryn Ford Payne and Irma Ford Stockton, and son-in-law Paul Matthews. She is survived by children Linda Loome Schwartz of Marietta, GA, Jennifer Loome Marion of GA, Margaret Loome Matthews of Princeton, NJ, and James L. Loome of Clinton, MS; as well as their spouses, Greg Schwartz, Ben Marion and Nancy D.
Loome. She also loved eight granddaughters: Brittany S. Hapner, Tiffany S. Small, Sarah M. Hales, Jessica Schwartz, Maryanne Matthews, Margo Matthews, Susan L.
Cowan, and Jennifer Loome. She loved six grandsons: Ben Marion, Ryan Matthews, Adam Marion, Gregory Schwartz, Samuel Marion, and Jack Loome. She leaves 18 great- grandchildren. She is also survived by cousin Ann Rutledge and nieces Sara Kinnee, Rebecca Duncan, Kathryn Stockton, Deborah Stockton, and nephew John McMann. Due to the pandemic, a service at First Presbyterian Church in Moultrie, GA has been postponed until October or later.
Another service at Arlington National Cemetery will be held around June, 2022 at which time she will be laid to rest next to her husband. Arrangements are being handled by Flanigan Funeral Home in In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the YMCA of Moultrie, GA. To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com. Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.
LYSAK, Mary Ann Mary Ann Lysak passed from this life to the next on August 11, 2021. She was born in Ful- ton, New York in 1933 to her parents F. Parker and Ruth E. Van Buren. She was the young- est of three children, her older brothers, Parker and Dick, she adored.
After graduating from Michigan State University, she returned to her hometown to teach high school and soon caught the eye of Michael Lysak. They were married in 1958 and throughout their 59 years together, lived in numerous places. Among these were Syracuse, NY, River Edge, NJ, Pittsburg, PA, Arlington, VA finally settled in Dunwoody, GA, in 1978. During this journey they welcomed and dearly loved their daughter, Mary Ellen. Family, home, faith and friends were the most important things in her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers and her husband Michael and daughter Mary Ellen. She is survived by her nie- ces, Cindy Damron, Teri Moran, and Kris Butterfield, and her nephews, Richard Van Buren, Gary Van Buren, Mark Van Buren, Michael Van Buren, and Patrick Van Buren. Mary also had three nephews who predeceased her, John Van Buren, Robert Van Buren, and William Van Buren. Mary touched us all with her lively nature and loving spirit. She will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Parish, 309 Buffalo Fulton, NY, 13069. A funeral Mass will be held on August 27, 2021 at 3:00 PM at All Saints Catholic Church, 2443 Mt. Vernon Road, Dunwoody, GA where she and her husband Michael were founding members. Fischer Funeral Care, Atlanta, GA. www.fischerperimetercha- pel.
PATTERSON, Sherrod Gates "Pete" October 7, 1956-August 8, 2021 Pete was born at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Palm Beach, FL to the late Susan McCall Patterson and George Enslen Patterson, Jr. His family moved to Savannah, GA when he was very small and he attended Savannah Country Day School where he played varsity football and basketball and graduated in 1975. He attended Washington and Lee University and graduated as a Phi Beta Kappa in 1979. He obtained his law degree from the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University in 1982.
A railroad historian and enthusiast, Pete spent many summer breaks and holidays traveling and working for Amtrak as a seasonal ticket agent. Pete worked as an attorney for Short Fowler in Moultrie, Fisher Phillips and the Federal Labor Relations Authority in Atlanta before opening up his own law practice in Decatur, GA. While living and working in Moultrie, Pete assisted in establishing the Colquitt County Food Bank. contributions to his Decatur neighborhood and civic association were numerous and selfless, including being in the forefront of establishing and maintaining Carey Hansard Park, negotiating the Conservation Greenspace and reduced density in a property abutting his neighborhood, for years he worked for more sidewalks in his neighborhood, he was watchful regarding sewer spills in Burnt Fork Creek, he wrote the history of his neighborhood, he attended innumerable meetings with DeKalb Commissioners and the Planning Department, and meetings with other civic associations on issues of mutual interest. He dedicated not just hours but years to making his neighborhood a better place.
Pete leaves behind his devoted wife, Angela McFall Patterson, his sister Mary Howard Patterson Hatcher (Richard) and a niece Susan McCall Hatcher as well as many cousins and dear friends. He was predeceased by a brother, George Enslen Patterson, III. A Requiem Mass will be celebrated at Saint Barnabas Anglican Church in Dunwoody at a later date and the funeral plans will be announced by A. S. Turner Sons Funeral Home.
THORNTON, Catherine Age 71, of Greensboro, GA, passed August 19, 2021. Services Tuesday, August 24, 2021, 1:00 PM at The Chapel of Watts Fu- neral Home. Watts Funeral Home, Union Point. PERRYMAN, Cynthia Age 61, of Atlanta, GA passed away on August 19, 2021. Services entrusted to Gregory Levett Sons Funeral Homes- South Dekalb Chapel, (404) 241-5656.
PLAYER (BOODIN), Susan Susan Boodin Player, age 81 passed away August 15, 2021. Susan was born on December 4, 1939 to Dr. John Emil Boodin and Dorothy Tinley Boodin in Chicago, IL. She graduated from Evanston Township High School in 1957, the same year she was Queen of the Evanston 4th of July parade led by Walt Disney, Grand Marshall. Susan graduated from the University of Illinois in 1961 with a degree in Elementary Education.
She was a proud member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. As a senior, Susan was pictured in the Illini yearbook in Who at Illinois and was honored as one of the top 100 graduates. In 1968, Susan and her family moved to Atlanta, GA where she was President of the Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club, President of Atlanta Panhellenic, and very involved in the Young Matrons Circle for Tallulah Falls School. She was an avid fisherman and fished all over the United States and New Zealand. Susan is survived by her husband of 60 years, Paul Edward Player, whom she married in 1961, and her children, daughter Laura Player Thompson; son Charles Boodin Player; daughter- in-law Margaret Ann Player; and grandchildren John Hunter Player, Patrick Adam Thompson, Jennifer Ray Player, and Kathryn Elizabeth Thompson.
Susan was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed arranging flowers, keeping up with the weather, discussing history, and indulging on her favorite thing in life desserts. To honor Susan, treat yourself to a delicious dessert and remember how much she loved them. The family would like to thank the wonderful support and love from the personnel at The Crossings at Bon Air, where Susan and Paul have called home for the past 18 months after relocating from Atlanta, GA. A celebration of life will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Association in hope of supporting and honoring the heroic caregivers. THORNTON, Stanley Stan Thornton, 86, of Dunwoody died on Friday, August 13 of 2021 surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of the late Hollister Alvin Thornton and Fannie Mae Clary Thornton. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Vicki Hurt Thornton; daughter, Tracy Thornton Coffie; sons, Steven Thornton (Allison) and Jeffrey Thornton (Nasheya); and grandchildren, Rachel Thornton, Carter Coffie, Elizabeth Rose Coffie, Benjamin Coffie, and Laura Thornton. Stan was born in Decatur, Georgia on May 19, 1935.
His father was a sweet, gentle man and his mother was fiercely devoted to him. He had wonderful memories of his childhood and looked up to his older brother, H.A. Thornton (deceased), and adored his older sister, Gloria Thornton Orr (deceased). His nieces and nephews have continued to be a source of love and pride for him. At Decatur High School, Stan was a football star, a fast-as- lightening running back that captured the attention of 1952 Atlanta.
That same year, he was named an All-American and was the proud recipient of the prestigious Georgia Back of the Year Award. It was even rumored that his mother would bet on his speed in the stands with skeptical opposing fans. Stan attended the University of Georgia where he pledged Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and completed his degree in chemistry. Yes, to many surprise, Stan began his career as a chemist but soon found that his charismatic extroverted personality better suited him for a life as a salesperson. As an apparel rep, he traveled the southeast where he regularly turned clients into friends.
So much trust they had in Stan that most asked him to order for them, the highest praise a salesperson can achieve, and their trust was never misplaced. In 1959, Stan married the love of his life, Vicki Hurt of Avondale. They have remained devoted to each other through 62 years and raised a daughter and two sons. Throughout the years, they enjoyed snow skiing together and were fortunate enough to visit several of the best resorts in Colorado, Montana, and Utah. The 1991 family ski trip to Big Sky Montana always remained as one of his favorite vacation memories.
For most of his career, Stan worked for Gant Shirtmakers with his best friend, Don Burt (deceased). Close friends since college, Stan and Don enjoyed almost 3 decades of working together and shared many adventures that would become family legends over time. Stan always credited Don for convincing Vicki and him to buy a lake house in 1977 on little known north Georgia Lake Burton, a place that became the heart of the Thornton family for over forty years. Though there was no place Stan would rather be than on Lake Burton and, more recently, Lake Nottely, surrounded by his kids and grandchildren, he and Vicki also enjoyed their home in St. Island and visited there often.
As a UGA graduate, Stan was a lifelong loyal Dawg fan. His only true regret as a fan was inadvertently stepping out of the room just before the 1980 play and missing the most iconic play in UGA history. He shares his fanaticism with a host of other UGA alumni family members who annually gather clad in red and black where Stan could always be seen in his favorite UGA hoodie. Stan loved his church and all his friends at St Presbyterian in Dunwoody. Throughout the years, Stan was a deacon, an elder, and, on several occasions, wrote and delivered his own sermons in front of the congregation.
Later in life, Stan loved playing golf and his group of buddies that he played with twice a week. His long drives were well known amongst his friends and family. One of his prized clubs was a beautiful wooden pitching wedge he won in a tournament for the longest drive. Stan had a life most people would envy, was loved by many, and will be missed by everyone who knew him. A Celebration of life will take place in August 28, 11 AM, at St.
Presbyterian Church in Dunwoody. The Celebration will also be streamed live for those out of town. SPENCER (TAYLOR), Gloria Gloria Taylor Spencer, age 93, passed in her home at Wesley Woods Towers on August 19, 2021. She was born at her home outside Farmerville, Louisiana, on December 9, 1927. She married the love of her life, John Madison Spencer, on the Bride and Groom Radio Show, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 20 on February 20, 1948.
After a brief time in Evansville, Indiana, she and John built a loving home in Smyrna, Georgia, which they shared for 63 years until death in 2018. After settling in Smyrna, John spent the rest of his working career at Lockheed Martin while Gloria served as a teacher in the Cobb County School District. Though classified a "substitute teacher," skills were in such demand that she was employed continuously. She was a faithful member of King Spring Baptist Church for over 45 years, serving as a Sunday School teacher to senior adults for most of that time. In addition to teaching and church activities, Gloria enjoyed caring for her daughter, granddaughters, and great- grandchildren.
She was known for her cooking and sewing skills and her indefatigable energy (John often called her a "worker Gloria is survived by her sister, Macelle Taylor Smith, her daughter, Donna Spencer Woolf (Bill), her granddaughter, Shannon Woolf Connolly (Matt), and her great-grandchildren, Liam Woolf Connolly and Paige Sarah Connolly. Because of COVID-19, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Sign on line guest book at www.fischerperimeterchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Decatur Education Foundation, designated for the Sarah Woolf Memorial Scholarship Fund, 500 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA, 30030, decatureducationfoundation.org.
Fischer Funeral Care, Atlanta, (678) 514-1000. SANDERS (YARBROUGH), Glory Age 83, of Sandy Springs, GA entered Kingdom on August 12, 2021. Born in Pensacola, FL to Mildred and Dean Yarbrough, she graduated from Pensacola High School. She attended Auburn University where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. She graduated from Huntingdon College with a BS in Biology.
She matriculated to Mayo Clinic where she earned a certificate in Physical Therapy. Glory was the quintessential Physical Therapist. In the early she established Atlanta Physical Therapy Clinic, the first female owned clinic and one of the first private practices in GA. She treated and facilitated improved health for hundreds of patients in Atlanta until she retired in 2006. She was active professionally as a lifelong member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the GA APTA chapter.
She was awarded the APTA highest award for service, the Lucy Blair Award. In the GA APTA, she held positions including President and Chief Delegate. She was a charter member of the GA Foundation for Physical Therapy and also served as President. She served as President of the Board of Physical Therapy for many years. She served as clinical faculty instructor for the Department of Physical Therapy students at GA State University, Emory University and Medical College of GA.
Glory was known for her generous and giving heart, her love of exclamation marks and the joy she brought to all who knew her. She loved her friends and family, her dogs, golf, dry Manhattans, cooking on the grill, cruising the world, and driving her pontoon boat at Lake Burton. She is survived by her wife and life partner of 35 years, Janet Brumfield; sister Patricia Yarbrough; brother Rudy Yarbrough (Elaine); nephew Evan Yarbrough; niece Lily Yarbrough Condy (Joey); great nieces Brighton and Maren Condy; sisters in law Brenda Swords and Dennie (Betsy) Naugle (Tom). She is also survived by her special friends of the heart: Mary Ellen Howley, Sue Pritchett, Jo Jones, and Mary Castiglione. There will be a Celebration of Life later for her friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the GA Foundation for Physical Therapy (GFPTonline.org); the Atlanta Union Mission or to a charity of your choice. For further information and updates, see www.hmpattersonarlington.com SMALLEY (LOEHR), Elizabeth Louise age 100, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 5, 2021. Betty was born in Shanghai, China on July 10, 1921 to Allen George Loehr and Irma Dozier Loehr while her father was serving in the American Consular Service. Her grandfather, Dr. George R.
Loehr, was a missionary in China as well as an educator, author and a native Georgian. Her great-grandfather, Dr. Young John Allen (1836-1907), graduated from Emory University and is well-known as a pioneer Methodist missionary, journalist, translator, publisher and educator who spent most of his life in China. Betty grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and graduated from Birmingham Southern College after entering at the age of 16. She worked in the accounting department of Stockham Pipe Fittings where she met her future husband, Harold Eugene Smalley, Sr.
in 1943. They married in 1944 and had 50 wonderful years of marriage before death in 1994. Betty and Harold worked as partners as they moved to follow career in academia. After living in Indiana, Connecticut, and Pittsburgh, they moved to Atlanta in 1958 where Harold was a Professor at Georgia Tech. Betty was a devoted and loving wife who supported her husband in all his endeavors.
Betty is survived by her three children, Elizabeth Smalley (Steve Young), Janet Ledford (Tim), and Harold Eugene Smalley Jr. (Susan), five grandchildren, Michelle Smalley Garren (Kirk), Michael Smalley, Stephanie Young, Matt Young and Katelyn Smalley, two step grandchildren Kim Urbanija (LJ) and Jessica Kaufenberg (Tim), and six great-grandchildren Addison Urbanija, Austin Garren, Mackenzie Kaufenberg, Conner Urbanija, Lumen Garren and Annabelle Kaufenberg, three nieces Elizabeth Groover, Mary Allen Sawtelle, Lynn Roberson and her two nephews, Wayne Smalley and Gary Smalley. Betty loved raising her children and spending time with her extended family. She enjoyed working at her church (Peachtree Road United Methodist Church), traveling, gardening and taking her daily walks. She was interested in theology, philosophy, and social justice and put these issues into practice.
Betty remained healthy throughout her later years with a balanced diet, exercise and her optimistic view of life. Betty was an amazing role model who touched the lives of so many and will be remembered for her warm heart, creative spirit and playful sense of humor. A private graveside service for the family will be held at Arlington Memorial Park on September 9, 2021. TAYLOR, Joe Wiley Passed August 16, 2021, at home and at peace. He was born June 4, 1943, in Atlanta, GA.
He is a great sharer of the gospel of Jesus Christ, encouraging everyone he came in contact with to make sure of their relationship with God. He is a member of Relate Church, Byram MS. Joe began his work career as a milkman in Atlanta. He then began delivering Little Debbie Snack Cakes. Given the oppor- tunity to own his route, he relocated his family to Vicksburg, MS finally settling in Clinton, MS.
After Little Debbie, he oper- ated a family restaurant, but returned to the grocery business as a sales associate for SuperValu. After many years working as a food broker, he retired from the grocery industry. In later years, Joe worked as a transporter at the Baptist Hospital where he was able to pray with patients as he carried them throughout the hospital. These were the best of days for him as he was able to share his testimony of the goodness and faithfulness of God. He was also able to track his steps and shared those steps as encouragement to any who would lis- ten.
He is predeceased in death by his father, Joe Wiley Taylor, Sr and his mother, Lillian Wood Gresham. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Nancy Johnson Taylor; his daughter Darleen Taylor Dozier and her husband, Eric; his son James David Tay- lor and his wife, Trish; and his son Danny Robert Taylor and his wife, Beth. He is also survived by grandchildren, Kristin Nicole Tyus and her husband Jimmy, Karli Allison Blakely, Dan- ny Matthew Taylor, Airman First Class Brianna Nicole Taylor, Ethan Gabriel Taylor, Kaitlyn Erica Dozier, Caleb Michael Tay- lor, Kara Elizabeth Dozier, Micah Jonathan Taylor, and Joshua David Taylor. Two great-grandchildren brought joy to his heart, Swayzee Karcynn Blakely, and Noah William Tyus. He was loved by all and will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be Wednesday, August 25 at Lakewood Funeral Home in Clinton 9 AM-11 AM with service to follow in the chapel. Friday, August 27, visitation will be 9 AM-10 AM at Southern Cremations and Funerals in Fairburn, GA with grave- side services and interment at Holly Hill Memorial Park, Fairburn, GA. With our deepest sympathy Visit our online guestbooks at ajc.com/obituaries.
