AlumniNotes


In Memoriam Mabel Merchant Hinson (’42) on April 30, 2024


William H. “Bill” Bridges (’46) on August 2, 2024


George Sherwood (’49) on May 20, 2023


Donald Camp Whelchel (’51) on Sept. 16, 2024


Peggy Carter Weathers (’53) on Sept. 29, 2024


Rev. Jerry A. Ford (’55) on Oct. 5, 2024


Betty Jane Emory (’60) on Sept. 12, 2024


Rev. David Eugene Lloyd (’60) on July 10, 2024


Marian Bennett Youmans (’60) on Oct. 5, 2024


Charlotte Kell Goldman (’61) on April 30, 2024


Wilbert Carroll Suggs (’62) on Sept. 12, 2024


Rev. Wendell Rhodes (’63) on April 17, 2024


Arthur “Gene” Baxley (’64) on April 25, 2024


Rev. Roger M. Estridge Sr. (’65) on May 18, 2024


Jolene Sparks Postol (’65) on August 23, 2024


Susan Neves Mitchell (’67) on December 16, 2023


Rev. David Loyd Levi (’73) on March 29, 2019


Steven Ross Wood (’80) on October 17, 2023


Jayne Allison Bowers (’81) on July 28, 2023


Richard Clint Sullens (’03) on April 5, 2024


Justin Bradley Knight (’08) on Nov. 9, 2024


Christian Reuel Edwin Golden (’16) on June 8, 2024


Graham Norris Bramlette (NGU Baseball honorary bench coach) on April 29, 2024


Dr. Katherine Davis Cann (former faculty member) on Tuesday, May 7, 2024


Dr. Bob Detjen (former physics professor) on May 7, 2024


Shirley Belle Waldrop Eskew (long-time employee in Financial Aid) on Sept. 22, 2024


Susan Frazier Kahl (former sociology and psychology professor) on May 31, 2024


Charles “Charlie” Parker (former music adjunct professor) on May 12, 2024


Weddings


Kady Floyd (’18) to Tim Briscoe on March 9, 2024


Anne


Zimmerman (’20) to Kaleb Cutshall on April 1, 2023


Mary Margaret Ellison (’22) to Cory Bowen (’19, MBA ’21) on June 8, 2024


Natalie Grace Hinson to Shane Martin Amerson (’24) on July 27, 2024


Class Notes NGU Community Mourns Passing of Longtime Influential Educator


A passionate teacher, devoted mother, and loving grandmother. That’s the way Dr. Mary Ann Solesbee is being remembered.


The first chair of North Greenville University’s Department of Education, Solesbee passed away on January 10 at the age of 75. Solesbee was serving as a professor in NGU’s Doctor of Education program, instructing future educators to foster a love of learning in their own students.


“So many of us adored her humble spirit and her passion for educators at all levels,”


said NGU President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “Dr. Solesbee was committed to developing transformational leaders for church and society. Her enthusiasm and care for others will be deeply missed.”


Solesbee earned her Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina and dedicated her career to the field of education. She taught elementary school for many years in South Carolina, inspiring students with her love for history and storytelling.


“Dr. Mary Ann Solesbee greeted everyone with a warm smile and a vibrant energy for life,” said Dr. Constance Wright, Dean of NGU’s College of Education. “Her passion for learning and education inspired those around her, and as the founding dean of the College of Education, she laid the foundation for an education program that will continue shaping the lives of future educators for years to come. We are grateful for her visionary leadership and countless contributions, but even more so for the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed.”


Solesbee was the author of the Sal and Amanda book series, which uses historical fiction to teach children about South Carolina’s rich history. In addition, she wrote “South Carolina Under Our Feet,” a first-grade Social Studies textbook that is used by tens of thousands of students across the state.


Solesbee created and directed a Teaching American History Grant for eight school districts in the Upstate and provided in-service teacher education both in the U.S. and abroad. She also played a pivotal role in the establishment of the South Carolina Governor’s School for Agriculture at John de la Howe.


“She was always pleasant and went out of her way to love on us and all those in education,” recalled Dr. Brian Spearman, who studied under Solesbee’s leadership and serves as a member of NGU’s Board of Trustees. “She would let us come talk to her about anything and she always had a smile on her face. She will be missed.”


Solesbee’s family said she will be remembered for her unwavering faith in Jesus, her extraordinary accomplishments, her love for her family, and her dedication to nurturing the next generation of learners.


1948 Rev. Francis Taylor “Corky” Alewine was awarded the Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award at Homecoming 2024. Alewine’s career includes service as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force, with military service stints in England, Japan, Louisiana, Korea, Maine, South Carolina, and Turkey. He also is a graduate of Furman University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and has served in the pastorate of several local churches, including Tigerville Baptist Church.


1957


Jean Brown McManus [and her husband Dr. William “Bill” McManus (’59)] was honored during Homecoming 2024 with the Distinguished Alumni Award. Mrs. McManus finished her bachelor’s degree in biology and education at Furman University. She completed a master’s degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. She taught at NGU for 23 years, including a full-time post in the biology department.


NGU.EDU | 19


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