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The Miss America Organization Offers Condolences

If anyone is interested in sending cards or gestures of sympathy, they can be sent to the National Office of the Miss America Organization and they will be forwarded to the families.

The Miss America Organization
222 New Road
Suite 700
Linwood, NJ 08221
Attn: Condolences


Theresa Anne “Tess” Beauchamp - October 2, 2008

In Loving Memory… Theresa Anne “Tess” Beauchamp January 22, 1928 - October 2, 2008 On Thursday, October 2, our former State Executive Director of Connecticut and recipient of the 2002 Miss America Academy of Honor, Teresa Anne "Tess" Beauchamp passed away. She will be truly missed by all who knew her. Tess is survived by her husband, Bernard C. Beauchamp. Tess was born in Dowlais, South Wales, Great Britain, on Jan. 22, 1928, and lived in North Adams, Mass., prior to moving to Watertown, Mass. She was a graduate of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and received her master's degree from Southern Connecticut University. She was a teacher in the Watertown public school system for many years, having started her career at Baldwin School and retiring while at the Griffin School. Tess was the consummate volunteer as she donated so much of her time to numerous committees and was an extraordinary individual who dedicated selflessly to the Miss America Organization for so many years. Her volunteerism earned her the Lieutenant Governor's Connecticut Treasures Award which was presented to her by now Governor Jodi Rell. Tess was active in the Miss Connecticut Scholarship Program, serving on its board of directors as state judges chair. Her involvement and dedication to the pageant has enabled her to develop a wide circle of friends across the country. Her dedication was rewarded with a 40-year pin as well as induction into Miss America's National Academy of Honor. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Miss CT Scholarship Corp., 72 Cambridge Drive, Southington 06489; Saint Mary's Hospital, 56 Franklin St., Waterbury 06708; or to the Town Hall Preservation Committee.


Solon Davis "David" Laney - September 11, 2008

In Loving Memory … Solon Davis “David” Laney - Thursday, September 11, 2008 - Remembering a beloved friend of the Miss America Family, The Miss America Organization bids farewell to 62 year-old Solon Davis “David” Laney, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Miss Georgia Organization and husband of Ruth Wilheit Laney. Other survivors include son, Matthew Davis Laney and his wife, Dawn; one grandson, Jacob Davis Laney; daughter, Allison Ruth Laney; brother, Judge John T. Laney, III and his wife, Weesie; brother-in-law, Skip Wilheit; and numerous relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to, Camp Juliette Low, Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 5113, Marietta, GA 30061, Miss Georgia Pageant Scholarship Fund, 233 12th St., Columbus, GA 31901 or St. Luke United Methodist Church Outreach Ministry or Food Pantry, P.O. Box 867, Columbus, GA 31902. Please visit www.mem.com to sign the on-line guest registry.


Debby Nan Robert Booth - August 7, 2008

It's with great sadness and regret I announce the passing of my lovely wife, Debby Nan, on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008, at 11:30 p.m. Debby lived a joyous and exciting life. She graduated with a bachelor's and master's degrees in music from LSU. She was a coloratura soprano. She was a former Miss Baton Rouge and Miss Louisiana in 1972. Debby was semi-finalist in the Miss America Pageant that year and also the talent winner. She then toured several years with Liberace. Debby was the first female colonel in the Air Force ROTC at LSU. She is survived by her husband, Dr. E. Paul Booth; daughters, Shannon and Natalie; mother-in-law, Shirley; son-in-law, Dr. Thomas Palmer; and granddaughter, Caley. Preceded in death by her parents, George and Melba Robert. A memorial service will be announced in the near future.


Evelyn Motlow Britton - August 4, 2008

BRITTON, EVELYN MOTLOW, of Atlanta and formerly of Birmingham died August 4, 2008. She was born January 31, 1921 and was the daughter of the late William Dudley Motlow and Tennie McClure Motlow. Mrs. Britton was a member of Wieuca Road Baptist Church for 40 years and was a member of the Rivershore Estates Garden Club. Evelyn was also a former "Miss Alabama" in 1940. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack E. Britton and son, Roderick Wade Goodner. Survivors include her grandsons, Roderick Wade Goodner, Jr. (Takako), Randall Montgomery Goodner; great grandchildren, Julienne Sachie Goodner, Dylan Yuhi Goodner; sister, Marilyn Motlow Gillespie (Bobby); brother, James Baker Motlow; sister, Ruth Ellen Motlow Betts (Ira); brother, William Dudley Motlow, Jr. (Lisa); and daughter-in-law, Janan Goodner. Funeral services will be in Birmingham, AL at Ridout's Valley Chapel, 1800 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood, AL on Friday, August 8, 2008 at 1 o'clock CST. The family will receive friends Thursday at Ridout's Valley Chapel from 6 to 8 o'clock CST. The family will receive friends in Atlanta Wednesday, August 6, 2008 from 7 to 9 o'clock at H.M. Patterson and Son, Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Rd, Sandy Springs, GA. Services in Birmingham are under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel (205.879.3401) 1800 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209.


B. Don Magness - July 17, 2008

In Loving Memory … B. Don Magness Thursday, July 17, 2008 Remembering a Beloved Friend of the Miss America Family The Miss America Organization bids farewell to B. Don Magness, former Chairman of the Miss Texas Organization and husband of Jean Magness on his passing away yesterday. Well known in the Fort Worth area as the city’s Public Events Director, B. Don and his Jean, our State Executive Director for Texas, created a dynamic team that has produced a legacy for building the most successful pageants for decades for the Miss Texas Organization. He will be remembered for his contributions, his dedication and his commitment to our program. Our thoughts and our prayers are offered to Jean and her loving family. We are sincerely grateful for all of B. Don’s efforts and his legacy will forever be remembered.


Scott w. McKlveen - June 27, 2008

Scott W. McKlveen 54, of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, June 27, 2008. He was the husband of Carol (Albrich) McKlveen. Born in Ohio, he was the son of Vera (Manichl) McKlveen of Avon Lake, Ohio, and the late George Alexander McKlveen. Until his illness prevented his continued employment, Scott was the general manager at Comfort Suites in south Bethlehem for many years. He took pride in his involvement with the United Way, Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau and Lehigh Valley Hotel and Restaurant Association. He was also on the Board of Directors for the Miss Pennsylvania Scholarship Organization. He will be lovingly remembered by his mother, wife, daughter, Carolyn M. Segata and her husband Michael of Whitehall, sons, Robert S. McKlveen of Saddlebrook, N.J., Steven E. Chopek of Pittsburgh and Zachary Albrich at home, daughter, Ali McKlveen at home, and brothers, Jack McKlveen and his wife Denise of Alpharetta, Ga., and Craig McKlveen of Avon Lake. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Scotts name to Hospice of the V.N.A. of St. Lukes, 1510 Valley Center Pkwy., Suite 200, Bethlehem, PA 18017.


Marlene A. Wynne - May 31, 2008

On Saturday, May 31st, Marlene Wynne, our beloved State Executive Director of Pennsylvania and life long friend of the Miss America Organization passed away. As so many of you may know, Marlene, served as a member of the Board of Directors of Northampton County Jr. Miss, and was the Executive Director of the Miss Pennsylvania Scholarship Organization for over a decade. Her dedication to our program is immeasurable and her commitment to helping so many young women is truly a testament to her life’s dedication. Marlene will always be remembered for her inspiration, her kind spirit and her wonderful legacy that will live on in our hearts.

We send our condolences to Marlene’s husband and her family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time of sorrow.

Below is the announcement that was posted in today’s local paper.

Marlene A. Wynne, 71, of Forks Township passed away Saturday, May 31, 2008 in the VNA Hospice House of St. Luke's. She was born on April 4, 1937 in Easton, PA a daughter to the late Paul and Josephine Trigiani DeFranco. Marlene was married to Gary Wynne, with whom she would have celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary this June 20th. Marlene was a graduate of Bangor High School and Rider College. She was employed as an Executive Assistant for the Emergency Management Division of Northampton County. She was a former elementary school teacher and was a business owner of a bridal consulting business.

Memberships: Marlene was a member of Saint Bernard's Catholic Church, 132 So. 5th Street, Easton, Zeta Mu Epsilon Sorority, PTA President of Forks Elementary School, Tracy Elementary School, Easton Middle School, Shawnee Intermediate School and the Easton Area High School. She was a Lifetime member of the National Organization of PA PTA, Jr. Women's Club, member of the Board of Directors of Northampton County Jr. Miss, Executive Director of the Miss Pennsylvania Scholarship Organization affiliated with the Miss America Organization.

Survivors: In addition to her husband Gary, Marlene is survived by a son Mark and his wife Jane; daughter Marla and her husband Jim; granddaughter Miranda; Grandsons Deran and Peyton; and a brother Dr. Paul DeFranco of St. Louis, Missouri.

Services: Services will be held 9:15am Wednesday in the Morello Funeral Home Inc. 3720 Nicholas Street Palmer, PA followed by a 10:00am Mass of Christian Burial in the church. Call Tuesday evening from 6:00pm 8:00pm and Wednesday morning from 8:15am 9:15am in the funeral home. Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery in Bangor. Memorials: The family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society Lehigh Valley Unit 3893 Adler Place Bethlehem, PA 18017. Online condolences may be offered at morellofuneralhome.com.

Published in The Express Times on 6/2/2008.


Charles Robert Skinner - May 1, 2008

Charles Robert Skinner, 71, passed away on April 29, 2008. He was born in Syracuse, NY on May 24, 1936. He was involved with the Miss America Program from 1978- 1995, serving as a judge and Executive Director of Miss Maryland for many of those years. He was also the president of National Association of Miss America State Pageants. He judged Vanessa Williams for the title of Miss NY before she became Miss America. He is survived by his wife, Beverly, whom he married June 8, 1958, four children, 7 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandson. Also a brother living in Egypt. Visitation will be from 10:00 - 11:00AM on May 2, at St. Matthews Lutheran Church, 1200 Churchville Rd, Bel Air, MD 21014. Memorial service will be at 11:00 at the church following visitation. Family requests donations to the Organ Fund at the church above or the Morris K. Udall Parkinson Disease Research Center, One Charles Center, 100 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201. Arrangements are by Evans Funeral Chapel, 3 Newport Drive, Forest Hill, MD 21050. Memorial tributes may be sent to evansfuneralchapel.com. Info is from The Aegis newspaper, Bel Air at www.theaegis.com


Joseph F. Kelly - March 3, 2008

Vice President of the Miss Pennsylvania Pageant Board of Directors

JOSEPH F. KELLY, 68 years of age, of Havertown PA, passed away suddenly on March 3, 2008. Beloved husband of Lorraine (nee McDade); loving father of Joseph (Wendy), Jeffrey (Kristen) and James (Cynthia); dear brother of Edward (Millie), William (Barbara), Daniel (Jean), the late John (Mary), Patrick and Catherine "Kitty" (Bill); grand-father of Ryan, Colin, Jeffrey Jr., Laura, Brooke and Sheridan. Relatives and friends are invited to his Funeral Mass Friday, 11 A.M., Sacred Heart Church, Manoa. Int. SS. Peter and Paul Cem. Calling hours Thursday eve, 6 to 9 and Friday 9 to 10:30 A.M., THE DONOHUE FUNERAL HOME, 8401 WEST CHESTER PIKE (cor. LYNN BLVD.), UPPER DARBY PA, 610-449-0300. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe's memory to American Diabetes Assoc., 150 Monument Road, Suite 100, Bala Cynwyd PA 19004, would be appreciated.


Calvin Mock - February 22, 2008

Calvin S. Mock age 66 of Allentown passed away Friday Feb. 2, 2008 in St. Luke’s Hospital, Fountain Hill. Born in Coaldale, PA he was the son of Olga (Yarosky) Mock and the late Calvin E. Mock.
He was an Army Veteran serving from 1963-1965. Calvin was a graduate of Steven’s Technical Institute and he retired from Mack Trucks in 2005. Previous to Mack Trucks he worked at Stanley Vidmar.
He was a member of First Congregational Church in Coaldale, a member of the Masonic Lodge in Allentown, a board member and previous President of the Mack Ski Club, Treasurer and Executive Board Member of the Miss Pennsylvania Pageant.

Calvin is survived by his mother Olga Mock of Allentown, formerly of Lake Hauto, his brother James and wife Allyn of Andreas, PA, 1 niece and 3 nephews. He is predeceased by his sister Louise Ann Mick.

A viewing will be held Wednesday evening Feb 27 from 6-8 PM at Kohut Funeral Home, Inc. 950 N. Front St. Allentown. His Funeral Service will be on Thursday Feb 28 at 10:00 AM in the funeral home. Interment to follow in Sky-View Memorial Park Cemetery in Tamaqua. Online condolences at www.kohutfuneralhome.com

In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Calvin’s name to the American Cancer Society.


Eleanor (Sharpe) Taylor - February 7, 2008

Traveled with 16 Miss Americas as the National Traveling Companion and Member of the National Hostess Committee

TAYLOR, ELEANOR (nee SHARPE) - of Northfield, passed away February 7, 2008. Ellie is preceded in death by her parents Peter and Mary Sharpe, brothers Frank and Gene Sharpe and her sisters Mary Moore, Gert O'Brien and Ann Kelly. She is survived by her daughter Lisa Strother of Mays Landing, grandson Jason Strother of Seoul, South Korea and a granddaughter Kim Strother of New York City, and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Eleanor's name to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 50 Memphis, Tenn. 38101-9929. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Nicholas Church, Tennessee and Pacific Aves., Atlantic City on February 12, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. Friends may call one hour before at the church. Burial will be private. Arrangements by the George H. Wimberg Funeral Home


Miss Chicago 1948 Lois June Nettleton, Top 15 at Miss America - January 18, 2008

Miss Chicago 1948 Lois June Nettleton, 80, died at her home in Woodland Hills, CA on January 18, 2008 of lung cancer. Lois was crowned Miss Chicago 1948, competed for Miss America in 1948 and placed in the Top 15. For her talent, she performed "St. Joan" by Shaw. Lois became a versatile and accomplished actress who appeared on stage, in films and on TV in her long career. She studied acting at Chicago's Goodman Theatre and then at the Actors' Studio in New York City, where she made her Broadway debut in 1949's 'The Biggest Thief in Town'. Lois was Barbara Bel Geddes's understudy in the role of Maggie in 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof'.

Lois Nettleton appeared in many movies, but most of her work was on the stage and in television, where she appeared on everything from sticoms to soap operas. Nettleton won two Emmies for her TV work, for the daytime special "The American Woman: Profiles in Courage" in 1977 and for "A Gun for Mandy" in 1983.

Lois Nettleton was married for seven years to Jean Shepherd, radio and TV humorist and writer.

Instead of flowers, contributions can be made in Lois Nettleton's name to:
The Actor's Fund for Everyone in Entertainment
Seventh Avenue, 14th Floor
New York, NY 10019

The Miss America Organization would like to extend condolences to her family and friends.


Rosalie Jane Morris Collins, Miss Georgia 1956 - December 28, 2007

Former figure skater Janie Collins, who once represented Georgia in the Miss America Pageant, has died at the age of 69.

Collins, whose maiden name was Rosalie Jane Morris, passed away on Friday, December 28, 2007, in Minneapolis after a long illness.

The wife of skating entrepreneur Tom Collins, the founder of the Champions on Ice tour, Janie Collins was from East Point in metro Atlanta and was the 1956 Miss Georgia. She performed in Holiday on Ice with skating partner Alfredo Mendoza, and they also created balletic routines that could be done on water skis at Cypress Gardens in Florida.


Karen Marie Fahrenbach Thompson,(March 27, 1939 - November 6, 2007) - November 12, 2007

Miss Racine 1960
Miss Wisconsin 1960


Karen Fahrenbach Thompson 68, passed away Tuesday, November 6, 2007 at her residence. She was born in Racine, Wisconsin, the daughter of Warren and Virginia O'Neil Fahrenbach. Karen graduated from Racine Park High School and the University of Wisconsin at Madison. She was crowned Miss Racine 1960 and Miss Wisconsin 1960. Karen studied and performed ballet with the Chicago Ballet Company and the University of Utah Ballet Company.  For her talent at Miss America, Karen performed ballet to Sleeping Beauty; She taught radio and television classes at Tremper High School and served as choreographer for some of the schools musical productions. Karen attended Racine Assembly of God Church, started Isaiah 61:1 Ministries and had regularly led a prayer group. She enjoyed raising, breeding and riding horses.

Karen is survived by her husband of 30 years, Ronald D. Thompson of Racine; sons, Shea Patrick Thompson and wife Wendy of Moran, Kansas, Brett Thompson and wife Janet of Lake Elmo, Minnesota.  A memorial service is planned for November 18, 2007 in Racine, Wisconsin.

 

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