Eva Lucille Rumsey Coleman (’44), San Angelo :: She taught in West Texas towns including Eola, Eldorado, Menard, Miles and San Angelo for more than 40 years. She earned a master’s in elementary education in 1965 and, after retiring in 1985, remained an active education advocate and community volunteer. She encouraged her granddaughter Lara (’07) to attend UNT.

Mary Lynn Hicks McCulloch (’42), Sherman :: She taught home economics at Putnam, Grand Prairie, Seagoville and Sherman high schools, retiring in 1983. She was a member of Grayson County Retired Teachers Association and a longtime member of Fairview Baptist Church in Sherman. Married for 67 years, she enjoyed cooking and sewing, and loved being with her daughters and their families.

Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Knox Rowe Wupperman (’38), Cedar Park :: Her grandfather, John Allen Withers, was one of the early leaders of Denton. As a student, she was a member of the Current Literature Club. She taught in the Austin area and later traveled, taking trips with friends and family and visiting her children. She was a charter member of Cedar Park Methodist Church and also a member of St. Philip's Methodist Church.

Gladys Lewallen Longoria (’36, ’48 M.S.), Austin :: She was a teacher and then worked for the American Red Cross for 33 years, first as a caseworker and later as director of service to military families and veterans. After retiring in 1978, she became a volunteer in the local chapter and a reserve disaster worker. She was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the American Red Cross National Headquarters in 1996. She said it was due to the generosity of her uncles that she was able to attend college, and she stayed involved with UNT, following its progress with pride through the years.

Russell Gene Bilyeu (’52, ’57 M.S.), Professor Emeritus of mathematics, died March 12 in Chico. He served on the math faculty from 1960 to 2000. He was a member of the Mathematical Association of America and the American Mathematical Society. Prior to joining UNT, he was a National Science Foundation Fellow and was employed by Chance Vought Aircraft. Bilyeu earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in math from North Texas and a doctoral degree from the University of Kansas. Bilyeu grew up in Krum and graduated from Krum High School with a love for mathematics and basketball. After retiring, he moved to the country with his son where he attended high school basketball games, learned guitar and became a Texas Master Naturalist, protecting native grasslands and developing his skills as an avid bird watcher.

Tommie Phillips Harris (’37), San Angelo :: She earned a bachelor’s degree in history and taught in rural schools in Burkburnett and Pecos until she retired in 1980. She and her husband moved to Kermit in 1946 to raise a family and work in the oil fields of West Texas. She recalled her North Texas days for the spring 2011 North Texan.

Elma Frances Roberts Miller, Athens :: She attended North Texas from 1938 to 1940. Her daughter Carol Hudson (’66) says that although Frances left to get married before graduation, her years at North Texas continued to be a highlight of her life. She talked about her good friends and many good times while in school. She was a florist by trade and also continued her love of music throughout her life. 

James Richard Griffin, Brady :: He was a retired CPA and a past member of the McCulloch County Chamber of Commerce and the boards of the Brady School District, Memorial Hospital and Historical Museum. At North Texas from 1954 to 1957, he was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma and FBLA. Survivors include his wife, Glee Crawford Griffin (’57).

David Patrick Spencer (’11), Denton :: He served in the U. S. Army with the 173rd Airborne Division and with the Infantry Division in Fort Riley, Kan. He earned his degree in English-linguistics.

The twins studied music at North Texas and taught in Fort Worth before relocating to California in 1969. Joyce was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Jack and Jill. Sonny had served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and played saxophone in the 6th Army Band. He also performed with the Warlocks, a San Mateo, Calif.-based band. Joyce retired from the San Francisco Unified School District, and Sonny retired from East Palo Alto ISD. They died eight months apart.