A Memorial to Berea College 70's Alumni

08/28/2026

Our dear classmate, Jalamang Keita ("Jals"), was called home on August 27, 2026, after a long and courageous health battle.

Jals touched countless lives with his warmth, generous spirit, and ever-present smile. His kindness, humility, and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He was a true friend whose presence brightened every room and whose legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

May his soul rest in peace.

07/22/2026

Charles John Bacigalupi
April 1, 1951 — December 12, 2025
Charles John Bacigalupi, 74, passed from this life into eternal life on Friday, December 12, 2025, unexpectedly.

Charlie was a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend whose warmth, humor, and curiosity touched everyone who knew him. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 41 years, Helen Lui; his beloved daughter, Michelle Bacigalupi, both of Davis, CA; and his sister, Marie Bacigalupi of Louisville, KY.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Aileen Elizabeth Knop, RN, and John Bernard Bacigalupi, both of Louisville, KY.

Born on April 1, 1951, in Louisville, KY, Charlie spent his early years there, forming the strong roots and values that guided him throughout his life. He graduated from Trinity High School in 1969 and Berea College in 1973, where he earned a BA in American History and Physical Education. He played basketball as a center for both schools—something he always remembered with pride—and even spent summers chaperoning students traveling to France, sharing his love of learning and adventure.

Charlie was truly a lifelong learner. Whether through formal study at the University of Kentucky and Florida Atlantic University or through his own curiosity, he was always eager to grow, explore, and understand the world more deeply.

After college, Charlie served his country in the U.S. Navy, completing eight years of active duty, including time in Japan and Hong Kong. He later continued his service in the Navy Reserve, retiring after 26 years.

Charlie and Helen built a life together in Lexington, KY, and Miami, FL, before settling in Davis, CA, where they made their home for over three decades. Throughout his career, Charlie worked as a cost accountant in the steel building products and agriculture industries, bringing diligence and integrity to everything he did.

Beyond his work, Charlie embraced life fully. He loved traveling the world, especially when sharing those experiences with Helen and Michelle. Music was one of his great joys—he played the guitar, piano, flute, saxophone, and ukulele—and he delighted in learning new languages, including Russian, Spanish, Japanese, French and Cantonese. His sense of humor, playful spirit, and genuine kindness left a lasting impression on everyone around him.

Above all, Charlie cherished his family. The memories he created—with laughter, music, and love—will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A burial ceremony will be held at Davis Cemetery, 820 Pole Line Road, Davis, CA 95618, on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

07/22/2026

https://www.hagerandcundifffunerals.com/obituaries/gerald-jerry-ammons?ttm_pid=211813823&ttm_affiliate=legacypro&ttm_affiliatetype=standard&ttm_campaign=legacy

Jerry was a member of the Class of 76. His wife JoEllen was my roommate. Jerry was a Math major and if you met him you probably couldn’t forget him. He will be missed.

View Gerald "Jerry" David Ammons's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/06/2026

Listings in the Berea College Magazine

05/17/2026

Mark Boes cx78 or 79 died this week. He was found at this house Tuesday. He was Dr Boes son, business dept.

05/06/2026

Jack Bryan Manley, known to many as Jay, passed away on May 2, 2026, in Alabama. He was born on April 20, 1955, in Taylor County, Kentucky, and lived a life marked by hard work, devotion to family, and a warm spirit that touched many along the way.

Jay was the beloved son of Jack and Loretta Berry Manley, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Sam Manley. He is survived by his significant other of 18 years, Jenny Hall; his daughter, Jaylena Manley; his bonus children, Emily Hall and Holly Rebuck; his grandchildren, Hunter Miller, Trey Briggs, and Jayden Briggs; and his two great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his niece, Melissa Berry; his great-nieces and nephews, Katie (James) Berry, Gabe Berry, and Sydney Berry; and his lifelong friend, Tommy Hearn.

Jay graduated from Berea College with a bachelor’s degree in teaching. He began his career as a teacher in Jackson County, where he shared his knowledge and patience with students. Later, he went to work alongside his father at Manley Exx on and Wrecker Service, continuing a strong family tradition of service and responsibility. His career then led him to the Berea Fire Department and later to Garrard County EMS, where he served with commitment and compassion. He finished his working years with AMR, carrying with him the respect of those who knew him and worked beside him.

Jay was a man who enjoyed life’s simple pleasures and found happiness in the moments spent with others. He loved boating, fishing, camping, and playing poker, and he was always ready to cheer on the UK basketball team. Whether he was spending time outdoors, sharing stories, or enjoying the company of family and friends, Jay brought a steady presence and a good heart to every gathering.

Those who knew Jay will remember him as a hardworking man with a kind nature and a deep love for the people in his life. He valued family, friendship, and the bonds that are built over a lifetime.
Pallbearers are Hunter Miller, Blake Simpson, Dana Carter, Gage Reynolds, Lucas Shelton, and Gabe Berry. Honorary bearers will be Trey Briggs and Jayden Briggs.

Funeral services will be at Lakes Funeral Home in Berea, on Saturday May 9, 2026, at 1pm with Rev. Larry Burton officiating. Burial will follow in the Madison County Memorial Gardens. Visitation will start at 11am on Saturday until time of service.

04/04/2026

https://www.hamlettdobson.com/obituaries/barbara-matthews Obit for Susie Mize Matthews

View Barbara S Matthews's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/31/2026

https://www.speckfuneral.com/obituary/SpeckFuneralHome-Charles-Anderson

View Speck Funeral Home - Charles Keith Anderson's complete obituary, share memories, and explore 10 tribute posts from the community.

03/30/2026

Brenda Frances McCurry Crowe
( February 23, 1955 - July 5, 2025 )

Brenda Frances McCurry Crowe, 70, of Princeton, passed away on July 5, 2025, at Memory Care at Bristol, following a long battle with dementia. She was unfairly dealt a horrible disease, and her family celebrates her moments of true life!

Born February 23, 1955, Brenda was the daughter of the late Hugh Graham McCurry & Marorie Moorefield McCurry of Kingsport, TN. She grew up in Kingsport as the oldest of four siblings. She was a 1973 graduate of Ketron High School and received her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Berea College in 1977. Brenda met the love of her life, Kenneth Crowe, of Cowen, WV while volunteering at a WV church workcamp in college. Their first date was a square dance; they later married after Brenda graduated, and settled in Princeton in 1986 to raise their two children. Professionally, Brenda worked as a special education and music teacher, and later returned to school and became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), caring for patients in dialysis clinics, nursing homes, and hospital settings until 2010.

Early in her life, Brenda developed a deep love for singing and playing the piano. Known for having a beautiful soprano voice, music took Brenda abroad to Austria with her high school choir, around Southern Appalachia in college with the gospel group New Life Singers, and around the local Princeton region with the six-member ensemble Voices of New Hope. She was a member of New Hope United Methodist Church and served as choir co-director. She also sang and played piano for multiple church services, weddings, and funerals throughout the area. Brenda led others to discover purpose in music, simply by living hers. While her illness kept her from combining her two loves of nursing and music professionally, it didn’t keep her from using music to help people.

Brenda will be remembered for her kind heart, her deep commitment to family, and her faith. When Brenda asked others how they were doing, she truly wanted to know. She enjoyed “just being” with loved ones. She found joy in working with flowers, stumbling upon a good yard sale, and eating popcorn and vanilla ice cream.

In addition to her parents, Brenda was preceded in death by grandparents Roy & Bonnie McCurry and Joseph “Bill” & Julia Moorefield; father-in-law Kenneth Crowe, Sr; and grandson Eli Kenneth Hedrick.

Brenda is survived by Kenneth, her devoted husband of nearly 48 years; son K.R. Crowe (Cristal) of Bluefield, WV and daughter Jennifer Hedrick (Kory) of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren Bonnie Cochran (Brandon), Abigail Vaught, Tabor Crowe, Leah Hedrick, and Ian Hedrick; great-grandchildren Penelope, Rori, and Maeven; siblings Joe McCurry (Saundra), James McCurry, and Miriam English (Tommy); mother-in-law Patricia Crowe; brother-in-law Gil Crowe (Peggy); and multiple loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Brenda also considered the congregation at New Hope as part of her extended family.

Brenda’s family would like to thank the staff at Memory Care at Bristol for their excellent care and compassion to Brenda while she was a resident.

Brenda was immensely loved and will be missed; may she fly high and sing.

Services to celebrate the life of Brenda Crowe will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025, at New Hope United Methodist Church at 4225 New Hope Road in Princeton with the Rev. Marva Smearman officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton. Friends may visit with the family on Friday from 12:00 p.m. until the service hour at the church.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider the following:

1) Berea College, Music Department - Gifts may be made online at https://www.berea.edu/giving Please be sure to note that your gift is in memory of Brenda, and is to be directed to the music department. A second option is to give by check made out to Berea College - the memo line should indicate “In memory of Brenda McCurry Crowe; and "to" or "for" the music department. Checks may be mailed to:

Berea College, ATTN: Alumni Office, PO Box 1855, Berea, KY 40403

For questions about your gift, please call Alysia Mora, Alumni Philanthropy Coordinator, Office of Alumni Relations, Berea College, 859-985-3104

2) New Hope United Methodist Church - contributions may be mailed to:

New Hope UMC, 4225 New Hope Road, Princeton, WV 24739

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