Alumni News
Floyd R. Stradley, D.Min. (STH’85)
This obituary was originally published on the News-Gazette, on July 3, 2021.
The Rev. Dr. Floyd R. Stradley, an ordained United Methodist minister, went to be with his heavenly father Tuesday, June 15, 2021.
He was born Sept. 30, 1933, in Arkansas and grew up in Decatur, where his parents moved soon after his birth. He married Donna Hiser on June 22, 1957, at First E.U.B. Church in Decatur. A homemaker, Donna was always beside him from the time they began dating in college through a marriage of almost 64 years. Floyd graduated from Millikin University in 1955 and the Evangelical Theological Seminary (now Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary) in 1958, where he received his master of divinity degree. He subsequently earned his doctor of ministry from Boston University School of Theology in 1985. Stradley was a parish pastor, blessing and being blessed by experiences gained in small towns, growing suburbs and cities. He served seven churches in all: Gibson City E.U.B., Peoria University UMC (associate pastor), Delavan UMC, Decatur Christ UMC and senior pastor at Morton UMC, Champaign First UMC and Kankakee St. Mark UMC, all of which belong to the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. A believer in ministry beyond the local church, he was active in councils of churches, ministerial associations and various youth camps. His conference service included District Committees of Church Location and Building, Conference Health Insurance Committee, Commission on Equitable Compensation, Conference Board of Ordained Ministry and multiple terms as chairperson of the Conference Board of Pensions. Service to the greater community included several years on the Board of Trustees of Peoria's Methodist Medical Center. An active Rotarian for over four decades, he served as president of the Morton club.
His parents, John and Clarice Stradley, preceded him in death, as did his brother, Cecil.
Survivors include his wife, Donna (Hiser); son, Craig (Jacqui) of Philadelphia; daughter, Janis (Dave Wright) of Chicago; grandchildren, Meredith Stradley (Alex Mitchell) of Washington, D.C., and Kendrick Stradley of Honeybrook, Pa.; and great-grandson, Mack William Mitchell.
Also surviving are his nephew, Mark Stradley; stepgrandchildren, Mitch (Jess) Wright, Kendall Wright and Delaney Wright; and stepgreat-granddaughter, Milah Wright.
Visitation will take place at 10 a.m., followed by a celebration of life service at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 10, at Asbury United Methodist Church, 196 S. Harrison Ave., Kankakee, IL 60901.
Memorials can be made to Asbury United Methodist Church, Kankakee. Arrangements by Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home, 815-932-1214. Please sign his guest book at clancygernon.com.
Dr. Hoyt P. Oliver (STH’62)
This obituary was originally published on Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, on June 15, 2021.
Hoyt Peder Oliver, 85, died at home in Oxford on June 15, 2021. He was preceded in death by parents The Reverend Young Allen Oliver and Selma Pederson Oliver, and sister Linda Oliver Long. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, LaTrelle (Blackburn), children Laurie and Erik, and grandsons Lucas, Simon, and Arthur.
Hoyt was best known as a professor at Oxford College of Emory University, where he expanded the minds of thousands of students through courses in philosophy, sociology, and religion for forty years. However, he was also an avid gardener who shared generously, an outdoorsman who instilled that love in his children and grandchildren, a talented cook who nourished family and guests, a masterful woodworker who "released" beautiful sculptures, a vocalist who sang with his church choir for nearly sixty years, a calming counselor for couples he was to join in matrimony, a servant of the community through many civic endeavors, a true partner in leadership, an infamous humorist, a mentor, and a visionary.
As children of Methodist ministers, both Hoyt and LaTrelle had moved every few years; hence they sought to put down deep roots in one special community, Oxford. Hoyt's path was like a Möbius strip in that his post secondary academic studies and career began and ended with Emory. In addition to a certificate (AA) from "Emory at Oxford" and a BA (philosophy) from Emory, Hoyt completed a Bachelor of Sacred Theology from Boston University and a PhD in Religion in Higher Education from Yale University. For three years between Emory and Boston, he served with the Methodist Board of Global Ministries as a short term missionary in Seoul, Korea. An Eagle Scout himself, he led a Boy Scout troop there and taught English in two schools. He became The Reverend Doctor through ordination into the ministry of the Methodist Church in 1962 and returned to Oxford to join the faculty of Oxford College in 1966.
A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, July 17, 2021, 2:00 PM, at Allen Memorial United Methodist Church, 803 Whatcoat Street, Oxford. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be made to Allen Memorial UMC, PO Box 117, Oxford, GA 30054, or Oxford College of Emory University Scholarship Fund, 801 Emory Street, Oxford, GA 30054.
Rejoice, smile, and laugh, for as he would say, "I've gone OHM."
Prof. Luis Menéndez-Antuña Receives Society of Biblical Literature 2021 Diamond Award for Integrative Scholarship
Assistant Professor of New Testament Luis Menéndez-Antuña was recently awarded the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) 2021 A. R. Pete Diamond Award for Integrative Scholarship for his recent article “The Gospel of Torture: Mark 15 and the Body in Pain.”
The Diamond Award for Integrative Scholarship supports junior-level academic scholars who demonstrate “innovative approaches in biblical studies that advance methodological work at the intersection of historical criticism, critical theory, and cultural studies.” The award is distributed annually and is given in memory to the legacy of former SBL member A. R. Diamond, who faithfully encouraged new and innovative work among his students in the field of biblical studies.
Prof. Menéndez-Antuña offers this background on his award-winning article: “This article (forthcoming in the Journal of the American Academy of Religion) explores how being attentive to the constitutive elements of torture and to the testimonials of contemporary victims that have survived such torment help us read, understand, and experience crucifixion narratives as instances where trauma, pain, and agony strive to find linguistic expression. This article also explores how despite such difficulty to find words, torture and its ensuing pain inform many literary topics in the Gospel like the temple and discipleship.”
Prof. Jonathan Calvillo Awarded New-York Historical Society Research Fellowship
New-York Historical Society, with support from the Henry Luce Foundation, awarded research fellowships to Boston University School of Theology Assistant Professor of Sociology of Religion Jonathan Calvillo and seven other early-career historians in 2020 whose work illuminates the varied roles of religion and spirituality in the history of the American West, including nineteenth-century westward expansion, immigrant faiths, and Indigenous religious traditions. Prof. Calvillo was recognized for his research on New Mexican Methodists and their ties to Southern California Latinx Protestantism. The Public Fellows in Religion and the American West program aims to generate public-facing scholarship and will complement a new traveling exhibition, Acts of Faith: Religion and the American West, that opens at New-York Historical in Fall 2022 and has received major support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Public Fellows in Religion and the American West program is chaired by Dr. Tisa Wenger, Associate Professor of American Religious History at Yale University.
Reverend John P. (Jack) Gilbert (STH’64,’65,’68)
This obituary was shared on Belle Meade United Methodist Church's Facebook page by Joy Gilbert, on June 12.
The Reverend John P. (Jack) Gilbert 
crossed the river to be with his Maker on Saturday, June 5, 2021, after a very brief illness.
He was born February 11, 1936, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the son of the late Claude and Madery Gilbert, and was recently preceded in death by his brother Dennis Gilbert of Minneapolis.
Jack grew up in Abingdon, Illinois through 10th grade, where he attended Abingdon Methodist Church, and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Finishing high school in Minneapolis, MN, he received his first affirmation for his writing abilities.
Jack graduated from the University of MN and spent two years in the U.S. Army before attending Boston University School of Theology and completing his seminary education in 1964, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree. During this time, he also completed pastorates in Dighton, Massachusetts. In 1974 he returned to Boston University to complete his doctoral course work.
Jack was ordained an elder in the Minnesota Annual Conference of the Methodist Church in 1966, and later transferred to the Tennessee Conference. He moved to Nashville, TN in 1968 where he accepted a position on the editorial staff of the Adult Publications Division of the Board of Education of the United Methodist Church. In 28 years at The United Methodist Publishing House he served as a developer and editor of youth and adult curriculum resources, in administration, in sales, and in interpretation, as a curriculum writer -- often Adult Bible Study lessons (and even getting fan mail!) and as author (sometimes with Nan) of books and Lay Speaker resources. He was also a leadership trainer, adjunct faculty at several seminaries, and a teacher and administrator of the TN Conference UMC Course of Study. In addition, he was part of the training staff for the international Disciple Bible Study.
Jack served as "interim" pastor at Rocky Glade Cumberland Presbyterian Church (for 13 years!) and after retiring from The United Methodist Publishing House in 1996 he pastored at Eagleville UMC, Concord UMC, and Harris Chapel UMC. Locally, Jack was a longtime member of the Stones River (formerly Murfreesboro) District Committee on Ministry and is remembered fondly as a friend and mentor.
In addition to his passion for serving others, Jack loved adventure. He and his wife Nan traveled to the Holy Land five times. The last two trips they were accompanied by daughter, Joy. Jack and Nan were proud of their designation as “loopers” after completing an 11-month boat journey that includes part of the Atlantic, Gulf Intracoastal Waterways, the Great Lakes, Canadian Heritage Canals, and the inland rivers of America's heartland.
Since 1980, Jack was the husband, best friend, and colleague of Rev. Nancy C. (Nan) Zoller. He was previously married to the late Mary D. Gilbert. In addition, he was the loving father of five children: Craig M. Gilbert (DeeAnne), and their son Ian, Joy E. Gilbert (Michael Miles), Jeff Zoller (Brandi), and their sons Jacob (Daniely) and Grant, and daughter Joanna, Samantha Zoller (aka Naomi), and Jason Zoller (Trish) and their daughter Caitlyn.
Jack’s wisdom, his love for his family, his subtle humor, his friendship, his interest in everyone, his humility, and his loving nature have blessed his family, individuals, the church, and even parts of the world.
Trinity United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro, TN will host visitation with the family on Friday, June 25, from 4:00 - 8:00 pm with a Time of Worshiping God and Celebrating Jack’s life on Saturday, June 26 at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Boston University School of Theology, 745 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215 or Project Transformation, 1008 19th Ave. S, Nashville, TN 37212.
Reverend Dr. Charles E. Wilson, Jr. (STH’61)
This obituary was originally published on Cochran Family of Funeral Service.
Dr. Charles E. Wilson, Jr., age 91, of Sautee Nacoochee, GA passed away June 2, 2021 at his residence. He was the son of Charles E. Wilson, Sr. and Mary Belle Wilson of Decatur, GA. He was born on October 27, 1929 in Bartow, FL. He was a graduate of Boy’s High School in Atlanta, Emory University where he received his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Divinity degrees, Magna Cum Laude, in 1954. He attended Boston University where he received a Doctorate of Theology in 1961 and received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the Woodrow Wilson College of Law in 1987.
He served as minister with the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church from the early 1950s to his retirement in 2012. He served churches in Massachusetts, Vermont and Georgia throughout his career. Following his return from New England, Dr. Wilson served churches in the Dacula, Tate and Jasper, GA areas. He then served as the Minister of Inner City Ministries in Atlanta and Program Director for Urban Work for the North Georgia Annual Conference from 1963 to 1971 where his program and procedures were used by United Methodist Conferences across the nation. Dr. Wilson served churches in Athens, Carrollton, and Sandy Springs and was District Superintendent in the Gainesville District for six years before retiring. He came out of retirement to serve as senior minister at Union Hill United Methodist Church in Hiawassee, GA, in 1995 to 2005 and 2009 to 2012. He served as minister at Helen Presbyterian Church in Helen, GA from 2014 to 2017.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles E. Wilson, Sr. and Marybelle Wilson of Decatur, a brother, Dr. Raymond B. Wilson of Marietta, and an infant grandson, Caleb Andrew Wilson.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Carolyn Hopkins Wilson, 4 children, Carole Wilson Adelman of Ohio, Patricia Wilson Miller (Mike) of Virginia, Charles E. Wilson, III of Atlanta, and Mary Jean Wilson Preece (John) of Atlanta, 9 grandchildren, 1 great-grandson, 2 brothers, Rev. David R. Wilson (Carolyn) of Acworth, William B. Wilson (Connie) of Washington, DC and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the Campership Fund at Camp Glisson - Glisson Camp and Retreat Center of the North Georgia Methodist Conference located in Dahlonega, GA which will enable campers with limited resources to have a camp ministry experience during the summer.
Stratham Community Church Welcomes Rev. Westley Conn (STH’17) as a New Minister
This article was originally published on Seacoastonline by Portsmouth Herald, on June 23, 2021, and the full press release can be found here.
Rev. Westley "Wes" Conn (STH'17) was officially welcomed on June 20 at the church’s Sunday morning service at 10 a.m.
Rev. Conn has been the Ministry Fellow at the Harvard Memorial Church on the campus of Harvard University. He is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor’s in social studies education and received his master’s in divinity degree from the Boston University School of Theology, with a focus on pastoral ministry.
He was ordained in the United Church of Christ in July 2017...
Dr. Danielle Tumminio Hansen (STH’14) to Join Faculty in Pastoral Care at Candler School of Theology at Emory University
This article was originally published by the Episcopal News Service, on June 17, 2021, and the full press release can be found here.
Danielle Tumminio Hansen (STH'14) will join the Candler faculty as assistant professor of practical theology and spiritual care.
Tumminio Hansen is currently assistant professor of pastoral theology and director of field education at Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas, where her courses have focused on trauma, practical theology, and pastoral theology, with a feminist, intersectional, and anti-racist lens. She earned her master of divinity and master of sacred theology degrees from Yale Divinity School and her PhD from Boston University School of Theology. She has previously been a lecturer at Yale and Tufts universities and served as a chaplain and Episcopal parish priest.
Tumminio Hansen will begin teaching in January 2022.
Reverend Paul E. Sinn, (STH’60)
This obituary is provided through the courtesy of Rosalee, Rev. Paul's wife.
With his family gathered around him, holding his hands, saying “I Love You” and supporting one another, Paul died peacefully on Sunday morning, June 6 in his 90th year. His body was given to Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston.
A Service of Celebration and Remembrance will be held on Saturday, June 26, 2021, at The Church of the Pilgrimage, 8 Town Square, Plymouth, Massachusetts, at 11 a.m., followed by a collation.
Paul is survived by his wife Rosalee, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren: Paula Sinn; Timothy Sinn, Heather Sinn, Dan Massey, Rowan and Finn; Bethany (Sinn) and Nick Magnatta, Cecilia and Carter; Susan (Sinn) and Joe Dupuis; Travis and Kristy Dupuis, Lyla, Joey and Audrey Rose, Rachel Dupuis and Jared Clemenzi; Mark Sinn, Ashley and Adrianna, Jessica Sinn and Rob Norton. He is also survived by his brother Charles and his wife Sue of Bloomington, Indiana and many nephews and nieces; by his Ugandan “daughter” Beatrice Biira, Philly Jjemba and their son Jordan; his Chinese “daughter” Ning Pu and her husband Steve Hall and their children Maddie and Max . . . and by hundreds of people around the world who call Paul their American Dad or Uncle and by others who call him friend.
Each member of the family held a special place in Paul’s heart. His great joy was being with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Paul began his journey on a farm in Bloomington, Indiana in 1930, as the youngest of seven children. Influenced by family and the church, Paul studied for the ministry at Phillips University and Phillips Seminary in Enid, Oklahoma.
Paul met his wife Rosalee from Tulsa, Oklahoma, at Phillips. She was studying Religious Education. Following graduation Paul accepted a position as Youth Minister at Central Christian Church in Danville, Illinois. Paul and Rosalee were married March 6, 1954 and began their life together in Danville. They returned to Phillips in the fall of 1955 for Paul to begin his studies for a Masters of Divinity degree and for Rosalee to complete her Religious Education degree.
Study in Pastoral Clinical Education in hospital settings in Boston, gestalt therapy and Intensive journal writing enriched Paul’s understanding of life. He received his Masters in Sacred Theology from Boston University. Paul served churches in Pawnee Rock, Kansas, Davenport, Oklahoma, Danville, Illinois, New Ipswich, New Hampshire and Whitman, Massachusetts. From 1971 to 1996, he served as The Southeast Area Minister of the United Church of Christ in Massachusetts with an office at The Church of the Pilgrimage in Plymouth.
Paul’s approach to ministry was practical and inclusive. Pastoral Counseling was an important part of his ministry. He was also a student of and practiced energy healing.
Following retirement Paul focused on writing a definitive book on his personal theology: “Seasons of Life - Seasons of Faith.” He was a remarkable poet and self-published a book of his poems: “Seasons of Life.”
Paul was active in peace and justice issues in the United States, Zimbabwe and El Salvador. He was honored to be with his friend Zane Knoy at the March on Washington in 1963 and to be present when Martin Luther King gave his “I Have a Dream” speech. Traveling to 20 countries deepened Paul’s appreciation of global diversity.
Memorial Gifts may be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center,
400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104 or by calling 334-956-8408 . . . or to the charity of your choice.
Cards can be sent to 45 Massasoit Avenue, Plymouth, MA 02360
Dr. Heather Rene Josselyn-Cranson (STH’00, ’05) Gives the Laity Address at the New England Annual Conference UMC
“The grad school, in my case, was Boston University School of Theology, which often felt like a beloved community, to me.”
Dr. Heather Rene Josselyn-Cranson (STH'00, '05) was chosen to give the Laity Address at the New England Annual Conference this year.
Theme: Building Beloved Community
Guiding Scripture: Psalm 137:4 NIV
Dr. Josselyn-Cranson's address "How can we sing the songs of the LORD while in a foreign land?" starts 9:15.