Mathematics
Bart Pinckney, 53
Died February 22, 2021.
Griffin High School, Griffin, GA
Mathematics
Football, Basketball, and Track Coach
A Spalding County community is mourning the loss of a beloved coach and educator. Coach Bart Pinckney died after a two month battle with COVID-19.
The virus managed to touch all of the members of the Pinckney family. Pinckney, his wife and two children were all fighting the virus at the same time. Sadly, he was the only family member who didn’t win his fight with the virus.
“You know, he just couldn’t bounce back,” Gemia Pinckney said.
Gemia Pinckney said her husband, a Griffin High School math teacher and coach, was a fighter. He spent two months in the hospital battling the virus.
“He never made it home,” Gemia Pinckney said.
Since the recent passing of Bart Pinckney, there has been an outpouring of love and support from the community.
“He lived for the kids. He loved children,” Gemia Pinckney said.
Current and past students have been honoring the legacy of Bart Pinckney.
“He was like a father,” former student Dearius Cobb said.
Cobb credits Bart Pinckney with pushing him to be a better person and to reach for his goals. Cobb is now on the track team at his college.
“Coach, I did it. I did it just to see you and my mom happy,” Cobb said of his accomplishments in college.
Bart Pinckney’s fight was much more difficult. Along with COVID-19, he also contracted pneumonia. In fact, the entire Pinckney family contracted pneumonia while fighting the virus.
Gemia Pinckney believes her husband may have got the virus from a sick co-worker. She asked that people continue to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
“I don’t even know how life will ever be the same,” she said.
The funeral for Bart Pinckney will be held at Griffin Memorial Stadium on Feb. 27 at 2 p.m.
Jeffrey Kaplan, 61
Died January 29, 2021.
Bishop Brady High School, Concord, NH
Mathematics, Science, Lacrosse Coach
The Bishop Brady High School community in Concord is mourning the loss of one of their own. Jeff Kaplan was a beloved teacher and coach at the school.
Kaplan died over the weekend due to complications from COVID-19, he was 61, but his legacy lives on far beyond the halls of Bishop Brady.
A native New Yorker, it was a job at Plymouth State University that brought Kaplan to New Hampshire. There, he coached offensive and defensive line, which started a decades-long coaching and teaching career in the Granite State.
“it would make me incredibly proud to see my dad on the sideline,” Kaplan’s son Matt Kaplan said.
Matt Kaplan is one of Jeff’s eight children. He said he and his siblings did not mind sharing their father with the hundreds of students he coached over the years.
“I know how great of a parent Jeff Kaplan was, and for other kids to experience not only his knowledge but again, sort of his lessons and his ideologies behind how to do things,” Matt Kaplan said. “It makes you proud as a son.”
Kaplan coached for several schools including Bishop Brady, John Stark, Pembroke Academy and Franklin High School where he started the school’s wrestling program.
“I always admired having him on the side with me when we coached wrestling together,” Former colleague Cam Sinclair said. “Because my voice, when I yelled to get my wrestler’s attention, my voice would get high and squeaky, but Jeff had this huge booming voice. So, I would yell something, and he would repeat it, so they could hear it. So, we worked well together.”
A big guy, with a big voice, but also a big heart. Someone who understood his students and knew how to lead.
“He was this kind of guy that made the kids feel good about themselves,” Former colleague Craig Kozens said. “He was demanding and knowledgeable. Just a great-hearted guy.”
Ken Stanley, 57
Died January 30, 2021.
Union Academy Charter Middle School, Monroe, NC
Mathematics, Baseball Coach
Mr. Kenneth “Ken” D. Stanley, 57, passed away January 30, 2021. Ken was born in Fairborn, Ohio on February 1, 1963 to the late Linder and Peggy Tuttle Stanley. Ken will be remembered as a loving husband and father. He was a very compassionate and loving person. He always put others before himself and did his best to help others succeed. Ken has taught at Union Academy for the past 15 years and enjoyed coaching the middle school baseball team. Ken was a avid Buckeyes, Cincinnati Reds, and Dallas Cowboys fan.
A candlelight vigil will be held on Facebook live at 6:00 PM, Wednesday, February 3, 2021 on the Union Academy Charter School Facebook page.
Ken is survived by his loving wife, Wendy Matthews; son, Ian Stanley; daughter, Morgan Hendrix (Wyatt); step-daughters, Ashley Matthews, and McKayla Matthews; brothers, Clifford Stanley (Janie), Jimi Stanley (Shelly); sisters, Kim Warren (Gordon), Carol Sarno; and best friend, Tim Adams.
In addition to his parents Ken was preceded in passing by his sister, Patti Stanley.
Susan Sullivan, 57
Died January 17, 2021.
Kosciusko Junior High School, Kosciusko, MI
Mathematics
The Kosciusko School District announced the passing of KJHS teacher Susan Sullivan, who had been battling the effects of COVID-19 on Sunday Jan. 17, 2021.
Superintendent Billy Ellzey released a letter to the schools community. It reads:
“Dear Faculty and Staff,
It is with profound sadness that I write this letter to our Kosciusko School District family. One of our own Mrs. Susan Sullivan passed away. Through her career as an educator, she touched the lives of so many students who will carry on her love for learning.She served as an educator for 21 years. Students were greeted each day with her infectious smile and warm words of encouragement. Please join me in praying for peace and comfort for her family and friends in the days ahead. The legacy that she left will live on and her contribution to the many lives touched will not be forgotten.
Sincerely, Billy Ellzey”
Scott Benschneider, 55
Died January 29, 2021.
Lebanon Trail High School, Frisco, TX
Mathematics
Students, faculty and family are mourning the death of Frisco ISD teacher Scott Benschneider, who died from COVID-19.
Benschneider, who taught Advanced Placement (AP) Statistics and Pre-AP Pre-Calculus at Lebanon Trail High School, was hospitalized since mid-December 2020.
Thus, he hadn’t visited the school campus for sometime.
The district sent CBS 11 News the following statement: “Mr. Benschneider was loved by his students and colleagues and was known for the authentic relationships he built with students and for being a tireless advocate of their growth. District and campus counselors are on hand to support students and staff during this difficult time.”
Benschneider’s family has set up a GoFundMe in his honor.
It’s unclear at this time whether or not Benschneider had an underlying health condition.
Julie Yeager, 56
Died December 9, 2020.
Chelsea Middle School, Chelsea, AL
Mathematics
She was born on July 10, 1964 in Camp Zama, Japan to Edgar and Sekiko Heacock. Julie graduated from Auburn University and began her lifelong career in education. She was a beloved teacher at Chelsea Middle School and a mentor to all of her students in Shelby County. Julie was a loving, kind, and gentle mother to her children, a beloved daughter and sister, and a fun-loving aunt.
Preceding her in death is her daughter, Hannah Grace Yeager; and her mother, Sekiko Heacock. Left to cherish her memory is her son, Nicholas Paul Yeager; her loving partner and companion, Lee Hibbs (also known as Coach Hibbs); her father, Edgar Heacock; her two sisters, Misayo Heacock Lim and her husband T.S. Lim, Erimi Heacock Young and her husband Brad Young; and nieces and nephews, Eric Lim and his wife Abbie, Meggie Lim, Kennith Young and his wife Kara, and Mary Allison Young.
The family has set up a Venmo account for donations to be made to the Julie Yeager Algebra I Fund at Chelsea Middle School. All donations will be transferred to the account at Chelsea Middle School. The Venmo account is @JulieYeagerAlgebra1Fund
Kenneth McVay, 57
Died December 19, 2020.
George H. Gentry Junior School, Baytown, TX
Mathematics, Coach
Kenneth R. McVay was born on October 7, 1963 in Baytown, Texas. He passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 19. 2020. His parents were W. Lloyd McVay and Nelda McVay. He was the first of two children. Kenneth attended the University of Houston, earned his Bachelors in Math and Civil Engineering, and went on to obtain his Masters of Physical Science (Geology). After graduation, he began a career as a structural engineer and high school and middle school math teacher.
He was a member of the Chi Epsilon of Civil Engineering, was a Coach, member and teacher of the George H. Gentry Mustang Family.
Among his hobbies were target shooting, lock picking, painting pastels, leather working, classical and folk guitar, coaching and problem solving. He also enjoyed listening to country and folk/Irish music.
Kenneth is preceded in death by his mother Nelda McVay. He is survived by his wife of 35 years Robin Creed McVay; Father, W. Lloyd McVay; brother, Randall McVay and wife Juanita Blue McVay and nephew Philip Blue, and a host of many friends.
Per Mr. McVay’s wishes, no services are scheduled at this time. Mr. McVay’s friends and family are encouraged to leave a loving tribute to share a favorite memory for Mr. McVay’s family below in the “Memories” section.
Ronald Payne, 57
Died November 22, 2020.
Woodward Middle School, Woodward, OK
Mathematics
Ronald Glenn Payne, II, 57 year old current teacher and coach at the Woodward Public Schools, died Sunday, November 22, 2020 in Woodward. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 25, 2020 in the Billings Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be at 2:00 p.m. at the Hobart Rose Cemetery in Hobart. We ask that you wear a mask at the funeral and please wear OU attire for Ron’s last Boomer Sooner rally.
Ronald Glenn Payne, II was born on July 24, 1963 in Cheyenne, Oklahoma to Ronald Glenn Payne and Neva Jean Pyatt. Ron grew up in Cheyenne and graduated from Cheyenne High School. He attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University and received his Bachelors degree in Health and Sports Science. He later received his Masters in Administration.
He was united in marriage to Judy Sharp on July 15, 1994 at Lone Wolf, Oklahoma. They made their first home in Mountain View, before moving to Sterling, Taloga and Woodward. Early on Ron worked as a Sheriff Dispatcher for Roger Mills County. He was a teacher and coach for 26 years and also served as Principal for Corn Public Schools. He was currently coaching and teaching for Woodward Public Schools and he will be missed by his family, friends, and all the students he had.
Ron enjoyed woodworking, golf, and he loved his OU Sooners and Dallas Cowboys. Ron loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family and friends.
He is survived by his parents, Neva and Joe Pyatt of Cheyenne, Karel Payne of Stillwater; his wife Judy Payne of the home; daughters: Kayla Hodges and husband Billy of Weatherford, Heather Tutten and husband Dusty of Blair, Gretchen Jones and husband Jeremy of Clinton; son, Chad Baden of Woodward; 11 grandchildren: Ali and Wade Powell, Rhett Tutten, Shawn O’Kelley, Mia Jones, Preslie Jones, Payton Jones, Justice Jones, Casen Hodges, Teagan Hodges, Houston Hodges; one great-grandchild, Ridge Powell; brothers Jon Payne of Stillwater and Lance and Dena Bowman of Cheyenne; sisters: Renae and Mike Bagzis of Cheyenne, Michelle and Darren Knight of Elk City, Kristi and Ron Leonard of Oklahoma City; his dogs, Speck, Gizmo, Bear, and Trouble; other relatives and many friends.
Ron was preceded in death by his grandparents, Nina (Jiggs) and Dean Krober, Vergil and Nina Payne, Lavera Lyle and his dad, Ronald Glenn Payne and loyal friend and pet, Patch.
Memorials contributions may be made to the WOOF Pet Rescue with the funeral home accepting the contributions.
Antwion Ball, 43
Died November 27, 2020.
Baltimore City Public Schools, Baltimore, MD
Mathematics
Antwion Ball, a respected former Baltimore City Schools mathematics teacher who preached self-respect and achievement in his young Black male students, died of complications of diabetes and COVID-19 Nov. 27 at the Comfort Suites Hotel in the Inner Harbor. The Northwest Baltimore resident was 43.
“He told Black boys you can be somebody,” said his sister, Shavone Ball. “He told them, once you have an education, it can’t be taken away.”
Born in Baltimore, he was the son of Theodore Ball Sr., a caterer, and his wife, Rosalind Moore, a child care operator. He was raised on Melvin Drive and later on Gilmor Street and also lived in Edmondson Village.
He was a graduate of Edmondson-Westside Senior High School, where he played football, and earned a bachelor’s degree at Coppin State University. He also attended St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina.
He was known by his friends by the nickname “Busta.”
He became a math teacher and taught at the Mary E. Rodman School in the North Bend area, Mount Royal Elementary School in Bolton Hill and the Sojourner Douglass Charter School in downtown Baltimore.
“Antwion was always friendly and personable. He was all about relations. He was your friend forever. He was about helping and giving,” said Joe Brooks Jr., a friend from their first year of high school who lives in Joppa. “We went to the Gilman School Upward Bound program, and while we were in that program, he sort of turned into a mentor in the younger kids. He later worked there. It makes sense that he became a teacher, even though that was not his plan initially.
“It came natural with him to work with kids,” Mr. Brooks. “It was second nature to him. He did not want today’s kids to go through what he did.”
A cousin, Corey Jay Johnson, said, “He always had a smile on his face. He loved music too and is known to get everybody started on the dance floor. He would dance until his shirt was wet. He liked the house and club scene. Years ago, he liked Hammerjacks.”
Mr. Johnson also said, “He had friends from all walks of life. People would ask him to tutor their kids. His primary subjects were math and biology. He knew math like the back of his hand. He had a way of relating to kids to get them to understand math issues.”
He was also the director of the Paul Robeson Academic International School of Excellence (P.R.A.I.S.E.) Academy College Readiness Program, a Saturday school for at-risk students. The academy operated for nearly a decade at the Johns Hopkins School of Education in Charles Village.
“Antwion was a person who cared about everybody, but his biggest mission was working with our young boys,” said Bettye Blaize, administrator of the Cambio Group educational consultants. “He spent hours working with our young men. There was a time when because of funding we nearly shut down, but Antwion said we are going to finish what we started. He worked without pay and saw that year’s class graduate.”
She also said that at a recent virtual service for Mr. Ball many of his students were overcome emotionally.
“They just could not speak,” she said. “It was so painful. Antwion had a love for getting people to that next step in their lives.”
She said the P.R.A.I.S.E. Academy students arrived for their Saturday classes in shirts and ties.
David Olivieri, 50
Died November 13, 2020.
Lackawanna High School, Lackawanna, NY
Mathematics
November 13, 2020 of West Falls, NY. Beloved husband of Renee (nee Shady); devoted father of Francesca Teresa Marie and Angalene Antoinette Olivieri; loving son of Gene M. and Angeline M. Olivieri; cherished brother of Gene M. Jr. (Carla Orr) and Dean M. (Carli Cruse) Olivieri; fond son-in-law of Joseph T. and Antoinette Shehadi; dear brother-in-law of Sheila (Amine) Khoury, Diana (Elie) Harfouche, Dr. Joseph (Yvette) Shehadi, Michael (Sandra) Shady, Marlo Shehadi, and Kimberly (Maged) Natanios; also survived by many nieces and nephews.