Gary Nelson "Gary's World" Published July 8, 2005

Crossville has lost a precious gem

It must have been 95 degrees with 90 percent humidity as I went to one of my first photo assignments for the Crossville Chronicle. Of course, the assignment was outdoors in the blazing sun, in the middle of a field off Cook Rd. There were so many cars parked along the street that the closest I could get was about two blocks away. Heck, by the time I walked up the hill, down the street and into the field where the crowd gathered - I looked like I had just stepped out of the shower. So it goes sometimes for a reporter/photographer.

It turned out that all my efforts to get to the assignment were well worth it for it was the first time I got to meet Joanne Stone. The event was the groundbreaking for Stone Elementary School.

When I met Joanne and her husband, Roy Stone, I was greeted with that smile and laugh I later became familiar with when seeing her at many public functions. It was the type of warm smile and laugh that would often light up the room and steal everyone's attention. She was always friendly.

I often had the privilege of meeting and talking to Joanne at public functions. Each time we met I would introduce myself and tell her I was a reporter and photographer with the Crossville Chronicle. She would often say that she had read my stories and enjoyed my writing. That alone was enough to make her a hero to me.

I had the privilege of covering more events such as the grand opening of Stone Elementary, both the groundbreaking and grand opening of Roane State Community College's current facility as well as many school board and county commission meetings which often included appearances from Roy and Joanne Stone.

Unfortunately, I never really got to know Mrs. Stone well. We were merely acquaintances. I write this as a testimony to the type of person Joanne was and to the ripple effect that she and her husband have had on the community through their generosity.

Through my interaction with the Stones and with the public in general, I have come to learn who the genuine people are. I can honestly say that Joanne was one of the most genuine examples of a Christian person one could ever meet. Even before her death, I knew of so many generous and gracious things she and her husband had done for individuals and the community.

If you have ever seen a play at the Cumberland County Playhouse, have a child or relative who attends Stone Elementary, or attends Roane State Community College in Crossville, or know someone who will attend Stone Memorial High School - then you have been affected by Joanne Stone. She was active early as an actor, benefactor and served on the board with the Cumberland County Playhouse.

Had the Stones not donated the land, Roane State Community College in Cumberland County wouldn't be in its present facility, Stone Elementary School wouldn't exist and Stone Memorial High School wouldn't be well under way toward completion.

This doesn't even include the hundreds of lives Joanne blessed through her teachings at Crossville's First United Methodist Church. Many of our community leaders fondly remember being taught by Mrs. Stone. I can honestly say I've never met anyone who didn't like and or respect this lady.

As a true champion for education, especially in Cumberland County, thousands will benefit from her legacy. I personally have benefited from it through a program Trevecca Nazarene University offers through a partnership with Roane State in Cumberland County.

My children will attend Stone Memorial High School and they both have benefited through their experiences as young actors and dancers at the Playhouse. My wife also was able to attend RSCC and benefit from the Stones generosity. We are just one family out many in this county who have been blessed from the generosity of the Stone family. Just imagine the educational opportunities that are now available in Cumberland County thanks to Roy and Joanne Stone.

Her family and friends were always proud of her and were proud to be associated with her for the type of person she was. The city of Crossville and Cumberland County has most certainly lost one of its precious gems with the passing of Joanne Stone.

Her legacy will live on through the benefits of education for thousands in the future of Cumberland County. May God bless her and the entire Stone family.

···
Gary Nelson is a Chronicle staffwriter. His column appears periodically in the Crossville Chronicle. He can be reached by e-mail at gnelson@crossville-chronicle.com.