Remembering Coline ‘Hay’ Gibson

My condolences to the Hay, Gibson families.

I was born August 26, 1935. At this time, Coline Hay was teaching my siblings at the one room school in Shipley, Clinton County, Kentucky. My siblings were James, Juanita and Printice “Bud” Willen. My parents named me after their teacher, Coline Hay. I was also named Vallie after another teacher, Vallie Ross. I always told everyone I should be a smart person because I was named after two school teachers. Ha! Ha! I never had the privilege of meeting either of them and, at my age, 82, I was surprised when I saw Coline’s obituary in the Clinton County News.

Also Coline’s brother, Dr. Floyd Hay, furnished my brother, Rev. Prentice “Bud” Willen, a flute to play in the First Nazarene Church orchestra when we attended church in Albany. Seems we have some close ties to Coline’s family there. I never met her, but thanks for my name. Have fun in Heaven Coline.

Vallie Coline “Willen” Rich