Kirby Pines Retirement Community | The Pinecone

Get to know Kirby Pines' Charles and Kate Foster moved to Kirby Pines from their previous home in Germantown, Tennessee. They also lived 30 years prior in Jackson. They have been married 54 years, have two children and five grandchildren. Charles graduated from Notre Dame in 1967, then attended UT Med School, where he earned his medical degree in 1970. He worked as a pathologist for 30 years at the Jackson Pathology Group. Kate earned her RN degree at Methodist Hospital Nursing School and worked four years before working at home raising their family. Kate enjoys Bible study, crocheting and baking bread. She also collects Wee Folk and decorative sheep. Charles enjoys genealogy and watching sports, especially Notre Dame and the Arkansas Razorbacks. He collects antique postcards and coins. They have traveled extensively throughout the US, but also Israel, Europe, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. They both walk to stay physically active. Charles also likes to challenge his mind by doing crosswords, jumble and Sudoku. Charles is described as quiet and dependable, while Kate is always smiling and happy. We are excited to have these two at Kirby Pines. Fun fact, Kate's brother, Pat McCarty, also lives here, and their sister, Judy, just moved in as well! We always say Kirby Pines is one big happy family! Charles & Kate Foster Geraldine "Gerry" Beckley Gerry Beckley was born in Como, Mississippi, and was married to her late husband, Jonas, for 44 years. She graduated from Clark College in Atlanta in 1957. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority's Graduate Chapter. Jonas was a paratrooper in the Army for 20 years and like Gerry, worked as a teacher for the Memphis City School System. Gerry retired after 37 years. She still enjoys reading, talking, teaching and taking care of people. One of Gerry's fond memories is visiting her aunt in Como, she would always make her pancakes. She also says she inherited the ability to do impressions from her father. She has traveled to Hawaii, Europe and Paris, Hawaii being her favorite. She has a collection of recipes from the Commercial Appeal newspaper. Her favorite family recipe is for monkey bread. Gerry said friends would describe her as jovial, intellectual, happy and funny. Since moving to Kirby, she is hoping to find a new lifestyle to keep active. We are thrilled that Gerry has chosen Kirby Pines for the next chapter in her life. I'm sure she will easily find an activity or two to stimulate her mind and body. If you see her in the halls or the dining room, make sure to say hello and give her the Kirby welcome she deserves. NEW RESIDENTS The Pinecone | July 2024 • 3 •