Miss Sett (1960)

Dear Miss Sett,

I remember seeing you occasionally take out your yard stick to measure dress lengths while I was in LeTourneau Hall. We may have thought that rules were tough in those days that we were students at TFI, but, opposed to today where there are no dress standards, we were truly blessed! The period in time that I was at the college was very special, and those of us ladies who lived in the dorm have special memories of the old LeTourneau Hall, and then moving on to the new Fant Hall, especially having the basement for the gala smorgasbord. I remember one special entertainer from our dorm, "Miss Vickie" who dressed in red(Kelly Barnes' favorite color) and lip synched
"I'll Be Your Baby Tonight". It was a hoot! Do you remember that fun night?

God bless you Miss Sett! You look fabulous for your age!
Enjoy the celebration all year!

Fran Raszmann, TFC, 1972

November 2009

Dear Miss Sett,

I met you thirty years ago this past August as my Dean of Women coming as a freshman to college. The memories are so abundant, it would take 30 years to share them all!
You were an awesome Godly example serving us as the Dean of Women. You kept us in line, with your loving, but strict no-nonsense ways…Do you remember calling about 15 of us girls from Letourneau Hall into your office, and giving us all 50 Demerits for…..(I will remind you later!)  You were an awesome Dean of Women, someone we could always depend on to tell us the truth, hold us accountable, and love us with a godly love.
You were my boss and leader later on as I worked at Gate Cottage, leading by example, how to serve, work and take pride in what we do and how we serve others. We later became “House-Mates” up at Forest Guest House...What fun we had! I can still picture the many times, we watched from the large picture windows, herds of deer that would be grazing right near the front yard, and watching football!
You were also my ever present “Romance Counselor” throughout my courtship days with Lance, always available as a encourager , supporter, advise giver, and someone always with a shoulder to cry on, and the best cheerleader for love, ever!!!
During our days as Dorm Parents at Tfc, though you were then retired, you were a constant source of wisdom and knowledge and experience, leaving such strong roots to now serve the students coming our way.
You were one of the very first people to hold both newborn Danae and then almost three years later, newborn Dustin. They have both grown up adoring you, and I know that you have prayed for them faithfully over the years.
And as things sometimes go ‘full circle’ they have both grown up enough to have had the privilege of working with you and for you at Gate Cottage. You were the one that taught them both how to do the laundry there, set a pretty table, and you have set an amazing example of how to serve others and work hard, and honor the Lord in what you do. One of the biggest privileges that they will ever have in life, is being apart of working at Gate Cottage with you, as I did.
And now, as Danae is (and Dustin soon to follow), are traveling down the same path as students at Tfc as we did some 30 years ago, as they follow what the Lord has for them, we are humbled and thankful for the legacy the Lord has allow you to leave at Toccoa Falls College. Your care and love and memories of you that so many people have, is a true gift that you have given to all of us.
You are special in so many ways to so many people, but you are EXTRA special to me and my little family, that loves you dearly!!! We are blessed to have you in our memories and lives!

We Love You and Wish You a Wonderful 90th Birthday!

Lance and Donna Sue
Danae and Dustin Martin

PS…At your 80th birthday, I told you that you had a good 20 years or so left….So yeah for us! Can’t wait till we have your 100th Birthday Party! 

Deep faith, great love, sly humor, and immense wisdom ... my memories of you, Miss Sett, include these qualities and much more! You showed wise compassion on us all and we were blessed to be in your care. Thank you for teaching us how to serve and how to lead. God keep you always. Rev. Lori Lynn (Martin) Wachter (class of 1983)

Hostess with the Mostest

Toccoa Falls, Summer 1957—The campus was a "buzz" with the expected visit of THE MAN FROM TEXAS! Rumor was that his visit would include a request if answered "yes" would cause wedding bells to ring. THE TEXAN had never visited Georgia before—had only heard of Toccoa Falls in the early spring. He had flown bombing missions in WWII, completed a 5 year Engineering Course in 3 years, and worked for the FBI, but none of those experiences prepared him for this visit. When he arrived on campus he was greeted by, that's right, Miss Setterlof. Her calm manner seemed to set the tone for his visit. He soon realized that here was "southern hospitality" at its best! Miss Sett seemed to extend warm friendliness without being "gushy," a trait THE TEXAN admired most. Miss Sett had made a lasting impression on THE TEXAN. In the years that followed, each time our family returned to Forrest Cottage for a visit he would always ask "How is Miss Setterlof?" For the past 52 years your NAME AND YOUR SMILE has been unforgettable!

Story told by THE TEXAN—Hugh David Michie to his wife of 52 years, AG Barnes Michie (Alice Grace Barnes Michie)

I was a student working in the laundry which was at Morrison Hall when she arrived at Toccoa Falls. She became the supervisor of the laundry and I worked under her for several months. Naturally, we frequently gave her a hard time, played tricks on her, and made jokes at her expense. She was always tolerant of our teen-age foibles, but taught us to work diligently and successfully. She taught me to iron, and she taught me so well that I was assigned to iron Dr. Forrest's dress shirts.

Over time, I was assigned to other jobs and eventually to duty in the kitchen under Ms. Kinnamon. I believe working for Miss Sett and Ms. Kinnamon did a lot to teach me respect for women and to work successfully under female supervisors. (This was an era when "A woman's place is in the home.") I'm very glad TFC is celebrating Miss Sett's birthday and wish I could be there.

Over the years I have written many poems and limericks to wish Happy Birthday, Farewell, and Best Wishes to my friends and co-workers, and here is my "Best Wishes" to Miss Sett. As a poem, it's not much, but the sentiment is sincere!

A TRIBUTE TO MISS SETT
from King Elliott, HS 1946, BC 1950

A wonderful woman is Miss Sett--
As wonderful as ever I met;
She is gracious and kind
With a generous mind,
I was glad to be caught in her net.

When she arrived we all called her Flossie;
In the laundry her job was to be bossy.
She taught me to iron shirts
For Dr. Forrest—whose good works
Were done in white shirts smooth and glossy.

I’m 81 and still going fine,
But Miss Sett is 90 and that’s a new line;
Her hair may be white
But her smile is still bright
And will still shine when she’s 99.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND BEST WISHES FROM A LONG-TIME FRIEND!

Thanks to Miss Sett I was able to change some of my backward ways. I did not even know what "dress pants" were when I came to TFC back in 1976, but she was very patient with me as I was a brand new Christian and never been out of my “neck of the woods” before. Miss Sett will always be a blessing to me and I have very fond memories of her. I live in Seymour, Missouri, with my husband and 18 year old son who is a senior in high school. Please send our best wishes to her and wish her a happy birthday for me.

Joy Julie Bigelow Newton

Dear Miss Sett,

Since at the present time I’m wearing a white shirt without fail, I feel that this is the appropriate time to tell you that I really miss your delicious Pepto-Bismol colored punch.

God’s richest blessings,

Bob Dosien

P.S. Please remember to come for your next voice lesson!

I rejoice with the 90 years our Lord has generously given to you Miss Sett. May the Lord continue to preserve your health.

I remember you speaking in chapel several times emphasizing good manners and proper behavior. Other fellow students and I were not very excited about your presentation then but as time has passed I have appreciated your kind concern for us students. I am in Korea and can't attend. I pray for God's blessings upon your ministry there. Good day!

Doug Williams (1971)

I have wonderful memories of your kind and caring ways, which taught us how to live as women of God. At the time I thought you were much "too strict." However, after a few years when my own daughters (and sons) were young adults, I was able to draw upon the training and example of my "Other Mother" at LeTourneau Hall. Thank you, Miss Sett, for your caring and thoughtful ways. May you have many more birthdays to share with your "daughters."

Love in Christ,

Louise (Josephsen/Couchey) Maccarone (1959)

Dearest Miss Sett,
You will always be one of my dearest memories at TFC. I loved working for you at "Geet" Cottage. I loved talking to you in your wonderful Minnesotan accent and watching you laugh. I have several fun memories of our time together...

One very busy Sunday at Gate, we were serving roast beef on the buffet. You told David Cruz, one of my fellow servers, to go and bring the roast beef off of the line and bring it into the kitchen to pour some aus jou over it so it didn't dry out. David came through the swinging door of the kitchen w/the roast beef on a cutting board. As he came through the door, to our horror, the beef slid off the board and slid across the kitchen floor. The look on your face was priceless!

When I first got there in January 1980, you gave us new girls your talk about what to wear and not to wear. You said that high heels and tight jeans were tacky. Needless to say, I didn't include that in my wardrobe at TFC!

When we had a party in honor of your retirement, Brenda Brown and I did a skit where I was dressed up like you and she was Julia Childs. Thank goodness, you didn't get mad at my impression of you!

I love you Miss Sett. Happy 90th birthday! God Bless You!

Dear Miss Sett:
I graduated from the High School there in 1970. I remember avoiding you at times for fear you would tell me my dress was too short which you did from time to time. I also had you as a dorm mom when I went to school for a semester in college. I came to realize during my short college time that your bark was worse than your bite. I grew to know and love you. Your picture is really great. You sure do not look like you are 90. I was in the High School for my junior and senior years. Just want you to know you will never be forgotten and I hope you have a wonderful birthday filled with many blessings.
Love,
Darlene Gage Bultemeier
Class of 1970

Dear Miss Sett,

You won your way into this M.K.'s heart. With my mother and father so far away in Vietnam you felt very responsible for important choices that I might make. You kept an eye on my special love, Rick Drummond. You gave good advice for I was still very young.

How much I loved to come to your small apartment. You made it seem so homey. And the food...that is what all of the girls remember. You would work so hard before those special meals...cooking and cooking until the dorm was filled with delicious fragrances.

Thank you for sharing your life and your love with so many of us. None of us will forget you! You were so much a part of our lives at Toccoa Falls and for ever after as well.

I love you. Beth Drummond

Dear Miss Sett,

I remember cleaning the offices of student services when you were the Dean of Women. I was always a little nervous and intimidated by you. I was always glad when the offices were empty, and I could clean without anyone around. Do you remember the time that you approached me when I was sweeping the steps on the outside of one of the buildings near LeTourneau? You asked me about a food fight that you had heard about in the cafeteria the night before at supper time. You asked me if it was true that I was involved? I was petrified, but hung my head and answered, truthfully, that I was indeed involved! I had no idea what was coming next. You got this smirk on your face and looked as if you were trying to keep from laughing, then you said, "Don't let it happen, again." .. and that was that! Boy, was I relieved!!! I have fond memories of your strictness, but, also, of your love for us students! God has and will continue to reward you richly! Love in Christ our Savior, Jodi (Hilyard) Frey

Happy Birthday, Miss Sett,

A couple of my remembrances of you as my House Mother were:

1. Your smorgasbord's and how you would have us set up tables in LeTourneau. I lived in one of the rooms on the "balcony" - today it is a prayer room. (That's a good thing.) Anyway, you would have us get dressed up - as formal as we wanted, and you would teach us how to set a nice table, serve, and properly eat. And, for this young girl from Western PA that was a big deal, but I remember those times very fondly.

2. During my first year in LeTourneau some of the girls would hang their laundry over the banister and you would yell - "Take those clothes down, this is not a tenement house."

3. My most favorite time in LeTourneau with you was our nightly devotion time. "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, oh Lord, my Redeemer." That verse and those times will forever be with me.

To quote a line from a recent song, "Thank you for giving to the Lord; I am a life that is changed."

Much love,
Sharon Sanderson (1971)

Miss Sett,

In 1962, I was a very green kid at Toccoa Falls HS. It was my senior year, and I had never been away from home. There was so many new things to learn and to do. I never had the honor to be in Miss Sett's dorm, but the HS girls went to her afternoon teas. Then it was proper to wear a hat and gloves. What fun! Over the years, when I would return, you were still there being a godly example. I will always have fond memories of you and TFC It was a special time in my life.
Happy Birthday, and many more blessings!
Julie

Miss Sett,
I was at TFC for only two years and gave you some heatburn but I always loved the devotions as we all sat around in our pjs. I want you to know that I finished my education in up-state N.Y. I taught 27 years in the Va.Beach Public Schools system sharing Christ and praying for my children each day. I am retired and have almost 8 grandchildren to help raise in Christ. I have the privilege working with Child Evangelism today winning boys and girls to Christ in the public schools. I want you to know the God has answered your prayers many times over to the Glory of God.

May He richly bless you,
Pam Mannix (Leffler)

Miss Sett,
You were a special blessing to me during my years at Toccoa Falls College. I was told to "fear" you, but I always looked beyond that emotion. I enjoyed sharing times of our "sewing" experiences since we enjoyed the same craft; I enjoyed your wonderful cooking for the smorgasbord; the times of dorm-devotions; the fun activities we had in the dorm and you are the one who made all of these memories possible.
As the years have passed, it amazes me how you are able to remember "most" of us by name even though we have changed quite a bit. You are an amazing lady and I just want to say THANK YOU FOR GIVING TO THE LORD as you invested your life into so many young people over the many years. HAPPY, HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY!!!
"He who dwells in the secret place of the MOST HIGH, shall abide under the shadow of the ALMIGHTY." Psm 91:1.
Thank you for the place you have dwelt all of these years setting an example to us. YOU ARE LOVED. Ruth Mink Rowe

Dear Miss Sett,
I too was a little afraid of you when I first came to TFC in the 1970's, but soon learned to love and respect you. I remember once I wanted permission to go away for something and I came to your apt. in Fant Hall. I have always been one who talked a lot and very fast. Add in the nervousness and I gave you quite a long imploring speech without taking a breath. When I finished you just looked at me and said, "Could you repeat that?" Of course I began all over again at top speed, but you just laughed, waved your hand at me and said "Never mind, go ahead".
Returning in the 1980's with my husband, Gil, and children it was great to renew our aquaintance and spend more time with you at Gate Cottage where Gil worked with you for many special dinners. I loved it when there was too much food left over and some got sent home for our family! Yum!
Have a wonderful birthday and hope we can see you again sometime when we are home from China.
Love, Dorty

Dear Miss Sett:
We've known each other for a long time and I remember seeing you when I would visit TFC with my family. I know you and my parents were dear friends.
My favorite memory (and Bill's) is working with you at "Geet" Cottage in the 1980s. Bill said it seemed to make you so happy when he would help you take the big curtains down to wash and put back up. But my favorite memory is of a dear lady who gave the Gate Cottage leftovers to a very needy couple of married students to take home with them, and such GOOD food too! We wish you a blessed time celebrating your birthday.
Bill and Libby (Mott) Powell

Dear Miss Sett,
I will never forget the first day I met you! I had no idea then what an impact you would have on my life. My happiest memories began at Toccoa Falls in your dorm. I loved the devotions after supper every night and the delicious holiday dinners you created for us girls. I appreciate your guidance through my high school and college years, and for helping me with my wedding. You are a one-of-a-kind lady! God has blessed you so richly and we are blessed for having you and your influence in our lives. Happy, happy birthday!

We love you!
Michelle (Ring) & David Austin

Miss Sett,
How I remember when I was a plumber on campus during my college years. I would have to go inside the dorms of the girls to fix some plumbing. I always love it when you would take the time to invite me in for a taste of the Christmas smorgasbord!!!! I always tried to get repair jobs during that time. Also how about the visits with John Croston and I trying to straighten your carpet out or move some furniture. You were the best. I loved you for who you were and the life that you lived in Christ.
Pat and I are back in Indonesia and I am pastor of the Bandung International Church.
Under the same wing,
Gordon Swenson
Class of 1964 HS
Class of 1969 College

Dear Miss Sett, Thankyou for the years that you served at TFC. I learned much from you and your dedication to the Lord and us girls in the dorm. I practice and teach my family good etiquette (freshman101) and from you I learned hostess skills that has followed me in many of my jobs and on the mission field. I was "Cinderella" of Fant Hall ; cleaning the dorm. You said "no one cleans like Teresa", and I believe you! One summer I cleaned the dorm and took summer school classes. You wanted the outside of all the windows cleaned. I looked up at those 3rd story windows and wondered how I was going to climb out there to clean. You said that you had done it, so I wasn't going to let you "out do me", so I climbed out there and cleaned every window!! That same summer I think you had some friends come and visit you and you introduced them to me. You told them how hard I worked and that I needed luggage. They gave me money to buy luggage, all because of your generosity towards me. I purchased red suitcases! You complimented me on my "good looking' husband. Thank you. My boys are now students at TFC, but they don't have a "Miss Sett" to go to because they live at Paradise Mnt. Long Live Miss Sett and please STOP driving! Love you Teresa Graves Bill (class of '78) CMA missionary to Congo, Brazzaville

Miss Sett, you used to scare me to death when I was a student here at TFC back in 1980 and I would have to come to you to get permission to go home with Tom for the weekend! You always acted like you were granting my request against your better judgement! But as you can see, it turned out alright!
I love you, Miss Sett and appreciate your servant's heart so much! God bless you in a big way! Happy Birthday!
Mitzi Helms Council