I first met Bea in the mid 70's. Bea immediately welcomed me into the family. Bea always had a pitcher of ice tea made , and something baked to quench your palate.

Upon the birth of my son Brandon, Bea became an active,loving grandmother. Bea's love and support during  Brandon's childhood will never be forgotten or can be replaced. As other grandchildren were born Brandon claimed her as "HIS BEA". Bea would often pick up Brandon from nursery school after a long day at work. Only God knows what they were up to, I would often find cards and flowers on my dining room table for special occasions upon arriving home after work.

Before Bea's stroke we spoke daily, and before my relocation to North Carolina in October 2013, I visited Bea to let her know how much I loved her and would be visiting once I got settled. On Tuesday,May 20th I made a point to visit Bea on my way to New York. After that visit I felt that this would be the last time I would have a chance to again let her know how much I loved her and was eternally grateful for all the LOVE she exemplified.

Bea had such a sweet sweet spirit about her, I often think of her as the "Virtuous Woman", as printed in Proverbs 31:10-31. 
 

My memories go back more than 50 years, to a time when I was a young Mother.  Bee's loving spirit touch my life in a way that only she and I understood.  Fortunately, years ago, we were able to talk about that special time we shared and I had the chance to express my gratitude for her love of my sons and her grandsons Duane and Larry.  When I last saw her, unable to speak, yet she and I went back in time through intense hugs, tears and indelible smiles.  For she had been that special person in my life who demonstrated unconditional, generous, genuine LOVE. Her LOVE is seared in my Memory and Bookmarked forever. She helped me turn a life crises into hope and renewal.  I'll always remember Bee as an Equisitely Beautiful Woman with an impeccable loving heart.  You'll never be forgotten. You'll always be my Muse for the true meaning of LOVE.... To paraphrase Maya Angelou, it's not what people said or what they did , but how they made you feel.... Now rest peacefully Bee....Love, Bev

 

This picture was taken at one of Aunt Vera's cookouts during the summer of 2010. 

I enjoyed sharing stories of raising my kids with Aunt Boo. She especially took interest in Cameron. I'd even photocopy letters and journal entries he'd write, and mail them to her so she could read it for herself, because she sometimes couldn't believe the stuff he'd write. Only she could understand some of the things I'd share, and I didn't call her with everyday things. No. Aunt Boo was extraordinary! She wanted to hear the things you'd see on "Caught on Tape, or "Ripley's Believe It or Not." Like the time I told her my husband had set all the furniture out on the curb and told the company to come pick it up just because they called about a late payment, ROFL. Yup, everyone coming home in the evening rush and my entire living room was on the front lawn. Only she could relate. And I thoroughly enjoyed sharing these stories with her because she'd laugh, and smile. Surprisingly enough, she'd always have a story of her own to share with me of the same caliber that would give me the courage to walk into my home, to deal with the next episode of in the Days of My Life.

She was an awesome aunt. I can only imagine what a wonderful wife, mom and grandmother she made. Always showering her nieces with gifts whenever she and Uncle Larry came to VA, or trying to teach her great nieces like Rachel her biscuit recipe (which she never could duplicate).

A legacy has passed and there is no greater gap to fill than that of my aunts (Fee and Boo).  From the eulogy of the late Margaret Johnson, "We need some more 'Aunt Boo's' in the world today." The praying, raise your family, as for me and my house kinda virtuous women. There is success, and then there is significance. I want to walk the path of those gone on before us. I want to be significant in the lives of my family just as she was. Now I finally know why I'm such a loving aunt, I had the best examples.

God bless, 
Pat

Because she had two nieces born in the month of March, 3 days a part she'd often get confused whose birthday was the 15th and the 18th.  I always looked to answer a phonecall on either the 15th or the 18th with Aunt Boo so excited to wish a HAPPY BIRTHDAY...  Lord knows I'm gonna miss you Aunt Boo.

 Each year Aunt Boo would call and sign happy birthday to me. . Aunt Boo would say afterwards, is it ya birthday or Debbie's since I was March 15th and Debbie was the 18th. I love you Aunt Boo

One thing I'll never forget about Grandma was the chocolate cakes she made...for birthdays, for graduations, for ANY day really. It was usually the first thing I asked for when I got to her house and she would always have it ready. She was just such a peaceful woman with such a gentle demeanor that radiated a sense of peace to everyone around her.