To All, At this time of the year, I hate to bring bad news, but I know that many of you have read and make reference to the two Hitt family books co-authored by Beatrice Myers and Vada Phillips; "Benjamin Hitt & Nancy Curnal, their Antecedents and Descendants" and "Hitt Highlights" a suplement to the forgoing book.Those of us who knew Beatrice as a Hitt Family Researcher and friend are truly sadened to hear that she has passed away. I have just received the following from Beatrice Myers daughter, and I quote: Beatrice Myers died of cancer on May 11, 1998. She was 81 at the time of her death and had fought cancer for over a year. Her first surgery was April of 1997. Doctors concluded that the cancer started in her ovaries and spread to the colon. Chemo treatments put her in remission and she seemed to be getting back on her feet. She started back teaching Sunday School and WMU. Then the cancer came back swiftly and she was only hospitalized for three weeks. She was a trooper to the end and made friends with aides and nurses. During her hospital stay her sister-in-law, Ruby, stayed with her on most weekdays for what Beatrice called pajama parties. I stayed on the weekends. Ruby's presence was very comforting to her and to us. We knew Ruby's experience as a nurse made her the ideal companion. Both of her grandchildren and her great grandson were able to visit her in the hospital. She knew that her second great grandson, Caleb Alexander, was to be born in June and she was determined to be here but that just wasn't to be. Her funeral was in Orange at Old First Baptist Church and we took her back to Newton, Mississippi for burial. Archie (Beatrice's Husband) is suffering from Alzheimer's disease. We hired sitters and tried to keep him at home but that didn't work out. He is in Gulf Health Care Facility in Port Arthur. He knows us and his brothers and sisters and can tell you the date of his marriage but has difficulty remembering anything that hasw happened recently. For example, he can't remember his great granchildren or that Beatrice died. Archie reaads letters and cards over and over and he does remember friends and relatives so cards and letters are welcome. Mail can be sent to us or to Gulf Health Care Center/ 6600 9th Avenue/ Port Arthur, TX 77642. Have a joyous holiday season Signed/ Lily & Larry Myers End Quote. Earl J. Hitt