Letter from Everett & Emma Mae Barnes

Letter addressed to and received by Wiley Benjamin Hill, Jr., my father:

Laurel Miss
Feb 13, 1967

Dear Ben;

I have been thinking about you, and get myself togather to write you.  I suppose you have heard by now that my father went to be with the Lord for Christmas.  He passed away on 22nd of Dec. and we laid his body to rest in the Sumrall Cemetary at Sumrall, Miss. on Christmas Eve.

He went into a coma sitting in his chair on Dec 7th.  We took him to the hospital on the 8th and he lived two weeks but never revived.


This is the time of year when I always began to make plans for his birthday, and it is a lonely time for us.  I can't begin to tell how lonely it is here in this house, but I know God was so very good to Him and us and he lived a long and full life.  He didn't leave any worldly riches, but an abundance of worthwhile memorys, of examples of love and kindness, compassion for the poor and needy was his to bestow.


How are you doing with your book?  When I rest and get myself togather I plan to write a small memorial for my father.


I had some letter and pictures from a first cousin of Father's in  Calif Mrs Robinson who was a Bennett.  She was also a cousin of your Grandfather.  Since Aunt Lydia married a Bennett also.  However, yours was her second husband wasn't it?


Come to see us when you can and write soon.


Your Cousins, Everett and Emma Mae Barnes.


[This letter was dated 13 Feb 1967, my father's 54th birthday.  However, he probably didn't read it till some time later and didn't answer it until later, due to the injury and death of his own mother, Eunice Tucker Hill Hall.].