Pryor Scrapbook Bessie Mae, 2008

April, 2008 Dear Bessie Mae, The years of 1959-1960 will be forever etched in my mind and heart as one of the most memorable times of my life. I entered Harding College as a 17 year old freshman from Ruston, Louisiana ,and lived in East Dorm, Searcy, Arkansas for my first year away from home. I met so many instant friends and Harding was just a wonderful life to me. Sooner than we realized, pledge week came quickly for all of us. I was excited to become a Regina and to know the spirit of being a Regina with my club sisters and to have you as our club "mother". Our fun initiation was quite an experience, however our serious installation was the most special day. We wore white formals and each quoted the scripture from Proverbs 31 about the virtuous woman. Our singing and devotionals, banquets, and third functions were always a special time to be together. This experience has always been a life changing memory of my life. Bessie Mae, you were so giving to have all of us at your home with our bunking parties, cooking, and long talks. My sophomore year we were part of the move to the "new" house nearer to campus and our bunking room was most of the upstairs. We had to be quieter as Susan was a baby and we enjoyed playing with her, Beverly Jo, and Byron. One I met soon after school began our freshman year was a football player from Kansas, Bill Hunter. As time would work out, we decided to elope December 15, 1960 the day school was out for the year. We married in your living room with beautiful poinsettias and other Christmas decorations. Your gracious manner was so evident in receiving us and will always be in our hearts, for we were only 19 years old. We loved you and Dr. Joe very much, as both of you were always very supportive and gave us advice that helped to sustain our marriage for these 47 years and growing. God has blessed us in so many ways over the years. One that we treasure the most is our children . We had 5 children and lost one in death, however, all four of our children attended and graduated from Harding and married Christians. Now the pattern continues as our oldest granddaughter is a freshman at Harding, and we hope the other eight grandchildren will plan to attend Harding. Please know what a profound influence you were to me. I am proud to have loved, known and appreciated you for 48 years. May God always bless you and Happy Birthday ! We hope you live many more fruitful and serving years with good health. I will come see you again when I am in Searcy. My Love, Mary Jane (Turner I \