Pryor Scrapbook Bessie Mae, 1984

• • November 1, 1984 Dear Bessie Mae, Homecoming this year was one of those special events Lloydene· was looking forward to. It was these special events that kept her struggling on for a year after the Doctors had given up. She was holding on to make our trip to Europe, and then to be able to see our oldest daughter married. She was holding on to see our son come home for the summer. She was holding on for her family re– union in Oklahoma City. As the struggle became more difficult she was holding on to see our youngest daughter enter her sophmore year at Harding Academy here in Memphis. When she realized she just couldn't hold on to life to see that, she held on 'til our oldest daughter could get here from Knoxville. And as we held her hand in her hospital room, she tried to hold on to the words of the song we began singing. Even though she no longer had the strength to make the sounds of the words or the music, she moved her lips in song until she slipped peacefully into her eternal rest. I'm sure if she had known that in just a few days she would be getting notice of this special day for you, she would have found the strength to instruct me on special things to say in a special letter to such a special lady. I know she would have me write just a few words to let you know that I know what a great influence you have always been. To her you were the embodiment of "Regina." You represented the royalty of the royal club. My words are inadequate but I know she would be grateful for my effort to let you know of her love and admiration for you. Please know that if Lloydene were still here she would be one of the early ones (just a few minutes late) to appear at your November 3 Homecoming Coffee. You would have a very sincere letter which would sing your praises as I've heard them in her discussions of you to others. And I know as always Lloydene would have come away stronger for having expressed herself about all those things she admired so greatly about you. In honor to you and in memory of Lloydene,