"Bee's" (Mary Easley Sanders 1909-2009) story is more than just that of a cute, vivacious, small-city girl from Bluefield, West Virginia who married a handsome farm boy (Walter McDonald Sanders II, 1901-1968) from across the state line in Bluefield, Virginia. Although unique to her, the story reveals common challenges known throughout any and all generations. It's a vignette of her and the family into which she married and the determination required to do what had to be done despite personal dreams and desires.Her story spans 100 years, some of which are remembered as very difficult in our country's history. While women in the cities were parading and demonstrating for women's rights, the women managing and living on the 3,000 acre Sanders farm had inherited more responsibilities than they would have chosen. Adding to their inexperience and economic conditions, their difficult tasks were compounded by two World Wars and the Great Depression. However their strength of character, moral fortitude and sheer determination sustained the family, the farm and even aided the surrounding community with compassion. In 1958, after the sale of the farm, Bee and Walter finally built a home of their own just up on the ridge where they lived until Walter's death in 1968.

Bee then moved to Athens, Georgia to be close to her son Walt and his growing family where her life was once again changed.Bee's story is one of determination and resilience. Time marches on, people make the stories; Bee's is one worth telling.