Ernestine (Ernie) Reaves Hitt

Aunt Ernie was the most creative quilter and seamstress I have ever seen! It was inspiring to see the beautiful things she could make! She was such a loving sister to our mom, Mary Lou Yearwood, and to her other siblings. She was devoted to her husband and family. Aunt Ernie and Uncle Barney welcomed the entire Reaves clan to their beautiful Mumford home for a huge family reunion, years ago, enjoyed by all. She proudly displayed Uncle Barney’s hunting trophies, from the turkeys he bagged. Visiting their home was a great adventure, including seeing cherished pictures of loved ones, proudly displayed. We love you, Aunt Ernie!

I fondly remember having Thanksgiving dinner at Aunt Ernie and Uncle Barny's home as a boy, and seeing those huge turkey gobblers in the back yard!

I will always cherish those memories.

Robert E. Reaves, Jr.

Ernestine Hitt was my aunt and the last living sister of my father, Samuel Noel Reaves, Jr. Aunt Ernie was also the last living child of my grandparents’ Sam Reaves, Sr. & Martha Reaves, whom I was named after (Martha Lee “Marcie” Reaves Moore). I remember visiting Uncle Barney and Aunt Ernie and my 1st cousin, the younger Barney Hitt when they lived near Messick High School off Highland St. in Memphis. They had a huge backyard where we had cookouts and the cousins played together. She worked at the post office near her home on Highland for a period of time, just like her mother did—my grandmother. Aunt Ernie was a talented seamstress. She made a lot of her nice suits and skirts and dresses. I I was always amazed that she could make such beautiful things. I have pictures in her home where she hosted a baby shower for me, in 1966. My other aunts were also there, Mary Lou Yearwood and Frances Jones. My mother, Nancy Reaves was also there. Ernie was a wonderful woman, very matter-of-fact, no nonsense person. You could see and feel her goodness when you were with her. I loved being her niece. Rest In Peace, Ernestine Hitt.