Virginia has lost one of its most wonderful human beings. Not only was Rae a great editor, with whom our citizens were blessed, she was simply one of the kindest people I have ever been honored to know. I was always impressed at her deep knowledge of the relationship between a good newspaper and the functioning of a democracy. She was very sensitive to the needs of the community and the individuals she served. I always found her intellect, sensitivity, and kindness to be an inspiration. Mostly, I will miss her as a friend. My deepest condolences to Jim and the Smith family.

Jim,

I've very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.

Jim,
Mike and I are so sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if we can help in any way. We will be making a donation to the Crater Comm. Hospice if that is OK. Again, we deeply regret that you are having to deal with this loss. Mike and Mary Tyler

Jim, Stewart, Elizabeth and families:

Our deepest sympathy and condolences on your loss. Rae was a sweet lady that will be missed. Our prayers are with you during this time. May God grant you peace now and in the months to come.

Lorin & Cynthia Morgan

Dear Jim and Family,

We are so sorry for your loss. In the short time that we knew her, it was obvious that she was the kind of soul that people would be glad to know in whatever way they knew her: acquaintance, friend, sister, aunt, niece, mother, grandmother... We are better people for just having known her, and miss her dearly. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Jim, Stewart, Elizabeth and families:

We are so sorry for your loss. Rae was a wonderful person. We look forward to seeing her again someday in Heaven.

Like the lost little pups we were, she and Jim took us under their wings in 1982 in Florida. We'll never forget her kindness, inviting us to your house for holidays or just to swim in your pool, play Trivia Pursuit, or watch "Masterpiece Theatre" or this funny new show that was just starting, "Cheers."

Even though business changes separated our families for more than 20 years, when we all did get back together, it was like nothing had changed. She was as gracious as ever. She was a real lady. And we know she loved the three of you with all of her heart and soul.

You were fortunate to have her as your wife and mother. We were fortunate to have her as a friend.

Michael and Dianne Schuver, Gadsden, AL.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Although I did not know Rae, I know that she must have been a very special lady and that she will be missed by the community. May your friends and the love of God comfort you during this time of loss and during the months to come.
Sincerely,
Roger Green, Colonial Heights Chamber of Commerce

Dear Jim,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your wife. I know she was a beautiful woman in so many ways and that she is deeply missed by you and your children and grandchildren and all the others whose lives she touched. I know the mourning among her coworkers at The Hopewell News is palpable and that her presence there will be sorely missed. Know that you and your family are in my prayers.
I offer the following words to you, words borrowed from Abraham Lincoln who wrote a letter to a young woman whose father was killed in battle during the Civil War:
"I am anxious to afford some alleviation of your present distress. Perfect relief is not possible, except with time. You cannot now realize that you will ever feel better. Is not this so? And yet it is a mistake. You are sure to be happy again. To know this, which is certainly true, will make you some less miserable now. I have had experience enough to know what I say, and you need only to believe it to feel better at once. The memory of your dear father, instead of an agony, will yet be a sad, sweet feeling in your heart, of a purer and holier sort than you have known before."
Sincerely,
Charles McGuigan

My deepest sympathy to Jim and family. I am so saddened at the loss of a dear, sweet co-worker and friend. I will miss her. Rae had such a gentle spirit and a strong will. The Hopewell News is a better place for having known her. With a heavy heart I say "farewell Rae".