WHEREAS, Frances Beatrice Bibbins Latimer, a beloved local historian, genealogist, and the Eastern Shore's only book publisher who worked with great enthusiasm to preserve the history and culture of the Eastern Shore, died on November 25, 2010; and

WHEREAS, a native of Northampton County, Frances Latimer graduated from Northampton County High School and earned a bachelor's degree from Hampton University and a master's degree from the City University of New York; and

WHEREAS, after enjoying a long and successful career as an educator in New York City and Accomack County; Frances Latimer served as the director of the local Head Start; and

WHEREAS, Frances Latimer became interested in local history after hearing her parents and grandparents talk of their experiences and she began to familiarize herself with local county records; she later became known as the expert on local county records; and

WHEREAS, Frances Latimer published two works through a Maryland firm before deciding to open her own publishing house, Hickory House, 15 years ago; and

WHEREAS, Hickory House produced numerous works on local history and genealogy, including a book of poetry by the late decoy carver Bobby Swain, a free guide to Eastville's court records, and a guide to African-American historical sites on the Eastern Shore; and

WHEREAS, Frances Latimer was a founding member of the Eastern Shore Humanities Council and won two competitive grant awards for historical research projects from the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities as well as an invitation to participate in the foundation's Virginia Festival of the Book; and

WHEREAS, Frances Latimer also served on the board of the Genealogy and History of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, the web-based genealogical society for the Eastern Shore; Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society; Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture; and the Eastern Shore Center for Black History and Culture; and

WHEREAS, Frances Latimer's passionate efforts leave behind a rich legacy of information on, history of, and interest in the Eastern Shore; and

WHEREAS, Frances Latimer will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her loving husband, George; her three stepsons and their wonderful families; and numerous other family members, friends, and the Eastern Shore community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of a noted local historian, publisher, and genealogist, Frances Beatrice Bibbins Latimer; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Frances Beatrice Bibbins Latimer as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for her memory.