Barbara Vail ¹

Barbara Vail Hitch, 96, left her earthly tabernacle on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 in Virginia Beach, VA. Born in Suffolk, VA, she was the daughter of the late Olive Harrell Vail and John H. Vail, and was the widow of Arthur Hitch, Jr. She taught in the Norfolk Public School system for many years, ending her career in Larchmont Elementary School. Mrs. Hitch graduated from Maury High School and Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, VA. In 1946 she married Arthur Hitch, Jr. In her early years she was very active in many community organizations including the Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, served on the board and directed the docents at The Myers House and their program for school children touring the home to learn of the early history of Norfolk. She was a member of the National Society of Colonial Dames located in Virginia, and Christ and St. Luke's Episcopal Church where she taught for many years in the church school, and served on the Altar Guild. She was also a member of the Redwood Garden Club and was one of the original members of the Flower Guild of Chrysler Museum. Left to cherish her memory is her beloved sons, Arthur Hitch III of Virginia Beach and Frank H. Hitch of Norfolk; a brother, Jack H. Vail of Norfolk; Nieces, Elizabeth Ashby Vail, Marguerite "Mita" Knox Vail, Clayton Vail, Mary Vail Lewis, Virginia H. Armstrong, and Anne Brock; Nephews, William Brock and wife, Beth, James E. Hitch, Harry S Hitch, John C. Hitch and wife, Virginia, G. E. Shaefer Hitch, James Tyler Vail and wife, Mahala, Charles A. Vail, Jr., and C. Scott Vail and wife, Kimberly; sister-in-law, Cecil Swartz and husband, Carl; and several great nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015 at Christ and St. Luke's Episcopal Church with Rev. Canon Win Lewis and Rev. Grant Stokes officiating. Burial will be private in Elmwood Cemetery. H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be offered to the family through hdoliver.com.

Barbara married Arthur ("Boots") Hitch Jr., son of Arthur Hitch and Virginia Etheridge, in 1946. (Arthur ("Boots") Hitch Jr. was born on 27 Jan 1917 in Norfolk, Norfolk Co., VA,² died on 03 May 2002 in Norfolk, Norfolk Co., VA and was buried on 07 May 2002 in Elmwood Cemetery, Norfolk, VA.)