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BORN
1920
DIED
2013
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Bessie Smith Obituary
1920-2013
Bessie C. Smith went home to Jesus on November 6, 2013, after 93 golden years on earth. She was born in Franklin County, AL, on May 24, 1920, married Joseph Archie Smith on October 4, 1936 in Jasper, AL and the family resided around and in Haleyville, AL, for many years. Eventually Archie and Bessie moved their family to Milton, FL, in 1953.
Archie and Bessie's children are Martha Jo Cob and Joseph Waylon "Pete" (Pat) Smith. Grandchildren are Beverly (Chuck) Bassett, Kathy (David) Ellis and Joseph Robert (Vicki) Pooley; great-grandchildren are Jon (Shelby) Sloan, Ben Sloan, James Sloan and Leanna (Alan) Ashby and great-great-grandchildren are J.J. Sloan and Evan Ashby.
Most of Bessie's family lives in Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties. "Dear" as Bessie is affectionally known to her grandchildren, worked at Monsanto for many years and retired at 56 years of age. She was a "crafty" person, creative in crocheting, making and painting ceramics, making artificial flowers and growing flowers. She was always giving her creations away to family and friends, and much of her handiwork has been carried around the world. She also was a wonderful cook and frequently provided neighbors and friends with produce picked from Archie's' garden, cooked and delivered! She loved doing anything she could for her family and friends.
In 2011, Archie's and Bessie's family and friends helped them celebrate 75 years of married life! Then on January 15, 2012, Archie went home to Jesus, and now Bessie has followed. They are together again.
A celebration of Bessie's life will be held at Olivet Baptist Church at 5420 Dogwood Drive, Milton, FL, at 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 10, 2013. Friends and relatives are invited to attend her celebration. Visitation with Bessie's family is directly after the 2:00 pm service.
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Memories and Condolences
for Bessie Smith
Jennifer
April 25, 2014
Mrs. Bessie was a beautiful person inside and out. I believe compassion and grace flowed from within her. Her pride and joy was her son Pete, who equally adored and loved her, I've never seen her happier than when Archie and Pete were around her. No matter what you were going through Bessie had a smile that would make you forget it. A truly humble person. It would not be correct to say she will be missed ,for she IS missed every day . I loved her then and now and am completely blessed just to have met her.
Betty Devine (& Retha)
November 10, 2013
Loved Aunt Bessie with all my heart. She was one of the most beautiful lady's I know inside and out. I told her at one of our visits I felt like she brought God with her to my house. She just had that presence with her everywhere she went. I know my Mother will be holding her hand.... Pete & Jo my prayers are with you. I know you'll had two of the best parents God could give...
November 9, 2013
Dearest Jo, Beverly and Kathy, I did not know your grandmother, but I do know your Mother Jo Cobb. She would have had to have the same qualities as her mother Miss Bessie. Our prayers and thoughts are will your families in the coming days. She is happy now and in a wonderful place, HEAVEN. We will soon see them and our other loves ones that have gone on and we will see them soon.
IN CHRISTIAN LOVE,
ROLAND AND SARA HENSON
M
November 9, 2013
Dearest Jo, Beverly and Kathy I did not know your mother and grandmother, but I do know precious Jo. She is such a roll model for other Christians and I will be praying for the coming days. She is happy and is in a place where we are looking forward to go, HEAVEN. We will see them and all our loved ones one day......SOON.
LOVE AND PRAYERS,
ROLAND AND SARA HENSON
Kathee Villar
November 9, 2013
Aunt Bessie- You will always be in our hearts! Kathee
Sandy Swanner
November 9, 2013
So sorry for your loss, but what a beautiful legacy she left. Our love and prayers are with you.
Powers Judy
November 9, 2013
Jo, Beverly, Kathy and Robbie, deepest sympathy goes out to your family. Bessie was a wonderful woman and I am richer just knowing her.
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Funeral services provided by:
National Cremation & Burial Society5641 Highway 90 West, Milton, FL 32583
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