Bessie R. Proctor

PROCTOR, BESSIE R.

Bessie Rubin Proctor died on November 23 at the age of 93. She was born in 1917 in Cordele, GA and, as a young child moved to Atlanta, where she grew up. Bessie graduated high school in Atlanta before attending business college and then worked as a bookkeeper. In 1948, she married Samuel Proctor, who became a renowned professor at the University of Florida. She lived in Gainesville Florida for 58 years where she was very involved in both the Jewish and the University communities. Bessie was an active member of the sisterhood at B'nai Israel Synagogue and Hadassah and she served as the financial advisor for the AEPhi Sorority at the University of Florida up until six years ago. She and her husband mentored many students over the years and welcomed them into their home. Over time Sam and Bessie became well recognized for their activities and contributions to the University of Florida and Gainesville community. They did a lot of traveling all over the world and made many wonderful friends.

After the death of her husband five years ago, following a marriage of 58 years, Bessie moved back to Atlanta to spend her remaining years with her family. Bessie leaves behind a son, Mark Proctor of Pensacola , Florida, a son and daughter-in-law, Alan and Susan Proctor of Atlanta, two granddaughters, Rebecca and Madison Proctor , two sisters-in-law, Bertha Rubin and Evelyn Rubin and many loving nieces and nephews and friends. Sign online guest book at www.edressler.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Florida Foundation, Inc. for the Samuel and Bessie R. Proctor Fund for Jewish Studies. PO Box 14425, Gainesville, Florida 32604. A graveside service will be held Friday, November 26, 2010 at 10 am at Arlington Memorial Park with Rabbi Joshua Heller officiating.

Arrangements by Dressler's Jewish Funeral Care, Atlanta (770) 451-4999 .