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Bessie Gurnee Obituary
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Bessie was born on January 17, 1923, in Risco, Missouri to the late George Washington and Mattie (Chandler) Parker. After moving to Michigan, she made Lennon her home. On November 8, 1975, she married the late Clifford Gurnee. She spent her working life at Flint General hospital in the dietary department retiring in 1982. Bessie was a simple woman, she loved country living and cooking for her family; she was best known for her blackberry cobbler, banana pudding. In her younger years she loved travelling around the country camping, she enjoyed fishing with an old cane pole and a worm. As time progressed, she enjoyed watching game shows and HGTV in her chair and watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow.
Bessie is survived by her children; Shirley Owens, Janet Taylor, Francis (Tony) Hicks, Patty (David) VanDeMark, Jim Haskins, Connie (Larry) Hammer, Shelly Allen, and Sandy Pippenger. Her 28 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren, 19 great-great-grandchildren, and her sister, Opal (Paul) Herndon.
She was predeceased by her husband, Clifford, her parents, her sister, Dessie Marie Irwin, and her brother, Thurston Parker.
Memorial contributions in Bessie's name can be directed to the Durand Senior Care and Rehab Center.
Pictures, condolences and memories can be shared with the family at WatkinsFuneralHomes.com
To send flowers to the family of Bessie, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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