Bessie Neal Heath

Bessie Neal Heath, established a legacy in Douglassville, TX, where she lived a faithful life known to all as Mom. Born on August 28, 1932, to Weaver and Cora Mae McCoy, she developed life long skills growing up in a time when hard work, home cooking, and strong faith shaped her life.

At just fourteen years old, she met the only boy she ever dated, Ben Joseph Heath. Their love was simple and steady, like the life they built together rooted in faith, family, and hard work. They loved bluegrass festivals, camping (especially at Albert Pike), trail rides, and dancing together. Along the way, they raised their four children, who were their greatest blessing.

Mom spent many years serving as Secretary to the Superintendent for Douglassville and Atlanta ISD, a role she carried out with great leadership and sassiness. Although many in the community knew her for this, she was most known for home-cooked meals she prepared for her family throughout her entire life. No matter how long her workday had been, with the help of a Diet Coke, she made sure her family sat down to a nourishing meal, sharing her love and care in the simplest and most meaningful way. Her priorities never changed: family first, with church family always close behind. She was Mom first through her servant heart, and a deep sense of responsibility that shaped generations around Douglassville.

A true sports fanatic, Bessie Neal seldom missed a football game of her beloved Atlanta Rabbits or the Dallas Cowboys. Her excitement for the game was infectious, and cheering for her teams was yet another way Mom shared her joy and energy. She loved always having family and friends at her house, unless the Cowboys were on TV.

Mom leaves behind a family who will carry her legacy forward: her daughters, Karen Heath Tromza and Kay Heath Gilbert; her son, Curtis Heath and his wife Tammy; and her son-in-law, Randy Barnes. They gifted her with grandkids and great-grandkids, each with a healthy dose of Mom-style stubbornness. She was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband, and her daughter, Angela Heath Barnes.

While our hearts are heavy, she led us with these words from Proverbs 31:30 "charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." We are able to rejoice knowing she is healed, and at home dancing in the presents of her Lord and Savior. Mom's legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the faith she passed down, and the countless memories that will forever warm our hearts.

Funeral services will be 10:00 am, Friday, March 13, 2026 at Douglassville Fellowship Church, under the direction of Hanner Funeral Service.

Visitation will be 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Thursday, March 12, 2026 at Hanner Funeral Service.

Interment will be in Douglassville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Douglassville Fellowship Church or to Douglassville Cemetery.