Bessie Commer Zoblotsky

Bessie Commer Zoblotsky, 97, of Atlanta, formerly of Waco, died Friday, March 17, 2006. Graveside service will be 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 21 at Agudath Jacob Cemetery, Waco, with Rabbi Gordon Fuller of Congregation Agudath Jacob officiating. Bessie was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend and businesswoman. She was born on February 18, 1909, in Kalankovitch, Belarus (also known as White Russia). As a young teenager, she spent four years in an immigration house in Lithuania before receiving legal approval to immigrate to the United States in 1924. One of her proudest achievements was becoming a US citizen. Upon arriving in the US, Bessie settled in Waco, Texas, where she worked in Hamilton, Texas, for her cousin Haskell Harelik. She relocated to Waco and worked for MC Levy Department Store in the shoe department. On Armistice Day, 1930, Joe Zoblotsky of Taylor, Texas, came to visit his brother who worked with Bessie. It was then she met her beloved. Joe and Bessie married in 1931 in Waco at Congregation Agudath Jacob. The couple settled in Taylor, Texas. They worked side-by-side running Zoblotsky Shoes in Taylor for the next 34 years prior to moving to Waco. Over the next 21 years they operated Jay Zee's Shoes on Bosque Blvd. Joe passed away in 1984 and Bessie ran the store on her own until she finally agreed to retire at the age of 77. Later she relocated to Fort Worth to live with her daughter where she was active in the community. In addition to the shoe business, Bessie was passionate about her family, friends, playing bridge and the slots in Las Vegas. She was active in numerous religious and community organizations including Agudath Jacob Sisterhood, Hamilton House, Hadassah Life Member, Business and Professional Women, First Ladies, The Lady Shrine Club, Garden Club and Music Club. Mrs. Zoblotsky is survived by her son, Morris Zoblotsky and wife, Beverly of Atlanta, Ga.; daughter, Margie Glazer of FortWorth, Texas; her grandchildren, Nanci and Richard Gay, Michelle and Evan Bruck, Melinda and Gavin Cobb, Mark Zoblotsky, all of Atlanta, and Michael and Arlene Glazer of Dallas, Texas; great-grandchildren, Jackie and Dani Glazer of Dallas, Jenna and Benjamin Bruck, and Justin and Nicole Cobb of Atlanta and several beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Honorary pallbearers are David and Lorraine Hoppenstein, Naman and Esther Lipinsky, Vernon Woolf, Dr. Sol Chernoff, Nate Koss, Butch Koss, Jean Adelman, Evelyn Hoffman, and the Bridge Girls. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to Congregation Agudath Jacob, Hadassah or to the charity of your choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com February 18, 1909 - March 17, 2006