Bessie Lee Smith, 99, died Monday, September 1, 2014 in Jacksonville, FL while on vacation. She was born May 24, 1915 in Robbins, TN and was the daughter of the late John and Arminda (Moore) Clark.
Bessie married Homer Roberts in 1930. Homer died in 1961. She married Willie Smith in 1968. Willie died in 1986. She enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening, sewing and crocheting presents for her family, playing bingo, reading her bible and doing word search puzzles. She especially enjoyed time with her large family at Christmas parties and birthday parties with release of helium balloons in her honor.
She is survived by 3 daughters, Brenda Rench of Muncie, Judy Mansker (Sam) of Muncie, and Dorothy Flowers (Jeffrey) of Muncie; one son-in-law Jack Robinson. She is also survived by 24 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren; 43 great-great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by both her husbands, 4 daughters, Wanda Strunk, Wilma Gates, Betty Robinson, and Connie Nunemaker; 2 grandchildren and 1 great-great-granddaughter.
Funeral Services for Bessie will be held Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Garden View Funeral Home with Pastor Stefanie Hendrickson officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Friday, September 5, 2014 and Saturday from 10:00-11:00 am at the funeral home.
The family asks that contributions be given to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gardenviewfuneralhome.com