Bessie Jewell Smith
November 14, 1913 ~ January 5, 2015
Bessie Jewell Smith, age 101, of Valparaiso, passed away Monday, January 5, 2015. She was born on November 14, 1913 in Barren County, Kentucky to the late William and Jenny Webb. Bessie was a gracious southern lady. She was a gifted seamstress who did lots of things for lots of people. Bessie was very active in her church and served as a deaconess. She will be remembered as a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and friend to those who knew her.
Bessie is survived by her children, Conley (Joan) Smith Jr. of DeMotte, Carolyn (Bruce) Garrison of Valparaiso, E. Wayne (Theresa) Smith of Kansas City, Missouri, William B. (Diana) Smith of Houston, Texas; 11 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; 8 great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Conley H. Smith Sr.; brothers, Delmar Webb and Roger Webb. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bessie’s name may be made to Pines Village Retirement Home, 3303 Pines Village Circle, Valparaiso, IN 46383.
A funeral service for Bessie will take place Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 7:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart with Rev. Rafael Colón Jr. officiating. A graveside service will take place Monday, January 12, 2015 at 11:30 am in Hiseville Cemetery in Hiseville, Kentucky. Visitation will be held Saturday, January 10, 2015 from 2:00 pm until the time of service at Rees Funeral Home. For more information, please call (219) 942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com .
