Ms. Bessie L. Smith's Obituary
Bessie Lee Smith, age 85 of Nashville, passed away on February 28, 2015. Bessie was born in Williamson County, Tennessee on March 4, 1929. Bessie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend.
As a young woman, Bessie attended East High School and earned a Business degree from Watkins College. For a time, she worked at National Life and Accidental Insurance Company. Later on, she worked as an Administrative Assistant for the Davidson County Tax Assessor’s Office, a job she held until her retirement.
Bessie was a lifetime member of Cumberland Presbyterian Church and was President of the Nashville Chapter of the Jaycettes. She was a member of the Ladies Bible Society. She also loved to play cards, and was a member of several card groups.
Bessie was married to the love of her life, Thomas Smith, for 62 years. The couple were worldwide travelers, visiting Europe, Russia, Asia, the Caribbean Islands, South America, and all over North America as well. Art and the preservation thereof were very important to Bessie, and she was a charter member of the Frist Center of the Arts, as well as a member of the Cheekwood Garden Club.
Bessie is survived by her loving husband, Thomas L. Smith, Jr.; daughter, Cathy Lamai McCormick; grand-daughter, Sylvia Lamai Nikoata McCormick; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.
The family will receive friends and visitors on Wednesday, March 4, 2015, from 1:00pm until 2:00pm at Spring Hill Funeral Home. Pastor Don Tabor will lead a Celebration of Life Service to honor Bessie immediately following visitation, at 2:00pm from the Chapel of Spring Hill Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Historic Spring Hill Cemetery, with family and friends serving as active pallbearers. Bessie’s card group and lifelong friends will serve as honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Safe Haven, 1234 3rd Avenue, South, Nashville, Tennessee 37210 or to St. Jude's Children's Hospital www.stjude.org.
Arrangements entrusted to Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Road, Nashville, Tennessee 37216. (615) 865-1101 www.springhillfh.com
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