Bessie Smith's Obituary
SMITH, BESS Born May 16, 1920 in Cooper, Texas, was called home by her Lord, Jesus Christ on April 24, 2008. She was preceded in death by her parents, May Rogers and William Walter Smith, Sr.; her sister, Elise Smith and brother William W. Smith, Jr. Her survivors include nephew, Ronald M. Smith; cousins, Kaye Richardson and Linda Martin along with other cousins and many friends. Bess and her family moved to Dallas in 1935. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1937. Bess was blessed with the gifted ability to sing. She sang on The Early Birds radio program as well as The Bill & Jim Boyd radio program. Bess also sang on the Marvin Williams television program. Her days on the radio and T.V. led to her job with The Melody Shops serving as a manager, purchaser and sales person for nearly 50 years. Bess later worked part time for a friend, Dorothy Pheregio, who was also in the music business. For the past 47 years, Bess has been a member of First United Methodist Church in Dallas. She sang for Sunday School classes accompanied at the piano by her sister, Elise. Bess, also, periodically taught Sunday School classes. The family is very grateful for the medical care provided by Dr. Kira Numajiri and his staff at Baylor Hospital during the past 20 years. Open visitation will be held at Restland Funeral Home, Sunday, April 27, 2008 beginning at 2:00 PM. Service will be 12:30 PM, Monday, April 28, 2008 at Restland Wildwood Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Crossroads Community Services at First United Methodist, Church of Dallas, 1928 Ross Avenue, Dallas, TX 75201.
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