Bessie Smith 89, of Lizton passed away on July 19, 2011. She was born on April 9, 1922, in Knox County, Kentucky to Johnny and Ada Hubbard Lovins. Bessie married Elmer Smith in 1937. Bessie helped her husband manage the Philips 66 Station and Smith’s Bait and Tackle Shop in Lizton. They celebrated 67 years of marriage before his death in 2003. Bessie was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She invited family, friends, and strangers around the dining room table to share coffee and a meal. She had a “green thumb” and considered a garden a necessity. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Lizton. Bessie is survived by daughters Loretta (Floyd) Garland of Lizton, Thelma (Mike) Baringer, and Joan (Charles) Mohr of Jamestown; and sons Roy (Linda), Glen (Melinda) of Wallace, Tommy (Jane) of Pittsboro, and Carl (Barbara) of Lizton. She is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great grandchildren. One son General (Diane) proceeded her in death. Friends may call on Thursday, July 21, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Porter Funeral Home in Jamestown, IN. The funeral service is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Friday, July 22, with grandson Rev. Randy Smith officiating. Burial will be at Knights of Pythias Cemetery, Lizton. Memorial contributions may be made to Phi Beta Psi Sorority’s Cancer Research Fund, P.O. Box 14, Pittsboro, IN 46167. Online condolences may be made at www.porterfuneralhome.us
