Bessie James Davis

Mrs. Bessie James Davis peacefully passed away on Tuesday June 10, 2025. Mrs. Davis was born in Jasper County, Monticello, Georgia on February 26, 1934. She was preceded in death by her parents the late Lizze K. Hardwick James. Bot Goolsby, one daughter Beverly C. Gibson of Douglasville, Georgia, her brother John S. James of Dayton, Ohio, her sister Dorothea J. Stewart of Macon, Ga. Mother Bessie was a devoted wife and brilliant mother in raising her 2 girls and 6 boys.

Mother Bessie loved the Lord from the influence and teachings she received from her Church, Parents, and her Grandparents who inspired her early on in life. She always found the time and need to be in the church and would take the time to pass her gifted wisdom on to her children, friends, and anyone she encountered. She focused on reciting scriptures verbatim and studied the Bible extensively. Mother Bessie always spoke with faithful advice, strength, and dignity.

Mother Bessie graduated from the Jasper County Public System. She was an avid reader. She loved and was passionate about cooking her limitless recipes. She loved both flowers and vegetable gardening and mostly instilled the importance of education to her 8 children as she would insist, ‘failure was not an option!’ The first Saturday in May was always a favorite time for her because she got to hear the song “My Old Kentucky Home” precluding the running of the Kentucky Derby.

Mother Bessie worked at Jasper Memorial Hospital for more than 22 years. She performed and brightened the lives of many patients and family members as she performed her medical duties. She never met a stranger! She was dedicated and proficient in numerous job responsibilities, including assisting in child delivery.

After leaving her job at Jasper Memorial Hospital, Mother Bessie pursued a job at the large textile plant called “Hercules” now “Fibervision” located in Covington, Ga. While employed there, she was able to tolerate the rigorous condition of rotating shift work and driving 60 miles daily to and from that job just short of three decades. Over time, that job became more computerized at Hercules. Mother Bessie was given the respected title of “Miss Bessie” by all the employees she encountered or knew of her reputation as a knowledgeable and dedicated fellow employee.

After she retired from the workforce, Mother Bessie was consulted and asked to assume a volunteer job within the Jasper County Tax Assessor Office. She accepted this unfamiliar challenge. Contingent upon attending several certification clinics, including those at the University of attending several certification clinics, including those at the University of Georgia and other educational institutions throughout the state, she excelled and was subsequently awarded the position. She worked as a “Certified Tax Assessor” for approximately three years.

Mother Bessie leaves to mourn her memories: Mr. Robert D. James & Mrs. Lorena James of Covington, Ga.. Mr. Richard D. James Sr. & Mrs. Brandy L. James of Evans, Ga., Mr. Ronald D. James & Ms. Patricia Thompson of Riverdale, Ga., Mr. Roger S. Gibson & Mrs. Joyce Gibson of Covington, Ga., Mrs. Sandra J. Gibson Horne & Mr. Clyde Horne of Anniston, Al., Mr. Michael W. Gibson & Ms. Chitea Waters of Atlanta, Ga., Mr. William L. Gibson of Monticello, Ga., Mother Bessie also leaves to cherish her memories of 20 Grandchildren, 25 Great-Grandchildren, and 15 Great-Great Grandchildren.

Additionally , those included to mourn the loss of Mother Bessie are her 5 Nieces, and 3 Nephews from Macon, Ga., a Dear Cousin, Mrs. Brenda Moorman of Louisville, Ky., and many additional cousins across seven states, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Mother Bessie was the Matriarch across the seven states of aforementioned relatives. Mother Bessie J. Davis’s family is heartbroken and she will be dearly missed by her children, her loving relatives, her church family and her many friends

Final arrangements entrusted by

Smith and Sons Funeral Home, 932 Funderburg Drive, Monticello, Georgia 31064

706-468-6625

www.smithandsonsfuneralhomemonticelloga.com