Bessie J. Smith, 92, of Rockford, IL, left this earthly life, Thursday, January 20, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. She was born February 1, 1929 in Canadian County, OK, the daughter of Joseph and Hattie Stout. She married the love of her life, Rev. Otis Lee Smith, Jr. on June 22, 1946. Bessie was a faithful member of New Life Freewill Baptist Church, where she supported Otis’s ministry for over 40 years. Bessie was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother.
Bessie is survived by her children, Harriet Zweifel, Karen and Randal McGlothlin, Jackie and Colleen Smith and Mark and Rebecca Smith; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Otis, son Ronald Smith, son-in-law, Steve Zweifel and 11 brothers and sisters.
A visitation for Bessie will be held Wednesday, January 26, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 North Alpine Road, Machesney Park, Illinois 61115, followed by a funeral service at 10:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Free Will Baptist Family Ministries, 90 Stanley Lane, Greenville, TN 37743.
Bessie will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Gardens, 8800 N Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, Illinois 61115.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com for the Smith family.
