Bessie Davis Pepper, aged 94, of Athens, departed this life on Friday, March 21st, 2025. Born on June 17th, 1930, in Athens, Bessie was a beloved daughter of Oscar and Vona Bullington Davis.
Mrs. Pepper leaves behind a loving family, including her daughters, Dewinna Griffin (husband Keeton) and Nancy Thornton. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Bethany Jenkins (husband Toby) and Cole Thornton (wife Chelsee), and her cherished great-grandchildren, Clark Thornton, Chandler Thornton, Campbell Thornton, Emery Jenkins, and Walker Jenkins. Additionally, she leaves behind step-grandchildren Brian Griffin (wife Leslie) and Erin Griffin, as well as step-great-grandchildren Blocker Griffin (wife Haley) and Meagan Mowrey (husband Kevin), and step-great-great-grandchildren Landon Griffin and Ruby Kate Griffin. Her caregiver and friend, Rhonda Goins, was also a significant part of her later life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Whitt Douglas Pepper, her son Andy Pepper, her great-granddaughter Aslin Jenkins, and her siblings Preston Davis, Prentis Davis, Paul Davis, and Mildred Davis.
Bessie grew up “cross the river” at Pleasant Valley and graduated from Athens Bible School in 1948. She had a passion for music and was an active member of the school chorus. Her educational journey took her to David Lipscomb College, but she chose to marry Douglas Pepper in 1949 and settle in the East Limestone area after a brief stay in Pleasant Valley.
For over 30 years, Bessie worked as a billing clerk at ConAgra Poultry. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, being a devoted member of the Corinth/Jones Road Church of Christ for more than six decades.
Bessie was renowned for her culinary skills, particularly her famous fried apple pies, which she prepared with apples she dried herself. She delighted in hosting gatherings, cooking on the wood stove in the log cabin beside her home, and watching her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, play and entertain themselves.
Funeral services for Mrs. Pepper will be Saturday, March 29th, 2025, at 1:00pm at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home, with Nathan Brackeen officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 11:00am-12:45pm at the funeral home. Burial will be at Roselawn Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Cole Thornton, Toby Jenkins, Al Robison, Rodney Parvin, Bryant Pepper, and Stephen Williams. Honorary pallbearers will be Clark Thornton, Chandler Thornton, Campbell Thornton, Emery Jenkins and Walker Jenkins.
Bessie Davis Pepper will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to know and love her. Her warmth, kindness, and loving spirit will be remembered always.
