Bessie May Quarles Smelser was born July 23, 1923, born again as a teenager, and now lives in glory after concluding her appointed time on earth, passing on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2013, at the age of 90. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Everette Quarles; husband, O’Neal E. Smelser; brother, Joe M. Quarles; sister, Annie Lee Gaddes; and one great-grandchild, Daniel Brand. She is survived by daughters, Rebecca Brand (Kent), Jodie Beck (Terry), Cindy Eason (Monty), Betsy Nesbitt; and sons, Danny Smelser (Nancy) and David Smelser; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and several special and dear nieces and nephews.
Bessie May was born in Nashville, Tenn. in her home at 1221 Broad Street. As a youth, she was taught well by her God-fearing parents. Her first church home was Belmont Church of Christ, and later she attended West End Church of Christ. She graduated from Lipscomb High School and then attended Lipscomb College (1941-43, AA degree) and Harding College (1943-45 BA degree, magna cum laude) majoring in business administration. In December of 1947, Bessie May was married to O’Neal Smelser of Tuscaloosa, Ala. They made their home in Auburn, Ala., Pulaski, Tenn., Fayette, Ala., Lawrenceburg, Tenn., Chattanooga, Tenn., and, in 1956, they settled in Florence. In addition to secretarial jobs for law firms, Mrs. Smelser was the secretary in the president’s office at International Bible College (Heritage University) for seven years. She also was an active “partner” in family businesses which included Miss Henny Eggs, LiFerko, Inc., and Echo Hills Mobile Park. However, her primary focus was nurturing her six children with a sacrificial heart, always wanting the best for them.
Through all of her adult life, Bessie May was an advocate and supporter of Christian education, especially Mars Hill Bible School and Harding University. She was a long term active member of CrossPoint Church of Christ (Darby Drive), teaching Sunday school classes until just a few weeks before her death. For many years she taught students in her “global classroom” through the World Bible School curriculum. She contributed to a published book entitled Unto You Young Women, Keepers of Homes. Because of her deep faith in God, she often reached out to those in need.
A time of reflection, thanksgiving and celebration of a life well lived will be conducted in honor of Bessie May Smelser on Saturday, Aug. 17, at 4 p.m. in the assembly hall at CrossPoint Church of Christ, Cox Creek Parkway, Florence, Ala. Officiating will be Frank Mills. Burial will follow in Greenview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends starting at 2 p.m.
Memorial gifts in honor of Mrs. Smelser may be made to Mars Hill Bible School or to Tanzania Medical Missions (In care of CrossPoint Church of Christ). The family expresses sincere thanks and appreciation to the many kind, talented and caring health care providers who gave so graciously to the life of our mother. Special thanks to Dr. Bob Mann, Northwest Alabama Cancer Center, ECM 6th west, Mitchell Hollingsworth Rehabilitation Center, Alacare Home Health and Hospice and caregiver, Vicky Nesbitt Cooper. An online guest book may be signed at greenviewmemorial.com. Arrangements by Greenview Funeral Home.
