Gerdean "Gerry" Bess Williams

Gerdean "Gerry" Bess Williams, 83, of Piggott died Thursday, Sept. 4, 2003, at her home in Piggott.

She was born Oct. 23, 1919, in Piggott, the daughter of the late Dr. John Harvey Bess and Josie Lettie Crawford Bess.

She was united in marriage to Carlus Williams on April 8, 1939. To this union four daughters were born.

Mrs. Williams was a member of the First Christian Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carlus Williams, on Feb. 5, 1985; three sisters, Veda Bricker, Agnes Johnson and Evalea McDowell; and one brother, Kirby Bess.

She is survived by four daughters and their husbands, Gwendolyn and Ralph Posey of Graham, Ala., Carletta and Dean Pollard of Sikeston, Mo., Chris and Robert Anderson of Dickson, Tn., and Diane and Kerry Winberry of Springdale, Ark.; three sisters, Billie Russell of Hardy, Ark., Wanlea Crank and Lillie Mae Bratcher, both of Mich.; 12 grandchildren, Randy, Becky, Bill and Mark Posey, Debbie Reynolds, Dena Gurley, Candy Ellis, Wes Pollard, Kristy Michelle Bean, Cara Strasser, Amy Presley and David Winberry; 15 great-grandchildren; a very good friend, Rocky Hefner; several nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 8, 2003, in the First Christian Church with Duane Dutka and Jay McPhearson officiating. Burial followed in the Piggott Cemetery, with the committal service officiated by Ralph Posey. Pallbearers were Mrs. Williams' grandsons, Randy, Bill and Mark Posey, Wes Pollard, David Winberry and great-grandson, Will Posey.

Hoggard and Sons Funeral Home of Piggott was in charge of the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Christian Church, Cherry Street, Piggott, or Hospice, St. Bernard's Regional Medical Center, P.O. Box 9320, Jonesboro, Arkansas, 72430-9320.