Bessie B. Mead

Bessie B. Mead, 93, of Petaluma, Calif., formerly of Piggott, died Sept. 17, 2008. She was born May 12, 1915, in Patterson, Ark., the daughter of the late William Wesley and Ollie Mae Taylor of Piggott.

She married Ernest Mead on Dec. 21, 1945, and they were married 38 years. He preceded her in death in 1983.

She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Annie Woods and Reda Davis; brothers, Marvin Taylor and William Taylor, and a daughter, Billie Dean Harris.

She is survived by daughter Louise Roberts of Carson City, Nev.; son and daughter-in-law, Stan and Cheryl Mead of Santa Rosa, Calif.; granddaughters, Susan Roberts of Carson City, Nev., and Kasey Evans and husband Sam of Springfield, Mo.; three great-grandchildren, Josh, Chris and Jessica of Springfield, Mo., and sister Deanie Hipwood and husband Bill of Turner, Mich. She is also survived by niece and goddaughter, Beda Jean Wells of El Monte, Calif., along with dozens of other great-nieces and nephews.

She was an active member and office holder in various organizations throughout her life, including VFW, American Legion, Coordination Council Christmas Chair, Eastern Star, DVA, Voice of Democracy, Moose Lodge, Petaluma Red Hats and various Christian churches.

"Little Bessie" was a true southern belle, always greeting and introducing everyone in the room, offering food and drink, dressed properly for the occasion, a firm believer in God our savior and never afraid to have a little fun. She enjoyed 91 great years, and a couple of difficult ones. She is loved and will be missed greatly by all.

Graveside services are scheduled for 11 a.m. this Saturday, Oct. 18 at the Piggott Cemetery. Hoggard and Son's Funeral Home of Piggott is in charge of the arrangements.