Bessie Mae Smith

Saltillo - Bessie Mae Smith, 85, passed away Saturday, April 20, 2019, at the Hospice Unit of North Mississippi Medical Center. She was born in Pontotoc, April 22, 1933, to Cecil and Ophe Shettles. Earlier in life, she worked as a sewing machine operator with Richey’s Furniture Manufacturing and also worked a short while with Lee Sportswear. Later in life, she spent much of her time sitting and visiting with the elderly. Bessie enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, playing dominoes, going to the beauty shop and being in her flower garden. She was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include two daughters, Linda Carol Patterson and her husband, Jerry of Saltillo and Sissy Dyson of Iowa; five sons, Richard Dyson and his wife, Patricia of Marietta, Bo Gregory and his wife, Angie of Chickasaw County, Larry Dyson and his wife, Judy of the Alpine Community, Curly Dyson and his wife, Judy of Saltillo and Keith Gregory and his wife, Janice of Saltillo; 15 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and 14 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Opha Shettles; husband, Henry Clay Smith; grandson, Lee Patterson; granddaughter, Bridget; three sisters, Jewel Champion, Margie Swords and Marie Dupoint; and brother, Robert C. Shettles.

Visitation will be from 4 until 8 p.m. Monday, April 22, 2019 at W.E. Pegues, Saltillo.

Services honoring her life will be 12 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at the Saltillo Chapel of W.E. Pegues with Rev. Tim Winters officiating. Graveside services will follow in Bethel Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Josh Patterson, Patrick Streetman, Buster Nicolson, Danny Clayton, Jerald Clayton, Jerald Clayton, Jr. and Dakota Gregory.

The service will be live streamed and recorded for those who may not be able to attend at www.peguesfuneralhome.com .

Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com .