Ms. Bessie Lee Smith McNeill

Erwin, NC

Ms. Bessie Lee McNeill, 96, of 4971 Bunnlevel- Erwin Rd, Erwin, NC died on Monday March 13, 2017 at Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital, Dunn, NC.

Friends are being received at the home.

Ms. Bessie Lee was the oldest of seven children. She was the daughter of the late Rev. Missie Lee Smith and Joseph Cameron. She was reared in the Beaver Dam Community. Her christian journey began at a very early age at The Original Free Will Bethel Baptist Church were she was a faithful and dedicated member. Prior to serving as Mother of the Church she was an usher for several years. During the church regular testimony service Mother Bessie looked forward to singing her favorite song " Let Jesus Lead You".

On October 1935 she married the late Ernest Lee McNeill and to this union five daughters were born. She was truly the caring matriarch of her family. She loved clothes especially hats, she looked forward to shopping for all of her family members each Christmas.

Ms. Bessie Lee leaves to cherish her many wonderful memories: five daughters; Elder Dorothy McNeill and Dessie M McCants, both of the home, Agnes M. GoodwIn, of Raleigh, NC, Lillie M. (Leon) Boyd, of Garner, NC and Pearlie M. Hudson, of Durham, NC, nine grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and one great, great,grandson, one brother, David Smith, of Dunn,NC, one aunt, Cora Cameron, of Erwin, NC, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, a special adopted family sister, Gena Williams, of Dunn, NC.

A Visitation for Ms. Bessie Lee will be held from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm, with the Funeral Service following the Visitation, beginning at 1:00 pm, on Saturday, March 18, 2017, at The Original Free Will Bethel Baptist Church, 3743 Bunnlevel-Erwin Rd, Erwin, NC . The Interment will take place immediately after the Service in the Church Cemetery.

Please remember to sign the "Memorial Wall".

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