Cover photo for Bessie Lee Gwathney's Obituary
Bessie Lee Gwathney Profile Photo

Bessie Lee Gwathney

February 10, 1936 — January 27, 2025

Ward

Bessie Lee Gwathney

Bessie Lee Gwathney, age 88, went to be with the Lord on January 27, 2025. She was born on February 10, 1936, in Cartersville, Oklahoma to Leroy and Thelma Tripp. Bessie worked around 17 years in Quality Control at the egg processing plant in Austin. She loved watching and feeding her hummingbirds, gardening, as well as spending time with her family, friends and neighbors. Bessie hosted Thanksgiving every year with a house full of family and loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son Jerry Wayne Coulson; and her siblings, Paula Hale, Nellie Crane and Leroy Tripp.

Bessie is survived by her husband of nearly 35 years, Donald Gwathney; son Lee-Jay Coulson, stepdaughters Donna (Joe) Moore and Dena Halbert; stepsons Donnie Gwathney and Billy (Gail) Anderson; 9 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

A Visitation is planned for Thursday, January 30th, 1:00 p.m. at Smith Westbrook Funeral Home Chapel, 404 W Dewitt Henry Drive, Beebe, Arkansas followed by the Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Monk Cemetery in Ward, Arkansas.

To view the online register, www.smithfamilycares.com/westbrook

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bessie Lee Gwathney, please visit our flower store.
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Past Services

Visitation

Thursday, January 30, 2025

1:00 - 2:00 pm (Central time)

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Funeral Service

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Starts at 2:00 pm (Central time)

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Burial

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Monk Cemetery

Ward, AR 72176

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