On July 8, 2020 Bessie L. Stephens Hill, 93, of Grand Ridge transferred from this life to her Heavenly home. Bessie was born in Grand Ridge, Florida on February 15, 1927, to E.S. “Bud” Stephens and Annie Hewett Stephens. She grew up in Grand Ridge and graduated from Grand Ridge High School. In 1945 she married Charles D. Hill, Sr. also from Grand Ridge and together they raised three children. Married to a welder, they lived in Panama City, Florida; Phenix City, Alabama; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, then returning to Grand Ridge to manage Hill’s Truck Stop. Other than being a mother to their three children, she was City Clerk for Grand Ridge, managed the restaurant in the truck stop and retired from Jackson County School System where she drove a school bus for Sneads School.
Bessie was a dedicated member of El Bethel Assembly of God as well as the oldest member. She taught Sunday School, served as president of Ladies Ministries and enjoyed singing in the choir. She and Charles were members of Campers on Mission. They enjoyed meeting new people and witnessing to campers as a group and individually. Bessie also loved working in her yard and gardening.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a sister, Mary L. Stephens Williams and a daughter, Linda Sue Hill McDaniel.
She is survived by a daughter, Kathy (Bill) Hardy of Marianna, FL; a son, Charles D. Hill, Jr. (Sheila) of Ocala, FL; a son-in-law, Greg McDaniel of Tallahassee, FL; six grandchildren and five great grandchildren with one on the way.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the Courtyard staff for their faithful loving care of Bessie.
The family request that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made to El Bethel Church Youth Fund, 2503 El Bethel Church Road, Grand Ridge, FL 32442.
Due to the ongoing concern regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, a private family service will be held on Monday, July 13, 2020 at Dykes Cemetery with Rev. Clinton Howell and Rev. Charles D. Hill, Jr. officiating.
