Bessie Smith

Ms. Bessie L. Smith, 85, of Richmond, KY, passed away on Friday, November 18, 2022, at her home.

She was born in Lincoln County, Kentucky on September 28, 1937, the daughter of the late William & Bessie A. Thurman Smith. Ms. Smith was a retired employee of Bellsouth Telephone Company and then in 2001, she went back to work in the Madison County Attorney’s office where she was a dedicated employee until her retirement in 2015. Most of all, Ms. Smith was a devoted mother, grandmother – she was a long-time member of the St. Paul A.M.E Church where she served for many years in various ways, including, Usher, Choir Member, and on the Food Ministry.

Survivors include: her daughter, Regina Barnes; her grandchildren, Joyce Higgs (Terrence), Moechia Reeves (James), and LaDonna McDaniels; 11 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one son, Anthony McDaniels; one brother, William Smith, Jr., and one sister, Margaret Mae Warford.

Homegoing services will be conducted at 11:30 AM Friday, December 2, 2022, at the St. Paul A.M.E Church, Francis St., Richmond, with Rev. Richard Watts, Rev. Sherry Gay-Green and Pastor Terrence Higgs officiating. Burial will follow in the Madison County Memorial Gardens

The family will receive friends beginning at 11:00 AM Friday at the church.

We respectfully ask that all in attendance wear a mask.

Honorary pallbearers will be: Johnny Warford, Randall Warford, Larry Warford, Mike Warford, Terrance Higgs, Jr., and Allen Higgs.

The Combs, Parsons & Collins Funeral Home, W. Main St., Richmond, is in charge of the arrangements.