Bessie Smith Kyle's Obituary
Bessie Smith Kyle was born September 27th, 1928, and crossed over to the other side on March 8th, 2021, at the age of 92. Born in Athens Alabama, she was the 6th of 9 children. Raised on a farm during the Great Depression, having lived through World War II, she was a humble, honest, god fearing woman from the beginning of her life to the end. She took much comfort in life's beautiful simplicity, like finches on the bird feeder, the blooming of flowers, and the blessing of being in the company of good friends and family.
Soon after graduating high school Bessie followed her brother to Texas. She took a chance going on a blind date in Houston and met Billy Kyle, the man she would share her life with for the next 42 years. They got married in 1950 and started a family in Houston before moving to East Texas when her children were babies. Bessie’s love for her two children was profoundly deep; she dedicated her life to loving them, seeing them through hard times, and celebrating their accomplishments and joys at every turn. She was active in the PTA at their schools and was committed to their education and spiritual development throughout their lives. The same love and caring translated to her two grandchildren, who she cherished and adored with an unmatched ferocity.
Bessie began working for the City of Longview in 1969, at the water bureau. It was a position that allowed her to do what she did best: work hard while connecting with the community at large, and provide a necessary service while quenching her desire to connect and laugh with countless friends, neighbors and strangers. It didn’t matter what capacity she knew you in, she had an innate ability to relate to people and make them feel comfortable, and everywhere she worked she brought those invaluable qualities with her and let them shine for the greater good.
She was a woman of devout faith, and was an active member in every church community she was a part of over the years. She found a second family in the Alpine church of Christ congregation; from Sunday service to Wednesday bible study, to the group of feisty female friends who called themselves the “Fun Bunch”, she received countless blessings from being part of their community, and carried herself with an unwavering and honest faith in the work of God. She always sought out ways to give back and give care to those in need, and volunteered for Meals on Wheels and Caring and Sharing through the ministry of the church.
Bessie’s kindness, warmth and keen sense of humor made her a friend to everyone who met her. She never forgot a name or the treasured details of a good story. She was strongly committed to all of the relationships she built, and brought thoughtfulness, laughter and love into the lives of so many. She was such a strong woman, with such determination and perseverance that she seemed invincible, even at the age of 92. Her motto was “Take one day at a time, that’s all we can do”. May this be our motto as we grieve her loss and go on living without her physical presence. She will be with us in spirit, and is safe in the arms of God.
Preceded in death by husband Billy Kyle, grandson Kyle Brecheen, and countless, dear family and friends. Joined in death by her son Richard Kyle. She is survived by 2 of her 8 siblings: Nellie Ridinger and Geneva Morell, daughter Marsha, granddaughter Amanda, cherished friends Shirley Grubb and Juanita Herford. Bessie and Richard’s shared memorial service will be held at Alpine Church of Christ, at 1pm, on Saturday, March 13th.
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