Bessie Tyson Stubbs

Bessie Tyson Stubbs, “Betsy” to so many, a beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother, ran into the waiting arms of her precious Jesus on January 8, 2026, at the age of 99. She was born on September 26, 1926, to Thomas Boyd Tyson and Myrtle Blalock Tyson.

After graduating from Ansonville High School, she moved to Charlotte, NC, where she took a job with Southern Bell. Soon after moving to Charlotte, she met the love of her life, Wilburn Stubbs. Their sweet marriage lasted more than 67 years until his death in 2015. It truly was a love affair for the ages.

After their marriage, Bessie settled into the role of homemaker, lovingly caring for their three children: Linda, David, and Gary. She found great joy in cooking, sewing, and gardening, always striving for excellence. So often, others were welcomed around her kitchen table to enjoy a wonderful meal she had prepared. Their door was always open for visits.

Her greatest joy, however, was drawing closer to the Lord with each passing day. Having her quiet time was a priority in her life, and she was a beautiful example to her family in modeling that discipline. Her favorite daily scripture was Psalm 118:24, “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” She could still recall this scripture in the days leading up to her death.

Because of her great love for the Lord, in October of 1955, she and Wilburn joined a small group of fellow believers to help form what is now known as Hickory Grove Baptist Church. Bessie was the last surviving member of that original group. From as far back as her family can remember, she faithfully taught a Ladies Sunday School class until the year 2000, and even in her later years, her Bible was always at her fingertips.

There was another thing Bessie loved—hats and the color purple. She had quite the collection of beautiful hats and could be seen each Sunday wearing a different hat with a coordinating suit and brooch. The family would be honored if, at her celebration service, you would choose to wear purple, and ladies are welcome to wear a hat as well.

She will always be remembered for her servant’s heart—loving the Lord above all else, then loving her family, friends, and everyone she came in contact with. A blessing to all who knew her, Bessie leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and devotion that will continue for generations. Scripture reminds us in Psalm 116:15, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints."

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Wilburn Stubbs; her two precious sons, David Stubbs and Gary Stubbs; her brother, Tommy Tyson; her sister, Star Smith; and, as she liked to say, her “favorite son in law,” Jimmy Todd.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Linda Todd of Grapevine, TX; adored daughter-in-law, Tamar Stubbs of Belmont, NC; and six treasured grandchildren: Chris (Holly) Todd of Frisco, TX; Heather (David) Reck of Lucas, TX; Shannon (Tyler) Hall of Wake Forest, NC; Josh (Tabitha) Stubbs of Mauldin, SC; Alexis (Brandon) Sushko of Belmont, NC; and Christina (Nolan) Ferguson of Matthews, NC , her brother, Frank (Janet) Tyson of Charlotte, NC; and her sisters, Julia Morton of Kershaw, SC, and Sybil Almond of Wadesboro, NC.

Also surviving her are her precious great-grandchildren: Savannah, Christopher, and Izzy Todd of Frisco, TX; Keegan, Hunter, and Ellie Reck of Lucas, TX; Camden and Addyson Hall of Wake Forest, NC; and Kiley and Noah Stubbs of Mauldin, SC.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, at Hickory Grove Baptist Church Chapel, with Bessie’s celebration service immediately following at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Dr. John Harrill and Chris Todd. Interment will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hickory Grove Baptist Church Missions Fund, 7200 East W. T. Harris Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28215.

Arrangements are under the direction of McEwen Funeral Service – Mint Hill Chapel, Mint Hill, NC.