Bessie Barnes

Bessie Mae Barnes, 101, of Clearwater, FL passed away on January 31, 2013. Bessie was born on February 18, 1911 in Jefferson Township, OH. She was preceded in death by her parents, Giles and Cora Booth and her siblings, Agnes Tucker, Mansel Barnes, Thelma Pitman and Robert Booth.

Bessie received her education degree from Marshall University and obtained a master of arts degree from Case Western Reserve University. Bessie was honored with a Fulbright Scholarship and taught school throughout England in the mid 1950's. In 1968-1970 Bessie travelled to Africa and taught school through the National Education Association.

Her teaching career started in a one room school in Raleigh County, West Virginia and when she retired in 1980, she was a well-respected teacher in the Shaker Heights area of Cleveland, Ohio. Upon retirement Bessie relocated to Clearwater, Florida. Always wanting to help others, Bessie yearly participated in VITA volunteer program assisting others with tax return preparation.

Bessie was a faithful member of Clearwater Church of Christ and greatly enjoyed her church fellowship.

She is survived by niece, Roberta Gandee and nephews, Robert Pitman, John Barnes, and Steve Pitman. Cousins residing in the Clearwater area include: Eloene Jamison, Patricia Doliboa, Rolena Drew, Roy Jamison, Jr., Nancy Jamison and Shirley Jamison; Jeanne Cahill of California, Deborah Frain of Arizona; Duane and Evelyn Wamsley of Ohio; Carol and John Wickerham of Ohio; and Carla Boehm of Indiana.

Funeral services will be held in Dunbar, WV at Keller Funeral Home on Friday, February 8th, Visitation from 12 noon and services beginning at 1 pm. Moss Feaster is handling the local arrangements for the family.