Bessie M Surles

Bessie Lucy Morris Surles, 95, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 13, 2019 at Mary Washington Hospital surrounded by her family and friends. The funeral service will be 11:00am on Thursday June 20, 2019 at Mullins and Thompson Funeral Service Chapel located at 1621 Jefferson Davis Highway in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Pastors Chet Smith and Robert Sizemore will be officiating the service. Visitation with the family will held at 6:00pm-8:00pm on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at Mullins and Thompson Funeral Service. Burial will follow the funeral at Sunset Memorial Gardens at 3702 Loren Drive in Fredericksburg. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Mullins and Thompson Funeral Home. Bessie was born in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, on October 17, 1923. Her childhood was spent in Spotsylvania County at her family’s farm and she graduated from the old or original Spotsylvania High School in 1941. Bessie was the youngest of 9 brothers and sisters. Bessie was married to Roy Burnette Surles, Sr., on March 18, 1949; they were married 40 years until his passing in 1989. They made their home in Fredericksburg. Bessie first worked in the accounting office at the Sylvania Plant (FMC) for several years. She later worked as a cashier at Hugh Mercer Elementary School. Bessie was a lifetime member of Fairview Baptist Church in Fredericksburg for approximately 67 years where she served the Lord as a youth Sunday School Teacher. Mom sang in the church choir; she had a beautiful voice. Bessie also was a member of or participated in other programs within the church during her lifetime. Bessie was an avid piano player and was often found playing for the church or at home. Bessie’s love for her family, her friends and her church were apparent with her zest for living. Her tender smile, loving voice and caring arms comforted or encouraged all that knew her. Bessie never met a stranger. She lived most of her life in Fredericksburg and would often be seen doing her daily walks with Ms. Coppola in College Heights or at the mall. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and doting grandmother. Bessie is survived by her sons, Roy B. Surles, Jr. , Barry L. Surles; granddaughters Madeleine Surles of Fredericksburg, Rachael Surles and Stacy Surles-Jerman (R.C.) both of Richmond, Virginia. Bessie is also survived by her niece, Betty Lou Smith of Fredericksburg and several other nephews, nieces, grand nieces and nephews along with her many friends; all who she adored. Bessie is preceded in death by her husband, Roy Burnette Surles, Sr., her parents Jessie & Lucy Rose Morris and her 8 siblings; sisters Iva Morris, Edith Mills, Esther Morris and Annie Limerick; her brothers James Morris, Woodrow Morris, George Morris and Franklin Morris. Pallbearers will be: Skip Bryant, Bradley Bryant, Hunter Bryant, Scootie Ferrara, Mike Loving and Brandon Smith