Bessie Setzer Lipsky

Bessie was born in Jacksonville in December of 1926 to Abraham Setzer and Ethel Setzer. She was the youngest of four children and the only daughter. She grew up in Springfield where the family’s home still stands on the corner of Seventh and Perry Streets. She attended Kirby-Smith and graduated from Andrew Jackson High School.

In 1952 she married Stuart S. Lipsky, a young photographer’s mate from Brooklyn, NY, stationed at NAS Jacksonville. Together they had four sons and eventually became business partners.

In 1964 Bessie co-founded Jill Stevens Bridal Salon. For 44 years Jill Stevens dressed thousands of brides and bridesmaids at their San Marco, Lakewood, Ft. Caroline, Mandarin and Baymeadows locations.

Although Bessie was always busy with her stores, no holiday or family occasion was complete without her famous brisket. The harvest gold slo-cooker, which was a fixture at the center of the table for years of family meals, filled our plates with the warm tender beef and now our minds with warm tender memories.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, her brothers Martin and Benny Setzer and Stuart her husband of 51 years. She is survived by her brother Izzy (Miki) Setzer of Baltimore, MD., her four sons, Bruce (Jan), Mark (Iris), Steven (Cindy), and Murry, of Jacksonville and her three adoring granddaughters, Jessie, Emma and Jean.

A Graveside service will be held on Sunday, April 17 at 11:00 am at New Center Cemetery in Evergreen, 43rd and Liberty St., Jacksonville.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Bessie's name to the Jacksonville Jewish Center pre-school or the JCA's children's theatre program.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207.