Christine M. Bess

Franklin, Tennessee-Christine McFarlin Bess, born January 22, 1921, passed away October 27, 2021. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Noble E. McFarlin, Sr.; brothers, Noble Ellis McFarlin, Jr., John William McFarlin (Polly); sisters, Nellie Grey Thompson(Jim), Mary Louise Ballew(Wortha), Ruth Smith (Dick), sister-in-law, Peggie Bess; nephew Mac Smith(Tam) and husband, Ewing W. Bess,Jr.

She is survived by son, Kenneth M. Bess (Evelyn); granddaughter, Allison Davenport (Matt), grandson, Kyle Bess (Brenda); great granddaughters Hannah Quinn, Aubrey Davenport, Katherine Bess, Rebecca Bess; and great grandson, Riley Quinn.

She is also survived by niece, Carolyn Silvey (George); nephews, Richard Smith (Molly), and David Ballew.

She was a native of Nolensville, Tennessee. She served with distinction as Executive Secretary to the Southern Baptist Foundation from 1950 to her retirement in 1986. She began as one of the only staff members, working on a part-time basis evolving into full time employment, during which time she developed an accounting system for the Foundation before computers and spreadsheets. Christine served on the Baptist Sunday School Board, the Tennessee Baptist Convention Board as well as Executive Committee and Committee of Nominations. We know her as a pioneer in the business world where she broke ground for females after her.

She was a steadfast member of Crievewood Baptist Church where she taught the Joy Class for over forty years as well as serving and chairing various committees.

Her family was her great joy in life and she will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother for her continuous love.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at NHC Cool Springs and Caris Healthcare for their exceptional care.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the General Fund of Crievewood Baptist Church, Nashville, Tennessee, would be appreciated.

Services in her honor will be held Saturday November 6, 2021 at 11:00am with visitation from 9:00am until time of service, at Crievewood Baptist Church, 480 Hogan Rd, Nashville, TN 37220. Private burial to follow at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Memorial Gardens.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Woodlawn-Roesch-PattonFH.com for the Bess family.