Bessie was born on August 25, 1921, in Middlesboro, Kentucky, daughter of the late Charlie and Grace Owens. Bessie served as a WAVE during World War II for the United States Navy and later worked for the United States Army Intelligence Office in Oakridge, Tennessee. She was a graduate of Union College and taught elementary school for several years in Bell County, Kentucky. Bessie came to Louisville in 1952 and taught first grade in Jefferson County Public Schools for 30 years. Bessie loved being a teacher and especially enjoyed helping children learn to read. She touched the lives of many children as they in turn touched hers.
Bessie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ray T. Chambers, her sisters, Gaye Ross (William) and Barbara Turner and a brother, Charles Edward Owens (Lois). Left to cherish her memory are her stepdaughters, Kay Wolfe and Judy Hoehn along with her beloved nieces, nephews and step grandchildren. Bessie was a cherished family member and friend, as well as a favorite aunt for many of her nieces and nephews. Bessie was a member of Highview Baptist Church.
A visitation for Bessie will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 11am to 12pm followed by a funeral service at Arch L Heady at Resthaven Funeral Home, 4400 Bardstown Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40218. Bessie will be laid to rest privately within Resthaven Memorial Park.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to WHAS Crusade for Children, 520 W Chestnut St, Louisville, Kentucky 40202 or the Nazareth Homes Foundation, 2000 Newburg Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40205.
A special thanks to the wonderful staff at Nazareth Home Highlands for the compassionate care they gave our family member.
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