Bessie Smith Carter

Bessie Smith Carter, 100, of Murphy passed away Monday, March 4, 2019 in a Murphy care facility. She was a native of Tate, Georgia, but lived in Murphy most of her life, since 1937. Bessie was a dedicated member of the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as past church secretary, Sunday School teacher, Missionary Circle treasurer, and secretary of the Sunday School Association. Bessie loved everyone and enjoyed cooking and feeding her friends and family.

She was the daughter of the late Tom Henry and Arena Roach Smith and wife of the late Nathaniel Robert “Shike” Carter, who died July 17, 1997. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Julia Buchanan; and a son, Wilburn M. “W.M.” Smith. She was the last surviving of her 13 siblings.

Surviving are a son, Harry Pickens of Murphy; a special niece and nephew, whom she helped raise, Vivian Pickens and Richard Pickens, both of Murphy; ten grandchildren, Mary Allen, Ann Smith, Lena Smith, Frances Green, Wilburn Smith Jr., Mark Pickens, Kendra Pickens, Kendall Pickens, Gerald Buchanan, and John Buchanan; 29 great-grandchildren, 32 great-great-grandchildren, and two great-great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 9, 2019 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with the Revs. John P. Webb and Louis Grant officiating. The interment was in the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Eddie Blount, Dwight Bennett, Tyrea and Kevon Allen, and Benny and Jake Smith. Honorary pallbearers were Andre and Joseph Smith.

The family received friends from 12-1:45 Saturday afternoon at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy prior to the services.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.