Bessie Elaine

Roberts

Bessie Elaine Roberts, 68, of Smithville, Mississippi, peacefully entered the presence of her Lord on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

Bessie was born on August 7, 1957, in Aberdeen, Mississippi, to the late Mary Ola Allen Bethay and Johnny Nathan Bethay. She attended school in Aberdeen and Amory before graduating from Itawamba Junior College as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Nursing was more than a profession to Bessie—it was a calling. For more than 20 years, she faithfully cared for others as a nurse in both Mississippi and Florida, touching countless lives through her compassion and gentle spirit.

In recent years, Bessie made her home in Smithville, Mississippi, where she lived with her beloved sister, Martie Spence Jackson, and Martie’s husband, James. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life by cross-stitching,coloring and making beautiful handmade vine wreaths to share with others. Bessie adored her kitty cats and loved them immensely.

Her witty sense of humor could brighten any room. Bessie’s caring heart, infectious laughter, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Stacey Bethay Barnett and her husband, Ottis; her cherished grandchildren, Mackenzie Ball and her husband, Corey; Emily Barnett; Adin Barnett and his wife, Rebecca; Reagan Barnett; and Asher Barnett. She also leaves behind three treasured great-grandchildren, Harvest Ball, Arrow Ball, and Wells Ball.

Bessie is also survived by her sister, Martie Spence Jackson and her husband, James; her nieces and nephews, Marlana Boyd and her husband, Chris; Deanna Clark and her husband, Chuck; Nathan Minga and his wife, Stephanie; Tim Cook, his wife, Sally, and their daughter, Hannah; Laquita Stephenson; C.W. Stephenson; and John Stephenson.

She was especially blessed by the love of her great-nieces and great-nephews, Macy McCain; Micah McCain and his wife, Bailey; Colin Boyd; Gavin Minga; Gracie Abney; Chase Ritter; JB Northington; and Brooks Nanney, many of whom lovingly surrounded her during her final days.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Ola Allen Bethay and Johnny Nathan Bethay; her beloved daughter, Brandy Marie Buckingham; and her sister, Mary Dell Stephenson.

Family and friends are invited to gather in celebration of Bessie’s life on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the home of her sister, Martie Jackson, located at 60026 Summerford Drive in Smithville, Mississippi. An additional Celebration of Life will be held in Florida at a later date.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of NMMS Hospice for the extraordinary love, compassion, and care they provided to Bessie. Their kindness brought comfort not only to her but to the entire family, and they will always be deeply appreciated.

Bessie will be remembered for her servant’s heart, her laughter, her creativity, and the unconditional love she gave to her family and friends. While her absence leaves an ache in the hearts of those who loved her, they find comfort in the countless memories she leaves behind and the assurance that her legacy of kindness and compassion will continue through the generations that follow.