Bessie Byrd Oliver O’Berry Harden went to be with her Lord on Saturday, November 8, 2008.
She was born in Nansemond County, Virginia, July 26th, 1913. She was the daughter of the late Nathaniel Byrd and Elmyra Parker Byrd of Whaleyville,Virginia.
She was a graduate of Whaleyville High School and worked in retail until her marriage. She was a dedicated Christian and served the Lord in many ways. She taught Sunday School at Liberty Spring Christian Church and Harrellsville Methodist Church. She served her church in Harrellsville by providing music every week until 2002. For her continued service, the Church honored her with a plaque of Gratitude.
She was an active member of the Eastern Star, Chapter #99 and served as the first Worthy Matron along with her husband, George Otis O’Berry as the First Worthy Patron. She also was appointed as a Representative to the State of Indiana as an Ambassador for the Eastern Star.
A 50th anniversary dinner recognized her with a presentation of a pin for her 50 years of service. She served on the Town Council of Harrellsville and the Historical Society of Hertford County.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at Garrett Funeral Home in the Ashley Chapel, 205 NC Hwy 42 West, Ahoskie. Burial will follow in Liberty Spring Christian Church Cemetery. Rev. Walter Johnson will officiate.
Left to cherish her memory is her daughter Betty Oliver Bracy and her husband, Bill, of Rocky Mount, and a granddaughter, M. Lee Bracy of Gordonsville, Virginia. Also, her stepson, Dr. Walter S. O’Berry and wife, Sarah, of Jacksonville, NC and family; two stepdaughters-in-law, Dorothy Lynch O’Berry of Virginia Beach, VA. and Emily Byrum O’Berry Oliver of Sunbury, NC and their families; one sister-in-law, Daisy Ann Byrd of Franklin,VA.; her nephew, William Byrd and his wife, Terry, of Richmond, VA. and Gloria Byrd Worrell and Belinda Byrd of Franklin,VA.
She is preceded in death by her husband, John Edward Oliver (1945) George O’Berry (1976) and Vernon Harden; her son John Edward Oliver, Jr. and three brothers, Raymond, William Henry Byrd and Nathaniel Wright Byrd, Jr.
She is a descendant of William H. Byrd which dates back to October 22, 1851. The family held reunions once a year for more than 75 years.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service at Garrett Funeral Home.
Garrett Funeral Home is serving the Harden family. Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the online guestbook at www.garrettfh.com