AULANDER, NC – Edith Harrell Bess, age 84, formerly of Ahoskie, passed away on May 24, 2016 at her residence in Aulander.

Mrs. Bess was born on May 15, 1932 to Joseph Elliott and Sallie Coleson Harrell in Ahoskie, NC. Edith was a secretary in many different entities before retiring from Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital.

She loved her Lord and was in church whenever possible to worship. Edith was a former member of both Creech Memorial Baptist Church, where she was very active in many aspects, and First Baptist Church of Ahoskie. More recently, she became a member of Liberty Free Will Baptist Church. She was a people person, that never met a stranger. Edith enjoyed traveling, didn’t matter where she went as long as she got to go somewhere. One of her favorite treats was ice cream. Edith was a loving wife, mother, sister, and aunt.

Edith was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Sallie Harrell; her husbands, Benjamin C. Hollowell, and Vernon Bess; her son, Keith Hollowell; and sister, Iris Powell.

Left to cherish Edith’s memory is her step-son, Robert Bess of Gaithersburg, MD; her sister, Rachel Terrell of Aulander, NC; her brother, Bruce E. Harrell and his wife Hilda of Raleigh, NC, along with several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 26, 2016, from 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, NC.

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, May 27, 2016, at 11:00 am at Liberty Free Will Baptist Church, with the Rev. Paul Ange officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Gardens, Ahoskie, NC.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Liberty Free Will Baptist Church, 247 NC 561 West, Ahoskie, NC, 27910 or the charity of your choice.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Bess family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.