Mrs. Bessie Hope Williamson, 88, of Heidrick, passed away Monday morning, May 5, 2025 at the Christian Health Center in Corbin. She was born October 10, 1936 in Barbourville, the daughter of the late Frank and Lou Cox Smith.
Bessie was a former secretary with WYWY Radio Station, homemaker and member of the Highland Park Baptist Church. Bessie’s home was a place you always felt welcomed. She fed people with love and made them feel special, she was a natural caregiver. No one ever left hungry, not for food, care or kindness. She always seemed to know what was going on in town: who was doing what, who needed help or who just needed a hot meal and someone to talk to. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, traveling and shopping. Bessie was a loyal friend and lived life to the fullest. Her sass, spunk and selfless ways will be dearly missed.
On October 1, 1955, she united in marriage with Leon Williamson and to this union a daughter was born.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Williamson; dearly loved daughter, Lou Ann Williamson and siblings, Edward Philpot and wife, Dorothy, Robert Philpot and wife, Dorothy “Dot”, Cecil Philpot and wife, Carrie, Lawrence Philpot and Edna Dozier and husband, Willard.
Survivors include Allison Suzanne McDaniel of London and Paula Grigsby of South Carolina, who she loved as daughters, and their children, Gavin Cima, Grant Grigsby, Olivia and Owen Forrester; several nieces and nephews; among other loved ones and dear friends.
Her funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Saturday, May 10 at 1 P.M. with Rev. Jeffrey Branum and Brian Bohl officiating. She will be laid to rest in the Doolin Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be Chris Brewer, Grant Grigsby, Reid Brewer, Gavin Cima, Brian Bohl and Gary Helton. Serving as an honorary bearer will be Cecil Campbell.
Her family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the Christian Health Center for the love and care given to Bessie.
Friends may visit at the funeral home Saturday after 11:30 A.M. until the funeral hour.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Send a condolence to the family of BESSIE WILLIAMSON.
For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.
