Bessie Smith

Bessie Rae Furr Smith, 83, of Albemarle, passed away Thursday, October 5, 2017 at Trinity Place in Albemarle.

Bessie was born January 13, 1934 in Stanly County to the late Albert Arthur Furr and the late Mary Idabelle Brooks Furr. She was also preceded in death by numerous brothers and sisters; and former husband, Ray Junior Smith.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm, Sunday, October 8, 2017 at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle. The funeral service to celebrate her life will follow at 3:00 pm in Hartsell Funeral Home's Lefler Memorial Chapel, officiated by Rev. Tab Whitley. The burial will follow at Liberty Hill Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery. At other times, the family will be gathering at the home of her daughter, Sue Smith, 244 Harrison Ln., Locust Town Center.

She is survived by her sons, Donald Smith and wife Joyce of Monroe, Michael Smith and wife Ann of Albemarle, Todd Smith and wife Karen of Red Cross; daughters, Janice Goodman and husband Mike of Albemarle, Elaine Coley of Red Cross, Sue Smith of Locust, Marie Sells and husband Gary of Albemarle, Evon Jordan and husband Jerry of Red Cross; sister, Emma Gulledge and husband Bennie of Kannapolis; 14 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; special friend, Herman Basinger; and caregivers, Trudie, Teresa, and Bonnie.

Memorials may be made to Stanly County Humane Society, 2049 Badin Rd., Albemarle, NC 28001, or Will's Place, www.willsplacenc.org.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Smith family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com