Bessie Smith Hawthorne, 84, of Port Arthur, Texas passed away March 19, 2020. She was born in Port Arthur, Texas on December 27, 1935 to the late William Holman and Cassie Hall Holman. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School as Valedictorian in 1954. Bessie was a member of the Alpha Pi Epsilon at Lamar University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and was a member of the Lamar Marching Band. She started her career at Gulf Oil and retired from the Port Arthur I.S.D. where she was the secretary for the Assistant Superintendent. Bessie was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Port Acres where she played the organ and piano for over 50 years. She was a member of the Golden Triangle Model A Club and the Antique Automobile Club of America. Bessie loved to travel and took many trips all over the world. Her love for cooking was enjoyed by many, especially her cornbread dressing and rolls. She was an avid reader and shared her love of books with her grandchildren. She was also a huge fan of the Astros and loved to watch her children and grandchildren play ball. Bessie was a very loving mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be missed by all who loved her and knew her.

Those left to cherish Bessie’s memory are her children, Jim Smith and his fiancé Susie, Kenny Smith and his wife Beth, Ritchie Smith and his wife Delena, Patti Klima, Michele Smith, Steve Hawthorne, and Julie Chumley and her husband Len; her 15 grandchildren; her 25 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Melvin Smith and Steve Hawthorne; and her brother, Bill Holman.

The funeral service will be private with a memorial service at a later date.