Bessie Mae Smith Fite

Bessie Mae Smith Fite, age 85, passed away Sunday, July 13, 2014, at her daughter's home in Greenville, MS. She is the widow of the late Joe T. Fite. The funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, July 19, 2014, at the First Baptist Church in Batesville, MS, with the burial at Magnolia Cemetery in Batesville. The family will be receiving friends Friday evening, July 18, 2014, from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. at Wells Funeral Home. Ms. Fite was born on April 19, 1929, in Sledge, MS, to the late Jim and Annie Mae Carver Smith. She was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Batesville, MS, where she was involved in numerous ministries. Many remember Ms. Bessie as having a special love for children. She spent time leading Mission Friends and enjoyed serving as a teacher for a boys' Sunday School class for many years. Ms. Bessie also volunteered in the nursery. Her love for children was extended from church to her home when she opened a daycare for teachers' children. Outside of her church involvement, Ms. Fite was a proud participant in Panola County Home Demonstration Club meetings and activities. Ms. Fite is survived by her two daughters, Jo Ann Fite Blackwell (Frank) of Birmingham, AL, Suzie Fite Johnson (Frank) of Greenville, MS; two sisters, Daisy Mae Gaines of Marion, IL, Ola Mae Harper of Batesville, MS; brother, Charles E. Smith of Batesville, MS; three grandchildren, Brian Joseph Blackwell (Ashley), Joanna Beth Blackwell Pyron (Brian), Erika Beth Little (Joe); five great-grandchildren, Isabella Blackwell, Lilly Blackwell, Everett Pyron, Zoe Pyron, and Zanna Little.