Bessie Evelyn (Willis) Williams

Ms. Bessie Evelyn Willis Williams, age 84 of Ararat, Virginia passed away on Sunday, August 13, 2023, at Central Continuing Care Nursing Facility in Mount Airy.  Ms. Williams was born June 1, 1939, in Patrick County to the late Claude and Ella Gwyn Willis.  Bessie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend.  She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.  Surviving are her two step daughters and step son-in-law, Sikinda Williams Thompkins, Penny Williams Rinehart and husband (Jeff); two step sons and step-daughter-in-law, Michael Stephen Williams (Bobbie), Woodrow “Gus” Williams; two grandchildren, Ryan Draughn (Corie), Jaquez Green; three great-grandchildren; several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Sadie W. Smith; one brother, Jimmy Marshall; sisters-in-law, Sybil Llewellyn, Blanche Willis; brother-in-law, Jack Edwards; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Alene, Chris, Corene, Doug and Sandra; and special son, Nelson Gambill.  In addition to her parents, Ms. Williams was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Stephen Williams, a daughter, Sandy Hiatt Draughn; step-daughter, Pam McMillian, two grandchildren, Brandon and Joshua Draughn; one sister, Ruby Willis Edwards; three brothers, Stuart, Jessie and Hubert Willis; sister-in-law, Joann Marshall; and brothers-in-law, Reid Smith, and James “Duck” Llewellyn.  A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 18, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Oakdale Cemetery with Reverend Arlis Thomas officiating.  The family will receive friends on Friday, August 18, 2023, from 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy.  Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy has been entrusted with the arrangements.