Bessie Sitzes

Bessie Faye Sitzes, lifetime resident of Terrell, passed away peacefully on the morning of Jan. 16, 2024. Bessie was born July 6, 1938 in Terrell to Buford Reese and Ruth Catherine Hunt, both of whom preceded her in death along with her beloved husband, Cliff Sitzes, her son, Ronald Sitzes and her siblings: Kenneth Hunt, Oleta Boon and Lela Clemmons, each of whom gladly welcomed Bessie into Heaven. Born and raised in Terrell, Bessie had a front row seat to how much this town has grown and changed. This growth brought a young man to Terrell in 1954 named Cliff Sitzes and after meeting him it was love at first sight. He and Bessie were inseparable and were married on Feb. 18, 1955. While starting their family, she and Cliff worked hard to make a life and home filled with love, honor and respect for each other and the many people who shared their lives. Bessie worked at Texas Aluminum (now Oldcastle Building Envelope) for over 30 years as well as working alongside Cliff as he built his own plumbing business in Terrell. They were both active and longtime members of Terrell First Assembly of God Church where Bessie’s sweet smile and being the “ social butterfly” she was, made every visitor and member feel like they were truly welcome. She loved “everyone” and told them so, even if they were strangers treating her nice and especially if they were family or new found friends. Bessie never really met a stranger because every person she met became an instant friend whether it was at church, work or in the community. Her faithfulness to her family was exceeded only by her faithfulness to her Lord and her servant’s heart was the hallmark of her personality. She enjoyed studying the Word during Bible Studies and loved the fellowship of her Christian family where she made so many friends, each of whom enriched her life. Bessie’s best memories revolved around her family and friends and time spent with them were her favorite times of all. She adored visiting with friends and family in person or over the phone and she always looked forward when she could accompany Cliff as he went fishing. It was well known that she was the one who pretty much always caught “the bigger fish”! A beautiful, gracious and sweet lady, she will be forever remembered by the ones who loved her. Bessie is survived by her loving daughter, Linda Sitzes Southam and husband, Mark, of Rockwall; daughter-in-law, Pam Sitzes of Terrell; grandchildren: Shelli Sitzes Chandler and husband, Carl, Rodney Sitzes and wife, Erica, John Vishnesky and wife, Jessie, Thomas Southam and wife, Melissa, and Alex Southam and wife, Lauren; great grandchildren: Logan Holmes, Landry Sitzes, Avery Chandler, Amelia Southam, Beckett Southam, Walter Southam, Arthur Southam, and Evelyn Southam; brother, Ronnie Reese Hunt and wife, Karen, of Wills Point as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and friends, all of whom loved him and will greatly miss her. Funeral service will be at 2:00pm, Monday, Jan. 22, 2024 at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel with interment to follow at College Mound Cemetery. Her family will receive friends from 2:00pm to 4:00pm, Sunday, Jan. 21, at the funeral home. For those wishing, memorials may be made to: American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.

Tributes

Bessie Sitzes

July 6, 1938 - January 16, 2024