Bessie May Stevenson, age 83, passed away on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at her home in Paris, MO. Bess was born May 15, 1938 in Shelbyville, MO, the daughter of the late George Moon and Lucille (Smith) Hockaday. On September 7, 1956, she married John Simpson of Shelbina, MO. They later divorced. She was united in marriage to Richard Stevenson of Denmark, IA on February 16, 1980. He survives.
Bess is also survived by her children, Joann Hancock (Bob) of Duncan’s Bridge, MO, Sam Simpson (Lloyd) of Kirksville, MO, John Simpson (Michelle) of Center, MO, and Lisa Theall of Raleigh, NC; two step-sons, Ronald Stevenson of Denmark, IA and Nick Stevenson (Pam) of Dallas Fort Worth, TX; eleven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one sister, Jessie Harrison of Moberly, MO; and several nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents; two grandsons, J.L Hancock and Mason Theall; and step-son, Rick Stevenson.
Bess graduated from Shelbina High School with the Class of 1956. She graduated with a marketing and management degree from Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs, WY with the Class of 2000. She worked for General Electric in West Burlington, IA for 16 ½ years and was the first woman to be a woman expediter. She moved to Rock Springs, WY in 1987. Bess was the YMCA Domestic Violence manager for 7 years and then managed her own commercial cleaning business. She was the housekeeping manager for a local hotel before retiring.
Bess was a member of the Shelbina Christian Church, Rock Springs Women’s Club, PEO Chapter B.C., GFWC of Wyoming and Missouri, and the Red Hats Society. She was a past state president of the GFWC and PEO. Bess was a volunteer for Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County, Cowboys Against Cancer, and many other community organizations. She loved to volunteer and was always ready to help others when they needed it most. Bess enjoyed quilting, collecting antiques, listening to country music, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Burial will be at Denmark Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to Shiloh Christian Children’s Ranch or Shelbina Christian Church.
