Bessie was born September 25, 1934, to Eddie and Katie Shinkle Iiams in Johnson County, Missouri. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Bolivar, Missouri. She retired as a supervisor for JanSport overseeing the Backpack Division. Bessie enjoyed crocheting and made a baby blanket for each grandchild and great-grandchild. She was currently working on a baby blanket for an expected great-grandchild to be born in August. Bessie also enjoyed embroidery and made each one an embroidered keepsake blanket. She was an avid reader who read her Bible each morning to start her day. Bessie and her husband, Owen, loved to travel and visited each state with the exception of Maine.
Bessie is survived by her daughter Edna Fondren and husband Bro. Mike of Noxapater. One of her greatest joys was being “Granny” to her five grandchildren: Michael (Ty) Fondren, Jr., Eddie (Carin) Fondren, Matthew (Kellie) Fondren, Ellen Taylor, and James M. (Ashley) Fondren. She also enjoyed spending time with her great-grandchildren: Madison, Jennie, Raegan, Chloe, Will, Anna Leigh, Lynnlee Kate, Graham, Emmie Del, and was looking forward to birth of another in August 2021. Bessie leaves behind two nephews Virgil Lee (Carolyn) Iiams and Ernie (Maria) Iiams; as well as two great-nephews and a great-niece. She was preceded in death by her husband Owen F. Scharnhorst, son Robert L. Scharnhorst, and three brothers Earnest, Raymond, and Charlie Iiams.
Services are under the direction of Nowell-Massey Funeral Home, 724 N. Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
