Bessie Lea Chapman, 93, of Gassaway, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at her home surrounded by family.  Bessie was born on May 15, 1929, to the late Riley A. and Nellie Gay (Lancaster) Sears.

She started working at the Bank of Gassaway at a young age as a bookkeeper and retired after working there many years.  She was a member of Sugar Creek Baptist Church, Gassaway, WV, where she attended when able.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Ray Chapman.

Bessie was a devoted wife and special, loving mother to her daughter, Sheila.  Bessie enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she adored very much.  When she was younger, she enjoyed singing with her Aunt Ruby (Rollyson) Bollinger in churches and community gatherings.  Her favorite song was, “It Is Well With My Soul”.  She also enjoyed going to WVU football games with her husband and traveling to various states in their motor home.  Her favorite pastimes were collecting angel figurines and caring for her canary, Tweetie, and her fish.  She also enjoyed making jewelry.

Bessie is survived by her daughter, Sheila (Bill) Powers, Gassaway; granddaughters, Dawn Rae (David) Smith, Athens, WV, and Allison (Doug) Beall, Normantown, WV; great-grandchildren, Kennedy Smith, Beckley, WV; Brody, Joel, Brooklyn, and Leland Ray Beall, Normantown, WV; and several nieces and nephews.  She is also survived by her brother, Ronald “Don” Sears, Merritt Island, Florida.  She will also be missed by her Pomeranian dog, King.

A special thank you to the Braxton County Senior Center for providing meals; caregiver, Shirley Wilson; WV Caring Hospice Center nurses, Kim Harris, Kim Garrison, Christina Loudin, and Tabitha Deal, CNA.

Private family services will be held.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway, WV.

Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.