Bessie Penland

Bessie Penland, 87, of Morganton died Sunday, July 19, 2009 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. She was born December 20, 1921 in Caldwell County, and was a daughter of the late Arthur Jones and Acklin H. Sharpe Jones. Bessie was a member of the First Baptist Church.Bessie is survived by her son, Steve Penland of Morganton; a daughter, Judy Pritchard and husband, Jerry, and a granddaughter, Melody Pritchard, all of Marion. The family would like to extend a special thank you to caregiver, Vickie Burleson, and also the staffs of Burke Hospice and Grace Heights for the excellent care given to our mother.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William "Bill" Penland; brothers, Howard, Turner, and John Jones; a sister, Mila Mull; and a granddaughter, Gina Pritchard.Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon, Wednesday, July 22, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. and Rev. Harold Webb officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday one hour before the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, PO Drawer 459, Morganton, NC 28680, or Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.