It is with deep sadness that the family of Bess Marie Lawrence announce that she went to be with the Lord on November 8, 2021. The funeral service will be held at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 10:00 AM with Pastor Wes Terry of Broadview Baptist Church officiating.

Bess was born on September 12, 1953 in Chateauroux, France. She was the oldest child of the late Major Pleas M. McKee and Annabet (Sargent) McKee. She graduated from Cooper High School in Abilene, TX in 1971. She received a Bachelor of Science from East Texas State University in 1975 where she was a member of Eta Epsilon, Texas State Education Association, and the American Home Economics Association. Then in 1980, Bess received her second-degree which focused on food, nutrition and dietetics from Abilene Christian University.

Bess had many interests in her life. She began sewing when she was four years old and often liked to create clothes for her dolls and later for herself. Her pride and joy was making a replica of her grandmother’s (Bess Sargent) graduation dress. As an avid quilter, she loved to create unique quilts for family and friends. She was a member of the Crystal Coast Quilters Guild at Morehead City, NC. Many ribbons were won for her quality, color, and design of quilts. She travelled and attended lectures on quilting, and taught workshops. She loved working on the “Block of the Month” and various quilt challenges.

Bess was no stranger to anyone. She loved having conversations and would have given her shirt off her back if you stood in need. Serving others was her way of life. She wrote many “Get Well” cards to cheer and encourage others. In 2015, she received an award for her, “Helping Hands”.

Being patriotic, Bess had a great love for her country. She supported the U.S. Veterans and felt strong about the U.S. Military having grown up in an Air Force family. At Christmas time, she always supported, “Toys for Tots”. This was her way of giving to the less fortunate, and it brought her great joy. She loved making fruitcake, German switzel cookies and a pecan date log that she shared with everyone. Bess loved her cats and always had room in her heart to care for a stray. She was happy to be known as the, “Cat Lady”. She leaves behind Oliver and Baby Boy, who will be adopted out into another loving home.

The Lord was a great part of her life. She loved Him and grew to know Him through the scriptures. She has now returned to Him, in the Savior's loving arms.

Bess is preceded in death by her husband, Michael A. Lawrence; her mother and father; and her youngest sister, Sylvia I. McKee Forrester. She is survived by her five loving siblings, Annabet Vestal, Juanita Harrington (Jim), Laura Weber (Jim), Pleas M. McKee, Jr. and Joe Frank McKee (Kelly), and many nieces and nephews and their children whom she loved. As well, she leaves behind her good friend, Chuck Barker.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to anyone of the following: Abilene Humane Society, Toys for Tots, American Diabetes Association or Broadview Baptist Church if you so choose.

I have seen the Lord! John 20:18.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elliott-hamil.com for the Lawrence family.