Bessie Hampton

February 7, 1955 – May 12, 2023

Service

Friday, May 19, 2023

Public Viewing: 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.

Held at

Nelson & Sons Memorial Chapel

824 Lipscomb Street

Shelbyville, Tennessee

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Saturday, May 20, 2023

Family Visitation: 2:00 P.M.

Funeral Service: 3:00 P.M.

Held at

Woodfork Chapel AME Church

1011 Lipscomb Street

Shelbyville, Tennessee

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Interment

Mt. Ararat Cemetery

Shelbyville, Tennessee

Bessie Jannice Hampton, affectionately known as Squeakie, was born in Shelbyville, TN on February 7, 1955, to the late Sol Sims and Mary “Babe” Smith. She was one of six children. Bessie went to her heavenly home on Friday, May 12, 2023, with her loving sister, nieces and cousin by her side.

Squeakie was a lifelong member of Woodfork Chapel A.M.E Church where she held numerous offices and positions in the church including church schoolteacher, church secretary, steward board, and was also a part of the Women’s Missionary Society.

The evidence of her love for Christ was apparent in all that she did, and she served Him with her whole heart.

Bessie was a graduate of Shelbyville Central High School, where she was on the track and field team.

Shortly after graduating, she was employed at Tyson Foods as a production worker and later became a quality control inspector until her retirement in 2017.

Bessie was a devoted wife to William Gregory Hampton until his passing in 2012.

She lived a happy life and enjoyed her family, church family, and friends. Squeakie was also an avid Atlanta Braves, Tennessee Titans, and Golden State Warriors fan. She enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and going on trips with her family.

She is preceded in death by her husband, William Gregory “Greg” Hampton; mother, Mary “Babe” Smith; and her brother, Kenneth “Butchie Boy” Smith.

Bessie leaves to cherish her memory, her stepdaughter, Cheri Hampton; grandchildren, Alaysia Johnson, Demarcus Bailey, and Major Cannon, all of Chula Vista, CA; her three sisters, Ricki (Jessie) Rippy of Wartrace, TN, Diana (Wilkie) Buchanan and Deidre Smith; her brother, Joe (Donna) Smith, all of Shelbyville, TN;  aunt, Theresa Burrage of Dayton, OH; a host of loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends including three devoted nieces, Kenya Smith, Ebone Smith, and Chernita Smith; great nephews, Jordon and King Smith; cousin, Bonita Stewart; and dear childhood friend, Jeanette Marable who were always just a phone call or visit away.

“Blessed are those that mourn, for they shall be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4