VIEWING: Sunday, September 27, 2024 Time: 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM

SERVICE: Monday, September 30, 2024 Time: 11:00 AM Bloom Hill Baptist Church, 1786 Busy Bee Road, South Hill, VA 23970/ Rev. Sharon Baskerville, Pastor

INTERMENT: Church Cemetery

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course,

I have kept the faith: (II Timothy 4:7)

MRS. BESSIE LOU HANSARD DORTCH, daughter of the late General Hansard, Clara Baskerville and Mary Sue Hansard (mother), was born August 4, 1915, in Mecklenburg County, VA and departed this life September 21, 2024 in Philadelphia, PA at the young age of 109. She was also preceded in death by sisters- Geneva, Shirley, Jean, Phyllis, Norvel and Mildred and brothers- Eramus, Robert, and Douglas.

At an early age she accepted Christ as her savior and was baptized and joined Bloom Hill Baptist Church, where she remained a dedicated lifetime member. She loved serving as church clerk, Sunday School Teacher and as a member of the adult choir. She willingly participated in many church activities. She was the senior member of the church.

She was educated in the Mecklenburg County Public School System.

On January 8, 1935, she was united in holy matrimony to Prince Albert Dortch and from this union a daughter, Clara, was born. They then made South Hill, VA their home.

Bessie worked for many years as a sharecropper. She also worked for the Mecklenburg County School System and a home health care provider until her retirement.

After the death of her husband, she began to travel from South Hill, VA to Philadelphia, PA to spend the winter months with her daughter, Clara. She still worked for the Lord. She became an honorary member of The Church of Christian Compassion quilters as a dedicated quilter. In 2009, she was honored by the church with a beautiful handmade king size quilt. Each year she was recognized by the Philabundance Ministry on her birthday and special holidays.

Bessie was a well-loved member of her community. She was admired for her outstanding cooking skills, her caramel cake and fried chicken.

Bessie leaves to treasure her memories: her daughter- Clara (Byron) Rudolph; grand-daughter, Cheryl (Dwayne); grandsons- Bruce and Brian Rudolph; great-grandchildren, Kyna, Maurice, Terence, Dwayne II, Christina and Brian Jr.; sister- Patricia Hansard Williams; brother- Dwight (Shannon) Hansard; sister-in-law, Barbara Hansard, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and church family.