Ms. Bessie Florence, 72, of Phenix City, AL passed Monday, November 11, 2024 in Phenix City, AL.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. EST on Monday, November 18, 2024 at Pine Hill Missionary Baptist Church located at 337 10th Ave S, Phenix City, AL with Rev. J.C. Fryer, pastor, officiating. Burial to follow in Green Acres Cemetery located at 1485 Schatulga Rd, Columbus, GA. Public viewing is 12:00-4:00 p.m. EST on Saturday, November 16, 2024.

Ms. Bessie Rutledge Florence

Bessie, affectionately known to many as Auntie Kate, was born on October 4, 1952, to the late Deacon James Rutledge, Sr. and the late Mrs. Eva Mae Evans Rutledge in Phenix City, AL. She was educated at Mother Mary Mission Catholic School. She was a proud graduate of Carver High School’s Class of 1970. Bessie utilized her successful business acumen as a sales manager for 25 years with Sears, Roebuck and Company and retired as general manager of Fitzgerald Pharmacy in 1998. She was a servant leader who embraced missionary work in her community. She devoted her life to her family, friends, and church. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Barbara A. Robinson and Suzetta C. Rutledge, and her only brother, Deacon James Rutledge, Jr.

She is survived by her three loving daughters, Harveta J. Florence, Jasponica G. Florence, and Katshalliam E. Gosha all of Phenix City, AL; her caring son, Larry K. Florence of Phenix City, AL; six granddaughters, Jerrosadia Florence, Katelyn Kimber, Brookelyn Kimber, and Elle Gracyn Johnson all of Phenix City, AL, Verchrisia Florence of Columbus, GA, and Alexandra Oyarzun-Florence of Osorno, Chile; one grandson, Kobe Kimber of Phenix City, AL; God daughter Jasmine Gaffney Wilson, one devoted sister, Teresa R. (Norman) Lattimore of Cataula, GA; two sister in laws, Carolyn Davis of Columbus, GA. and Shirley Jones Harris, one adopted brother, Jack Alexander of Lima, OH; several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles; a community of cousins, classmates and friends.