Bessie Florence Obituary in Phenix City at Taylor Funeral Home, Inc

Obituary For Bessie Florence

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.

Photos & Video

Condolences & Tributes

Add A Condolence

Natassia Bowie sent Beautiful Dreams for Bessie Florence - November 17, 2024

I can't find the words to express how sorry I am for your loss. Mrs. Bessie legacy of kindness and love will continue to inspire us all. Please know that our family is here for you during this time.

Send flowers for Bessie Florence

Sharita Adams sent Heavenly Heights Bouquet for Bessie Florence - November 16, 2024

In loving memory of a beautiful soul. I'm so happy I️ got the chance to personally be in your presence you will truly be missed and your beautiful children will honor your name forever. Love,The Adams

Tracie Chancey sent Living Spirit Dishgarden for Bessie Florence - November 16, 2024

Our prayers are with you and your family.
Melissa and Thomas McEntire
Rick and Tracie Chancey

The Peace Lily was sent for Bessie Florence - November 15, 2024

Sending my prayers and condolences E.Luke

Sending Prayers and sincere condolences to the family. REST IN PEACE KATE. Leisa Blackmon and family.

I'm sorry I forgot to put My name on my post I'm sending My Condolences to All of You 😘. Love You All ❤️ Faythanial Holsey Jackson and Family 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

You All have My Deepest Sympathy for the passing of A WONDERFUL WOMAN of GOD. I'm Praying for Comfort 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿.

I'll never forget while I was in Miami! pregnant with my Noby,how you've checked on us 🤍🤍🌺

I'll never forget while I was in Miami! pregnant with my Noby how you've checked on us

I was Mrs. Florence's nurse for years, she could not have had a more loving and caring family. Condolences to you all. God continue to keep you all in his graces. GWEN PITTS, Phenix City, Alabama

Gwenevera Pitts

Sending my love, prayers, and condolences to the entire family. Love Cassandra Horns

Sending my love, prayers, and condolences to the entire family.

Heartfelt condolences for you and your family. Continued prayers for all!!

Continued prayers for you all at this time. Marsha Preer (Hunter)

Sorry to hear about the passing of your love one. Sending prayers and Condolences to the family 🙏🙏

So sorry to hear of Kate's passing the family are in my prayers, Loretta Vann and family.

Freeda you and Larry is in my thoughts and prayers Sympathy and Comfort to The Florence Family Sharing memory of light a candle LOVE Garrie Simmons and Family

Sending prayers and condolences during this difficult time.
-Victoria Johnson, PCIS, NAACP

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Taylor Funeral Home, Inc | Phenix City, AL