Bessie Vanzant

Bessie Blake VanZant, 93, of Hilliard passed away July 1, 2015.  Bessie was born in Kings Ferry, FL, on August 16, 1921 to Cordie and Bertha Higginbotham Blake.  She lived her life by the Golden Rule.

Bessie and Harry VanZant were married in 1939 and resided in her childhood home until his death in 1994.  Her childhood home was built during the early settlement of Nassau County.

Bessie generally went wherever Harry went.  She became quite adept with a needle and created beautiful embroidery, tatting and crochet pieces as well as clothes for her children.  Bessie taught young children in Sunday School and served as Church Clerk for over 30 years at Ephesus Baptist Church.  She worked in the egg processing industry for 10 years after her children were grown.

Bessie was predeceased by her husband Harry VanZant, the love of her life;  parents Cordie and Bertha Higginbotham Blake; sisters Maybelle Haddock; Helen VanZant; granddaughter Lisa Geiger Sweat.

Survivors include:  son Floyd (Mary K) VanZant; daughters Harriet (Gernie) Geiger; Janell (Wray) Buchanan; Judy (Ronnie) Carter; 8 Grandchildren:  Richard (Kristin Geiger); Micah (Emily) VanZant; Vickie (Michael) Franklin; Clay (Jobeth) VanZant; Jared (Jess) Buchanan; Lee Buchanan; Clell (Karen) Carter; Amber Buchanan; 14 Great-Grandchildren;  Sisters-in-law:  Freida Gregory & Lottie Ashton.

Honorary Pall Bearers:  Paul Haddock, Jerrold Haddock, Freddie VanZant, Grady VanZant, Lonnie VanZant, Fred Lewis, Randy Gregory, Roger Gregory.

Pall Bearers:  Richard Geiger, Jake Geiger, Clif Geiger, Micah VanZant, Clay VanZant, Ethan VanZant, Brenton Franklin, Jared Buchanan, Lee Buchanan, Clell Carter, MaKayin Cover, Conner Cover.

Visitation will be held at Shepard Funeral Home, Sunday, July 5, 2015 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Monday, July 6, 2015 at Ephesus Baptist Church with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and the funeral message beginning at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Marvin Lee will be officiating.   Interment will follow at “Old Still Cemetery.”

Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard Funeral Home, Folkston, Georgia.