Bessie Bell (Blunt) Chavis

Today, we pause to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Bessie Bell Blunt Chavis — a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and cherished friend. With a presence marked by warmth, charisma, and a radiant spirit, Bessie le an indelible impression on all who were blessed to know her.

Born on Saturday, March 16, 1940, in Southampton County, Virginia, Bessie was a precious gift entrusted to the care of her loving parents, Gospel Lee Blunt, Sr. and Clara Bell Richardson Blunt. Reared in a home grounded in faith, honesty, respect, love, and laughter, she carried these values throughout her life and instilled them in every relationship she nurtured.

Early in life, Bessie accepted Christ as her Savior, was baptized, and she united in Christian fellowship with Rising Star Baptist Church in Branchville, Virginia, where she served faithfully in several ministries until her health no longer permitted. Affectionately known as “Bulie,” she was educated in the Southampton County Public School System, where she learned the importance of hard work and perseverance.

Bessie began her career as a domestic worker, dedicating herself to service with humility and care. Never one to settle, she later attended Paul D. Camp Community College, where she successfully completed the Geriatric Nurses Aide/Home Health Care program. She took great pride in providing compassionate care to those in need, allowing them to maintain comfort and dignity within their own homes — a calling she pursued faithfully until her health began to decline.

On Saturday, October 25, 2025, the Lord, in His infinite wisdom — who is too wise to error — called our beloved Bessie Bell Chavis home as she peacefully slept at her residence in Conyers, Georgia. In addition to her loving parents, Bessie was preceded in death by her husbands, Linwood Smith, Sr. and Willie Lee Chavis; her daughter, Mary Lee “Puddin” Smith; her son, Linwood “PeeWee” Smith, Jr.; two grandsons, Aalon Smith and Shaun Smith; one great-grandson, Davonte Smith; one great granddaughter, Devine Grace Smith Brown; four sisters, Annie Edwards, Clara Bernice Blunt, Shirley Jones and Barbara Williams; and two brothers, Gospel Blunt, Jr. and Frank Blunt.

Bessie’s beautiful life and memory will forever be cherished by those she leaves behind: her daughters, Bessie Smith of Drewryville, Virginia; her devoted daughter, Carolyn Coley (Lloyd) of Conyers, Georgia; Robin Smith of Waverly, Virginia; Lisa Smith (Glenn Blowe) of Emporia, Virginia; and Thelma Harris Robinson (George) of Skippers, Virginia. She also leaves behind ten beloved grandchildren: Monaraye Rawlings (Raymond) of Emporia, Virginia; Marcus Smith of Conyers, Georgia; William Small (Tami) of Norfolk, Virginia; Stacie S. Worrell (Tilton) of Suffolk, Virginia; Carl Small, Jennifer Mabry (Monchello), and Renita Bottoms (Marcus), all of Drewryville, Virginia; Tina Smith Small (Rodney) of Katy, Texas; Jeliza Smith of Jarratt, Virginia; and Lakeeshia Harris of Waverly, Virginia. Her legacy continues through thirty four great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren, who will carry her love and lessons forward for generations to come. She is also survived by her siblings: Eddie Blunt (Vivian) of Suffolk, Virginia; Joseph Blunt of Lawrenceville, Virginia; Elvis Blunt, Sr. (Peronica) and Viola Lucas (Frank), both of Emporia, Virginia; Elsie Harris (Melvin) and Tuwanna Okafor, both of Chesapeake, Virginia; Ruth Edwards and Georgette White (Dennis), both of Portsmouth, Virginia; her brother-at-heart, Willie Reese of Raleigh, North Carolina; daughter-in-law Linda Smith of Emporia, Virginia and her sisters-in-law, Flossine Wilson of New York, New York and Ardella Blunt of Emporia, Virginia.

She also leaves behind a host of adoring nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss her dearly.

Bessie Bell Blunt Chavis lived a life filled with faith, kindness, and service — a life that touched countless hearts and reflected the goodness of God’s grace.  Thought she has departed from our sight, her light will forever shine through the love she gave and the legacy she leaves behind.  

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mrs. Chavis' tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family. 

The Caring Team of T. L. Faison's Funeral Care, LLC is privileged to provide

"Professional Care, With Dignity & Integrity" 

to the family of Mrs. Bessie Bell Blunt Chavis.

We ask that you unite with us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

***TO ENSURE DESIRED FLORAL SELECTIONS AND A TIMELY DELIVERY,

PLEASE PLACE ORDERS THE DAY PRIOR TO THE FIRST VIEWING OF DECEASED***

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bessie Bell (Blunt) Chavis, please visit our floral store.