Velma Bess

Velma Jean Bess, 74, of Nashville, Tenn., died Thursday, March 18, 2004, at her home.

She was born July 7, 1929, at Dongola, Mo., daughter of Norman and Rita Sample Shell. She and Johnny Williams were married in 1944. He died in 1945, a casualty of World War II.

Mrs. Bess resided in Cape Girardeau until about a year ago. She retired as a telephone operator with Southwestern Bell in Cape Girardeau and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Rita and Jim McDonald of Gallatin, Tenn.; a brother, Burk Shell of Advance, Mo.; four sisters, Mary Lou Winchester of Cape Girardeau, Carol Costello of Advance, Charlene King of Crystal City, Mo., Brenda VanGennip of Marble Hill, Mo.; three granddaughters, Krystall and David Gentry of Brentwood, Tenn., Sundei and Kevin Granberg of Panama City, Fla., Nikki Hampton of Gallatin; and four great-grandchildren, Cassi, James and Brianna Granberg, and Gracie Hampton.

She was preceded in death by three brothers, Eugene, Grant and Bob Shell; three sisters, Norma L. Nelson, Joann Parker and Barbara Shell.

Friends may call at Liley Funeral Home in Marble Hill from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with Dr. John Englehart officiating. Burial will be in Bollinger County Memorial Park Cemetery near Marble Hill.