Bessie Sturgill
1940—2025

Bessie Sturgill, 85, of Kermit, passed away peacefully at home Dec. 1, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones.

Born Sept. 14, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Dan and Myrtle (May) Messer.

In addition to her parents, Bessie is preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, James Lewis Sturgill Sr., and their son James Lewis Sturgill Jr.

Bessie is survived by her children Danny (Lisa) Sturgill and Paula (Robert) Brewer, both of Kermit. She leaves behind a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she adored: Jeremy Sturgill, Bradley (Tiffany) Sturgill, Ty (Chelsea) Sturgill, Kerry (LeAnn) Sturgill, Brock (Olivia) Chapman, Nicholas Newsome, Coltin (Cassidy) Brewer, Amy Brewer, Andi Brewer and Briana Brewer. She also leaves behind her brothers Roy (Alice) Messer, Carter (Linda) Messer and Orville (Rhonda) Messer and her sisters Irene Smith and Louise Williamson.

Bessie retired from the Mingo County Board of Education, where she spent many years shaping the minds of students in Mingo County. She was a lifetime member of Neely Branch Church and the best cook around. If you were hungry, she would feed you. If you left her house hungry, it was your fault.

She was a loving caregiver to anyone who was in need. Bessie opened her home to many throughout the years.

The family would like to extend a special thank-you to her amazing caregivers Jessica Salmons, Joyce Sturgell, Lori Blankenship and Dale Murphy, and to the nurses and staff at Centerwell and Dignity Hospice.

Funeral services were held Dec. 3, 2025, at the Neely Branch Church on Marrowbone in Kermit. Her loving nephews Matt Crum and Del Crum officiated. Arrangements are in the direction of Callaham Funeral Home, Inez.