Bess Dees

Surrounded by friends and family, Bess Yearby Dees, 80, passed away on Oct. 8, 2013 from the ravages and confusion of Alzheimers disease. Born May 4, 1933 in Pickens County, Alabama to parents Addie Burkhalter Yearby and Sam Yearby, Bess grew to become a revered matriarch of the family and businesses she helped create. Good things come in small packages, and while small in stature, Bess was big in might and full of heart building a lasting family and business legacy alongside her husband of 56 years, Wayne Dees.

She was the backbone of Wayne Dees Mailing Service and Christmas Village Festival, helping to both guide their growth and steady their success. Her business career also included working at Pure Oil Company and The Alabama State Employment Agency, being a part owner of Lisa's Shoes, and serving as President of Christmas Village Festival.

In 1996, she was awarded the Iva Childers Stover Outstanding Senior Citizen Award for her many years of dedication to the Meals on Wheels Program. Her church was her passion, and she held almost all the positions of leadership at one time or another. In her later life, caring for her husband was her work, which she took on with much love and resilience.

She is survived by: Daughters: Wendy Kay, and husband, Chris Melvin and Lisa Wayne and husband, Larry Fullilove; Grandchildren: Casey Fullilove Palmer and husband, David Palmer, Dylan W. Fullilove; Casey L. Melvin, Coley L. Melvin and wife, Alandra; Carly Melvin Jones and husband, Matthew Jones; Cristopher L. Melvin and wife, Dailee; Great Grandchildren: Maggy Reese Melvin, Masen Cole Melvin, and Charles Hamlin Palmer; Family: Sam E. Yearby and wife, Joan, Novi, MI; Farie Mae Reed and husband, Jim Reed, Huntsville; Addie Lee Marlowe, Aliceville; Thretha Carol Harcrow and husband, Bobby Harcrow, Columbus, MS; Fred B. Dees and wife Anita, Port Charlotte, FL; Barbara Smith and husband, Paul, Pinson; twenty-seven nieces and nephews whom she nurtured and cherished; forty-four great nieces and nephew; and her dog, LuLu, whom she loved and who brought her great joy.

The last 2 years of her life were enriched and made comfortable by her caregivers: Milla Walker, Janet Cisco, Cathy Carter, Beverly Thomas, and Lorraine Bendion. For this, the family is eternally grateful.

Visitation will be held Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013 at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The funeral will be on Friday, Oct. 11, 2013 at Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. Pallbearers: Dylan Fullilove, Bobby Harcrow, Todd Harcrow, Matthew Jones, Coley Melvin, Cristopher Melvin, Robert Smith; Honorary: Casey Melvin, David Palmer.

Donations can be made to Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church 2501 Sweeney Hollow Road Birmingham, Alabama 35215.