Bessie Birt Sweet

© Stilwell (OK) Democrat Journal
January 18, 2006
Submitted by: Martha Real

Funeral services for Bessie Birt Sweet will be held Saturday at 12 pm in Hart Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Westville City Cemetery under the direction of Hart Funeral Home of Westville.

Bessie had been a residence of Taft, California are since 1954. She lived in Fellows, California until 2004, then moved to Taft and got an apartment right next to her church, where she was a charter member, and served as pianist for the enter time until November, and held man other positions within the church.

Bessie went to be with her Lord on January 8th, at 9:10 p.m. Bessie was born in Chandler, Oklahoma on October 19, 1920, to William and Katie Birt. They moved to Westville, Oklahoma for senior year of high school, where she was an integral part of the girl’s basketball team. She has maintained contact with all members of her 1938 class thru visits, calls and letters, and also with friends from her Chandler school days. She loved attending reunions from both schools. She married Glen Sweet in 1954 and moved to Taft, California. She was first employed by Honolulu Oil Company, as a secretary. She then worked at Bank of America for several years. Finally, she worked and retired from Taft Union High School, where she served as administrative secretary to the Superintendent.

Survivors include the following loved ones: two daughters, Gloria Cunningham Dillard and her husband Talley, and Glenda Sweet Ashley and husband Mel, there grandchildren: Aaron Carlton, Elijah Jenkins and wife Meridith and Hannah Jenkins; one great-grandson, Tyler Carlton. She also leaves behind a host of family members, extended family, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, 13 brothers and sisters, and many dear relatives and friends. What a reunion they’re having in Heaven!

Bessie was a member of Eastern Star, and sang with the Golden Agers for a few years. She was chosen AST Taft’s Mother of the Year in the late 60’s, and was Mother of the Year every year for Gloria and Glenda.

Bessie loved music, singing, playing and listening to music. She attended TH Stamps- Baxter Music School in Roswell, NM, after completing business college. She has continued to keep up with gospel music groups throughout the years.

Bessie loved her family, church and the Lord. She loved cooking! Her idea of a dish for a potluck was to take the whole dinner so that there would be enough of everything. The only complaint, when anyone visited her home, was that she cooked from morning till night. Her grandkids always requested the usual for breakfast: sausage, biscuits, gravy and eggs. Tyler even laughs that when she babysat his dog, she cooked the same way for it.

She was one of the most generous, caring persons every, who would, and did do anything she could to help others.

The last year of her life was frustrating for her because she was not able to do all she wanted to for herself and others. She did not like having to ask for help in so many different ways.

We wish to offer a special thanks to Hoffman Hospice for the kind compassionate care they gave Bessie during the last few weeks. Their Chaplain gave her and the family such comfort thru his prayers, upbeat conversations, and encouragement. He told her he knew God had a golden piano just waiting for her in Heaven, and that brought the biggest smile to her face.

Friends may wish to make a donation to Hoffman Hospice in Bakersfield, California. We love you mom and grandma!