Bessie Bostic, 93, of Paris, Texas (formerly of Harts, West Virginia), walked into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 16, 2026, passing peacefully at her home.

Born on February 29, 1932, in Whirlwind, West Virginia, Bessie was a special "Leap Year" baby to Willie and Golda (Bryant) Tomblin. As the eldest of seven daughters, she naturally stepped into a role of leadership and care that defined her life. She began her professional journey as a schoolteacher in a one-room schoolhouse on White Oak, an accomplishment she held dear throughout her many years of service to others.

Bessie’s life was a tapestry of simple joys and profound faith. She was a devoted gardener who found the Lord’s beauty in her vegetable garden and flowers, and she expressed her creativity through countless arts and crafts projects. While she cherished the quiet moments at home with family and friends, she also discovered a late-in-life passion for traveling, finding unexpected joy in cruising and exploring new places. Above all else, her life was anchored by her unwavering love for Jesus Christ.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John; her parents, Willie and Golda Tomblin; her sister, Marie Smith; and a very special friend, Clarence Young.

Her legacy of faith and family continues through her children: Joan (Roger) Blankenship, John (Ana) Bostic, Harold Bostic, Elaina (David) Thomas, and Sheila (Jeff) Macilveen. She was the proud grandmother of 11: Rebecca (Daniel) Pennington, Jennifer Blankenship, Zane Bostic, Carlos Valadez, Edgardo (Natalia) Valadez, Isabella Bostic, Joshua (Lucy) Bostic, Katrina Bostic, Gwendolyn Rainwater, Joseph (Madison) Rainwater, and Lacy Rainwater. She also leaves behind 11 great-grandchildren: Azul Valadez; Draedon, Wesley, Roma, and Annabelle Bostic; Adaleigh and Paisley Bostic; and Braxton, Ivee (Wolf), Keaton, and Wrenleigh Rainwater. She is survived by her sisters, Essie Bryant, Geraldine Dingess, Joyce Hensley, Margaret Ann Thompson, and Thelma Beckett, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. Friday, February 20, 2026, at Evans Funeral Home in Chapmanville, WV.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Evans Funeral Home, with Rev. Mike Bostic and Rev. Glen Tomblin officiating.

Burial will follow in the Tomblin Family Cemetery on Buck Fork of Harts. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness." — 2 Timothy 4:7-8