Bessie Brown Stephens, age 89, died peacefully in her sleep Thursday March 27, 2008 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Becky and Bob Podbesek.

Bess made her home with Becky and Bob for the past few years as her health declined. Bess and her late husband, Roland E. Stephens, had lived in Dunbar, WV for nearly 60 years, moving there shortly after their wedding in 1945. Bess attended Humphreys Memorial United Methodist Church in Dunbar, WV.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Becky and Bob Podbesek of Charleston, WV, grandson, Brian Stephens Podbesek of Morgantown, WV and sister-in-law, Fanell Brown of Parkersburg, WV. As close as family, her caregivers throughout her illness were Glora (Penny) Beville and Debbie Taylor.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 32 years, Roland Stephens, parents Cora Jacobs Brown and William Fred Brown, of Rockport, WV, brothers Lester C. Brown, Virgil L. Brown, and William E. Brown, brother-in-law, Sterling L. Brown, and nephew Gary Stephens Brown, all of Parkersburg.

Bess was a wonderful and supportive mother and grandmother, homemaker, and avid gardener. She will be remembered for her loving encouragement, her humor, her kindness, her creativity, and her ability to express genuine joy.

There will be a gathering of family and friends Saturday, March 29, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., with a brief service at 4:30 p.m., at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, with Rev. Dr. Okey B. Harless, Jr. officiating.

There will be a graveside service in her honor at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in her name to HospiceCare, 1143 Dunbar Avenue, Dunbar, WV 25064 or a favorite charity.