Bessie lived in Fellows until late 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 entire time until November, and held many other positions within the church.

She 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 her senior year of high school, where she was an integral part of the girls basketball team.

She has maintained contact with all members of her 1938 class thru visits, calls, and letters, and also with her friends from her Chandler School days. She loved attending reunions from both schools.

She married Glen Sweet in 1954 and moved to Taft.

She was first employed by the Honolulu Oil Co. 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 husband Talley, and Glenda Sweet Ashley and husband Mel; three grandchildren, Aaron Carlton, Elijah Jenkins and wife Meridith, and Hannah Jenkins and 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, thirteen 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 as Tafts Mother-of-the-Year in the late 60s, and was Mother-of-the-Year every year for Gloria and Glenda.

Bessie loved music, singing, playing, and listening to music. She attended the 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. And, 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. And 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 ever, who would, and did, anything she could do 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 or rely on others. However, many thanks to all of you who did help in so many different ways. We wish to offer a special thanks to Hoffmann 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.