Bessie Lou Meadows, 93, a beloved resident of Laurel, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at her home on March 30, 2026. Born on May 28, 1932, in Sand Hill, MS, Bessie lived a full and cherished life surrounded by her family and friends.

Bessie was preceded in death by her husband, Robert C. Meadows, her son, Bobby Meadows, her mother, Jerline Blackwell, her stepfather, William Franklin Blackwell, her sister, Mary Evelyn Gaskin, and her brothers, Alton Blackwell, Maxey Blackwell, and Frank Blackwell.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Sherlye Graham and her husband Mike, Betty Hicks, Mary Ann Cook and her husband David, Sandra Poore and her husband Bit, and her son Ray Meadows and his wife Rosemarie. Bessie also leaves behind a sister, Betty Nell Miller and her husband James, a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel. Funeral services will take place on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the same location, followed by burial in Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Laurel, MS.

Pallbearers will include David Cook Jr., Rusty Rogers, Ethan Cook, Albert Coccia-Meadows, Caden Fletcher, and Cecilia "Sissy" Coccia-Meadows. Honorary pallbearers will be Leo Dunlevy, James Hall, Mike Graham, Travis Rogers, Mason Cook, David Benson, and Ray Meadows.

Bessie will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and the love she shared with her family and friends. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.