Bessie Marie McConnell

Bessie Marie McConnell, 69, died Friday, Sept. 13, 2013, in Fayetteville. She was born Sept. 8, 1944, in Japton, Ark., the daughter of Alfred and Bobbie Patrick McConnell. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Carolyn Dickard, Melba Allred; one brother, Clyde McConnell. She was a Baptist attending Fayetteville First Freewill Baptist Church and was a member of the Kiwanis Club through the Richardson Center. Survivors include her sister, Bonnie Stout of the home; two brothers, Don McConnell and his wife, Louise, of Witter, Ark.; Jimmy McConnell of Forum, Ark.; eight nieces, Donna Brt, Joy Powell, Janet Houghland, Patti Blood, Liz Eiland, Cheryl Zotti, Sheila Wilhite, Melba Burks; also seven nephews, Lonnie Dickard, Larry Stout, Bobby Allred, Billy Allred, Eddie McConnell, Richard McConnell, Jimmy McConnell; and several great-nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16, 2013, at the chapel of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Zion Cemetery in Fayetteville, Ark. Pallbearers will be Chris Stout, Jeremy Stout, Don McConnell, Jeremy McConnell, Justin Reading, Tanner Burks and Jason Elkins. The family requests that memorials take the form of donations to the Elizabeth Richardson Center, 240 E. Rock St., Fayetteville, AR 72701. To sign the online guest book, please visit www.nelsonberna.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville.