Wife of Charlie Lee Rice. Daughter of James William Alexander and Mary Elizabeth Quinn Alexander. She was the grandaughter of Emily Jane Dobbs Quinn and William Pinckney Quinn and James Alexander and Sarah Berry Alexander. Mother of Lester, Louise, Lawson, Miriam, Marie, Margaret, Elsie, Faye, and Bobby.

Sister of Effie, O'Dessa(who predeceased her), James William, Jr, Robert, Clifford, Clarence, Alfred, Ples, Avery, Lessie Mae, Thelma, and Ray.

She was born in Redan and lived in Scottdale, GA for most of her adult life. When she married Charlie Rice, he picked her up with his horse and buggy and they ran away and eloped because her poppa didn't approve. They were nearly caught when Bessie's hat blew off her head and Charlie had to chase it down.

They bought their first house in Scottdale at 408 Main Street in about 1935, at a cost of $500, from Dr. Conrad Allgood. Bessie lived there until she died in 1958.

She was the proud mother of 6 daughters and 3 sons, with two more children being stillborn. She was a wonderful cook. All her 27 grandchildren remember with fondness the time we spent with "maw-maw." watching her sew, helping her in the garden and kitchen, helping her gather the eggs for breakfast. She made each of us feel special.

Bessie was a God-fearing woman who attended Ingleside Presbyterian Church. I'll always remember her church outfit consisting of her very best dress and always a hat! She died when I was 11 but I have memories that will be with me until I join her again.

Top photo shows Bessie (R) at age 17, with an unidentified cousin (possibly Della Quinn) about 1909.

Second photo shows Bessie with her three younger children, about 1933.

Third photo shows Bessie about 1950.

Bottom photo L-R: Bessie and her sisters, Effie Cronan, and Linnie O'Dessa Juhlin, about 1955.