Bessie Louise Gilchrist Obituary
The passing of Bessie Louise Gilchrist of Fortson, Georgia occurred on September 12, 2026. Bessie, born on August 1, 1945 in Cadiz, Kentucky, shared life with family, friends, and community. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Bessie Louise Gilchrist to show support.
She was predeceased by: her husbands, Robert Hodges and Jack Gilchrist; her parents, Ethel Darnell Hunter and Joe Hunter; her siblings, Irvin Hunter, Joe Hunter, Riley Hunter, Jessie Hunter and Robert Hunter; and her grandparents, Elbert Hunter, Susan Candler, Noah Darnell and Emma Capps.
She is survived by: her daughters, Robin Catrett (Jeff), Angela Matthews (Kent) and Cheryl Rutledge (Chris); her grandchildren, Elton Bonner, Joshua "Reagan" Matthews, Nikole Prescott, Christopher "Trae" Rutledge, Matthew "Taylor" Rutledge, Christian Rutledge, Gabrielle "Gabby" Williamson (Peter), Lindsey "Autumn" Rutledge and Cameron "Elijah" Rutledge; her great grandchildren, Karlie, Kaleb Morris and Sarah Williamson; and her sister Lee Emma Reed. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends.
Visitation was held on Tuesday, September 15th 2026 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Fisher Chapel (4071 Macon Rd, Columbus, GA 31907). A funeral service was held on Tuesday, September 15th 2026 at 11:00 AM at the same location.
