Bessie Cornelia “Nelia” Dempsey


Published 4:45 pm Thursday, March 25, 2010

Bessie Cornelia “Nelia” Dempsey


March 21, 2010



Mrs. Bessie Cornelia “Nelia” Dempsey of Steinhatchee, Florida passed away at her home Sunday, March 21, 2010.  She was 62.
Born in Lake Park, GA, Mrs. Dempsey moved, as a child, to and was raised in Live Oak, Florida.  She went to work with A&W Drive-in as a carhop for 15 years before joining Oxidental Chemical.  Retiring from Oxidental in 1990, she moved to Steinhatchee to fulfill her lifelong dream of hunting and fishing and made many, many friends, which became her extended family. 
She is survived by her loyal pet and companion, Fred, who will be adopted by special friends Al and Pat Souther; brother, Roy (Glendora) Peterson of Live Oak, FL; sisters, Beverlyn (Don) Hanson of Steinhatchee and Gladys Owens of Live Oak, FL; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Bertha Mae Dempsey, brothers, Ray Peterson and Lloyd Dempsey, Jr. and sister, Roberta Mitchell.
A memorial service will be held at the Steinhatchee Community Center, Friday, March 26, 2010 at 11:00 AM with Rev. George Hage officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123-1718, 1-800-227-2345.
Arrangements have been placed under the care of the Rick Gooding Funeral Home, Cross City, Florida, 352-498-5400.