Shirley Grace Bess, 85, of Baker, FL, peacefully passed away on Saturday, January 22, 2022.

Shirley was born on February 20,1936, in Caesar, MS, to Paul and Candace Ladner and raised in Southern Mississippi. After high school Shirley went to college and found work at a local bank. Not so long after, Shirley was swept off her feet by a young airman, Everett Larry Bess. They married in June 1956, and not long after moved to Idaho and then Utah for a short time, before settling into the Cape Canaveral area of Florida. Within a few years they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Sandra Jane. The following years were full and busy with home, school, and church activities. Following a job opportunity for Larry, the family relocated to the Florida Panhandle. The years flew by. Sandra grew up, married Paul English in-between college degrees, and moved abroad. Shirley really enjoyed her family vacations in Australia and Europe. In addition, was blessed to have 3 granddaughters (Briana, Hayley, and Lacey) and a grandson (Kyle), plus 4 great grandchildren (Marshall, Reid, Russell, and Eloise). Shirley kept herself busy with church activities and volunteering at the local hospital, which she did from 1986-2015. Even today, hospital staff remember the kind, giving, friendly and always accommodating Shirley! Shirley was also known for her delicious chocolate pies and yummy cakes.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Judy Gill.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Everett Larry Bess; her daughter, Sandra Jane English; her sister, Pauline Chatelaine and her brother, Edward Ladner.

Visitation will be held 10:30am until a funeral service to begin at 11:30am Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel with Rev. Mike Mashburn officiating. Interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to Emerald Coast Hospice and staff at North Okaloosa Medical Center (NOMC), Crestview, for their compassionate care of Shirley during her final days.

Click this link to view additional details about Shirley's Services, including any available live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/shirley-bess