of Harrison, AR

May 6, 1923 - December 26, 2021

Bessie Vonita Brisco, age 98, of Harrison, passed away Sunday, December 26, 2021, at her residence at Maple Esplanade Assisted Living in Harrison. She was born on May 6, 1923, at Compton, Arkansas, the daughter of Earl and Essie (Newberry) Sims. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Herb Brisco; her daughter, Christine Miller; her son, Bobby Brisco; her granddaughter, Cathy Smith; four brothers; and three sisters.

Bessie was united in marriage on December 27, 1939, to Joe Herbert Brisco and they enjoyed 73 years together farming and raising a family. She worked at a school cafeteria as a cook; a poultry processing plant; and at Flexsteel Lumber, from where she retired. Bessie enjoyed many things but being a homemaker was among the best. She loved gardening, canning, quilting, crocheting, researching family history, and cooking for her family.

Bessie is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Mary Ellen and Gary Gregory, of Berryville; her daughter-in-law, Anne Brisco, of Compton, Arkansas; her brother, Arthur Sims, of Harrison; three sisters, Earline Villines and Betty Villines, both of Compton, and Elda Carter of Sherwood, Arkansas. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Jim May, Doug Brisco, JoAnne Rowland, all of Harrison, Regina Jennings of Berryville, Sheila Lewis of Savannah, Georgia, Richard May of Bella Vista, and Carol Bartz of Fayetteville; and fifteen great-grandchildren; and sixteen great-great-grandchildren.


Visitation was Thursday, December 30, 2021, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home.

The Funeral service was Friday, December 31, 2021, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home, with Rev. Jerry Spurlock officiating.

Interment was in Plumlee Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Doug Brisco, Ben Brisco, Jimmy May, Stuart Brisco, Jeffrey May, and Gared Jennings.

Honorary pallbearers were Richard May, Ty Rowland, Cheston Jennings, Reed Bartz, Patrick Lewis, Andrew Allison, Trevor Allison, Jack Davidson, Kaleb McLoud, Stetson Frances, and Emmet May.


Memorials may be made to Legacy Hospice, 702 N. Main Street, Harrison, AR 72601 or Plumlee Cemetery Fund, ATTN. Faith Carter.

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