SMITHFIELD, NC – Bessie Mae White Gaddy Ragsdale, age 96, died Tuesday morning, November 12, 2019 in the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield.  Born April 18, 1923 in Johnston County to the late Thomas and Bessie Omega Aldridge White, she was the widow of A.T. Gaddy, Sr. and Thel H. Ragsdale.  She was also preceded in death by all 10 of her siblings, Addie Peedin, Alton White, Leslie White, Rupert White, Ed White, Lloyd White, Edna Coffelt, Edith Todd, Bill White and Mervin White.  Bessie loved to play the piano and enjoyed playing for nursing homes and the Salvation Army.  She was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church in Smithfield.  Bessie had her Master's in Education and taught in the public schools and later worked as a guidance counselor.

Funeral service will be conducted at 12:00 noon Thursday, November 14, 2019 in Centenary United Methodist Church.  Burial will follow in Hills of the Neuse Memory Gardens.  The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon Thursday just prior to the service.

Surviving are her son, Albert Thomas Gaddy, Jr. and wife Janice of Raleigh; grandson, Jason Gaddy and wife Kelly and their children Alayna Gaddy and Braydon Gaddy; sister-in-law, Grace White; and as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to Centenary United Methodist Church, 140 E Market St, Smithfield, NC 27577, Salvation Army, 501 Archdale Drive, Charlotte, NC 28217, or the SECU Hospice House, Attn: Johnston Health, P.O. Box 1376, Smithfield, NC 27577.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.parrishfh.com.