Bessie Nell Hazzard Arnold

TYLER — Bessie Nell Hazzard Arnold of Tyler, Texas, passed away on February 25, 2024, at the age of 91. Born on July 18, 1932, in Erath County, Texas, she was the daughter of Nellie Keith Hazzard and Hardy Hazzard. She was preceded in death by her husband, James W. Arnold, her parents, sister, Betty Ruth Hazzard, and great-granddaughter, Aubrey Arnold. Also, she was preceded by her in-laws, Clara and Loys Arnold of Arp, Texas, Leola and Paul Arnold, and Barbara and Richard Arnold.

Bessie’s life was marked by faith, love, perseverance, and enthusiastic support for her family and community. She graduated from London High School in 1949, where she made many lifelong friendships. It was during her high school years that she met her beloved husband Jimmy, with whom she shared 66 years of marriage.

A devoted member of Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, Bessie taught Sunday School and led a Bible class for women for many years. She welcomed those she met with her warm, friendly smile. She was a superfan of all sports, particularly football. Her spirit was infectious, as she cheered wholeheartedly for her teams and her husband, children, and grandchildren in all their endeavors.

Bessie played tennis throughout her life and participated in the Super Seniors league until the remarkable age of 85. She was involved in various community organizations, including the Junior League of Tyler, Criterion Club, and Women’s Symphony League. Bessie was also a dedicated advocate for the Bethesda Health Clinic and London Museum.

Bessie leaves behind a legacy of love and strength. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Sherry and Tim Simpson, Keith and Mary Arnold, Jamie and Drew Landes, and Mollie and Dan Winston. Her 13 grandchildren–Benjamin, Nellie, Walter, James, Melissa, Stephen, Jonathan, John, Jimmy, Will, Bessie, A.D., and Lilly–will forever cherish her memory. Additionally, she leaves behind 14 great-grandchildren, a niece, and several nephews.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Bessie’s dedicated caregivers: Rosland Williams, Janie May Hardin, Yolunda Rogers, Sonya Pryor, and the compassionate team from Hospice of East Texas.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 pm on Friday, March 1, 2024, at Stewart Family Funeral Home, Tyler, Texas. Graveside services will be held at Ebenezer Cemetery, Arp, Texas, at 10:30 am on Saturday, March 2, 2024. A service to celebrate Bessie’s life will take place at 2:00 pm that same day in the GABC Chapel. The Reverend Benjamin A. Simpson will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials be made to Bethesda Health Clinic, 409 W. Ferguson St., Tyler, TX 75702 (www.bethesdaclinic.org) or Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701 (www.hospiceofeasttexas.org).