Bessie Keller

Bess Elizabeth Barnhardt Keller, 96, peacefully passed away on her favorite day, Sunday, March 21, 2021, at Alpine Health and Rehabilitation in Asheboro, NC.

Bess was born on April 6,1924, in Concord, NC to the late Claude B. and Mary C. Barnhardt. She is also preceded in death by her husband, William L. Keller, Sr., daughter, Beverly K. King, sister, Fay B. Sears, and brothers, John W. Barnhardt, and Claude L. Barnhardt, Jr. She will be dearly missed by her son, William L. Keller, Jr. and his wife, Blanche of Asheboro; 24 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews, as well as the many other ”grandchildren” she adopted along the way.

Bess taught Sunday school at Second Presbyterian Church and was active in church activities. She worked at Concord Telephone Company for many years as a secretary and was member of the Concord Telephone Retiree Group as well as the Business and Professional Women’s Organization.

Bess had a huge heart and never met a stranger. She enjoyed doing crafts with her Grandchildren. She loved beach trips, eating popcorn at the movies, drinking sweet tea and having a Frosty from Wendy’s. She enjoyed walking in gardens as well as reading novels. Bess lived her life to the fullest and fiercely loved her family, friends, and her UNC
Basketball. She loved to say, “I’m Tar Heel born, I’m Tar Heel bred, and when I die, I will be Tar Heel dead.

The family would like to thank the incredibly kind and caring staff members of Alpine
Health and Rehabilitation Center and Hospice of Randolph.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at Wilkinson Funeral Home Chapel, 100 Branchview Dr. NE, Concord, NC. Interment to follow at Carolina Memorial Park, 601 Mt. Olivet Road, Concord, NC

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:

Crossroads Child Development Center, 819 West Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD 21035

Grandfather Home for Children, Inc., P O Box 98, Banner Elk, NC 28604-0098