Bessie Mae Waldroff

Bessie Mae Waldroff, 82, formerly of Shirley passed away Saturday, August 17, 2024 in Morristown Manor. She was born April 26, 1942 in Albany, KY to the late James and Odie (Shelton) Cooper.

Bessie retired from Indiana Knitwear in Greenfield in 1994 after twenty years of service. She was an active member of Cross Road Church of God in New Castle where she helped with cooking funeral dinners. Bessie was very involved with the Shirley community and loved baking cookies and fudge for the police dept., fire dept. and many others. At Christmas time, her house was always lit up with bright lights as she won numerous Christmas lighting contests over the years.

A devoted Christian, she had an unconditional love for all her family and was loved by all who knew her. She enjoyed camping, crocheting and, in her earlier years, bowled in a bowling league. She was a professional at running rummage sales and was always looking for a bargain. She adored her dog, Boo like a son and enjoyed visiting her family and friends in Albany, KY. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and being with them in Bible School.

Those left to cherish her memory include two daughters: Karen (Danny) Breese of Knightstown and Gerilee (Shawn) Jenkins of McCordsville; eight grandchildren: Angie Shipley, Rachel Inman, John C. (Sara) Love, Kelli Houchins, Brent (Abby) Patrick, Ronnie (Kayleigh) Patrick, Sabrina Allee and Sean (Kelsey) Allee; step- grandchildren, Casey (Kyle) Brown, Morgan Breese, Codey (Katey) Jenkins, Courtney, Isabelle and Ian Jenkins; twenty-five great grandchildren, two great great-grandchildren; Siblings: Ann Smith, Jannie (Doyle) Polston, Sam (Ramona) Cooper and Donnie (Connie) Cooper; son-in-law: Keith Christopher and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Bessie was preceded in death by her husband: Billy Waldroff; three children: Teresa Christopher, Frank Clem and Tina Adams; a granddaughter: Debbie Gadbury; a great-granddaughter: Avalyn Ebeyer; siblings: Frank and Jim Cooper and her twin brother, Jess Cooper.

The family would like to thank the staff of Morristown Manor for the exceptional care given to Bessie.

Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service, Knightstown Chapel with Pastor Danny Douglas officiating. Burial will follow in McCray Cemetery in Wilkinson. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. until time of the service on Tuesday. Memorial contributions may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association, 2200 Cabot Dr., Suite 460, Lisle, IL 60532. You may express condolences or share memories of Bessie at www.hinsey-brown.com.