Bessie Wynette Walls was born March 29, 1932 at Hiram, Missouri and passed away November 28, 2024 at the age of 92 years at Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Bessie was one of 4 daughters along with two brothers born to Oscar and Artie Hovis Francis.

She was married to Robert L. Walls May 29, 1948 at Knob Lick, Missouri, and to this union there were four children, Robert L. Walls, Judy E. Walls (Tom) Kirkpatrick, Patricia L. Walls (Jack) Kelley and Susan Walls Allbritton, all surviving. Bessie is also survived by one sister, Jean Gallinger, six Grandchildren, eighteen Greatgrandchildren and two Great greatgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sisters; Zella Rainey and Cora Mae Major and two brothers; Carrol Francis and Jim Francis as well as a special companion and dance partner, Bill Clark.

Bessie spent many years working with her husband at Brown Shoe prior to making the decision to return to school to acquire her GED and to apply and be accepted in nursing school. She worked as an LPN from 1980 to 1995 at Madison Medical Center in Fredericktown and Parkland Health Center in Farmington, where she always greeted her patients and co-workers with a big smile. After the death of her husband and retirement, Bessie met her companion and dance partner, Bill Clark, who was very much loved by her family. The two of them could out dance many, as they won numerous medals for being light on their feet. Bessie loved dancing, bird watching, gardening and caring for her home, which she was very proud of. She was treasured by all who knew her.