Bessie Elnora Janota Neill Garner
Bessie Elnora Janota Neill Garner died peacefully on the 13th day of September, 2024. Bessie was born on October 5, 1929, in DaCosta, Texas, to Martha Christine (née:Hubenak) and Henry E. Janota. She was the third of five children and grew up in a Czech community near Victoria. She met and married her husband of thirty-seven years, Samuel Perry Neill, Jr., in 1946; and, they had four children together. Bessie then married her husband of thirty years, James W. Garner, Sr., in 1983. She was an accomplished seamstress, an LVN, and a business partner with both husbands.
Her life has been blessed with many close and loving members of her family and friends. Bessie enjoyed sharing her talents with others whether it was sewing, quilting, cooking, baking; or, offering her math and accounting skills to organizations she volunteered with. She was a dedicated member of Mossy Grove United Methodist Church and Mossy Grove Cemetery for many years; and, gave freely of her time and efforts. She also was an avid gardener and would frequently pick up seeds and cuttings anywhere she went. Her grandchildren have fond memories of spending time with her in the garden, sewing room and kitchen; and, are proud to pass on the things they learned from her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her spouses, two daughters (Nancy Ann Neill and Jennie Lynn Neill Hardesty), one grandson (Nolan James Neill), one great-granddaughter (Lily Grace Salehi), two brothers (George Fred Janota and Benny Leonard Janota) and one sister (Evelyn Marie Janota McManis).
She is survived by her daughter, Bess Ellen Beliveaux; and her son, Sam Neill, III (Barbara); her four step-children: Richard C. Garner (Kathy), James W. Garner, Jr. (Tammy), Robert Garner (Alice), and Alice Sue Hermes (Alton); her seven grandchildren: Nissa Picard (Trey), Heather Beliveaux (Nozar Salehi), Ian Beliveaux (Adrienne LeGendre), John Hardesty (Krissy), Anna Walker (Joshua), Sam Neill IV (Lacy), and Nathan Neill (Kimberley); her step-grandchildren: Jay Garner (Kim), Caroline Lightfoot (Jessie), Dobie Garner (Julianna), Brett Garner (Dorothea), Clayton Garner, David Cobb, Patricia Dumbeck, Patrick Hermes, Butch Hermes, and Jamie Hermes; her great-grandchildren: Sarah Picard, Sophia Salehi, Avery Walker, Josie Walker, Elizabeth Michel (Alex), Rebekah Hardesty, Bethany Levey (Turner), Sam “Bo” Neill, Slade Neill, Cole Neill, Henry Neill; step-great grandchildren: Kelsey Alo (Nicholas) Justin Garner, Elias Garner, Nora Garner, Dorothy Garner; her brother, Thomas H. Janota (Jan); and, a large and loving extended family.
Bessie’s family wants to express their appreciation to Lupe Taylor, Edith and Gary Hastings, and Crown Hospice (Hailey, Kelci, Maribel, GeorgeAnne, and Karen) for their loving care.
Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers: John Hardesty, Ian Beliveaux, Sam Neill IV, Nathan Neill, Dobie Garner, Brett Garner, Trey Picard, Nozar Salehi, Joshua Walker, Gary Hastings.