Berta Bess Addison
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Berta Bess Addison, 87, of Elkville, passed away at 4:35 p.m., Friday, Oct, 16, 2009 at home.
Berta Bess was an elementary school teacher in Brush Creek, Elkville, Vergennes, Shawneetown and Dowell. She was also a long-time teacher for the wives of international students at the Friendship Center in Carbondale. Berta Bess was a Christian and her presence with the Lord is a great comfort to those who loved her. She was an active member of the Elkville Baptist Church and used her teaching gifts in various classes throughout the years. She provided love and support to many family members and friends from all over the world, she was known for her homemade cookies and ice cream.
She was born June 28, 1922 at Elkville, Ill. the daughter of Noel F. and Edith E. (Craig) Brayshaw.
She married Cordell Addison on Aug. 19, 1946 at De Soto, Ill. and he survives.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, three children- Francis Addison and wife Willa of Murphysboro, Gail Leonard and husband Steve of Rochester and Clay Addison and wife Nancy of Thailand, sister- Nina Daniel and husband James of Elkville, seven grandchildren- Aaron Addison, Amy Meier, Andrew Leonard, Jonathan Leonard, Matthew Leonard, Naomi Lancaster and Abigail Addison, four great grandchildren- Aslee Addison, Anora Addison, Levi Meier and Maxwell Meier.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters- Patsy Brayshaw and Janice Brayshaw.
Funeral services were at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009 at the Elkville Baptist Church in Elkville with Rev. Darryl Williams officiating.
Friends called from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin and from 10 a.m. until time of service at the church on Tuesday.
Burial was in the Elkville Cemetery at Elkville.
Friends may make memorials to the Elkville Baptist Church or Alzheimer's Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.