Bessie Burch Buttram, age 85, went home to be with her Lord on August 6, 2018. Bessie was born March 18, 1933 to Walter Lee and Verna Roberts Burch of Inman, Georgia.  She was the eighth of ten children in a loving, caring family that has always remained close.

Bessie attended Berry College and, upon graduation, began her teaching career at East Fannin High School.  She taught in Fannin County Schools until her retirement–most of those years as a Junior English teacher.  She is remembered fondly by her students for bringing out their inner poet with “safe-kept memories” and setting the highest example of how to live. She was an excellent teacher–one who impacted and molded many young lives.

Mrs. Buttram was a member of the First Baptist Church of McCaysville/Copperhill where she had many life-long friends. During her 60 years there, she taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, was the leader of the Gene Frye WMU group, and was an active member in several choirs until age got in the way. She never stopped singing! She continued to listen to the services each Sunday through the amazing technology of the computer and sang along–aloud and in her heart.

Mrs. Buttram was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Lee Ross Buttram.  She is survived by her three daughters and grandchildren: Fran Fowler (Andy), Nan Hendrix (David), Nell Buttram, and Ben (Kelly), Becky, and Drew Fowler.

She loved her Savior and Lord; she loved her family; she loved her friends. She lived a life of service to all. “{Her} Lord said unto{her}, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’”

A celebration of Mrs. Buttram’s life was held on Wednesday, August 8th  at 1:00 p.m. from the First Baptist Church McCaysville/Copperhill with Rev. Harry Gilbert and Rev. Matthew McDaniel officiating. Music was provided by Clarence Burlingame, Rev. Harry Gilbert, Katie Gilbert, and Rev. Andy Fowler. Interment followed in the Crestlawn Cemetery with Ben Fowler, Drew Fowler, Gene Crawford, David Brooks, David Ballew, and Ryan Norton serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Jerry and Joyce Hampton, Tom and Joyce Foster, Bob and Sherry Welch, Barbara Smith, The Joy Sunday School Class, and the Jean Fry Circle. The family is grateful for friends and extended family who encouraged and loved us through their presence and with their words. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church McCaysville/Copperhill at PO Box 867, McCaysville, GA 30555.  Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge was in charge of the arrangements.