Bobbie Jean Burgess

COURTESY OBITUARY

Mrs. Bobbie Jean Burgess, 92, of Barbourville, passed away Monday morning, January 23, 2022 at the Barbourville Health and Rehabilitation Center.  She was the daughter of the late Arnold and Lucinda Couch Begley born on April 14, 1930 in Leslie County.

Bobbie’s love for life could never be summed up in a few words.  She had a bigger than life personality and loved with her whole being.  She loved to travel, especially to the beach, which was on one of her favorite places.  She would rise early to watch the sunrise and enjoy every minute there.  Bobbie lived for her bus trips.  Arville always said if there was a bus passing through, Bobbie would be on it.

She often spoke of her days working in the Union College bookstore, even up until recently. Those were precious years to her and it was apparent in her words.  She owned and operated Bobbi’s Bookstore for over twenty years where she thrived.  She was a talker and being around others was her passion.  The store gave her this opportunity.

Margie Rice was her best friend and she cherished their morning walks together.  She was also a giver and loved holidays because it meant she could give gifts to her “babies”.  Easter and Valentine’s Day were two of her favorites.

In her younger years, she was a painter.  She created a collection of beautiful oil paintings from the classes she took at Lay School with Mr. Yarnel.

She loved her Homemakers group and traveled with them every chance she got.  She never missed a meeting.  She had a love for collecting books and recipes and had a plethora of both in her home.  One of her favorite dishes to make was broccoli cornbread.

Bobbi was a collector and antiques were her best-loved. She always said she was going to have a yard sale, but that never really happened.  She loved her antiques too much to really part with them.  She would stop at every farmer’s market along the way, no matter where she was traveling especially if she thought they had peaches.  She loved when the farmer’s market came to Knox County and insisted on Kathy taking her every Thursday evening.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church where she served on the bereavement committee.  When she led the bereavement committee with her Friendship Sunday School class, she made sure everything was perfect, all the food was ordered and decorations were in place for the family receiving their services.

As for her children and grandchildren, there are too many memories to count. Each has their own special moments with their granny.  As the great-great grandchildren came along, she loved seeing them and spent many precious times with each of them.  She called them “her babies” and would say, “Who would have ever thought I would live long enough to see my great-great grandchildren?”

On October 15, 1949, she united in marriage with Arville F. Burgess and to this union two children were born.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Arville, and a dearly loved son, Michael Arville Burgess.

Survivors include her loving daughter, Kathy Blevins and husband, Gary, of Barbourville; three cherished grandchildren, Kim Marsee and husband, Larry, Jennifer Powell and husband, Wally, and Brian Burgess; six great grandchildren, Justin Powell and wife, Staci, Austin Marsee and wife, Kelci, Morgan Hester and husband, Caleb, Lauren Kendall and husband, Tanner, Kelsey Hansel and husband, Jonathan, and Winston Marsee; seven great-great grandchildren, Stella, Ellie, Bristol, Lillie Rae, Eli, Reese and Eleanor; among other loved ones and dear friends.

Her funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Sunday, January 29 at 2 P.M. with Rev. Mark Hisle, Rev. Josh Smith and Rev. Duke Hammons officiating.  She will be laid to rest in the Partin-Wilson Cemetery.

Casket bearers will be Justin Powell, Austin Marsee, Winston Marsee, Caleb Hester, Tanner Kendall and Jonathan Hansel.  Honorary bearers will be Roger Rowe, Walt Hopper, Steve Valentine, Tom O’Dell Smith, Burchel Blevins, Sidney Blevins, Ersel Wayne Blevins, Don Blevins, Don Hammons, Robert Cobb, Dr. Tom Ashburn and staff and her church family.

Friends may visit at the funeral home Saturday between 6 and 8 P.M. and Sunday prior to the funeral hour.

Expressions of sympathy may go to the First Baptist Church, 201 North Main St., Barbourville, KY 40906 in her memory.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.