Barbara Bess

Barbara Hodges Bess, 77, passed away on May 29, 2023, peacefully at her home in Birmingham, AL. A wife, mother of two, devoted Catholic, nonprofit volunteer, and Bama football fan, Barbara had a very outgoing, vibrant personality and brought enthusiasm and a charming wit to everything she did.

Born on April 5, 1946, in Greenville, MS, to Lunceford (Red) Hodges and Margaret Hodges, Barbara was the second oldest of six girls. She graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Memphis, TN, and received a full scholarship to attend Peabody College, now part of Vanderbilt University. She married Lt. David Bess in 1967 and had two daughters, Jennifer Alison (Danielle, wife) (San Antonio, TX) and Robyn Melissa (Charlottesville, VA). For more than three decades, Barbara served as Director of Religious Education first at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic church in Huffman and then Our Lady of Sorrows in Homewood, before becoming Pastoral Care Assistant at Cathedral Church of the Advent in downtown Birmingham. Barbara always thrived most when helping others, and after retiring in 2011, she was a dedicated volunteer at Holy Rosary Food Pantry in Gate City. She read avidly, rooted for Alabama Football always (RTR!), and rarely missed episodes of Jeopardy, NCIS, and cooking shows galore. Barbara is survived by her husband of 55 years, Dave, daughter Alison, daughter-in-law Danielle, and daughter Melissa. Besides her four lovingly hilarious sisters, Barbara will be missed by all those she was fortunate enough to meet through her amazing faith journey.

There will be visitation held on Monday, June 5, 2023, at 11:00 am at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens in Trussville with a Memorial Prayer Service to follow at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Barbara's name to Holy Rosary Food Pantry, 7414 Georgia Road, Birmingham, AL 35212 (www.holyrosarybirmingham.com). A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date with location to be announced.