Bessie Mae Waldroff, 82, formerly of Shirley, died Saturday, August 17, 2024 in Morristown Manor. She was born April 26, 1942 in Albany, KY, the daughter of the late James and Odie (Shelton) Cooper.

Bessie retired in 1994 after twenty years of service at Indiana Knitwear in Greenfield. She was an active member of Cross Road Church of God in New Castle, where she helped cook funeral feasts. Bessie was very involved in the Shirley community and enjoyed baking cookies and fudge for the police, fire departments, and many others. At Christmas time, her house was always lit up with bright lights, as she had won numerous Christmas lighting contests over the years.

A devout Christian, she had an unconditional love for her entire family and was loved by all who knew her. She loved camping, crocheting, and in her early years, bowling in a bowling league. She was a professional thrift store dealer and was always on the lookout for a bargain. She loved her dog Boo like a son and enjoyed visiting her family and friends in Albany, KY. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and going to Bible school with them.

Those left to cherish her memory include two daughters: Karen (Danny) Breese of Knightstown and Gerilee (Shawn) Jenkins of McCordsville; eight grandchildren: Angie Shipley, Rachel Inman, John C. (Sara) Love, Kelli Houchins, Brent (Abby) Patrick, Ronnie (Kayleigh) Patrick, Sabrina Allee and Sean (Kelsey) Allee; step-grandchildren: Casey (Kyle) Brown, Morgan Breese, Codey (Katey) Jenkins, Courtney, Isabelle and Ian Jenkins; 25 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren; siblings: Ann Smith, Jannie (Doyle) Polston, Sam (Ramona) Cooper and Donnie (Connie) Cooper; son-in-law: Keith Christopher and several nieces and nephews.

Bessie was preceded in death by her husband Billy Waldroff; three children: Teresa Christopher, Frank Clem and Tina Adams; a granddaughter: Debbie Gadbury; a great-granddaughter: Avalyn Ebeyer; and her siblings: Frank and Jim Cooper and her twin brother Jess Cooper.

The family would like to thank the staff at Morristown Manor for the exceptional care they provided to Bessie.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service, Knightstown Chapel. Pastor Danny Douglas will officiate. Burial will follow at McCray Cemetery in Wilkinson. Viewing will be available from 11:00 a.m. until the start of the funeral service on Tuesday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 2200 Cabot Dr., Suite 460, Lisle, IL 60532. Condolences or memories of Bessie may be shared at www.hinsey-brown.com.