Bessie Mabel (Paulk) Whitley, 89 of Silver City, NM passed away Friday, January 1, 2016 at her residence.

Bessie was born in Roby, Texas. Her parents were William Washington Paulk and Lula Boyd Almeda (McDonald) Paulk. She was the 8th of 11 children and was preceded in death by all 10 of her siblings. She had three children: David Lee (and wife Veronica) Whitley, Ronald William Whitley, and Donna Marie Whitley; she had 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her son David and by Ronald Taylor Whitley, the father of her children. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, David Lee ("Dee") Hamilton.

She was an incredibly strong woman who provided care to numerous people over many years. She worked as a nurses' aide at the Gila Regional Medical Center and Hillcrest General Hospital from the mid 70s through the late 80s. After retiring from the hospital, she volunteered at the Gospel Mission for many years.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Bright Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements, "Traditional Services and Care for your family and friends", 210 W. College Ave., Silver City, NM 575-388-1911.

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