Bessie Ashley Somers

Bessie Somers went home to be with her Lord and Saviour on February 1, 2026.

Bessie was born in July of 1931 in Burlington and grew up in nearby Altamahaw. She later met Lawrence Somers on a blind date and the two built a life together that lasted 49 years. She loved being at home, taking care of her family, and raising their children, Vickie and Larry.

When the children were grown and Lawrence retired, they packed up and headed out on adventures, traveling the country together, enjoying each other’s company and the freedom of that season. She lived a life rooted in family, faith and finding joy in the everyday. If you spent time with Bessie, you probably remember her smile first. IT was the kind that showed up easily and stayed, no matter what the day brought.

“Miss Bessie” as she was known to most, had a deep faith in God and she expressed her love for the Lord singing in the church choir. She loved bright colors, especially flowers, and she loved anything chocolate!

What set Miss Bessie apart was how she treated people. She joked. She laughed. Complaining simply wasn’t her way, not even about the weather. At HomePlace her caregivers looked forward to seeing her, not just because she was kind, but because she made them feel seen. The family wishes to thank HomePlace for the care they rendered to Miss Bessie over her years there.

Bessie is survived by her daughter, Vickie Somers; her son, Larry Somers (Cheryl); and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence; her parents, Thomas L. and Lizzie Compton Ashley; her sisters, Mary Murray, Beatrice Walker and Pauline Michael; and her brothers, Vestal, Euliss, Roy, Coleman, and Charlie Ashley.

What remains is the memory of a true Proverbs 31 women, who met with the scriptures and a smile. She loved the Lord, her family and the old hymns of the faith. Her life was marked by love, compassion and an unwavering faith in God.

A funeral service to celebrate Bessie's life will be held at 11:00 on Friday, February 6, 2026 in the chapel at Lowe Funeral Home with the burial to follow at Alamance Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00 on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at the funeral home.  

Donations in her memory may be made to AuthoraCare Hospice in Burlington, 914 Chapel Hill Rd. Burlington, NC 27215