Obituary of Mildred Mayvise Bess

Mildred Mayvise “Micki” Bess, 94, passed away peacefully of natural causes, at Life Care of Old Hickory on Wednesday, June 29th, 2022. Micki discarded her broken body and is now rejoicing in her Heavenly freedom. She joined her loved ones, beloved husband, Arliss Ray Bess, Sr., her parents, W. Howard and Mollie Grissom, brother Howard B. Grissom and sisters Grace Grissom Atkinson, Norma Grissom Buchanan, and niece Carole Atkinson Wood. She is survived by son Ray Bess (Nicole), grandchildren Amber (Josh) Humphrey, Matthew (Erin) Guy, and Christina (Kaleb) Guy, and cherished great-grandchildren, Brooke, Cooper, Gavin, Kingstin, and Jamesin. Born in Nashville, she grew up in East Nashville, graduating from Hume Fogg High School. After graduation, she moved to Biloxi, MS. to work as a “Rosie the Riveter” during World War II. She returned to Nashville and started her career, later meeting and marrying Arliss Ray on January 27th, 1951. They were active in both Madison & Jackson Park Churches of Christ. After working several years with the IRS, she obtained a position with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, working with the Nashville Repair Station at Old Hickory Lock & Dam, later transferring to the District Office in Nashville until her retirement in 1997. After retirement, Micki enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and friends, and church activities. Everyone that knew Micki loved her, as she was a quintessential Southern Lady; spirited, quick to laugh and always ready to lend a hand. A casual graveside service will be held for family on Saturday, July 2nd, 2022, at 1pm, at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 1150 Dickerson Road, Goodlettsville, TN 37072. A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 Noon, on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at Life Care Center of Old Hickory, 1250 Robinson Rd., Old Hickory, TN 37138. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial gifts to the following: • Alive Hospice, Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN, at 615-327-1085 or www.Alivehospice.org/get-involved/give/