Bessie Vass Noonkester

Mrs. Bessie Arlene Vass Noonkester, age 91, of Mount Airy, passed away Monday, January 10, 2022, at Twelve Oaks Assisted Living after several months of declining health. Mrs. Noonkester was born in Hillsville, Virginia on November 12, 1930, to Samuel Tilden Vass and Dorothy Chrisley Vass. She was a devoted member of Mountain View Primitive Baptist Church and was retired from Surry Community Nursing Home after 16 years. She once said, “I was proud to help others who couldn’t help themselves.” Bessie had an extraordinary free spirit and many fond memories. As a child, she loved to ride on the tailgate of the pick-up truck at the family farm. In 1942, she took her first airplane ride at the fair in Galax, Va. After graduating from Hillsville High School, she spent a year as a one room schoolteacher at Farm Brook Elementary School. She worked many years throughout her life, including at Spencer’s, Roses, and Lamm’s Drug in downtown Mount Airy. She also took classes in food services and human relations at Forsyth Technical Community College. Mrs. Noonkester was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, Paige, of 67 years of marriage, and both of her sisters, Pearl Hill and Alene Melton. She is survived by her son, Danny Noonkester (Robin) – whom she affectionately called “Danny Boy,” Rita N. Anderson (David), and Amy N. Snow-Byrd (James.) Bessie has seven grandchildren, Joseph Noonkester, Anthony Noonkester, Nicolas Anderson (Amanda), Garrett Anderson (Brett), Ben Anderson (Cheryl), Emily Snow Castellucci (John), and Olivia Snow. There are also seven great grandchildren, Katelyn, Luke, Jude, James, Scarlett, David, and Michael. She also leaves behind a special niece Denise Hicks, a nephew Barry Wade, and other extended family. Due to the concern of COVID, there will be only a private funeral with immediate family - children and grandchildren. We appreciate the love, concern, and most of all prayers during this time. Flowers will be accepted at Moody’s Funeral Home or memorials may be made to Mountain View Primitive Baptist Church, c/o Michael Noonkester, 3716 Willis Gap Road, Ararat, VA 24053. The family of Mrs. Noonkester would also like to extend a special thanks to the staff and all the caregivers at Twelve Oaks Assisted Living and Mountain Valley Hospice & Palliative Care. We deeply appreciate all the love and care that they provided during the last several years.