Bessie Haste Mckee

Raleigh - Bessie Haste McKee, beloved wife of the late Paul A. McKee, died in Spartanburg, SC on February 04, 2014 after a brief illness. Bessie and Paul were married 71 years and were residents of Raleigh for over fifty-seven years. She was born in Edenton, NC in 1916 to Miles Wiley and Elizabeth Harrell Haste. She was reared in the community of Edenton and graduated from Edenton High School. She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, three brothers, her daughter, Betty McKee Baker, and her husband, Paul A. McKee. She is survived by her son, Paul A. McKee, Jr. and his wife Betsy; grandson, Paul A. McKee, III; granddaughter, Elizabeth McKee KImbrell and her husband Brandon and children Cooper McClain Kimbrell and Lillie Graham Kimbrell of Spartanbaurg, SC; granddaughters, Elizabeth Baker Lane of Elizabethtown, PA, her husband Steve and sons Michael and Scott Lane; and by Susan Baker Miller of Raleigh, NC, and her husband Jason and daughters Gracie and Lucy and son Patrick Miller. She is also survived by many wonderful nieces and nephews. Bessie and her family were organizational members of Forest Hills Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC. She was a member of the Maranatha Friendship and Caring Bible Class where she enjoyed the steadfast Christian friendship and love of the members. She was an accomplished surf fisherman, who specialized in speckled trout, an avid reader, consummate Southern cook, and was without equal at quilting and needlepoint. Bessie McKee was an accomplished woman, a wonderful friend and dear mother who devoted her life to her family. Visitation will held at the Bryan-Lee Funeral Home on Friday, February 7 from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM. There will be a graveside service at Montlawn Memorial Park on Saturday, February 8, at 11:00 AM. In place of flowers please remember Mobile Meals of Spartanburg, SC, The Soup Kitchen, Spartanburg, SC or the Ladies Benevolence Fund at Forest Hills Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC.