Wednesday, December 31, 2025 11:20 am

Bessie Marie Cook Bumgarner, affectionately known as Bessie, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, at the age of 91 in Hickory, North Carolina. Born on September 23, 1934, in Catawba County, North Carolina, she was a beacon of strength, warmth, and kindness throughout her life.

Bessie was preceded in death by her loving parents, Marshall and Minnie Cook; her devoted husband of 47 years, Herman Jasper Bumgarner; her son Ronnie Sain; step-son Dale Bumgarner; her brothers Ed, Fred, Cullen "Joe," and Reid Cook; step-brother Cly Long; and her sisters Annie Lail, Lela Houser, Junie Rhoney, and Evelyn Townsend. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and passion through her family. Surviving Bessie are her daughters, Sherry McKown and her husband Scott, Helen Williams; sons James "Butch" Sain and his girlfriend Crystal Mayhew, Roger "Terry" Sain and his wife Missy; step-son Ed Bumgarner and his wife Wanda; step-daughter Tonya Brinkley; daughter-in-law Teresa Townsend; brother Jessie Cook; sister Dorthea Cook; eleven grandchildren, Taylor Franklin, Preston Gronek, Teran Sain, Bobby Sain, and his wife Olivia, Garrett Sain, Jordan Sain, Megan Locklear and her husband Nolan, Keeley Bumgarner, Sarah Bumgarner, Aubrey Porter, Myranda Yates and her husband Larry; one great-grandchild, Tessa Metcalf; six step-great-grandchildren, Macie Butler, Daleyn Evitt, Phoenyx Yates, Maverick Yates, Makenlee Porter, and Everton Porter; and numerous cherished nieces and nephews.

Bessie's life was marked by her strong will and determination. She was a loving and passionate individual who brought kindness to every encounter.

For over two decades, Bessie was an enthusiastic participant in various bowling leagues, where she enjoyed the camaraderie and competition alongside her husband. Her love for NASCAR was equally fervent, with Richard "The King" Petty being her favorite driver to cheer on during the races. Bessie's interests and hobbies brought joy not only to her life but also to those around her.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate the life of Bessie Marie Cook Bumgarner will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 3:00 pm in the Chapel of Stamey-Tysinger, officiated by the Rev. April Abernathy. Following the service, the family will welcome friends and loved ones to join them in remembrance at the funeral home.

Bessie's life was a testament to the power of love and the impact one person can have on the lives of many. She will be remembered as a woman who lived fully, loved deeply, and left a lasting impression on the hearts of all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her spirit will continue to live on through the memories shared by her family and friends, and the love she so freely gave will never be forgotten.

Online condolences can be made at www.stameytysingerfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home & Cremation Center-Fallston, 846 E. Stagecoach Trail Fallston, NC 28042, (704) 538-8631.