Bessie Mae McCright

Bessie Mae McCright

Cedar Rapids

Bessie Mae McCright, 95, of Cedar Rapids, died Wednesday November 1, 2023 surrounded by her children in the home she was born and raised in. The same home she lived in for 87 of her 95 years. Services: 4 p.m., Monday, Teahen Funeral Home, by Kymm Loeffler. Friends may visit with the family on Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. at Teahen Funeral Home.

Bessie was the 2nd child and oldest daughter born to Maynard and Bessie Edmonds Rowray on July 17, 1928. She grew up with 6 brothers and 5 sisters. They all shared a loving bond and for years gathered weekly for lunch or dinner to exchange stories of their lives.

Bessie married the only man she ever loved, Paul Rex McCright on June 6, 1948. Together they raised six children and celebrated over 61 years of marriage before Paul passed away in 2010.

Bessie was a loving, kind and gentle soul. She loved being Paul’s wife and cherished her life with him. She adored and loved her children and while she may not have agreed with all of their choices, she loved them all unconditionally.

For most of her life she was a member of the Edgewood Baptist Church, attending services there until its closing.

She had a creative side and for years she made beautiful cakes for all occasions. You only need to be a relative, a friend of a relative or simply request a cake and it was done. Bessie was a member of TOPS for numerous years. That membership developed into several lifelong friendships. She remained an active member well into her 80’s, not because she needed to, she just loved her tie with those women. She belonged to a Red Hat’s group for many years. Bessie enjoyed the times she spent with her girlfriends and her sisters. She was very grateful for all their relationships after Paul’s passing.

Bessie was most happy when she was surrounded by her family. She enjoyed cooking and hosting family gatherings. She was known for several delicious dishes, but rarely did a family gathering NOT include her most requested dish…lemon dessert.

Bessie was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; her son, David; her parents; 3 sisters; and 6 brothers.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, son, Rex McCright (Julie Ruehle); daughters, Cindy Hathaway (Dick Staab), Dayle (Doug) Berggren, Becky Marx, Kim McCright; and daughter-in-law, Sandy Swore-McCright; grandchildren, Stephanie Roberts, Nicole Allen, Coleman Greenhaw, Ashley Swore, Raelene Swore, Sean Berggren, Charles Berggren, Corey Marx, McCaela Marx, Rosie Cutter, Mason McCright and Michael Hoover, all of the Cedar Rapids area, Jamey Hathaway of San Juan Capistrano, CA and Riley Marx-Burns Vass, NC; as well as, 19 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, plus 1 great and 1 great-great on the way; 2 sisters, Shirley Wiggins of Center Point and Lora Crawford of Cedar Rapids; and several nieces and nephews.

Bessie and her family were very blessed that her youngest daughter, Kim and her son, Michael, were able to live with and care for Bessie the past few years, enabling her to remain in her home. She was very grateful for their care and devotion, as were we all.

Instead of flowers, memorial may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.