Funeral services for the late Mrs. Minnie Bell Bedgood were held on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, at Bethlehem Baptist Church. Rev. Michael Foster, officiated. Burial followed in Bedgood cemetery. Hudson Funeral Services directed.

Minnie Bell Bush Bedgood was born Oct. 27, 1920, to the late Elbert and Laura Bush in Pigeon Creek, Ala. She was the youngest of nine children.

She committed her life to Jesus Christ at an early age and joined the Macedonia Baptist Church and later moved her membership to the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville where she remained faithful until her death.

Minnie was united in marriage to the late Lincoln Bedgood on Feb. 16, 1946. To this union nine children were born. Two sons, Lincoln Bedgood, Jr. and James Edwards Bedgood preceded her in death.

Minnie had many talents; among them was a keen sense for recalling details, a knack for writing and reciting poetry, produced and starred in plays performed at church and family reunions, and the gift of storytelling. She enjoyed gardening, quilting, hand painting, canning, fishing, sewing and singing. She was also selected as an extra for the movie, “Honeydripper.” She lived a beautiful, energetic life filled with business savvy, creativity and a love for nature.

Throughout her life she was a faithful and dedicated servant to the Lord.

Minnie was active in church serving as an Eastern Star (Bethel) #645,

Chairman of the Sick Committee and past President of the Bethlehem Missionary Society. She enjoyed singing and praising God with the Alabama Southeast District Seven Shape Singer (Alto) and Chairman of the Disbursement Committee. Her desire to serve the needs of humanity was evidenced in her involvement with professional and religious organizations, which included serving as a member of the Butler County Civic League, Food Share Community Coordinator, Pioneer Women’s Club and the Willing Workers Association.

Minnie Bell Bush Bedgood departed this life on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012, at Baptist South Hospital in Montgomery. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sons, four brothers and four sisters.

She leaves to cherish her memory, seven loving and devoted children: Eula Mae Bedgood (Thomas) Brooks, Elba, Ala.; Yvonne Bedgood (Lewis) Gulley, Greenville, Ala.; Thelma Bedgood Mixon, Georgiana, Ala.; Lorenza Mathew (Debra) Bedgood, Greenville, Ala.; Shirley Bedgood (Feagin) Johnson, Pike Road, Ala.; Clarice Bedgood (Derrick) Johnson, Fayetteville, Ga., and Curtis Lavon Bedgood, Hampton, Va.; three sisters-in-law, Bernice Bedgood, Greenville, Ala.; Lurleen Bedgood, Bronx, N.Y.; and Rosie Mae Brown Bedgood, Luverne, Ala.; 17 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, a loving and devoted grandson, Lewis Quentin Gulley, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.