Bessie N. Colbert of 132 Pitchkettle Road, Suffolk, died Saturday, June 19, 2004, in Autumn Care of Suffolk. A native of Gates County, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Welcome and Victoria Bond Nowell, and the widow of William Colbert.

She had retired from Planters Peanut Company after 38 years of service.

She was a member of Bethlehem Christian United Church of Christ where she served as deaconess, choir member and usher.

She is survived by Eva S. Smith of Gatesville, N.C.; one stepdaughter, Nellie M. Boone of Portsmouth; three sons, Mackiva Spivey (Nina) of Newport News, John Spivey (Fannie) of Gatesville, N.C. and Wendell Spivey (Veola) of Elizabeth City N.C.; 13 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Inez Colbert and Louise Jolly, both of Suffolk, and Ann Colbert of Newark, N.J. and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday in Bethlehem Christian United Church of Christ by the Rev. Emmanuel Myrick Jr. Interment will be in Carver Memorial Cemetery.

Crocker Funeral Home is handling arrangement.