Bessie Rae Oglesby Farr: 1930-2025

VICKSBURG, Miss. — Bessie Rae Oglesby Farr, 94, passed away on July 2, 2025, in Vicksburg, Mississippi. She was born on September 2, 1930, in Roxie, Mississippi, the eldest of four daughters of James Ray Oglesby and Bessie Temple Oglesby.

Bessie Rae graduated from Meadville High School and went on to study nursing at Mercy Hospital – Street Memorial School of Nursing. Following her graduation, she devoted the next 40 years to a full-time career as a registered nurse at Mercy Hospital, later known as River Regional Hospital.

Even after her retirement, Bessie Rae remained dedicated to the field of nursing. She continued to serve her community by supporting the First Baptist Church Medical and Dental Clinic and volunteering at River Regional Hospital. A compassionate and familiar face, she was a frequent visitor to local nursing homes, where she regularly checked in on old friends and others in need of care and companionship.

Five days after graduating from nursing school, she married John (J.V.) Farr—one of her first patients, the love of her life, and her best friend. They shared 43 wonderful years of marriage. She is survived by her three children: Betsy Farr, Cindy Campbell (Paul), and John Farr (Michele); and by four grandsons who brought her immense pride and joy: Brad Noble (Elizabeth), Craig Noble (Heather), Michael Farr (Alison), and David Farr (Alexi). She also leaves behind four beloved great-grandchildren—Grayson Noble, Isla, Max, and Nora Farr. In addition, she is survived by her sister, Lucy Castle.

She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church for over 70 years, a place she deeply loved. Some of her greatest joys in life came from traveling with J.V., Betsy, and fellow church members, creating lasting memories and friendships. She shared a special bond with the members of her beloved Jan Sullender Love Sunday School Class, deeply cherishing their fellowship through the years.

A memorial service will be held at Glenwood Funeral Home, 145 Highway 80, Vicksburg, on July 7th, at 2:30 P.M. with Dr. Matt Buckles and Rev. Jimmy Henry officiating, with visitation beginning at 1:00 P.M. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather in remembrance of her life—a life marked by selflessness, compassion, and love. Following the memorial service, a brief graveside ceremony will be held at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery.

The pallbearers are members of the church family who serve as deacons at First Baptist Church.

The family would like to thank the many employees at Gentiva Hospice for their emotional, spiritual and physical support during Bessie’s recent illness.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be mailed or delivered to the Vicksburg – Warren County Chamber of Commerce Community Fund and noted in the memo line for the Vicksburg – Warren County Low-Cost Neuter Clinic. Alternatively, donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 1607 Cherry Street, Vicksburg, MS 39180.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bessie Oglesby Farr, please visit Glenwood Funeral Home’s floral store.

The Vicksburg Daily News publishes obituaries free of charge. Please submit obituaries to info@vicksburgnews.com.