Bessie Kirkpatrick Young, age 86, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and life-long resident of Panama City Beach, FL., passed away peacefully with her family by her side on January 30, 2021.  Bessie was born January 11, 1935 in Knoxville, Tennessee. She married the love of her life, Rhett "Sonny" Mathews Young Sr. and resided in Panama City Beach, where they owned and operated Young's Motel.  While managing the Motel, Bessie worked at Bay County Schools where she retired after 23 years, but continued her journey through life working with Home Interiors and Mary Kay.  She was also a member of First Beach Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her father, Robert Kirkpatrick; mother, Edna Hayes Kirkpatrick; stepfather, Aubrey Lawson; four brothers, Boyd Kirkpatrick, Frank Lawson, Jerry Lawson, Jim Lawson; sister, Catherine Harrelson; son, Rhett Mathews Young Jr.; and step grandson, Adam Mincey.

Bessie is survived by her three brothers, Guy Lawson (Dorothy), Johnny Lawson (Jo Ann), David Lawson (Michelle); two daughters, Brenda Mincey (Edward) and Martha Murphy (Philip).  She was loved by four grandchildren, Christopher Thorne, Jennifer Murphy, Tim "TJ" Amerson, Julie Bryant (Matthew); two step grandchildren, Steven Mincey (Rachel), Lisa Meyers (Jason); great grandchild, Grayson Bryant; three step great grandchildren, Victoria Mincey, Violet Mincey and Jakob Mincey (Kathleen).

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at 11 a.m. in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Michael Bryan officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service. Per the family's request masks are required and strict CDC guidelines will be followed.  Interment will follow in the Evergreen Memorial Gardens.  Active pallbearers are Christopher Thorne, Johnny Smith, Gary Warren, Greg Zimont, Phillip Mincey and Michael Mincey.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Bessie to Covenant Hospice , who gave her exceptional loving care in her last days.  The family would also like to thank Summer's Landing for their excellent care.