Barbara Bessent Obituary

Barbara McLeod Bessent N. MYRTLE BEACH, SC - Barbara McLeod Bessent, 83, died peacefully after a short illness at home in the Tilghman Beach section of North Myrtle Beach, SC on July 6th with family by her side. Barbara leaves behind her children, whom she adored. She was a strong-spirited Southern Belle who loved the Carolina Lowcountry, Blue Ridge Mountains, local cuisine and good conversation with good friends. She lived in North Myrtle Beach, SC, Little River, SC and Saluda, NC for most of her adult life. Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Scott K.H. Bessent (John Freeman) and two daughters, Paige McLeod Bessent and Wyn Nicole Bessent, all of whom live in South Carolina and her long-time companion, John Hobbs of Fayetteville, NC. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Cole McLeod Bessent-Freeman and Caroline Cushman Bessent-Freeman of Charleston, SC. She was predeceased by Homer Gaston Bessent, Jr., her first and third husband, who was the love of her life despite several other marriages. They married on November 24,1956 one year to the day after their first date. Barbara was born on March 10, 1938 in Charlotte, North Carolina to Kenneth V. McLeod of Pinehurst, NC and Blanche Crowell McLeod of Charlotte, NC. She was their only child, but maintained close relationships with a large group of cousins spread across both Carolinas and Georgia. She was raised in Pinehurst, NC, Elkin, NC and Cherry Grove Beach, SC. When her first husband had an extended illness, she took over and ran his real estate business in the mid-1960s--a most unusual feat for the era. Although she always believed that her true calling was to be a teacher, she ran several family businesses instead. Barbara attended St. Genevieve-Gibbons Hall Boarding School in Asheville, NC and continued many of those school friendships for her entire life. She maintained a close relationship with the school's headmistress, Sister Margaret Potts for many years. Barbara was a lady with an outgoing and vibrant personality. She loved parties, events and gatherings of all kinds. She was known for her sense of humor and outspoken personality. She had an innate sense of style when it came to fashion and decor. In the 1960s, she was the first in the area to begin mixing antique furniture with what is now known as mid-century modern. Barbara was also a stickler for dress, manners, grammar and cocktails with dinner. Until recently, she drove around town in her vintage red Thunderbird convertible. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and also attended St. Stephens Episcopal Church. Easter sunrise worship on the beach was her favorite service every year. She and her children created and endowed the Kenneth V. McLeod Rehabilitation Center at The Shriners Hospitals for Children in Greenville, SC. Barbara treasured her family; her grandchildren in particular brought her great joy in recent years. She enjoyed many cherished friends, some life-long and many made in recent years. She was an avid gardener and particularly enjoyed creating flower arrangements. She was an active member of the Driftwood Garden Club, serving as the Club's president for three consecutive terms. Over the years, she won many awards for her beautiful and imaginative flower arrangements. One year she won every award in every category at the Club's garden show. She also loved the piano and bridge. Most of all, she loved to dance. What began as teenage summer fun at the original Pavilion in the 1950s turned into a lifetime of melody, friendship and laughter. No S.O.S. weekend was complete without her making an appearance and hitting the dance floor until just last year. She was a shareholder of the Surf Golf Club; from its founding days and in recent years returned to freshwater fishing, which she had learned from her father on the Catawba River. Barbara loved walking the wide beach in Tilghman Beach at sunset. Over the years she had an affinity for Siamese cats, vodka martinis with ice on the side and Beach Music. The family would like to thank her caregiver and loyal friend, Rena Thompson for her love and support. Her last request was that family, friends and neighbors will meet her "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." She wants friends and loved ones to remember her by dancing, walking on the beach, playing bridge, planting flowers, reading a great book and sharing their love with an animal. There will be a private service for the family. There will be a celebration of her life at the Surf Club on Friday, July 16th from 4-7pm. In lieu of flowers, Barbara requested that donations be made to the Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach. Lee Funeral Home of Little River, SC will be attending to the final arrangements. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston