Bessie Lou Cox Tart

Benson, NC: Mrs. Bessie Lou Cox Tart, age 81, passed away on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield, NC, surrounded by her loving family. Funeral Services will be held 3:00PM-Friday, October 24, 2025 at Rose & Graham Funeral Chapel in Benson, NC. Rev. Doug Abel will officiate. Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery in Benson, NC.

Mrs. Tart was born on March 4, 1944 in Harnett County, NC, to the late Joab Blackmon and Pearl McLamb Cox. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Garland D. Tart, and brothers, Rayford Dee Cox, Shelton Ray Cox, and Tommy Joe Cox. Mrs. Tart was the owner and operator of Tart’s Pecan Farm in the Meadow Community for over 50 years. She loved to work in her yards, and watch nature. She was a member of Holly Grove Advent Christian Church, Benson, NC.

Survivors include her children, Belinda Tart Norris, and Denise Tart Evans and husband Gary; honorary children, Richard Evans and wife, Jackie, and Brenda Tart; well-loved grand-dog, Maggie; sister, Glendon Jernigan; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 1:45PM-2:45PM prior to the service at Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson, NC, and other times at the Pecan Farm.

The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Meadow Fire Department 7409 NC HWY 50 S, Benson, NC 27504, or to the SECU Hospice House, PO Box 1376, Smithfield, NC. 27577.

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson, NC.