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Bessie Martin Hocker Evans Briggs, enjoyed entertaining

October 5, 2018

(Editor’s note: The service time has been updated.) Bessie Martin Hocker Evans Briggs passed away peacefully in her sleep Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018.  She was born July 4, 1924, to Jacob Boyer and Helen Vansant Hocker.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her 3-month-old daughter, Mary Lin Evans; her husband Linwood Harrison Evans Jr.; her second husband, John L. Briggs; her siblings: Clayton, Jacob and Wilbert Hocker, and Mary Hocker Collins; her granddaughters, Lara and Lorie Evans; two stepdaughters, Rebecca Briggs and Vera Briggs Single; and her stepgrandson, John L. Adams.

She is survived by her sons, Kenneth (Andrea) and Louis (Anna); two grandchildren, Jennifer Evans Spinks (Richard) and Jeffrey Evans (Deby); and two great-grandchildren, Marley Evans and Gage Spinks; two stepdaughters, Eleanor Adams (George) and Dora George (Robert); four stepgrandchildren, Alfie Adams (Emma), Travis and Devin George, and Renee’ Single; and four stepgreat-grandchildren.

Bessie graduated from Lord Baltimore High School June 4, 1942, and married Linwood June 6, 1942.  They honeymooned in Miami, Fla., and made their home in Brooklyn, N.Y.  The city was very different from where Bessie grew up in Cedar Neck.  She loved New York, and especially going to the shows, etc.  They returned to Sussex County in 1947, where they remained for the rest of their lives.

Bessie and her siblings enjoyed entertaining, as The Hocker Family, in local events and on WBOC Radio and TV.  As teenagers they would leave school early one day a week to perform their own segment on radio.  She and Mary performed their swan song in the 2007 Jamboree.  Her husband of 28 years, Linwood, died suddenly in 1970.  She married John in 1974, and they made their home in Georgetown.  After almost 39 years of marriage, John died in 2013.  Bessie was blessed to have two good husbands. 

Bessie was a longtime member of Mariner’s Bethel UMC, where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.  She was active in her community, and served as president of the PTA.  She was an avid bridge player.  She enjoyed close relationships with family and friends throughout her life, and was loved for her wit, humor and fun.  She was the last surviving member of the L.B. Class of 1942. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at Mariner’s Bethel United Methodist Church Saturday, Nov. 10, at 3 p.m., where friends may gather for a visitation after 2 p.m.  A repast will follow in the Fellowship Hall.  Family and friends are welcome.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

 

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