1933-2026
Anna Bess Westerfield, 92, of Pine Bluff, passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
She was born August 5, 1933, in Pine Bluff, daughter of Miles Coats and Annie VonTungeln Reid.
Anna Bess was reared and received her early education in Pine Bluff, graduating from Pine Bluff High School in 1951.
Following graduation, she went to work in a Certified Public Accountant office. She was employed there for many years. Later she worked part-time for H&R Block for eight years. Then she helped make out tax returns for free for AARP at Salvation Army for three years.
On July 22, 1956, she married Paul Meredith Westerfield. Together they joined First Presbyterian Church. She was very active in her church, serving as both President and Treasurer of the Women of the Church.
She loved serving others and served on the boards of YWCA, Shepherd Center and Salvation Army.
Mrs. Westerfield grew up in the Baptist faith and joined First Baptist Church several years after her husband’s death. She wanted to please her mother, who was a Baptist.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
Survivors include her daughter, Jane Ann Gatlin and her husband, Tim, of Collierville, TN; and three grandchildren, Meredith Ann, Frances Marie and Sarah Sutton Gatlin, all of Memphis, Tennessee.
The family will hold a private gathering in her honor at a later date. Arrangements were handled by Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors (online register: www.RobinsonFuller.com).
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 6501 S. Hazel Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71603.
