Bessie Jones Baynard, of Penrose, age 69, passed peacefully August 3, 2021 following a brief battle with lung cancer. She was born December, 26, 1951 in Transylvania County. Bessie was a beloved member of the community, having lived here all her life and having raised her children in Penrose for over 40 years. Bessie was a bus driver for Transylvania County School System and a volunteer at the concession stand for Transylvania County Little League for many years. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Bessie had true joy in their unique relationships. She didn't know a stranger. One conversation and you became family. Her sense of humor was unlike any other. She loved to laugh, joke and aggravate her family on a daily basis. Hands on her hips, shaking her pointer finger, sticking her tongue out, boisterous laughter and many other "Bessie-isms" will be missed beyond measure. Her nickname was Bossy Bessie and it was meant in the most endearing way. Bessie is preceded in death by her parents, Jack Jones and Dorothy Ann Jones, beloved husband, J.D Baynard, and most recently, her youngest son, J.W Baynard. She was the matriarch of a large family that extended beyond those related by blood. She is survived by her loving immediate family, eldest son, J.J Baynard; daughters in law, Melanie Baynard and Shannon Frazier, wife to her late son, J.W Baynard; grandchildren, Mason and Madison Baynard whom kept the sparkle in her eyes even in her final days; her best friends, sisters, and soul mates, Wilma King (The late Dwight King), Brenda Hughes, (The late LeeRoy Hughes), Earlene Hughes (Mike) and Donna Kay Laughter (Barry); adored step children, Delmus Baynard (Paulette) and Dale Mountjoy (Buddy); nieces Vickie Whitta (Stuart), Pam Miller (Paul), April Yates (Brian) and Kimberley Hall (Hunter); nephews Tony King (Sherry), Doug King (Traci), Jeffrey Hughes (Kerri), Chris Hughes and Joshua Laughter (Katlyn). Additional cherished family include grandchildren, Mamie Aiken (Chris) and Scott Baynard (Kandi); great granddaughters, Addie Aiken, Katie and Jenny Baynard and many great nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of prayers, support, food, use of venues and so much more. Our sincerest appreciation for all that you all have done and continue to do. The funeral service will be held at 1 PM Saturday, August 7, 2021 at Open Arms Tabernacle. The family will receive friends from 11 AM – 1 PM Saturday at the church. Interment will be in Blue Ridge Gardens of Memory. Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com. Moody-Connolly Funeral Home is caring for the family.