Saltville, Virginia

Bessie Irene Ford Tuggle, age 83, gained her angel wings and was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Abingdon Health and Rehab, Abingdon, Va.

Bessie was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend who touched many lives with her kindness and gentle spirit. Born and raised in Southwest Virginia, she carried with her a deep love for family and faith in God throughout her life. She had a love for flowers and gardening and was known for her "green thumb." Her greatest joy in life came from her children, grandchildren, and dog peewee who were always at the center of her world. She had a creative spirit, enjoying art, working puzzles, bingo, yard sales, hunting, fishing, handing out candy at the Saltville Trunk or Treat and baking her famous oatmeal cake for her children's birthdays. Over the years, she worked hard in many roles to support her family and serve her community. She cooked for the Rock Pickers, worked as a CNA at Francis Marion Manor and Ridgefield, provided compassionate home health care, and even drove a cab for a company in Chilhowie. No matter the job, she put her heart into everything she did and touched countless lives with her kindness. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Tuggle, Sr.; son, Robert "Frankie" Tuggle; parents, Luther Franklin Ford and Virginia "Polly" Katherine Ford; sister, Neura Havens; brother, Clint Ford; grandchildren, Eric Shane Holmes and Jackson Wilson; infant grandson; grandson-in-law, Eric Duncan; and best friend, Nancy Griffey.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Tommy (Sissy) Tuggle; daughters, Patricia (Jeff) Davidson, Melissa (Carl) Griffey; siblings, Milton Ford and Mary Katherine Walton (Coy); sister-in-law, Betty Lou Ford; ten grandchildren; thirty great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; a host of many other loving family and friends.

The family would like to thank the Abingdon Health and Rehab (highlands lane wing) for their skilled and delicate care, especially Chloe.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. at the Henderson Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. with Pastor Doug Haga officiating. Graveside services will follow at Mt Pleasant Cemetery, Valley Road, Saltville, VA 24370.

Pallbearers will be Payton D. Holmes, Jr., Brad Armstrong, Shannon Armstrong, Eddie Tuggle, Caleb Snider, Luke Sarver, Michael Paul Tuggle  Jr., Steven Davidson. Honorary will be Payton D. Holmes, Sr., Jaxon Holmes, Michael Paul Tuggle, Sr., Carl Griffey, Jonathan Burgess, Cody Griffey, JD Cregger, Chris Marean and Mikkie Hart.

Online condolences may be expressed at drhendersonfuneralhome.com. D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Bessie Irene Ford Tuggle.