Bess Thurman Kerlick

Bess Thurman Kerlick, 100, of Murray, KY passed away Friday, April 22, 2022, at Murray-Calloway County Hospital in Murray. She was born on December 11, 1921, in Pottertown, KY to the late Agnes Folwell Thurman and Galen Miller Thurman, Sr. She married the late Louis Christopher Kerlick, Jr. on October 9, 1943.

Bess was a graduate and the valedictorian of her class at Murray Training School. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree, Master of Arts Degree, and Rank 1 Degree from Murray State University. Bess taught high school Home Economics, and the majority of her career was spent teaching for the Calloway County School System. During her long, full, and vibrant life, she was an active member of First Baptist Church in Murray, Murray Women's Club, Alpha Delta Kappa, Kentucky Retired Teachers, Calloway County Retired Teachers, and her beloved Water Lillies.

In addition to her husband and parents, Bess was preceded in death by brothers, Joe (Nancy) Thurman, Billy Thurman, and Galen Thurman, Jr.; her sister, Mary Florence (Joe) Fridy; her daughter-in-law, Janie Kerlick.

She is survived by her sons, Jim Kerlick of Madisonville, KY and Chris Kerlick of Murray, KY; her granddaughter, Katie Kerlick of Madisonville, KY; her sister-in-law Lanette Thurman; her nieces Elizabeth Thurman, Jane Fridy, and Dianne (Ronnie) Bridges; her nephews Joe Bill (Beverly) Fridy, Mark Thurman, Scott Thurman, Tom (Denise) Thurman, Bob (Theresa) Thurman, Claude (Lynn) Gothhardt, Jr., and several great nieces and great nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm, Sunday, April 24, 2022, at J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Murray, KY with burial to follow in the Murray City Cemetery. John Dale and Rev. Boyd Smith will officiate. Visitation will be from 11:00am to the service time on Sunday.

Pallbearers will be Tommy Fridy, Grant Fridy, Joe Bill Fridy, Phil Gray, Tom Thurman, and Bob Thurman. Honorary Pallbearers will be Elizabeth Thurman, Jane Fridy, Mr. & Mrs. Mike Gibbs, Mark Thurman, Scott Thurman, Mrs. Debbie (John) Settle, Mrs. Debbie (Bill) Settle, Mrs. Opal Giltner, Mrs. Brenda Newberry, Joe Evans, and Doug Berry.

Memorial contributions can be made to the First Baptist Church of Murray International Student Ministry, 203 S. 4th Street, Murray, KY 42071.

Online condolences can be made at, www.thejhchurchillfuneralhome.com