Grace Lotz Bessinger, born July 11, 1934, in Summerville, South Carolina, was the daughter of Martin Marion and Ermine Lotz. She was called home to the Lord on April 19, 2025, passing peacefully at the age of 90—just before Easter Sunday.

Grace attended Newberry College from 1952 to 1956, where she served as Vice President of the Women's Council and earned a degree in secondary education. It was at Newberry that she met the love of her life, Stanley Bessinger. They were married on May 20, 1955, in the Lutheran Church, beginning a partnership that would span 67 years.

In 1956, Stan began his service in the United States Army and was stationed in Paris, France. During this time, Stan and Grace's family expanded after the birth of their daughter, Catherine. The Bessinger family returned to the States and proceeded to plant roots in their beautiful home state of South Carolina. They soon became a family of five after the births of their two sons, Ray and Martin. The Bessinger's eventually relocated to Houston where Grace would reside until her passing.

Grace was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She found joy in traveling, gardening, playing bridge, solving crossword puzzles, and taking trips to the beach with her family. More than anything, she cherished time with her loved ones. She never missed a moment—cheering from the sidelines at sports games, celebrating graduations, and standing proudly at weddings. Her family was her greatest pride and joy.

A lifelong Lutheran, Grace was a woman of deep faith. She was active in the church community, serving on the Altar Guild and volunteering as a Sunday school teacher.

Grace is survived by her children: Catherine Bessinger-Rout and Stanley Ray Bessinger Jr.; her grandchildren: Nicholas Rout, Elizabeth Rout, Marion Bessinger, and Jacqueline Bessinger Custar; her great-grandchild, Charleston Custar; and her sisters, Jeanne Thrower and Winjoy Salisbury. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Stanley; her son, Martin; and seven older siblings.

A funeral service is scheduled for 1 pm on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Messiah Lutheran Church, 11522 Telge Rd., Cypress, TX 77429. Pastor Brad Otto will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Messiah Lutheran Church in Grace's name.