The McDougald Funeral Home2211 North Main StreetAnderson, South Carolina 29621864-224-4343OBITUARY: Anderson, SC BESSIE RICHEY McALISTERAUGUST 18, 1930 - May 1, 2011ANDERSON, SC ' Mrs. Bessie Richey McAlister, widow of James McAlister, died Sunday, May 1, 2011, at the age of 80. Mrs. McAlister was a lifelong resident of Anderson County and had lived at Exalted Health and Rehab of Iva (formerly Willow Creek Living Center) since May 2008.Mrs. McAlister was one of thirteen children born to the late George and Eddie Taylor Richey. She is survived by her daughters: Linda M. Burnette of Ocala, FL, and Shirley McAlister of Anderson, SC; her brother, Charles Richey and wife, June, of Anderson, SC; two grandchildren: Scott Burnette and wife, Kim, and Karena Minnick and husband, Bryan; and seven great-grandchildren: James Jeffrey Burnette, Jr., Tyler Minnick, Nick Burnette, and Hunter, Zackary, Jasmine, and Dillon Burnette. Her only son, James R. 'Ronnie' McAlister, died in 2007, and her grandson, Jeffrey Burnette, died in 2008.Mrs. McAlister was an honor graduate of the old Girls' High. She worked in retail sales most of her life, finally retiring from Gallant-Belk. Before her illness, Mrs. McAlister was an active member of the Dixie Darlin's chapter of the Red Hat Society, the Sears retirees' club, and the seniors group and the Helping Hands Sunday school class at Varennes Heights Baptist Church. For several years she volunteered as a 'pink lady' at the Anderson Area Medical Center where she worked in the gift shop. She was an avid bowler and belonged to several leagues throughout the years.Visitation will be at The McDougald Funeral Home from 6pm until 8pm on Monday, May 2, 2011. The Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel of The McDougald Funeral Home at 11am on Tuesday, May 3, 2011, with Dr. Kirt Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will be at the home of Charles & June Richey, 209 Lyttleton Way, Anderson, SC 29621, immediately following the graveside service.Memorial donations may be made to the activities fund at Exalted Health and Rehab of Iva, 406 W. Broad Street, Iva, SC 29655. Flowers will also be accepted. The family wishes to extend their thanks to Ms. Essie Wardlaw (Mrs. McAlister's devoted former homecare provider), the pastors and members of Varennes Heights Baptist Church, and to the staff of Exalted Health and Rehab of Iva for their Christian compassion and loving care. May God bless you all.A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com.THE McDOUGALD FUNERAL HOME, Anderson.