Mrs. Bessie Louise Fair Dunham, age 72, of 821 Brookmont Ave., Salisbury entered into eternal life on Monday, December 14, 2009 at Genesis Elder Care.

Mrs. Dunham was born April 16, 1937 in Salisbury to the late Ernest Fair and Annie McDowell Howie.

She was a graduate of J. C. Price High School and attended Temple University, Phila, Pa. Mrs. Dunham retired from Sears and Roebuck.

She was a member of Faith Baptist Church, Phila., PA. At Faith Baptist Church, she was a member of the Senior Choir, Supervisor of the Rosebud Choir, Secretary of the Deacon Aides an Financial Secretary o the Women's Day Committee, member of the Junior Dept. of Foreign Mission Board, member and Chairman of the Loyal Boosters Choir and Volunteer Committee. In returning to Salisbury, she join Mt. Zion Baptist, where she served with the Missionary Ministry, Links of Gold, Youth Ministry and Helps Ministry.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a sister, Ella Mae D. McDaniel and a favorite uncle, Michell Henderson.

Survivors are a nephews, Larry D. Dalton, Sr., Thomas (Judy) McDaniel both of Salisbury, Mark McDaniel, Durham, NC and Mark (Cheryl) Smyre, Clemmons, nieces, Cheryl (James) Douglas, Ella M. Duren both of Salisbury, Annie M. Baker, Durham, NC; foster children, Audry Colelough, Brian Colelough both of Philadelphia, PA, Albert and Cynthia Johnson, Salisbury; special friend, Thomas Rutledge, Phila., PA; uncle, Walter (Barbara) McDowell, Linwood, NC, Robert McDowell, Salisbury; aunts, Willie Mae McDowell, Salisbury and Martha Henderson, Spencer, NC; a host of other friends.

Funeral services will be 12:00 pm and visitation 11:00 am Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Salisbury with the Pastor, Rev. Dr. Nilous Avery, II, officiating. Burial will in City Memorial Cemetery.