Bessie Hedrick, 78, who was from Siler City, suffered from Parkinson's disease, along with several other debilitating illnesses.

Born April 15, 1930, in Person County, she was a daughter of Roy Frank and Annie "Brooks" Hedrick. She attended UNC Greensboro and earned an associate degree in human services from Sandhills Community College. The mother of five ran a beauty shop, sold insurance and taught classes at a cosmetology school in Greensboro.

She was also a teacher at Chatham Trades, a rehabilitation program in Siler City for adults with developmental disabilities. Hedrick also enjoyed traveling.

A member of First Baptist Church, Siler City, she enjoyed singing in the choir.

Eleanor Clapp, of Siler City, Hedrick's sister, said that while she was "stunned" by the shooting, she wanted to think about her sister's death in a more positive way.

"She loved doing things for other people," she said. "That was her loving nature."

Hedrick also enjoyed traveling.

Hedrick, whose father once served as mayor of Siler City, was described by her sister, Eleanor Clapp, as a "dye-in-the-wool Democrat." She was active in local politics and at one time served on the Chatham County Democratic Party's executive committee.

"She really did care for a lot of people and a lot of people cared for her," Clapp said.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church, Siler City, with burial following at Oakwood Cemetery, Siler City. The family is receiving friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today (Wednesday) at Smith and Buckner Funeral Home, Siler City.

She is survived by three daughters; two sons; one sister; two grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Memorials may be made to Lewy Bodies Dementia Association, P.O. Box 451429, Atlanta, GA. 31145-9249.