The Swamp Cabbage Festival is proud to announce that the 2025 Heritage Family Honoree is Mrs. Bessie Lee Gregory and her family. This special recognition is awarded each year to a family that has lived in the LaBelle community for at least 25 years and has significantly contributed to the success and well-being of our hometown. This year, Mrs. Gregory, a lifelong resident and dedicated community servant, has been nominated for this honor by Myra Johnson.

A Lifetime of Dedication to LaBelle

Born on June 29, 1954, in Fort Myers, Florida, Bessie Gregory has been a pillar of the LaBelle community for 70 years, calling the Ford and Sunset community her home. Her roots in Hendry County run deep—her father, known as the beloved “Ice Man,” delivered ice to local residents, while her mother worked tirelessly as a homemaker and farmworker.

Bessie’s journey of service began with a passion for education. A 1973 graduate of LaBelle High School, she pursued higher education at Edison Community College, earning her Associate of Arts degree in 1978. She later obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education from Nova University in 1983. This foundation led her to an impactful 30-year career in education, including 17 years with the Hendry County School Board, where she nurtured and mentored generations of students. Throughout her career, she worked at multiple daycare centers, Country Oaks Elementary, Upthegrove Elementary, and LaBelle High School, even serving on the School Advisory Council (SAC) at Upthegrove Elementary. Her dedication to the education of LaBelle’s youth culminated in her well-earned retirement in May 2021.

A Heart for Community Service

Beyond her career in education, Mrs. Gregory is widely recognized as a “community mouthpiece”—a trusted and reliable voice who ensures that information and resources reach those in need. Her dedication to faith and service is evident through her lifelong membership at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, where she remains a steadfast servant.

Her commitment to service extends to numerous local programs and organizations:

✅ Salvation Army Bell Ringer – Spreading holiday cheer and raising funds for those in need
✅ American Legion Volunteer – Helping distribute meals on Christmas Day and beyond
✅ SHIP Housing Assistance Program – Assisting families with critical housing needs
✅ Ford and Sunset Involvement Committee – Former Secretary and longtime advocate
✅ Summer Food Site Program & Church Summer Camp Supervisor – Supporting LaBelle’s youth through nourishment and enrichment

Known for her warm personality, boundless energy, and willingness to help anyone in need, Mrs. Gregory is truly a cornerstone of the LaBelle community. Whether it’s sharing a kind word, assisting a neighbor, or ensuring that information gets where it needs to go, she is a living example of selfless service and unwavering community spirit.

Celebrating the Gregory Family at the Swamp Cabbage Festival

As we celebrate LaBelle’s 100th year, it is only fitting that we recognize a family that embodies the heart and soul of our city. The Gregory family has not only contributed to LaBelle’s history but continues to shape its future.

We invite everyone to join us at the 2025 Swamp Cabbage Festival as we honor the Gregory family during the Opening Ceremonies. This moment will be a tribute to Bessie Gregory’s lifetime of dedication, as well as a celebration of the rich heritage that binds our community together.

Congratulations to the Bessie Gregory Family, our 2025 Heritage Family Honoree!