Obituary

Bessie Lee Williams was born on April 29, 1951, in Tylertown, Mississippi, the daughter of Elie Jefferson and Lee Etter Pittman.

Bessie was the oldest of six children, two sisters and three brothers, and lived in Jayes, Mississippi, during her early years. Although born with a curved spine, Bessie worked in the cotton fields as a child, along with other members of her family.

Bessie is the mother of six children, five of whom survive her.

Bessie lived in several states beside Mississippi, including Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Decatur, Illinois, before moving to Gilbert, Arizona, and then, finally to Mesa, Arizona.

Bessie’s professional background is a repertoire of diverse education, knowledge and experience. It includes, but is not limited to: law, security, research, business management, and ministry.

Bessie acquired a paralegal degree from the Southern Career Institute, School of Paralegal Studies in 1994. She served as an advocate for children, the elderly, and those confined to the penal system.

Endowed with an abundance of love, compassion, and a desire to alleviate any form of oppression, Bessie dedicated her life to finding remedies that will prove beneficial to all that desire quality of life. However, the positions she held most dearly are that of mother, and single-parent grandmother.

Bessie became the guardian of her grandson, Jeremie, when he was five, and raised him to work hard, be respectful, develop his talents, and most of all, love the Lord.

Bessie joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints while living in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was baptized September 2, 1980.

She was able to use her vast knowledge of the scriptures to teach and testify, and added a testimony of the Book of Mormon to her wisdom and experience. Her testimonies on Fast Sunday were frequently through song, sometimes a scripture set to music or a witness of the beauty of God’s creation.

What Bessie lacked in material wealth, she greatly made up for in a creative approach to decorating. She was a skilled seamstress, creating drapes and window treatments that looked expensive and beautiful. She used her carpentry skills to create many usable, but attractive additions to her house, and her love of growing things led to vast decorative plant accents, both inside and outside.

After moving to Arizona, Bessie was unable to participate in many of the activities she loved dearly, but still found time to minister to others, tease those she became friends with, and bring joy to those she associated with. The twinkle in her eye belied the steely strength of character she still possessed, even after severe illness made her unable to move about.

All who took the time to get to know Bessie can witness the delight and love she radiated.