Mrs. Bessye Mae Thedford's Obituary
Bessye Mae Anderson was born October 28, 1930, in West Monroe, Louisiana to the parents of Bernice Mosley and Archie Anderson. Bessye accepted Christ at an early age and was christened into the Christian faith at Dyers Chapel Methodist Church in West Monroe, Louisiana Bessye received her formal education in Monroe, Louisiana however, she graduated from McKinley High School in 1948 in Chicago, IL. Fallowing graduation, she furthered her studies at Grambling State University where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education in May of 1955. She taught in the Chicago Public School system for 38 years as a 2nd and 3rd grade teacher. On April 16th, 1960, she married Thomas Thedford. To this union two children were born, Monique Chatman and Tracey Michael Thedford. She became a member of Broadview Missionary Baptist Church in October 1982, under the leadership of Emeritus Pastor Clarence W Hopson. Bessye's Christian walk included regular Sunday Service, Sunday School, Tuesday School as well as participation in other church activities. Upon relocating to Porterville, MS she joined Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church under leadership of Pastor McDonald. She was a faithful member until health declined. Bessye departed this life on Thursday January 12, 2023. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret Benn and Lillie Mae Johnson both who resided in California.
She leaves to cherish the memories of her devoted husband of 62 years, Thomas Thedford: two daughters Armynda Stanley, Houston, TX-Monique Chatman (David) Homewood, IL; and one son Tracey Michael Thedford, Nashville, TN Three grandsons, Jared Chatman (deceased) Jordan and Joshua Chatman; Five sisters-in-law; Annie Bell Wright, South Holland, IL, lverc Love, Meridian, MS, Verna Louise McQuarters, Detroit, MI Fannie Thedford, Porterville, MS and Mary Wright (deceased)Bertha Thedford (deceased); Five brothers-in-law, Marzell Love, Meridian, MS, James Wright, Lexington, KY, John L. Thedford (deceased), Frank McQuarters (deceased), and WC. Thedford (deceased); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends.
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