Bessie Bethay was born to Gary Turner, Sr. and Sallie Eva Turner on February 18, 1924, in Washington, Georgia (Wilkes County). She departed this life on April 5, 2014.
At the age of 10, she joined the Pompeys Chapel Baptist Church (aka Crossroads Baptist Church) under the pastorate of Rev. Gib Turman.
At an early age, she married Mr. John Linzy Brown of Crawfordsville, Georgia. To that union was added five children, Willie, Eddie, Zella, John Linzy Jr. and Larry. Later, she married Mr. Jack Bethay and to that union was added two children, Bernita and Jeanette.
She was a domestic, a field hand, a caretaker for child-ren and a homemaker. She worked in the church under Rev. Gary Turner, Jr., under Bishop Joseph Thomas and at The Spirit of Christ Church, Inc. under Pastor Paul K. Glenn and Co-Pastor, Marsene Glenn, until health took her over. She was still faithful until death.
Bessie leaves to cherish her precious memory: her loving children, Willie Shy, Eddie Brown, Zella B. White, Bernita Bethay, Jeanette (Daryl) Tucker and the late John, Larry and her infant daughter, Hedda Brown; 19 grand-children, 28 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grand-child and a host of family and friends. She will be deeply missed by all.