Bessie Mae Bursey was born on August 30, 1941 to the proud parents Alice Fisher and Tom Johnson in Hales Point Tennessee where she was educated in the Lauderdale County School system.

In 1972, Bessie relocated to Detroit Michigan and it was here that she establish a home for her and her children. Bessie worked at Detroit Memorial hospital (Riverview Hospital) for over 20yrs starting in housekeeping but retiring as a union representative for Hospital employees. Bessie has always been grounded in her faith and often called upon Yahweh for help and strength.

Bessie was known for her genuine forthright nature. If asked her opinion, she was not one to sugarcoat for the sake of sparing someone feelings; that’s what everyone loved about her; she was going to give you the truth unfiltered.

Bessie reveled in her roles as a wife, mother, grandmother and Granny Gran. She was always going to impart wisdom to the ones she loved whether solicited or not. She was known to advocate on her grandkids behalf for them to receive what they wanted.

An Avid plant and flower lover, Bessie was known for her green thumbs and could grow any plant or flower, sometimes tending a plant until it reached the ceiling. In her younger days you’d find her in the yard planting a variety of flowers; in later years she would be on the porch, directing her granddaughter Latoya and grandson Dennis on how to care for the yard. She took pride in a well-manicured lawn, a pride she shared with her late husband.

Bessie made her transition from this earthly life to eternal life on Sunday, May 10, 2020 in the familiar surroundings of her home. This lady will be truly missed.

Bessie was preceded in death by her loving husband of 32 yrs Donnie Bursey; her parents Alice (Fisher) Lockard and Tom Johnson; her sisters: Lucille King, Henrietta Buasal, Eddie Temple; Her four children: Phyllis Boyd, Kenneth Young, Bertha Mapps and Gregory Young.

She leaves to Cherish her memory her 5 children: Joe (Jessie) Young Jr., Tyrone Young, Darryl (Yolonda) Young, Kimberly (Marcus) Brooks, Elbert (Tamikka) Young; 51 Grand kids; 136 Great grand kids; 9 great great grand kids. A host of friends & family who loved her dearly.