Sallie P. Bess

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course. I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day”... II Timothy 4:7-8 Sallie Penn Bess departed this earthly life on Friday, May 5, 2017 at Blue Ridge nursing facility in Sumter, South Carolina. She was born on September 26, 1939 in Charlie Hope, Virginia to the late Daniel and Gertrude Penn. After the death of her father, she was reared by Robert and Lucille Penn. Sallie was a graduate of St. Paul High School in Brunswick County, Virginia. She later moved to New York in pursuit of employment and worked at Mt. Sinai Hospital for many years. Mrs. Bess retired from Sears Roebuck Company. Sallie was married to the late Emises Bess and to this loving union one son was born, Daniel Bess. While residing in New York, she joined The Greater Central Baptist Church under the pasturage of the late Rev. Peter L. Mouzon. Sallie, her husband, and their son, Daniel attended service every Sunday. She believed that a family that worshiped and prayed together, stayed together. She joined the Cathedral Choir, where she sang soprano every second and fourth Sunday. One of her favorite hymns was “We Will Understand it Better By and By”. Because of her God-given talents and her upright walk with God, she became a Trustee of the church and served as co-chairperson for the church’s anniversary for many years. She treasured working with the youth of the church and was actively involved with the Sunday School and the Junior Usher Board. On any given day, you would find her helping and serving delicious food that she helped prepare to vistors and friends. Sallie had a flair for presenting her foods decoratively. She believed that the food ought to look appetizing if you want people to eat it. Mrs. Sallie was famous for her delicious cakes. Although short in statue, she had a tall and large heart with so much love for everyone. After returning to South Carolina, she joined Rock Hill Baptist Church and once again, she continued working with the children and serving faithfully until her health began to decline. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two siblings: Agnes Penn Singletary and Douglas Penn. She leaves to cherish precious memories: a loving and dear son, Daniel Bess; a devoted grandson, DreQuan and granddaughter, Mahaylia all of Sumter; two devoted nephews, Barry Singletary, Washington, D.C. and Glen Bess of Sumter,; two sisters-in-law, Anna Bess Pinckney of Sumter, Gladys (Isaac) Archie, and stepson, James Bess all of New York; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Sallie P. Bess

August 5, 1939 - May 5, 2017