Bessie Lillian Galloway Vessell

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bessie Lillian Galloway Vessell, who departed this life on July 29, 2024, at the age of 95. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and devoted servant of God, Bessie peacefully transitioned into her eternal rest.

Bessie was born on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1929, in Canton, Mississippi, to the late Matthew Galloway Jr. and Mary Galloway. From a young age, she was instilled with a deep love for her family and faith in God. Bessie, along with her parents and siblings, attended Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, where she worshiped and learned the pillars of living a good life. Bessie developed several passions, with cooking and sewing being the greatest. She began cooking for her family at the age of 9 and continued throughout her life.

Her parents instilled in her the importance of education and encouraged her to pursue her goals. As a young woman, she attended Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree on June 1, 1953. While at Alcorn, she met her future husband, Earley Lee Vessell. Bessie and Earley were united in holy matrimony on December 28, 1953. After college, they moved to New York City, where they both enrolled in master’s degree programs at New York University. Before completing their respective programs, they were blessed with a son, Cedric Earl Vessell. Always in vogue, Bessie ensured that Cedric was always impeccably dressed, often with a matching cap and coat.

The New York University School of Education conferred Bessie a Master of Arts degree in 1957. Bessie, Earley, and Cedric then moved to South Florida, where they both began careers in Palm Beach County. Soon after their move, they were blessed with a daughter, Janice Marie Vessell.

Bessie went on to be employed by the Board of County Commissioners as a teacher, primarily teaching home economics. She later pursued her passion as the dietician/nutritionist for the Palm Beach County Head Start Program and Meals on Wheels Program. She developed lifelong friendships in this endeavor and enjoyed serving the young and the elderly.

Bessie’s legacy of faith, love, and service was passed on to her children, Cedric Vessell and Janice Vessell Fisher (Robert, deceased), and her grandchildren, Colleen Vessell, Aisha Vessell, Martin Fisher, Bryant Fisher (deceased), and Rachel Fisher Foye (David). Bessie is also survived by her sisters, Mary Peoples (John), and Pearline Ball (William, deceased), as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

In addition to her parents, Bessie was preceded in death by her husband, Earley Lee Vessell, and grandson, Bryant Robert Fisher, and her son-in-law, Robert George Fisher, and her brothers, Willie Galloway and Joe Louis Galloway, and her sisters, Cloneal Rice, Stella Taylor, and Celestine Wyatt.

The family will receive friends during the visitation on Friday, August 2, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM CST at Peoples Undertaking, Canton, Mississippi. A celebration of Bessie’s life will be held the next day, Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 11:00 AM CST at Mount Calvary MB Church, 170 Robinson Road, Canton, Mississippi 39046. Pastor Leroy Lacy will officiate the service. Interment will follow at Galloway Family Cemetery, Canton, Mississippi.

Bessie Lillian Galloway Vessell’s life was a testament to the love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. She will be deeply missed, but we find comfort in knowing she is now resting in the arms of our Savior. "Well done, good and faithful servant...enter into the joy of your Lord." (Matthew 25:23)

Rest in peace, dear Bessie. Your light will continue to shine in our hearts forever.