Bessie Lee (Tyson) Hunt

Bessie Lee Hunt (Tyson) was born on October 27, 1940, in Pelham County Georgia. She was the 14th child of the late Hillard and Lucile Tyson (Idlette). She departed this world on May 6, 2023.

Bessie married Tommy Hunt Jr. (Sam) in 1958, and the marriage produced three children. Two of whom have preceded her in death; daughters Wanda Aubrey (Hunt) and Jeanette Hunt.

The Tyson family moved to Moultrie, Ga, and purchased the family home on 6

During Bessie’s early adult life, she moved with her husband from Moultrie, Ga, to German Town and Hudson, New York. The family also moved to Toledo, Ohio. Bessie eventually settled down in West Palm Beach, Florida in 1966, to raise her girls. Bessie worked several different jobs including ITT Semiconductor and the Palm Beach County School Board as a substitute teacher. A believer in education, Bessie started on a journey for higher education in her thirties. She had a steadfast tenacity while working and raising a family. During the journey she attended Palm Beach Junior College and received her Associates Degree. She later attended Florida Atlantic University and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Services/Counseling with a minor in English from Barry University. After graduation Bessie stated "she prayed to God for his help and blessing" to receive her degree. 

Bessie moved to Atlanta, Georgia in the nineties. After returning to Georgia, Bessie worked for Dekalb and Gwinnett County School Board as a substitute. She finished her working career and retired from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a Tax Examiner in 2006. After her retirement from the IRS, she continued the journey for her Master’s degree in Theology. During this time, she started her Ministry and 401.3c.  She spent countless hours working the streets of Atlanta ministering to the people.  

In 2008, Bessie moved from Atlanta to Omaha where she resided until her return to Florida in 2011.  While in Florida, she worked tirelessly on the reelection campaign for President Obama’s second term. She was very excited to see her hard work and efforts pay off when he won the election.

Bessie lived independently until the fall of 2016 when she moved to an assisted care facility. During 
her time there she made many friends with the staff and residents.   

She leaves to cherish her memories; her daughter, Judy Hunt, Tucker, GA; grandson, TaJuan Aubrey (Susan), Fort Pierce, FL; and granddaughter, Caitlin Rogers, Raleigh, NC. She also leaves her sister, Luetta Harris, Crossland, GA; brother, Henry Tyson (Marsha), Toledo, OH and host of nieces, nephews and relatives.

She was preceded in death by eleven brothers and sisters: McArthur Tyson, Gwryndell Tyson, Sarah Tyson Jordan, Stanley Tyson, Susie Tyson Mobley, Charlie Tyson, Willie Tyson, William Tyson, Eddie Tyson, Rutha Mae Tyson Daniels, and Thelma Tyson Brooks.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Riverview Memorial Park.