Bessie L. Jefferson, 97 passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, June 13, 2026 following a period of declining health.
Bessie was born May 5, 1929 in Grenada, Mississippi to the late Roger (Jake) and Robbie (Wilson) Spencer. She graduated from Grenada High School in 1948. She married Sam Jefferson in 1950 after he was honorably discharged from the Army. Sam’s job with the Koppers Company in Grenada, Mississippi transferred him to Orrville, Ohio in 1951. Sam died May 13, 1966.
Bessie worked at several companies in Wooster, Ohio including The William Annat Company department store for 26 years as a manager of the gift department.
Bessie was a former member of Second Baptist Church and a member of Wooster FourSquare Church until her declining health prevented her from attending.
Bessie leaves to cherish three daughters Carolyn Jefferson, Beverly Pierce and LaQuinta Jefferson; three sisters Gloria Holbert, Shirleen Spencer and Corrine Spencer; grandchildren KaSharma, Cameron, Desean, Christine, Christopher, and Larissa; 6 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and a special friend, Carolyn Ray.
Bessie was preceded in death by her parents Roger and Robbie Spencer; husband Sam Jefferson; sons Edwin, Sam and Christopher and a daughter Kassaundra Jefferson.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 11:30 AM at Second Baptist Church, 245 S. Grant St., Wooster with Rev. Rickey Brown presiding. Interment will follow in Sherwood Memorial Gardens.
Friends will be received one hour prior to the service at the church.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill Sto Wooster is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
So sorry to learn of dear Bessie s passing. I’ve know her since first coming to Wooster to live. She was always gracious and kind. The dear woman went through so much with the loss of her children , but was strong with God s Help. Praying for the family s peace of heart and mind. Sincerely Joyce Carter {Dodie}
My heart is broken. Love never dies.
Mrs. Jefferson was a great lady. She always shared positive comments and encouraged everyone she met. I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember her with respect and gratitude. We are all better people having met her.
To the Jefferson Family,
I am sending my heartfelt condolences to you all, may the Lord comfort and strengthen you during your time of need. The loss of a Mother is never easy, but the memories you shared will last a lifetime.
My Heartfelt Condolences to the Jefferson Family, Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.🙏🏼❤️🕊️👼🏼🕊️❤️🙏🏼
Our sincere condolences to my lifelong friend Carolyn and to the Jefferson family. We will all miss, Ms Bessie’s voice was so loving, kind, genuine, caring and resounding and gentle. We all will miss her and the sound of Her Voice.
RIP Bessie, I so enjoyed your visits to the insurance office. You blessed so many lives. My condolences to your family. ❤️
I worked at The William Annat Company when Bessie also worked there. I enjoyed her positive attitude and her sense of humor. I counted her as a friend, and am so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful person. Prayers for peace and comfort.