Bessie Regina Garland

Bessie Regina Garland

OBITUARY

Bessie Regina Garland, 92, was called into the presence of Almighty God on December 28, 2024. She was baptized at an early age, believing and trusting Christ throughout her life. Bessie became a faithful member of New Beginnings Christian Fellowship, strengthening her spiritual journey over the years until she was called home and is now set free.

Bessie was born February 16, 1932, in Birmingham, Alabama to Minister Edna Davis and Thomas Davis, who loved, nurtured and raised her in Alabama until the age of 14. Bessie relocated to Chicago, Illinois to live alongside her mother and further her education. She attended Dusable High School and Chicago Business School of Accounting. She became highly skilled and always maintained impeccable record keeping and book balancing. Bessie also enjoyed volunteer work at the Women’s League of Voters and the Parent Teacher Association of her children’s school.

Bessie became an account executive for Fashion Fair Cosmetics in the 1970’s. In the following twenty-eight years, she earned multiple awards and high admiration within the company and amongst her clients – notably William T. Dillard, founder and owner of Dillard’s department stores. Bessie’s successful career with Fashion Fair expanded her travels, business colleagues and friends throughout the southern region, which included Arkansas where she returned in 2021 to further enjoy retirement.

During Bessie’s transition to Hot Springs, Arkansas, she proudly thrived and lived independently within her Shady Grove community amid a host of dedicated and loving close friends. She truly enjoyed her morning sips of coffee on her patio rocking chair and remained active until the very end. Bessie attended weekly bible study, luncheons, bingo, breakfast gatherings and other social activities. She also enjoyed her praise and worship church services at New Beginnings Christian Fellowship and was actively involved in the senior group. She never met a stranger and always made and maintained friendships across the globe.

Bessie has enjoyed travels abroad to Hawaii, Italy, Bahamas, Jamaica and Mexico, over 40 states across the United States, and multiple cruises. Fishing was Bessie’s all-time favorite leisure activity as well as playing cards and enjoying her flowers and plants. Her favorite color was pink; favorite genre of music gospel; favorite flower was a carnation, and her favorite bible scripture was Psalm 93. Bessie’s motto was “God, Family, Education and Hard Work.”

Bessie’s spirit lives on through her proudest achievement – raising and educating her five children and seven grandchildren: Audrey Trotter (Ashlee), *Andre Daniel (Alicia), Edwardo & Mala Daniel (Yoland, Nick/Lisa & Erin), Tanya Downs (Brandi, Brittany/Jon Fridal), and Tony & Holli Garland. Bessie’s legacy also continues with her six great-grandchildren: Issac Gant, Kinley, Maelyn & Vera Fridal, and Blake & Bianca Daniel.

Bessie will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Her loving memory will be cherished by a dedicated family, devoted caretaker and many lifetime friends near and far.

*Andre Daniel – Bessie’s loving son preceded her in death June 7, 2019.

Visitation services will be held January 17, 2025, 11am - 2pm. All are welcome. The visitation will be live streamed on Gross Funeral Home's facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=gross%20funeral%20home

Before Bessie's Celebration of Life Services in Kent, WA, the family wanted to provide her loving Hot Springs community the opportunity to pay their respects. Please join us in celebrating our loving mother who enjoyed many years living in Hot Springs where she called home, anchored with family & friends.

Bessie's Celebration of Life Services

January 25, 2025, at 1:00 pm

New Beginnings Christian Fellowship

19300 108th Ave SE

Kent, WA 98031

Live Stream: www.thenbcf.org

Church Phone Number: (425)282-6220