Newton Grove,
On October 11, 1933, in Newton Grove, NC, Mrs. Bessie Stephens was born to John Calvin and Naomi Bryant Robinson.
Mrs. Bessie married John Edward Monk and later James Stephens. She was the oldest of four children, Bessie had three brothers (John-deceased, (Jeanette), Robert (Annette-deceased), Amos (Barbara-deceased). She quietly transitioned to her heavenly reward on November 7, 2020, in her Newton Grove home.
From the time she was a child, Mrs. Bessie proved that she was a unique individual with commitment and focus. She was a short-order cook, nursing tech, and a Licensed Beautician.
She attended Catholic School at White Oak Disciples Church, where she skipped 9th grade and moved to Clinton High School, where she was an “A” student. She also loved sports and played basketball.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Bessie’s activism and thirst for community service never failed or wavered. She carried herself with remarkable grace and exerted her leadership with dignity. Sister Stephens served as a faithful member of the Usher Board, Pastors Aid Board, Mission Board, Head Nurse at Western Assembly Building and served on the Fellowship Service Committee, preparing and serving meals to her church family.
Bessie often presided over meetings, seminars, and conferences with stoic dignity and passion for her auxiliaries. She was a proud Life Member of White Oak Disciples Church.
Mrs. Bessie’s life trumpets the importance of love, tolerance, and forgiveness. As the matriarch in our family, she exemplified family cohesiveness, praising God, and recognizing the good and talents of her children. . Her husband and two of her children Ronald S. Monk and Rene Stephens predeceased her.
A visitation will be held at Hope Valley Hawkins Funeral Chapel on on Thursday, November 12, 2020, from 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm with family present from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm.
A private burial will be held at the family's request.
Bessie leaves a legacy of three sons, Daries E. Monk, James B. Stephens, Mark A. (Jasmine) Stephens, two daughters Gwendolyn F. Clark (William) and Patty Stephens. She has 27 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Her impact is enormous, her legacy is deep-rooted, and her love surpasses the depth of any sea. She leaves us a legacy of progress, of onward movement to live with an intended destination. To love and support one another.
Hope Valley Hawkins is honored to serve the family of Bessie Stephens.
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