Barbara A. Bess

BARBARA ANN GREEN BESS met her Heavenly Father on Thursday, February 4, 2021. Barbara was born on May 20, 1931 in Norfolk, VA to the late Lillian Vaughn Green and George H. Green, Sr. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, George T. Bess, Sr. Barbara and George were married for 62 years. Barbara was also preceded in death by her sisters, Lillian Green Childers and Dr. Mary Green Wyche; brothers, George H. Green, Jr. and Walter H. Green, Sr.; and nephew Herbert Green Dawley. Barbara was a graduate of the 1949 Booker T. Washington High School class in Norfolk, VA. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1952 from Howard University in Washington D.C. and earned a Master’s degree from Hampton Institute in Hampton, VA. Barbara started her professional career as an English teacher in South Norfolk, VA. On April 1, 1955, Barbara married the love of her life, George Bess, Sr. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Norfolk, VA. From this union, two sons were born: George, Jr. and Michael. Barbara and George moved to Baltimore in 1965 where she furthered her professional career in education. Barbara taught English at The Paquin School in Baltimore until her retirement in 1991. In addition to her tenure in public education, Barbara was a talented musician who sang and played the piano. This talent was not lost on her grandchildren, as she enrolled all five of them in piano lessons. She was also an accomplished writer. The book she authored about her granddaughter entitled “Joelle’s First Family Reunion” was well received and appreciated by all who read it. Barbara was committed to living the spiritual life of her Catholic faith that she so loved. At The New All Saints Catholic Church, Barbara served in many parish ministries and especially cherished being a member of the renowned All Saint’s Choir. She was an outgoing person and a founding member of the Norfolk Delicados and a member of the Baltimore Chapter at her passing and was proud of the club expanding to several chapters throughout the country. Barbara was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and a member of the Patapsco Chapter of the Links Inc. Barbara was especially proud that she could serve as a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. with her three sisters and niece. Barbara was beautiful in looks and in spirit. Her glowing smile could light up a room. Her long, later bobbed, hair encircled her face in a gracious style. She was affable, gregarious, and a delightful lady. She had a zest for life that made anyone who was in her presence feel very special. Barbara so loved her family. She is survived by her loving sons, George T. Bess, Jr., and Michael J. Bess (Jacquetta). Also left to cherish her memory are loving grandchildren, Joelle Bess, Nigel Bess, Makayla Bess, Lauren Bess, and Erin Bess. She is also bereaved by her sister, Dr. Eleanor Green Jones and sisters-in-law, Elnora P. Green (George deceased), Alveta V. Green (Walter deceased), and Hettie B. Lockett. Other surviving family members include nieces, Dr. Alveta J. Green and Darlene M. Green; nephews, Dr. Edward A. Dawley, III, Walter H. Green, Jr. and Everette B. Jones, Jr.; goddaughters, Sadie Baderinwa and Nicole Foster; a host of great nieces and nephews, a host of other relatives and many special friends, including Kara King-Bess. Barbara’s sweet spirit will live on in many cherished memories

Tributes

Barbara A. Bess

May 20, 1931 - February 4, 2021