Bessie Suggs Wooten

Bessie S. Wooten, 84, was born in Snow Hill, North Carolina to the late Clinton Joseph and Cora Ada Suggs. She was the 5th of 15 children. She was preceded in death by one brother, five sisters and her husband, Herman Lee Wooten. After the death of their mother and the marriage of the eldest sister, Bessie and sister Nia Mae took on the roll of caring for the family. Bessie diligently and meticulously cared for her younger siblings, often sacrificing her own wants and needs for her brothers and sisters. It was important to her that they continued in school and received their education. In 1952, she relocated to Richmond, Virginia, where she held various jobs, but was always willing to assist her family whenever they needed her. On December 8, 1958, she was baptized in Jesus’ name at the New Covenant Apostolic Church, formerly known as the Sabbath Apostolic Church, under the leadership of Mother Sue Edwards. She was filled with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost the very night she was baptized. Missionary Bessie was a dedicated church member and took her salvation seriously. Fueled by a love for singing in the mid-1960’s, she joined the church choir. She lead many songs such as “The Harvest Is Great”, “Holding On To My Faith”, “Pay Day Is Coming After While”, “Hold On”, “God Is All”, etc. Ordained a Missionary by Mother Sue, Missionary Bessie was later appointed the Chair of the Missionary Board under Bishop Willie Suggs’ administration. She organized projects such as “Queen for a Day” and assisted on various other fundraisers. She also chaired the Baptism Committee as well as directed the Missionary Choir. She was committed to overseeing the preparation of communion services. Her hands never fell idle. Whenever she saw work to be done, she did it. She diligently worked the church’s flower planters to beautify the church. She was a firm believer in being and doing right. She loved God, the church and her family. Missionary Bessie would give her last for anyone who was in need. God blessed her with a spirit of benevolence. She genuinely loved and cared for the Saints. Many times she opened the doors of her home to saints, family and friends in need. Missionary Bessie leaves to cherish her memories 3 brothers, Bishop Willie G. Suggs (Ellen) of Richmond, VA; Elder Vernell Harper (Vernelle) of Clarksville, VA and Elder Barry Suggs Sr. (Lydia); 4 sisters; Missionary Selma Nails of Richmond, VA, Rosa Lei Night, Ester B. Jones (Leroy), Grace Oliver all of Raleigh, NC and Ida Sutton of Moorehead City, NC. Even though there were no children from her marriage, God, in his infinite love and wisdom knew her heart’s desire. God blessed her with “her children”, Calvin & Edna Allen, Elder Sandy & Rosetta Carrington and Barry & Tammie Jones. She was even granted her own little grandchildren, Cedric and Terrell Jones, whom she adored. There are also many nieces, nephews, church family, other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Bessie Suggs Wooten

October 9, 1926 - July 4, 2011