Bessie Mae Coxeff

As a young girl she was raised in Portland, Oregon, where she attended elementary and high school. Bessie earned her Associates degree from Pacific Western Business College in 1960. She then moved on to become one of the first African American Women to be hired at NW Natural Gas Co, where she was employed for thirty eight years until her retirement in the year of 2000.

Bessie was united with the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) in Portland at a very early age. She was a member of the youth choir, the Usher Board and Junior Missionary as a Prayer Warrior. Bessie enjoyed learning. She always had a great memory and was particularly skilled at retaining factual information. A methodical and patient person, Bessie preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on her hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were Bible class, Sunday School, camping, RVing, traveling, ceramics, fishing, cooking and a little gambling.

On December 23, 1961, Bessie was united in Holy Matrimony to Mr. Obedell Coxeff of Portland, Oregon. A union that lasted over 50 years until her departure. From this union she was blessed with two wonderful children, Obedell and Alasia, and from that she was also blessed with six grandchildren. Bessie was a dutiful and great wife, a mother unspeakable, and a wonderful and loving grandmother.

In retirement Bessie found enjoyment and new pleasures in National African American Recreational Vehicle Association (NAARVA), while keeping in touch with old friends and making new acquaintances.

Bessie returned to her Maker on February 26, 2011 at St. Rose Hospital in Las Vegas after a long battle with her illness. She leaves to celebrate her home going her husband, Obedell; son, Obedell Jr.; daughter, Alasia; six grandchildren: Ashlee, Jesse, Annelise, Anthony, Amani and Eden; two brothers, Charles and Major Lincoln; a sister, Alice Muhammad; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

And so, Bessie (Patty), we thank God for your having walked on this journey with us. Now you must take the path to your Lord, as you roll up the highway with God being the wind beneath your wings, we will remember you, as we continue to walk this journey, because we know that if you could you would.