Bessie Young

Bessie Mae Young, 81, of Rockford, Illinois, departed this earthly life on May 12, 2021. Bessie was born on November 4, 1939 in Brownsville, TN to Bennie Powell Sr. and Beather Bates. She moved to Rockford in 1957 and married Alvin Young Sr. Together they raised 9 children. Bessie was a true woman of God. She loved reading her Bible and talking about the scriptures. Bessie was extremely involved in spreading the word of God as well, teaching Sunday school, being a charter member at Jerusalem Baptist Church and serving on the Mother’s Board.

Bessie leaves many to cherish her memories including her children, Wilma Powell, Larry (Robin) Walker, Ricky Walker, Dennis Walker, Karen (John) Williams, Jeffery (Delores) Walker, Corey (Jennifer) Young, and Lucas Young; 23 grandchildren, 59 great grandchildren, and 13 great great grandchildren; siblings, Geraldine (Clarence), Cephus (Eva), Vera (Albert), Carolyn, Ethel Lynn, Walter, Theotha (Sylvia), James; aunt, Georgia Mae Howell; many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Bennie Powell Sr. and Beather Bates; husband, Alvin Young Sr; children, Michael Walker and Debra Walker; siblings, Bennie Powell Jr, Charles Powell, and Claude Perkins.

Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Friday, May 21, 2021 from 9am until the time of Bessie’s Homegoing Service at 11am at Advantage Funeral Home (7000 W. State St, Rockford, IL 61102). Service will be viewable through livestream at https://m.facebook.com/AdvantageRockford/ . Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. A Special Thank you to the 10th floor nurses of Swedish American Hospital, Northern Illinois Hospice, Sister Mildred McCall, Sister Mary Thomas, and the many Friends that helped in Bessie’s final moments here on earth.