Bessie was born to Isiah and Angeline Smith on May 1, 1941 in Sumter County, Ga. She was the youngest of 6 children including Alice, Cleveland, Lula Bell, Susie Bee, Carrie. She was married to James Ford Jr., who happened to be a US Marine, on Jan 20, 1963. They traveled throughout the US from base to base. Eventually settling down in Oceanside CA with their 4 children Dwane, Michelle, Carla and Tracy.
She is survived and loved by her sister Susie Bee Wright, her daughters Michelle Ford, Carla Ford and Tracy Ford-Brown, granddaughters Adrienne, Kristina and Amani, grandsons Charles, Malik, Michael, Mark, Anthony, Cameron, and Austin and 8 great-grandchildren with dozens of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Bessie loved laughing and talking on the telephone with her relatives and friends. She loved watching old westerns on TV and played bingo twice a week.
She will be truly missed!
A committal service for Bessie will be held Thursday, September 21, 2023 from 11:15 AM to 11:45 AM at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518.
