Bessie Mae Malone-Smith

Her life began on April 28, 1926 in Covington, TN where she was born to Martha Allen and Future Dowell. She married William Earl Malone in 1945. Over a period of time the couple welcomed 13 children into their lives. Bessie spent much of her time teaching and leading their children in the ways of the Lord. The greatest legacy she leaves her children is how to genuinely love and serve the Lord. Truly the recorded passage in Proverbs 31:28 can be applied to her, “Her children arise and call her blessed”.

One of her favorite songs and one of the last songs she danced to was, “Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus”. Her heart remained encouraged even though she was physically challenged with sickness. Her faith remained strong, and so was her assurance that the Lord would make the “devil leave her alone”! Her faith and endurance is a testament for us today.

Bessie is preceded in death by her husband, William Earl Malone; son, James Earl Malone; mother, Martha Allen; father, Future Dowell; sister Catherine Gatewood and brothers Charles and Walter Dowell.

She is survived by her children: Lawrence Malone (Martha), Jean Pratcher, Melvin Malone (Evelyn), Willie Malone (Cynthia), Larry Malone (Mary), Brenda Madison (Mark), Jacqueline Clark (Lawrence), Terry Malone (Peggy), Marilyn Scott (Michael), Gregory Malone, Shayla Bey (Suraj), and Glen Malone (Katrina). From these children came a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she cherished and prayed for often.

Bessie is also survived by her sisters Bertha Taylor (Matthew), Shirley Morris, both of Chicago, IL., Cynthia Degraffared of Memphis, TN, and brother Willie Ester Dowell of Chicago, IL., along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.