She was born on January 31, 1929 in Cuthbert, Georgia to the late Samuel and Isabel Langston.
Bessie married Robert Penns, Jr. on September 10, 1955. They shared 46 years of marriage prior to his passing on June 26, 2002.
Bessie worked for many years at Kodak as a film coater. She moved to Arizona in 2014 to be closer to her beloved son, Guy.
Bessie is survived by three sons Todd (Diane) Penns, Michael (Stephanie) Penns & Guy (Joanne) Penns, seven grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by a daughter Kimberly Penns.
A Going Home Service celebrating Bessie will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 1PM at Kingdom in the Valley Christian Church’s Fellowship Hall, 11640 N. 19th Avenue, Phoenix.