Bessie was born February 2, 1931, in Decatur, Mississippi, a daughter of the late John G. and Mary Hollingsworth.
Bessie began her career as a teacher in the Conehatta, Ms school system and then worked in the Jackson Public Schools for over 40 years as a Librarian and Teacher where she retired in 1992. She first attended East Central Community College in Mississippi and then received her Undergraduate Degree in Education and Masters Degree in Library Science from the University of Southern Mississippi. She was an active member for much of her life with the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority for Educators.
Bess was an avid reader and was rarely seen without a book in hand or close by her. She passed down her love of reading to many family members and students throughout her lifetime. Another of her many joys in life was crocheting and knitting of blankets, scarves, and sweaters.
She loved the times she spent with family members on the summer beach vacations to Orange Beach, AL. So many memories were created with her sisters and brother and many nieces and nephews and a number of great nieces and nephews. She always had a story to tell about her childhood including her parents, siblings and lots of cousins.
Bessie enjoyed life, and she was thankful for her family and friends, just as they now give thanks for the blessing of her life.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Edna McKee and Billie Arnold, and brother-in-laws, Gene Parrish and J. C. Arnold.
She is survived by brother, John Hollingsworth and wife Elsie; and sister, Sadie Parish, and a number of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and several great great nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 1:00pm until 2:00pm, Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl,Ms. Funeral services are scheduled following the visitation at the funeral home. A graveside service will take place at Floral Hills Memory Gardens on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 10:00am.
