Bessie Lee Cofer

Bess Cofer peacefully entered eternal rest on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Five Points Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Pflugerville, Texas. She was born on December 25, 1949, in Marion, Ohio, the sixth of eleven children born to the late Marion Sr. and Mary Jane Sims Cofer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marion Cofer Sr. and Mary Jane Sims Cofer, as well as her siblings: Annette Cofer, Mary Ellen Cofer-Wallace, Marion Cofer Jr., Rosabell Mitchell, Mosell Cofer, Robert Cofer, Christine Cofer-Robertson, and Jerry Lee Cofer.

Bess graduated from Harding High School in Marion, Ohio, in 1968. The following year, she relocated to Austin, Texas, where she pursued a career in cosmetology. After earning her certificate and license, she began working at Scarborough’s Department Store at 6th and Congress Avenue. Through dedication and excellence, she became the first African American manager of the store’s hair salon. During her time at Scarborough’s, she perfected her craft and became a highly skilled hair-cutting specialist. When the company expanded with a new location at Highland Mall, she was entrusted with assisting in its opening. After several successful years with Scarborough’s, Bess accepted a new opportunity with Frost Bros. Department Store, where she remained until its closure in 1989. She then continued her career as an independent operator, serving clients in Northwest Austin.

Bess had a deep passion for travel, frequently visiting destinations such as New York, San Francisco, St. Louis, London, and the Caribbean. She was also an avid bridge player, enjoying the game alongside her late sister, Mosell Cofer, in several Austin-area bridge clubs. A true connoisseur of music, she cultivated an extensive collection of soul, R&B, funk, and jazz albums over the years.

She is lovingly remembered by her sisters, Margie Cofer and Carla Cofer; nephews, Travis Cofer, Desmond Cofer, LeAndrew Hamilton-Cofer, and Marcellus Cofer; goddaughter, Julia Cabin; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished lifelong friends.

A funeral service will be held in Bessie's honor on Thursday March 20, 2025 at 11 am at Saint Mary's Missionary Baptist Church, 1202 W. Pecan St., Pflugerville, TX 78660; followed by a committal service at Cook Walden Capital Parks Cemetery, 14501 N Interstate 35, Pflugerville, TX 78660 at 1:00 pm.

In her honor, contributions may be made to the American Stroke Association and the United Negro College Fund.