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Bessie Mae Epps Colvin
1944 - 2016
Bessie Mae Epps Colvin
1944 - 2016
Obituary
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Bessie Colvin Obituary
72, died on December 27, 2016 at IU Health North Hospital, wife of Rosevelt Colvin, Jr. Born in Marshall, Texas, on March 17, 1944. She was the daughter of Hugh Lee and Eddie Mae (Winn) Epps. She was attended Marshall Public Schools and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education at Wiley College and graduated on June 3, 1967. She received her Master of Arts in Education and Supervision/Administration with a Minor in Voice from Ball State University in 1971. She taught vocal music in Indianapolis Public Schools and local Universities for 40+ years. She also acquired major acting/singing roles in many dramatic stage plays at various theaters in Indianapolis.
She was a long standing member of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church. Where she directed the adult and children's choirs for many years and served as a deaconess. She will be remembered for her love of her family and students and ever-present jovial personality.
She is survived by her spouse Rosevelt Colvin, Jr; children: Rose Colvin, Chicago, Rosevelt (Tiffany) Colvin, III, Indianapolis, Christina Chance, Las Vegas; grandchildren: Xavier, Nijah, Raven, Myles, Kelly, Taylor; goddaughter: Jasmine Davis; siblings: Hugh (Ruby) Epps, Robert (Helen) Epps, Joseph (Evelyn) Epps, Doris (Artis-deceased) Hurd; William (Erma) Colvin, Earl (Betty) Colvin. Proceeding her in death are mother Eddie Mae Epps and Father Hugh Lee Epps, Sr, Joe Epps, brother.
The memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 12:00 p.m., Visitation starts at 9:00 a.m. at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 1901 N. Harding St, Indianapolis, IN. Arrangements: Dixon Memorial Chapel. www.dixonmemorialchapel.net
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Caroline McCoy
December 29, 2021
Shirley Boardman and I just learned of Bessie's passing when my Christmas letter was returned. We are truly saddened. If you see this, please email me a new address for Rosevelt, Jr. Our deepest sympathy.
Indea Mccombs
April 14, 2017
Deepest condolences my favorite high school teacher. May your wings spread over the city with grace and brilliance.
January 31, 2017
I SHALL ALWAYS REMEMBER BESSIE AS A WONDERFUL FRIEND ... DOTTIE MCKINNEY
Honored to have known Mrs. Colvin.
James Dinkins
January 13, 2017
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JAMES DINKINS
January 12, 2017
i was truly sadened to hear of the passing of my favorite teacher and mentor. i had the pleasure of being in two choirs directed by Mrs colvin for my entire four years of high school. in my senior year, i was Mrs. Colvin's office assistant.Mrs colvin enspired myself as well as many other of her students over the years....but i always thoght i was special......that's how Mrs. colvin made you feel, that you mattered, that you were cared for and the the best was expected from you.
Mrs. Colvin often told us that she wasn't training us to be professional musicians (that in fact many of us would never rise to that place,) but that she was training professionals. " do the best at whatever you do....if you clean toilets, be the best toilet cleaner you can be..that's the inspuration she gave to us students....and to me. mrs. Colvin...God's peace be unto you. i will always remember you and a very caring teacher, mentor, friend and mother to many more than her own children. ...you will be greatly missed and forever revered.
James Solomon Benn
January 11, 2017
My deepest condolences to the family and to all others who loved Bessie.
Bessie was one of a kind--giving, strong, a wonderful educator, a loving wife and mother, a performing artist and music minister. She had an abiding faith that beamed from within. You could just see the joy of God's love in her bright, beautiful face.
She always had a kind word for everybody, a zest for life and she could deliver a song, with her unique soulful voice, like nobody's business.
I had the opportunity to work with her in several community theatre stage shows. She was a delight to work with. And Bessie always brought the house down with her showstopping musical numbers. What a talent.
The Indianapolis theatre community benefited greatly from her formidable gifts. She will be sorely missed.
Rest sweetly with the angels my friend.
Felicia Relford-Turner
January 2, 2017
Mrs. Bessie Colvin was one of the best teachers I ever had in music or otherwise! I remember back when she took our George Washington High School Continental Aires Choir to Nashville, TN to perform at the Grand Old Opry as part of national festival.
She gave each of us the confidence to do more than just sing, we soared. Under Mrs. Colvin, we worked hard and gained so much in the process. I am blessed to have known such a graciously gifted lady.
May the Lord bestow peace, grace, and comfort to the Colvin family during this difficult time as you can be assured that Bessie Colvin's legacy will last beyond generations.
January 1, 2017
Lots of fond memories at Ebenezer. Please know your family is in our prayers. The Guyse Family.
Sallye Leffall
December 31, 2016
To the Epps and Colvin family...I attended Wiley with Bessie and spouse Roosevelt. May the peace of God rest with each of you. Peace at Last in Paradise. The Leffall family send our love and prayers.
Pamela Blackburn
December 31, 2016
Bessie was a strong and guiding mentor to me when i first joined the IPS choral directing corps 45 years ago. Her voice and vibrant spirit will be greatly missed on earth.She is now directing choirs of Angels in Heaven forever!
Vickie Outlaw Waller
December 30, 2016
Mrs. Colvin taught me private piano lessons,song at my wedding and went on several spring break trips if had extra seats. She was firm, loving and caring person truly will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with The Colvin family during this time.
Min. Kevin Daniels
December 30, 2016
What a beautiful soul! I will never forget the first time I sang my church solo as a child growing up at the Ebenezer Baptist Church. She trained and taught with such compassion, discipline and love and I was pleased to be called one of her "Honeycakes". May your legacy live on! Rest in God, faithful servant! Much love to you and your family.
December 30, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Mrs. Colvin was my music teacher at School 69 many years ago. Pam Swan-O'Neal
December 30, 2016
Your in our prayers ! We love you.
Synetra Benson
Mrs. Pamela Webb-Martin
December 30, 2016
Bessie and I worked together at PS 108 where she engaged the students with her dedication, infectious smile, commitment to excellence, and music. She was sunshine.
Sincerely,
Don King
December 30, 2016
To the family, we are so sorry for your loss. Bessie was a wonderful person. We had the pleasure of working at IPS with her for many years.
Don and Bev King
December 29, 2016
To the Family:
So sorry for your loss. To help your grieving, share and concentrate on your many happy memories.
Pretty easy to pick me out in this picture!
James Conley
December 29, 2016
My sincerest sympathy and love goes out to the Colvin family and to all of the lives she touched. I owe my entire career in music and theatre to "Ms." Colvin. She was the first person to see talent and worth in me. More than that, she taught me to believe in myself and to pursue my dreams. I feel so blessed that I had the opportunity to know Bessie. My deepest condolences. James Conley
Sally Pennington
December 29, 2016
Godmother you will truly truly be missed!!! I will make our annual Casino trip in March in honor of you!!! My heart is heavy right now but I know where you at, it is just the initial shock of not ever seeing your beautiful smile and hearing that angelic voice and trading our lottery tickets. I know you are giving my parents an update on your "honey cakes" who I will continue to watch for you even more than before!!!!! Thank you for your unconditional love you gave her!!! Rest In Peace Godmother Bessie!!! "Rest in Peace!❤
Charlotte meadows gay
December 29, 2016
Mrs colvin was my choir teacher at George Washington high school. She was very well like and will be missed.
Cora Hamilton
December 29, 2016
Mrs.Colvin was truly awesome, she was kind, firm, elegant, and sincere about everything she did. She encouraged me through very difficult times in my life and like many others a great vocal coach and teacher. I will miss her dearly.
Sarge Lanam
December 29, 2016
Prayers for your family in this time of sorrow. May God give you His peace
Schawayna Raie Rayford
December 29, 2016
You will be missed but cherished in my heart as you always have been and always will be. Love you Mrs Colvin!
December 29, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Angela Carter-Beverly
December 29, 2016
Loved me some Mrs. Colvin! She loved all of her students and taught us well! We loved her too! She made music fun and interesting! I will miss her beautiful smile! I am praying for the family daily as they go through this difficult time. God has received another beautiful angel!
December 29, 2016
My deepest sympathy for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that God longs to reunite you with your love one (Jon 14:14,15).
Eric cunningham
December 29, 2016
"Velt so sorry to hear man, time will heal all,
Ursula Olender
December 29, 2016
I remember her as a teacher at Washington H.S. who cared deeply about her students and music. She instilled a love of music in so many. I am very sorry to hear of her passing and will keep her family and friends in my prayers.
Fragilia Baylor
December 29, 2016
Rose,
My prayers are with you and your family.
Love,
Fragilia S. Grays-Baylor
Rolonda Wallace
December 29, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with Deacon Colvin and the entire family. Ms. Bessie's irrepressible smile and beautiful voice will be missed.
May the LORD keep you during this time.
Norman Brown
December 29, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
December 29, 2016
Sweet Rose
May the loving arms of Jesus enfold you and your family during this most difficult time. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Much love...Rev. Carol
Carol Davis
December 29, 2016
My condolences to the family.
December 29, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the Colvin family at this time of great loss.
Lowana Reid
Thomas Stone
December 29, 2016
My condolences to the entire Colvin family, outstanding educator and beautiful spirit.
Carolyn Williams
December 29, 2016
God bless the memory of a beautiful woman whose life is worth emulating.
With love, Cousin Carolyn
Brenda Cox
December 28, 2016
This lovely lady played a very important part in my love of music. Mrs. Colvin was my elementary school music teacher and gave me private piano lessons for many years. She was the musicial entertainer for my Parents 25th Anniversary in 1975. I knew her before she had children and watched her become a loving Mom. She had Chrissy who attended school with me and later Rose Yvette and Roosevelt II who starred on the football field at Purdue and later with the New England Patriots. God rest her soul! She has been a good and faithful servant. Her warm smile wil be missed. ❤
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