Bess M. Lee

There are many words that could describe Bess M. Lee. Many saw her as elegant, classy, beautiful, kind, thoughtful, generous and helpful. Bess saw herself as a simple servant of God who gave her to him.
Born in Decatur, Georgia, she was one of three sisters, Hattie, Carlean and Bess. All are now deceased. They grew up in humble circumstances, that gave them a spirit of adventure and life lessons of independence, hard work and a reliance on God. Bess carried these childhood learned lessons with her to her new home in Cleveland, Ohio, where she married and had one daughter, Gail.
Bess lived a full life. She was curious about people and things. Which opened many friendships and doors for her. She worked as an elevator operator for many years for the American Red Cross. Her graciousness and warm mannerisms to staff and visitors was noticed by management and she was promoted to the position of receptionist. She held that position until her retirement. She was so appreciated that two agency retirement parties were given in her honor, as a reflection of her value and high regard by her coworkers.
Bess was not all work and no play. She enjoyed entertaining, playing cards, dancing, watching TV sports, golf, baseball, Cavaliers, and especially the Cleveland Browns. She was a big fan of Jeopardy, Cable news on CNN and MSNBC. She had a special touch for decorating and gardening. Her quiet dignified manner drew people to her. She loved people and they loved her in return. She had many friends.
Bess was a long time member of Antioch Baptist Church. She loved her church, and its members. She was devoted to the Antioch Usher Board and delighted in that ministry of greeting and assisting worshippers as they entered the Sanctuary. She never learned to drive and often walked to church from her apartment at Euclid and Mayfield. She was so committed to her missionary duty of helping others that she would take the bus to visit the sick, or carry food to a shut in member if her daughter was unavailable to drive her.
Bess leaves to mourn her passing, her Daughter Gail, grandson Fariooq and great grand children Aaliyah and Khalil. She was very proud of them and loved them dearly.
Yes, others may have used fancy words to describe her, but she only wanted to be known as a faithful servant who was precious in the sight of God.
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