Bessie Brewer

Bessie Garmon Brewer, 93, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2024, in Johns Creek, Georgia, from stroke complications. Bessie was born on September 5, 1931, in Duluth, Georgia to the late William M. and Clemmie (Long) Garmon. She was a native and long-time resident of Johns Creek (formerly known as Ocee and graduated from Milton High School in Alpharetta. She married James (affectionately known as “Jeek”) Russell Brewer from Marietta on April 12, 1952, in Cumming and they immediately began building a home in Ocee. Four years later, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, and they moved to Ft. Ord in Salinas, California, where she gave birth to Keith, her only child. When James was deployed overseas the following year, she and her son moved back to Ocee and waited for James to be discharged from service. 

Bessie worked as a machine operator at Westvaco Envelope Company in Doraville and retired after 32 years of dependable service, performing this difficult and strenuous job typically held by men. She was a devout member of Ocee United Methodist Church until it closed in 1987 and then became a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Duluth.

Bessie’s family and church were her two biggest passions. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved to spend time with them. She also enjoyed reading the Bible, listening to gospel preachers and music programs, and keeping up on the latest news from local papers. She was very outgoing and loved talking to anyone who would listen about her faith and family. 

Bessie is survived by her only son - Keith, daughter-in-law - Lynne, granddaughter - Ashley DeRose and her husband – Chad, granddaughter - Whitney, two great-grandsons - Wyatt and Grayson DeRose, one sister-in-law - Willie C. Garmon, and many nieces and nephews. Bessie was preceded in death by her husband, James, her mother, and father, two sisters, one brother-in-law, seven brothers, six sisters-in-law, and many other extended family members.

We would like to extend a special thank you to the owners and loving caregivers at Johns Creek Senior Living Center for taking such wonderful care of Bessie her while she was staying with them. We would also like to thank the nurses at Agape Hospice for managing the last ten days of Bessie’s life. 

The family will receive friends and loved ones on December 12th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on December 13th from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at Ingram Funeral Home, 210 Ingram Ave, Cumming, Georgia. Her funeral service will be held at the funeral home chapel on December 13th at 12:00 p.m. and will be officiated by Reverend Titus Constantine, John Wilson, and Ashley DeRose. Interment will be at Green Lawn Cemetery in Roswell, GA. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Trinity Church at Duluth, P.O. box 1023, Duluth, GA 30096. 

Bessie, we will see you again one day, because Jesus said… “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” John 11:25