Bessie J. Calhoun

Bessie J. (Powell) Calhoun, age 94, of Dagsboro, DE, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Delaware Bay Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Georgetown, DE, under the care of Vitas Hospice.

Born on March 5, 1931, in Newark, MD, she was the daughter of the late Charles H. Powell and Clara Ann (Knight) Powell. After graduating high school, Bessie attended Beacom College in Wilmington, DE, where she completed the secretarial program.

Bessie dedicated nearly three decades-27 years and 8 months-to her work as a postal clerk at the Dagsboro Post Office. She was also deeply involved in the family business, J&B Calhoun Farms, working alongside her husband and son raising chickens and hogs.

A woman of strong faith, Bessie served as a Sunday School teacher at St. George's United Methodist Church in Clarksville, DE, and was a devoted member of Salisbury Baptist Temple in Salisbury, MD.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joseph E. Calhoun, Sr. in 2001; a grandson, Joseph Calhoun, III and her two brothers, Charles and Watson Powell. Bessie is survived by her son, Joseph E. Calhoun, Jr. and his wife, Denise; a grandson, Michael Calhoun and his wife Johanna; a granddaughter, April Hitchens; four great grandchildren, Adler Calhoun, Marlee Calhoun, Oaklyn Calhoun and Ava Lathbury and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 1 PM on Monday, September 15, 2025 at St. George's Cemetery in Clarksville, DE.