Bessie Townsend Temple

Funeral service for Mrs. Bessie, 83, were held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Start Baptist Church with Bro. Jeff Thomas officiating. Interment was in Start Cemetery, Start, LA under the direction of Brown-Holley Funeral Home, Rayville, LA.

The most loved mama, Mamaw, sibling, friend, and everyone else's Aunt Bessie passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones in the comfort of her home.

She was born to James Henry Sr. and Jewell Parker Townsend on October 4, 1942. She was one of 11 kids. She learned the meaning of work from an early age working alongside her family on the farm. Later in life, she began working at Start Baptist Church as a custodian, but in reality, she was so much more than that in the 30+ years she worked there. Along with working at the church, she was asked to work at Start Elementary School by the principal at the time. She blessed those halls and loved on many students for 20+ years.

She was a woman that wore many hats. She didn't put up with much. She was known for her resilience, a fierce prayer warrior, and had a true servant's heart until the very end. Throughout her life, she was full of strength, guidance, and unwavering love for all of those around her. She was a faithful member of Start Baptist church for many years.

She married her one true love, Wade, on December 1, 1962, and together, they had two sons. They were married 60 years before he passed in 2023. They lived a life full of love and adventures leaving so many memories to cherish.

Waiting with open arms at Heaven's gates will be her beloved husband, Wade; grandson, K.C.; parents, James and Jewell; sister, Anna; and brother, James.

Left to cherish her memory are her pride and joys; two sons, Greg (Tammie) and Kenny; four grandchildren, Christopher (Molly), Sarahann (D.J.), Joshua (Haley), and Matthew (Dorri); thirteen great-grandchildren, Alice, Easton, Avery, Mason, Emmett, Bryce, Maverick, Emma, Wrenleigh, Olivia, Emily, Jackson, and Brooklynn; siblings, Sherman (Lou), Johnny Mac (Roxanne), Roland (Gloria), Benny (Im), George, Doris, Dianne, and Pat; in-laws, Loretta (Randy), Jimmy, Houston (Pat), and Shirley; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were James Waldron, Elliot Colvin, Tyler Higginbotham, Chris Turbeville, Delbert Crow, Jeremy Crow, Jonathan Crow, and John Hatten.

Big thank you to her sister, Pat, and her "daughter", Loretta, for their special love and attention during this last phase of her life. Special thanks to Elara Caring for the exceptional care provided to our loved one. Forever family.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Jeff Thomas' St. Jude’s Marathon fundraiser.

Condolences may be left at brownholleyfuneralhomes.com.