Bessie Lea Weaver

Bessie Lea Weaver, 82, entered into rest on Friday, May 23, 2025.

Bessie was born on December 21, 1942, in Biloxi, Mississippi. She was raised in Gulfport by the late Calvin and Edna Simmons, where her Southern roots and strong family values took hold. After marrying her first husband, Reggie, the couple settled in Hattiesburg, where they raised their children and built a life grounded in love and resilience.

Throughout her life, Bessie faced many challenges, each one shaping her into the strong, outspoken, and courageous woman she became. Despite life's hardships, she remained compassionate and generous, always ready to extend a helping hand when she could.

Bessie’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. Deeply involved in her church and its ministries, she found strength, purpose, and community through her spiritual devotion. In quieter moments, she found joy in reading, crocheting, cooking hearty meals, and lifting her voice in song—simple pleasures that reflected her warmth and creativity. Bessie will be deeply missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

In addition to her parents, Bessie was preceded in death by her first husband, Reggie Creel, second husband, Arthur Weaver, and daughters, Sharon Craft and Tressie Lea Brown.

Her memory will forever be treasured by her grandchildren, Leanna Brown (Daniel), Heather Brown, Joshua Brown, Benjamin Brown, Christy Brown, Sidonie Weippert, and Evan Craft (Charity); and son-in-law, Jimmy Brown (Eileen), along with many other loving family members and friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home. Afterward, Bessie will be laid to rest in Parkway Memorial Gardens.

For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/@McCulloughFuneralHome via the McCullough Funeral Home’s YouTube page.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.