Emma Johnson Bessellieu

On April 21, 1934, in the peaceful community of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, the world was blessed with the life of Emma Catherine Johnson Bessellieu - a woman of beauty, grace, unwavering faith, and quiet strength. A proud daughter of South Carolina, Emma graduated from Howard High School in Georgetown, where her kindness, elegance, and radiant spirit made her beloved among classmates. She continued her education at North Carolina A&T University, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Business and joining the distinguished sisterhood of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Later, she advanced her studies at Durham Business College, earning a Certificate in Business. In 1957, Emma married the love of her life, Leonard Vinci Bessellieu, a devoted husband and proud U.S. Navy Veteran. Their union was a testament to faith and love, and together they built a home grounded in devotion and respect until Leonard's passing in 1982. A woman of steadfast faith, Emma joined Bible Way Church in 1963, just six months after the birth of her youngest daughter, Callista. At Bible Way, she found joy and fellowship as a member of the True-Blue Fellowship Club, embodying the spirit of service and Christian love in all that she did. Emma served as a lead instructor where she taught in the "Right to Read" program and she was a tutor with ESL. She developed lesson plans tailored to adult learners, where she incorporated cultural and linguistic diversity into the classroom, and provided supportive one-on-one help to students. Her work helped break down barriers of language and literacy, enabling learners to move toward greater autonomy and opportunity to help locals and foreigners read and understand English. Throughout her life, Emma lived her faith through action serving others with compassion, dignity, and humility. Whether as a caregiver, volunteer, or advocate for those in need, she carried herself with quiet grace and a heart full of generosity. Her later career included working with noted writer Mr. Victor Block in Washington, D.C., where she was admired for her professionalism, integrity, and kind spirit. Emma's life was a shining example of faith, resilience, and love. She was a devoted mother whose warmth and wisdom shaped the lives of her children and all who knew her. Her presence brought comfort; her kindness brought peace. Emma, traveled to some of the most fascinating countries in the world. She immersed herself in different cultures while visiting Alaska, Austria, Australia, England, Germany, Italy, France, Russia, and numerous islands throughout the Caribbean on various cruises and also Hawaii. She is lovingly remembered by her children: Venecia Colettia Bessellieu, Callista Yvettia Bessellieu and Jamesea Leonard Bessellieu of Maryland. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Zellamericia Lynette Bessellieu, and her devoted husband, Leonard Vinci Bessellieu. Emma's memory will also be cherished by her brother-in-law Esau Bessellieu; sisters-in-law Wilhelmina Brown, Verlily Smith (James), and Ozella Rose (Edward); Godchildren, Alexis Hawkins, Esq. and Sarita Ballenger as well as Josephine Senn and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Eugene Heyward MD, Susan P. Bessellieu, Angie and Hendley Williams, Faith Harris, (RPh). The family is also appreciative to the dedicated team from Agatha Home Health nurses and caregivers for their compassion and care: Danielle Blair, Wenesa Murray, Nekoda Williams, and Patricia Evans. Also, Fresenius Kidney Care-Surratts, staff members Philip Cunningham and Makeba Amos. Emma Catherine Johnson Bessellieu will forever be remembered as a faithful, dignified, and loving woman - a devoted mother, loyal friend, and quiet force of grace whose spirit will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. Her legacy of faith, strength, and love will live on in the hearts of all she touched.
The Viewing will be held Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025 at The Brook United Methodist Church 9705 St. James Rd. Myrtle Beach, SC 29588 9-11AM.
The Funeral will follow Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025 at The Brook United Methodist Church 9705 St. James Rd. Myrtle Beach, SC 29588 11AM.
Burial will follow in the Heaven Gate Cemetery.
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