Lessie Be Fannin

Oct. 6, 1955 - July 20, 2008
SOUTH BEND - Lessie Be (Love) Fannin, 52, was born on October 6, 1955, in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to the union of J.B. and Corrine Blackmon. The family relocated to South Bend, Indiana, in 1963. Lessie, while growing up, attended Studebaker Elementary and later graduated from Riley High School, class of 1973. She also attended Indiana University School of Nursing. Lessie worked at Dungarvin of Indiana as a program counselor for 10 years. Lessie was called to her Heavenly Home on Sunday, July 20, 2008, at 6:55 a.m. after an extended illness. She leaves to cherish her beautiful memory her husband, Kevin Fannin, whom she was united in holy matrimony in April 2003. Lessie was the mother of four children, Tina Love, Terry Love, Tiffany Love and Torrence Page, all of South Bend, Indiana; two stepchildren, Kanisha Fannin and Raymond Harper. She is also survived by her siblings, Thelma (Elder Coy) Malone, Jurlean (Harmon) Outlaw, Gloria (Derrick) Chambliss, Beverly Blackmon, Tonya (Lee) Booker and Dennis Cutler; four stepsisters, Willie Jean (Robert) Taylor, Dorothy Ann Cutler and Lenora Patten, all of South Bend, and Delores Wells of Phoenix, Arizona; 10 grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Lessie was preceded in death by her father, J.B. Blackmon; her brothers, Glen Thomas Blackmon and Robert Earl Blackmon; and by a sister, Andrea Walker. Lessie was a member of Greater Holy Temple C.O.G.I.C. where she loved to worship. Lessie was a loving and kind woman. She was known around the community and various churches for her delicious homemade turkey and dressing, macaroni and cheese, and fried chicken. Lessie loved her husband and was dedicated to her entire family. She was known as the neighborhood "Mom." Les, as her close loved ones referred to her, loved to shop, spend time with friends and her clients, and she kept her hair laid bi-weekly visiting her friend and beautician Beverly Donaldson @ "The Look." May God bless the Greater Holy Temple Church family for their prayers and support. We love you. We would like to thank the Dungarvin family for 10 wonderful years and the paid time-off donations during Lessie's illness. A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Katherine Williams for everything. Lastly, to the entire Memorial Hospital staff and her "dream team" of doctors. The sincere prayers and aide to Lessie and her family is recognized and deeply appreciated. The love in Lessie's heart was genuinely felt by all who came in contact with her. May that same love of God and charity continue with her legacy. Funeral services for Mrs. Lessie Fannin will be held at noon on Tuesday, July 29, 2008, in Greater Holy Temple C.O.G.I.C., with burial following at Highland Cemetery. Viewing will take place one hour prior to services in the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alford's Mortuary where bereavement messages may be sent to alfordsmortuary@comcast.net, c/o: the Fannin family.