“font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>By all accounts, Bessie Lee Vernell lived an extraordinary life. A tireless worker, dependable friend, outstanding mother, and faithful churchgoer, she was an inspiration to all who knew her.
“mso-spacerun: yes;”> her a beacon of light for her family, church and the community at-large.
“font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Born January 26, 1927, she was the first child of Evangelist Ruth W. Ford and Floyd Williford. She was raised with seven brothers and sisters in Topeka, Kansas. In Topeka, she attended Douglas Elementary and Manhattan Junior and Senior High Schools. She later obtained her General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and in her 50s went to Forest Park Community College where she received her Associates Degree in Humanities. Though she was older than her peers, she proved to be an enthusiastic and disciplined student who graduated with Honors. Her membership in Forest Park’s Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society set an example of excellence for her children and grandchildren to follow.
“font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>After completing her early studies, Bessie worked with the U.S. Postal Service and later retired from the City of St. Louis, having worked in a variety of capacities.
“mso-spacerun: yes;”> intensely her civic interests, especially her passion for education. She served as a Granny-Tutor with the Ferguson Florissant School District and most recently as an education coach for students with disabilities at Paraquad. Though well into her 80s, she worked everyday at Paraquad until November 2010.
“font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>The fulfillment Bessie gained from her work life was rivaled only by the joy she gained from her family.
“mso-spacerun: yes;”> Vernell with whom she remained until his early death.
“mso-spacerun: yes;”> where she was a proud resident of Carr Square Village.
“mso-spacerun: yes;”> Ruth Annie, Lula Mae, Pearlena Marie, and Marchelle Helane.
“font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>In St. Louis, she joined Fountain Church of God In Christ, where she was a Sunshine Band musician.
“mso-spacerun: yes;”> devout member of Bostic Temple for more than 30 years.
“mso-spacerun: yes;”> Memorial every Sunday for the last ten years.
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“font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>In November 2010, Bessie was tragically struck by a car in the parking lot of Missouri Career Center in Florissant, MO while out for her daily walk. She died from complications from the accident on March 14, 2011.
“mso-spacerun: yes;”> parents, her husband and two daughters – Ruth and Lula.
“mso-spacerun: yes;”> daughters Pearlena Harris (Walter) and Marchelle Bettis (Ken-Amen); four sisters; two brothers; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.