Bessie Alice Hook Mayers

Bessie Alice Hook Mayers was born on December 9, 1931 in Chapin, South Carolina; she departed this life on September 16, 2020 surrounded by her loving and dedicated family.

Bessie was the youngest of twelve children born to the late Julius and Lottie Hook. She attended school in Chapin, South Carolina where she met and eventually married the love of her life James Rufus Mayers in February 1951. They attended Providence AME Church, in Chapin, South Carolina.

Bessie and James moved to Kenilworth, New Jersey and shortly afterward relocated and made their home in Elizabeth, New Jersey where they raised ten children. Bessie was the Matriarch of Trumbull Street where she resided for 65 years.

Bessie was a homemaker, not only did she raise her ten children, she raised her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Bessie opened her home to anyone that needed a place to stay; she became the neighborhood babysitter. She was famous for preparing her favorite breakfast, grits, eggs, bacon, fatback, biscuits and her favorite beverage, a Pepsi. She loved when her children would get together and have cook outs in the driveway; she would either be in the window or sitting in her favorite chair on the porch.

Bessie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 45 years James Rufus; her oldest son, James Larry, and her youngest son, Rodney; her parents and her twelve siblings.

Bessie leaves to cherish her precious memories; five daughters, Patricia, Arlene, Claudette, Doretha and Rosia; three sons, Jerry, Howard and Johnny; twenty five grandchildren; thirty seven great grandchildren; three great greatgrandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins; two sons in-law, two daughters in-law; one sister-in-law and one brother-in-law.

To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, rest in peace Queen Bessie; we love you and you will always be in our hearts. Gone but never forgotten.

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