Bessie Ann Johnson

Deaconess Bessie A. Johnson transitioned from her earthly body to her wonderful new body in Heaven on Friday, August 6, 2021. Deaconess Bessie was born on June 8, 1937, the only daughter of the late Willie T. Mitchell and the late Lina Mae Edgeston Gaillard (GC) in Ripley, Mississippi. She received her education in the Ripley Public School System. Deaconess Bessie was employed by Howard Community Hospital as a Housekeeper, she worked at Chrysler Corporation in Production (old 90). She was also employed by Precious Little Ones and Straight Gate Day Care as an Aide before retiring. Deaconess Bessie accepted Christ at an early age. As a servant of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, she was a member of Second Missionary Baptist Church where she served as a Deaconess, on the Culinary Committee and on the Usher Board. Under the Pastorate of Dr. Rev. L. F. Burton, Deaconess Bessie would attend the State Convention, where she won a few Queen Beauty Pageants. Deaconess Bessie loved attending church, listening to the word and the choir sing praises unto the Lord. Deaconess Bessie loved watching sports. During her stay in Mississippi, she played basketball and softball. Also, while living in Mississippi, Bessie and her oldest brother Charles Mitchell would sing Rhythm and Blues together. Her favorite NFL team was the Green Bay Packers. She loved to do Seek and Find Puzzles. She watched the Investigation Discovery Channel, MTV and the Food Network. Deaconess Bessie, aka “The Hat Lady”, was very classy and dressed from head to toe, with everything matching. Deaconess Bessie loved to cook and was phenomenal at it. She was always cooking for her family and friends. When she cooked, she cooked for an Army. She was known for her Peach Cobblers, Banana Puddings and her three layer cakes, especially her Caramel Cake. On December 23, 1954 Bessie was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Deacon R. D. Johnson. They were married for 62 years. Deaconess Bessie, leaves to cherish her memory and legacy children, sons, Ricky A. Johnson (Angie-Companion), Reginald D. Johnson (Sherri), Demetris O. Johnson (Karen), all of Kokomo, IN and daughter, Brenda R. (Johnson) Walker (Troy) of Kokomo, IN. Special nephew, Arnold Malone (who was like a son to her). Adopted daughter, Barbie Sirmons of Indianapolis, IN. Brothers, Joe Wayne Gaillard (JoAnn), Jimmie Gaillard (Brenda) all of Kokomo, IN and Teal J. Gaillard (Anita) of Carmel, IN. Her Aunt Dorothy Bails of Ripley, Mississippi (who was more like a sister). Special cousin, Minnie Holmes (William) of Kokomo, IN. Eleven grandchildren, Dondre’ Johnson of Indianapolis, IN, Brandon Johnson (Katie) of Noblesville, IN. Kelisha Jones, Torrey Johnson, Shanel Johnson all of Kokomo, IN. Ashley Johnson of Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Kegan Walker, of Champaign, IL., Jairus Johnson of Carmel, IN., Jerell Johnson of Kokomo, IN., Jordan Johnson of Fishers, IN., and Kelby Walker of Kokomo, IN. Two adopted grandchildren, Samuel Sirmons of Atlanta, GA., and David Sirmons of Indianapolis, IN. Seventeen great grandchildren and one adopted great grandson. Two special nephews, Chris Johnson, and Terrell Johnson; and a host of extended special family members, nieces, nephews and very special friends. Deaconess Bessie has now joined her Husband, Parents, Grandparents, Brothers, Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews and Friends in Heaven for a joyous reunion. Service Date & Time: Saturday August 14th Viewing 9am-11am Service starts at 11am Location: Second Baptist Church STREAMING: TO WATCH LIVE CLICK HERE