Bessie Elizabeth Reid

Bessie Elizabeth Reid, 74, of Buford, GA passed away on Friday, July 19, 2024. Celebration of Life services will be held on Friday, July 26, 2024, 11am, at McKendree United Methodist Church, 1570 Lawrenceville Suwanee Rd, Lawrenceville, GA 30043. Burial will immediately follow at the church cemetery. Please express your condolences here on our website. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to McKendree United Methodist Church, in Ms. Bessie's honor, where she loyally served on the hospitality committee. You can do so using the link below. https://mckendreeumc.org/give Click the button that says: Give/Pay one time or schedule recurring The fund is ''miscellaneous payment" In the memo spot please put "For the Hospitality Committee in honor of Ms. Bessie Reid" Please call the church directly if you have any questions regarding your donation. If you would still like to send flowers please have them delivered to Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, 914 Scenic Hwy S, Lawrenceville, GA 30045 no later than 5pm on Thursday, 7/25/24. Professional services have been entrusted to Gregory B. Levett & Son's, Lawrenceville. If you have questions please call, 770-338-5558. Bessie Reid, beloved sister, cousin, aunt and friend, departed this life on July 19, 2024. She was born on November 3, 1949, in Harlem, New York to Anthony R. and Mildred E. Reid. The eldest of two children, Bessie grew up in a loving household, in St. Albans, Queens where she developed a passion for sports and soaps. She graduated from Richmond Hill High School in 1967 and then went to Mandl School, The College of Allied Health in New York City, to become a medical assistant. She worked at Equitable Life Insurance in the Medical Department and then at the Jamaica New York Board of Health. Bessie was a committed member of Grace United Methodist Church, St. Albans, New York. From childhood, she was active in the Junior and Senior Methodist Youth Fellowship, a committed Sunday School student and sang with the Wesley’s and Aldergate choirs. Later in life, she was involved in the Adult Christian Experience and Senior Adult Group. She served as secretary for local church and district conferences and was a qualified Lay Servant, having taken courses pertaining to leadership development. Typically, Bessie could be found behind the scenes doing charitable deeds for others, without wanting to be recognized. When Bessie relocated to Georgia, she transferred her quiet way of spearheading activities into the congregational life of McKendree United Methodist Church where she served with the Greeters, as well as the Hospitality and Bereavement ministries. Bessie was a vibrant soul who embraced life with enthusiasm. She was an avid traveler who had seen the world, often finding ski destinations to explore with friends. Full of adventure, she wasn’t afraid to hit the road, harness into a zipline or appreciate scenic views from a hot air balloon. A true sports fan, committed to household rivalries, she rooted for the Mets and the Dallas Cowboys. Bessie was an experienced crocheter, generously gifting people with blankets and garments. In retirement, she frequented museums, live concerts and swimming pools (but not to swim of course). With her friends at The Main Street on the Green, Bessie organized day trips and participated in Bingo, Tai chi and bible study. Bessie is survived by her brother Anthony R. Reid and sister-in-law Valarie Parker; her lifelong friends David and Sharon Lucas, Pat Lennon-Hicks, Brenda Angevine; her unofficial godfather and mentor Dr. Melvin Hall; and special friends Robert Bass and Nyasha Bass. A host of family and friends will also cherish her memory.

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Bessie Elizabeth Reid

November 3, 1949 - July 19, 2024