- Date Of Birth: November 18, 1946
- Date Of Death: July 11, 2022
- State: Illinois
Bessie Mae Swilley was born, Bessie Mae Williams, on November 18, 1946, in Hollandale, MS to the union of her parents, James Williams Jr. and Ella Doris Percy-Williams; both, along with (1) one sister, Bernadine Williams-Smith, (2) two brothers, James Clyde Williams and Cedric Earl Williams, preceded her in death.
The family resided in Greenville, MS where she attended Lucy L. Webb Elementary School and Coleman High School, in the Greenville Public School system.
Bessie relocated to Chicago in 1966. Once here, she became a part of the Black Panther Movement to help secure social justice and equalities for the underserved. While helping others, she completed her education and learned various job skills. She began working for International Harvester, now known as Navistar International, in the early 1970’s. She worked there until her retirement in 2002 and gained many lifelong friends.
In March of 1978, Bessie was united in Holy Matrimony to the love of her life, L.C. Swilley of Greenville, MS. Prior to this union one child, Sheila D. Swilley, was born.
In 1994, Bessie, along with her family became a member of Mt. Moriah M.B.
Bessie was an avid bowler and league secretary for numerous years until her illness took a toll. Mommy was the backbone of the family. She could make things happen when no one else could. She fought as hard as she could, never giving up. She did an amazing job holding this family together. She was always willing to share any advice or experience in order to help guide and teach someone else. Never a selfish bone in her body. God saw that she was tired from all of the pain and suffering she had been going through. She fought a good fight.
Bessie leaves to cherish her memories, her husband of 44 years, L.C. Swilley; 2 daughters, Jacquelyn (Rick) Weathers, and Sheila (Patrick) White; 1 son, Leonard Swilley Sr.; 9 grandchildren, James(Melody) Rollins, Christina Rollins, Christopher Rollins, Amethyst Jackson, Keyjuan Logan, Ebonne Swilley, Leonard Swilley Jr., Terry Johnson, and Ronnie Smith Jr.; (11) great-grandchildren; (6) brothers, Louis Williams, Johnny Ray Williams (IL), Paul (Lourdes) Williams (CA), Harold (Undria) Williams (AR), Darold Williams (CO), and Will Smith (MS); (2) sisters, Dwenda (Klaas) Hutter (ID), and Taurus Lacy (TN); 1 “Extra”sister, Marva Ann Ellis Nash (MS); (2) Brothers-in-law, Walter(Joyce) Swilley, and Lendale (Janice) Swilley (GA); (5) Sisters-in-law, Irene Swilley-Wynn (NY), Earline Buchannan, Rose Houston (IL), Aretha Williams, Rayshell Swilley (MS); God-daughter, Desiree Reed; The Mt. Moriah family, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends, whom she loved dearly.
