Bessie Renfro

Bessie Renfro was born June 2, 1937 in Sikeston to J.D. Renfro and Julia Edwards Renfro. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brothers, Arthur Renfro, Everett Nixon, Oblenis Gipson, and Micheal Gipson, and her sister, Floy Spence.

She confessed her faith in Christ and deemed her church home to be West End Baptist Church in Sikeston, Missouri. In her free time, she loved singing her favorite song “Hold on to God’s Unchanging Hand”. She sang it every day.

Bessie graduated from Sikeston High School in Sikeston, Missouri. While in school, she was passionate about being in dramatics classes and acting in plays.

After graduating, she relocated to Chicago, Illinois to further her education. She advanced from Malcolm X College with a degree in nephrology. Her love for Christ extended to her work in the community. Bessie attended Bryn Mawr Community Church in Chicago and donated her time volunteering in their food pantry, as well as engaging in political work in her down time.

She worked in her specialty as a dialysis technologist, as well as various jobs, such as a nurses’ assistant, accounting clerk, and an Obstetrics technician, to name a few, until her health began to fail. Later, she relocated back to Sikeston.

She shared 27 blissful years of life and love with her special companion, Thomas King. He also preceded her in death.

Bessie had a special place in her heart for her family, especially her nieces and nephews. Her greatest joy was spending time with them,   particularly in the summer when she would keep them. She had an exceptional bond with her family, which extended to her furry friends. Bessie had pets such as her monkey, Corky, a turtle, a parakeet, and a dog, that she treated like humans. She truly cared for them.

Bessie would create unique nicknames for those she loved. Her humor shined through in all avenues. Her love language with family was talking trash and speaking in her sarcasm. She valued travelling, particularly in her younger years when she would visit her mother, and during the holidays. She had a passion for living life and doing what made her happy. In her free time, she enjoyed shopping, dressing up, reading, crossword puzzles, and listening to music. She will be missed by many.

While at Delta South Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Sikeston, Missouri, on Monday, February 26, 2024, Bessie was taken from our midst at the age of 86 years, eight months, and 24 days.

She leaves to cherish her special memories two sisters and one brother-in-law, Everlean Brown, and Syletta and Bishop L.L Williams all of Sikeston, Missouri, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Friends may call Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 12:00 noon until the funeral hour of 1:00 P.M. at West End Baptist Church, located at 1004 Maud Street, in Sikeston, Missouri with Bishop L.L. Williams officiating.  Interment will follow in Sunset of Memories Cemetery in Sikeston.  The Williams Funeral Homes of Sikeston is in charge of arrangements.