Bessie Hunt

OBITUARY Bessie Mae Hunt (Crawford) was born November 4, 1919 in Glen Flora, TX (Wharton County Texas) to the parents of Harrison Sr. And Pearl Hunt. She was united in matrimony in 1940 to John Wiley Crawford Sr. Mr. Crawford preceded her in death. They were the parents of nine children: three sons, Sylvester, Nathaniel and Clarence Tyrone preceded her in death. Born the fifth child in her family of seven, she has survived all of them–her brothers: Noah, Don, Harrison Jr., Lee Edward and her sisters: Winnie and Pearl. Known affectionately as Aunt Bessie, Sis. Crawford, Sis. Hunt, Grand-Grand, Mi-Mi or Grand-Ma. Her children and all their friends called her Mother which she loved. She had a special love for children in the community and tried to feed every one of them and many times joined them in sports. Ms. Bessie was baptized at a very early age in a Brazos Lake and would often say “I’ve been in church all my life.” Instilled all her children get in church, stay in church. Stay with the Lord, pay your tithes from the money you make. Do work in the church. Sunday School and BYPU was a must. She grew up mostly in the Rogers, Texas (Bell County) area and worked with her family on the farm and did domestic work while caring for the home. She was a member of the Eastern Star. In 1956 the family moved to Sweetwater, Texas and united with Mt. Rose Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. F. K. Williams serving in various auxiliaries. In 1963 the family moved to Odessa, Texas and her work continued as domestic in homes in various neighborhoods. She united with the Rose of Sharon Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. A. H. Goings. Ms. Bessie served under the leadership of Rev. Vonzell Baucham, Rev. J. W. Hanson and Rev. Donald Flinn, and she remained a member of (Her Church) now pastored by Rev. Windsor Archie. Also her passion for study and learning in the church continued as she served with Sunday School, Mission, Bible study, Christian Education and was happy being appointed over the Baptismal Service. She loved the annual women’s day fundraisers and March. Being The Janitor of the church was equally important to her, and she took ownership and loved the position. Ms. Bessie learned many things in spite of having an eighth-grade education. She demanded her children get an education. She studied with each child learning along with them. Never afraid to ask questions and with what she learned, she was a self-made mechanic, average seamstress, a cook and a decorator. She loved gardening. Ms. Bessie was never afraid to tackle anything. Ms. Bessie was strict and stern. Discipline sometimes came with a smile and a funny quote such as “Stay in your lane.” Or “If it is to be, it’s up to thee.” or “I brought you in to this world, and I’ll take you out.” Those who really knew her knew the meaning of each one and governed themselves accordingly! Her love, her legacy, her hard work will never be forgotten, and we all should find solace in knowing her course is finished, her woes, hurts are terminated, her battles are over, and joy awaits forever more. To cherish her memories are three sons: John (Arnetta), Matthew and Henderson Crawford; three daughters: Dorothy (Howard) Williams, Pearlie Crawford and Lillie (Ralph) Richardson; twenty-seven (27) grandchildren; thirty-nine (39) great grandchildren; and a host of great-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, loving friends and a caring special niece: Ethel Blacknall and great nephew Vance Starks.