Bessie Lee Douglas, 72, passed away on the morning of December 25, 2024, while surrounded by her children, grandchildren and loving fiancé Don. She was born to Leona Bolden and Admiral Dewey Bolden on September 10, 1952, in Cleveland, Ohio. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, and graduated from John Hay High School in 1971.

Bessie’s greatest joy in life was her family. She married John Douglas in June of 1975 and together they raised three children: Adrienne, John Michael, and Justin. Her main focus in life was being the best mother that she could be, and even while giving 100% of herself to that endeavor, she still managed to be an active member in her church and community. Bessie’s faith and spirituality were the driving force of her life; she was always prepared with a scripture or prayer to navigate life’s ups and downs. She worked tirelessly to instill the importance of faith and spirituality in her children and grandchildren.

Bessie fully believed that “animals are part of the family.” Her love for animals was well-known by all. Family pets over the years included a dog, three cats, an iguana, gerbils and a ferret. Bessie loved her family and friends with the ferocity of a mother bear. To Bessie, family was not just her blood relatives but also her neighbors and church members. She was giving to a fault but was never afraid to vocalize anything she thought someone needed to hear, especially if that someone was one of her children or her children’s friends. Her home was open to everyone. She mothered many children from the Cleveland Heights neighborhood and her nieces and nephews. She was always ready with a feisty piece of advice, whether you wanted it or not. Bessie’s love language was cooking, and everyone looked forward to her delicious meals. She was the best Grandma to her grandchildren and put them above all. She loved to be surrounded by family, and never ran out of love to share.

Bessie was preceded in death by her husband, John Douglas Jr.; parents Admiral and Leona Bolden; brothers Admiral Dewey Jr., Willie James, Alfred, Leon and sister, Etha Mae. Bessie’s memory will be cherished and kept alive by her fiancé Don Burroughs, and her children; Adrienne, John and wife Milleon, and son Justin; Siblings: Ruby Jean Howard and husband Grady, Mary Louise Mitchell and husband Bill; Grandchildren: Damari, Damon II, and Damira Loretz, Jordan and John Douglas II; as well as many other family members and friends.