Bessie Mae Jofferion was born the oldest of seven children to Roosevelt and Beulah
Young in Monroe, Louisiana, on December 8, 1937. She peacefully transitioned at her
home on December 12, 2021.
Bessie attended public schools throughout her childhood in Rapides Parish, Alexandria, Louisiana. She accepted Christ at an early age at Saint Lawrence Baptist Church
under the Leadership of Rev. Dr. D.D. Smith.
Bessie was united in holy matrimony to Willie Ralph Jofferion Sr. on September 10,
1955, and together they moved to Cleveland, Ohio in 1957. To this union, four children
were born: Willie Ralph Jr., Ronald, Reginald, and Renee. To her family, Bessie was a
loving and devoted wife and mother, and she reared her children in the fear and love
of the Lord. Her strong love and devotion will be a comfort to her family in her absence.
Bessie connected in fellowship with Providence Baptist Church under the leadership of
Rev. John E. Dobbins. She was a dedicated and active member, participating in the
Young Adult and Adult Ensemble choirs, teaching Sunday school and leading Bible
study. After Rev. Dobbins’ retirement in 1979, Bessie remained a faithful and devoted
member under the leadership of Rev. Rodney Maiden. Under his leadership she was a
founding member of the Providence BC Bowling League (serving in several leadership
capacities), led the 1st Peter 3 couples’ ministry, and was also an active member of the
Widow’s Ministry. Bessie led an incredibly spiritual and inspiring life, and remained a
faithful servant until the time of her death. She was well respected and highly regarded by her church family, friends, and neighbors.
Bessie was preceded in death by her beloved husband (Ralph), parents
(Roosevelt and Beulah), two brothers (Franklin and Booker), and one sister
(Lucinda Maxine). She leaves to cherish her memory, her children: Willie Ralph Jr.
(Diane) Jofferion, Ronald (Denise) Jofferion, and Reginald (Barbara) Jofferion of
Cleveland, Ohio, and Renee (William) Harber, of Fort Washington, MD; her sisters: Ollie Mabra (North Canton, Ohio), Rosa Young (Seattle, Washington), and
Essie B. (John) Brown (Kent, Washington); brother-in-law, Percy Hammond
(University Heights, Illinois); uncle, Ollie Grayson (La Mesa, California); 15 Grandchildren 10 great grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.