This Dear Lady Bessie Lee Vernell of whom was also my friend grew up with my father and his siblings at the First C.O.G.I.C. in Topeka KS.  She was affectionately called 'Bessie Lee' and down through the years shared many stories of their lives growing up.  I had the pleasure of knowing Bessie and attending church with her since the mid 1970s.

She played the piano and organ as I do and so many times we shared about music and the different kinds of music we loved.  She as my Dad was a HUGE jazz/blues fan and we would talk about the Old School Jazz/Blues Musicians and Singers we loved best...Jimmie Smith, Erroll Garner, B.B. King, and the list goes on and on.

Although she was old enough to be my mother Bessie and I had many wonderful talks about life and living.  Our conversations could go from those heart-to-heart talks as I used to have with my own Mom to the school-girl like giggles we shared many times.

Bessie had a loving heart towards everyone, but especially to children/young folks and the elderly.  Many times she would share her resourses with both and I knew about how she did it in secret and watched GOD Reward her openly for her generous ways.

Bessie could cook ANYBODY under the table! She was EXCELLENT and what made her food SO good was the LOVE she included in her preparation.

To know Bessie was to love her...I will miss Bessie and I am praying for her family.  God Bless and keep you.