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Submitted: 9/27/20 • Approved: 9/27/20 • Last Updated: 6/29/23 • R1341073-G1341072-S3
March 29, 1940 - January 5, 2019
Bessie Elliott is one of twelve children. She was born in Louann, Arkansas to Elizabeth and
Rochester Paschal on March 29, 1940. Her early childhood education was at Shady Grove Elementary School located in Louann, Arkansas. Bessie walked to school every day. However, when she entered 5th grade, the school re-located consolidating with Lafayette School in Cullendale, Arkansas. Here she enjoyed being bussed every day. Bessie graduated from Lafayette High School in 1958. In the fall of 1958, she traveled to Los Angeles, California to join her sister, Juanita, Aunt Rosie and Uncle Ike.
Bessie’s very first job was working at a Five and Dime Store. Bessie continued to further her education by enrolling in night classes perfecting her typing and other office skills. Once she felt confident and fully prepared with her office skills, Bessie began completing and leaving job applications everywhere. One of the places where she completed an application was at Bank of America, and there is where she was hired. Bank of America employed her immediately. With multiple promotions, she reached the status of management. Bessie retired from Bank of America after 33 plus years of dedication.
Bessie was married to Hershell Elliot, and to this union was born a son named Andre. Andre preceded her in death. After Bessie’s marital separation with Hershell, she later met Floyd Ammons and from this union was blessed with another son named Anthony. Anthony and his wife, Tarsha, blessed Bessie with her very first granddaughter, Kailynn. There were three grandsons: Brandon Smith (Trinisha), Xavier Jones and David Jones; and one great-granddaughter, Amiyah Smith, whom she loved just as much. She would tell how she enjoyed spending time with them on evenings after school. Granddaughter, Kailynn is graduating from high school this year.
Bessie was an active and faithful church member. She was a member of Christ Christian Home Baptist Church located in Compton, California. She was president of the First Aiders, assisted with the Sunbean Choir and church banquets. Also, she attended Bible Study whenever able.
Bessie was a very artistic person. She loved to create flowers from “dollar Bills." These “Dollar Bills" flowers she would present to children on their birthdays.
Best friend, Dotty, would tell how they would spend days shopping and enjoying each other’s company.
Bessie leaves to cherish her memories son, Anthony; sisters: Juanita Jimenez (Jose) of Paramount,
California; Alice Faye Frazier of Wisconsin; Ervalene Eliott of Detroit, Michigan; Janice Frazier
Hampton of Hercules, California; Margaret Ann Williams (James) of Louann, Arkansas; and Evelyn
Frazier-Dirden of Camden, Arkansas; brothers: Eugene Frazier (Margaret) of Richmond, California; Walter Orval Frazier (Mary Ann) Camden, Arkansas; George E. Frazier, Willie James Frazier (Ida) of Louann, Arkansas, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.
Contributed on 9/27/20 by debbraszymanski
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Record #: 1341073