Mrs. Bessie Lee Johnsen Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

A TIME TO LIVE "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises" Psalm 98:4 Bessie Lee Johnsen was born on January 15, 1951, in Sandhill, Mississippi. She was loved dearly by her parents, Cleo Burnett, Earline Donald, & Mingo Donald, as well as her sixteen siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents, two (2) sisters, Idell Miggins & Christine Burnett; and four (4) brothers, Floyd "Pistol" Donald, Mingo "June Bug" Donald Jr., Lacey Donald, and Leo "Dank" Donald,& Willie Donald. Bessie was one of the first students to transition from Carter High School to a once segregated Pisgah High School where she graduated with honors. Her passion to join the civil rights movement resulted in her being temporarily incarcerated while fighting against racial discrimination during a march in solidarity with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She believed if you did not stand for something, you would fall for anything. Bessie was no stranger to hard work and her willingness to learn new skills was unparalleled. She was a beacon of light that paved a way for many to admire and follow. While keeping God's commandment to "remember thy creator in the days of thy youth" Bessie became a member of Mt. Pisgah M.B. Church, now under the leadership of Pastor Curtis Fletcher. She devoted most of her time to serving others. She was a minister of music committed to praising and worshipping God while sharing the gospel with all through the gift of song. A TIME TO TRANSITION "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him" - James 1:12 In 2012, Bessie was diagnosed with colon cancer, but her faith in Jesus surpassed all doubt. The doctors gave her 6 months to live but God gave her 10 years! He saw she was getting weary and called her home on May 28, 2022, at 1:10 PM in the comfort of her home. A TIME TO REMEMBER "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" - Matthew 5:4 Bessie was loved by many and wanted them to know that she will see them again on the other side. She leaves to cherish her memories: husband, Christopher Johnsen; Flowood, Mississippi; one (1) son, Keenan (Lois) O'Neal and one daughter (1) Chelsea Gross, both from Brandon, Mississippi; six (6) sisters, Rebecca Gore; Lansing, Michigan, Ethel (Bob) Tribbel of Brandon, Mississippi; Earline McKee, Luretha (Roy) Taylor, Estella (Glynn) Taylor, and Shirley Hill, all from Gary, Indiana; four (4) brothers, Elbert (Helen) Donald of D'Lo, Mississippi, Leroy (Jessie) Donald of Brandon, Mississippi, Simon (Lois) Donald of Lansing, Michigan, five (5) grandchildren; Jakavien (Jackie) Winsley of Sandhill, Mississippi, Gabrielle 'Quinn, Dylan Fletcher, Kennydi O'Neal, Keenan O'Neal Jr.; two (2) great-grandchildren, Jurnee & Jaycee Winsley and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Bessie Lee Johnsen

January 15, 1951 - May 28, 2022