Bessie Mae Johnson "Tootsie", age 57, passed away August 2, 2017, at Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater, FL. She was born July 3, 1960 in Starkville, MS to the late Lester Edmonds and Winona Wooten. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, three brothers, and two sisters. She married the love of her life William "Bill" Johnson who preceded her death in 2015. Bessie loved to garden and loved making crafts for her grandchildren. Her hands were rarely still. She was the strongest, most independent women you'd ever meet. She never took life for granted, she was always laughing and loved to have a good time.

For many years Bessie worked at The Pit & Cone in Columbus. It suited her servant heart. Bessie had the purest heart, always giving even when she had nothing left to give. She cared so deeply for her family and friends as they did for her. Her life was a living example of the bible verse, Deuteronomy 31:6 – "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." Bessie loved her Lord and she knew she was never alone because the Lord was always there with her.

Bessie is survived by her daughters- Janet (Kevin) Braddock of Columbus, MS  and Kayla (Chad) Darrow of Clarksville, TN; sisters- Kathy (David) Keller and Jean (Doug) Young; brothers- Ronnie Byrd and James (Angela) Johnson; grandchildren- Maggie Kate Braddock, Gracyn Braddock, Kain Darrow, John Braddock, Connor Darrow, Brooke (Nathan) Martinez, and Kevin Braddock; great grandchild- Raeleigh Martinez; her dearly beloved dog Jack Johnson and her many nephews and nieces. All of these she loved and touched deeply.

Please join in celebrating her life Sunday afternoon August 20, 2017, visitation 1:30-2:00 with service to follow at Lowndes Funeral Home Chapel, 1131 North Lehmberg Rd, Columbus, MS 39702.