Bessie is a native of Duval County, Florida, and was educated in the Duval County Public School System, graduating from New Stanton. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Education and earned a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.
After many years of instruction, she earned a specialty degree in Workplace Management and Supervision from the University of West Florida in Pensacola.
Bessie taught in public education for 38 years and held instructional duties as an adjunct professor of business systems and technology at Florida Community College for 21 years.
She has one precious and devoted daughter. In retirement she enjoys life by reading, bowling, traveling and spending time with her family.