Bessie Phyllis Johnson

Bessie Phyliss Johnson was born on May 7, 1933, in Percy, Mississippi, to Will and Willie Ann Johnson. She was the youngest of six children and was raised in a family grounded in faith, love, and resilience. At the age of ten, she accepted the Lord and became a member of Saint John Baptist Church, beginning a lifelong walk of faith that sustained her throughout her life.

Following the passing of her parents, Bessie moved to Phoenix, Arizona, and later to Chicago, Illinois, where she learned the skilled trade of bookbinding. She later married William Allen Perry, and from this union her beloved daughter, Virireader, was born. Motherhood became one of her greatest joys, and she devoted her life to loving and supporting her family.

While living in Sacramento, California, Bessie owned and operated her own cleaning business, reflecting her strong work ethic and independence. In 1999, she came to live with her daughter, Virireader, beginning a chapter marked by daily companionship and unwavering love. In 2006, she relocated with her daughter to Indio, California, where she became a faithful and devoted member of Second Baptist Church, serving on the Missionary Board and Mother Board with grace and humility.

Bessie lived a life defined by love, generosity, and service. She found joy in giving, whether through acts of kindness, encouragement, or the jewelry she lovingly created and shared with others.

She was deeply loved and cherished by her daughter, Virireader "Vee" Harry, her devoted companion and best friend.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, her beloved son, Charles Edward Johnson, and her cherished grandson, Ceddrick Lenell Robinson II.

She leaves to honor and carry forward her legacy her beloved daughter, Virireader "Vee" Harry; her grandchildren, Bessie "Nikki" Robinson, Chyl Robinson, Quartrel Johnson, Quartrina Johnson, Sharnay Kandis, and Sharetta Young; and her great-grandchildren, who were a cherished extension of her love and legacy; along with her devoted nieces and nephews, other relatives, dear friends, and church family.

Her life was a gift.

Her love was unwavering.

Her legacy will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Her Words to Her Family

“Love everybody if you want to see Jesus.”

“Family stay together and be there to assist one another in a time of need. Let us not stray apart.”

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