Bessie Mae Williams Johnson was born in Newton, Georgia on March 7, 1932. She was the beloved daughter of Charlie and Estella Williams.

During the early years of life, she received her formal education in the Baker County and Dougherty County School Systems.

Bessie had the great advantage of growing up in a home in which the Lord was feared and worshipped. As a youth, she professed her faith and belief in Christ and united with the Chapel Hill Baptist Church of Newton, Georgia.

Family and friends were among her greatest cherished gifts. She was a deeply caring and compassionate wife, mother, grandmother who looked well to the ways of her household and ate not the bread of idleness. Bessie was a strong but gentle woman with a heart of gold. Her friendliness and kindness to all people and her devotion to her family and friends are lasting tributes to the beauty of her heart and soul. Her presence will deeply be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

On Friday, May 4, 2018, Bessie's 85-year journey ended and she transitioned to eternal rest. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Paul Johnson; three sons, Christopher Williams, Benton Williams, and Lawrence Evans; and three siblings, Martha Louise Coe, Emma Lee Williams, and Charlie Williams, Jr.

Left to cherish fond memories are her loving children, Logan L. Williams of Macon, GA, Alfred L. Williams of Queens, NY, and Alice Faye Williams and Louise B. Williams of Albany, GA; three siblings, Joseph Williams of Bay Shore, NY, Vinnie Mae Williams of Monticello, FL, and Leola Williams of Queens, NY; sister-in-law, Sammie M. Williams of Albany, GA; twenty-one grandchildren; great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

When God saw you getting weary and a cure was not to be
He put his arms around you and whispered come to me.
He didn't like what you went through and he gave you rest
His garden must be beautiful for he only takes the best.
And when we saw you sleeping so peaceful and free from pain
We wouldn't wish you back to suffer that again.
Today we say goodbye as you take your final rest
That garden must be beautiful because you are one of the best.

Loving you forever—Your Family