Bessie Lee Broadnax

On April 19, 1942, in Thomasville, Georgia, Bessie Lee Broadnax was born to late Leola Wade and late Walter Thomas. Bessie was the second eldest among 15 siblings and shared a close bond with her large and loving family. Bessie accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at an early age and remained faithful, later in life, Bessie moved to New York before migrating to Plant City, Florida (Bealsville), where she built a warm, loving home filled with laughter, faith, and treasured memories. She was a dedicated member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Her commitment to Christ was evident in her service as President of Mission 2 and her participation in the church choir—roles she held with honor until her health no longer permitted it. During her working years she was dedicated to service, she retired from Kmart Corp where she worked for over 30+ years as a manager.

She was proceeded in death by her parents: Leola Wade and Walter Thomas, her beloved daughter Latissa Bell (Lamonica) and son Oliver Smith Sr. and her bonus mother, Mary Thomas, her siblings: Napoleon Wade, Ethel Johnson, Willie Guss Wade.

She leaves behind the memories with her siblings: Ernest Wade (Lucille), Anne Starks, Estella Sanford, Maydell Fryson, Eddie Wade (Linda), Queen Austin (Saughanto), Larry Wade (Gaylor), Angie Prophet, Renee Davis, Mona Wade (Ronnie) children: Sylvia Hallback (John), Anitra Reaves, Sonya Williams, and bonus daughters Pjuana Hargrett and Andrea Mallard, and bonus sister Judy Sinclair. She was an admired grandmother to Veronique Person (Donmaine),Chavalier Sykes, Danielle Young, Willie Williams III (Tristen), Mario Sykes, Cortney Williams, Brandi Berry, Monica Bell, Alandra Lott, Iesha Lott (John), Shortoya Robinson (Ken), Oliver Smith Jr., Shakia Wilson, and Monte Shaw. She was cherished by her 37 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

On her peaceful transition on June 3rd , 2025, Bessie was welcomed home by her Lord and Savior.

The family appreciates all kind gestures during this time of bereavement.

Please see below for service information.  Requesting that face masks be worn at all services.  Please direct any flowers, acknowledgements or resolutions to Charlow Funeral Home.

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