Bessie Inez Phipps

God in His infinite wisdom saw fit to call Bessie Inez Phipps from labor to her reward on Thursday, January 24, 2019, resting peacefully in River View on the Appomattox Health and Rehabilitation Center, Hopewell, Virginia. Bessie, the daughter of the late Mannie Phipps and Sally Moore-Phipps, was born at their family home in Emporia, Virginia on November 28, 1925. She is preceded in death by 4 brothers Arthur, Judge (Tom), Paul, and Willie Otis (Bo), 2 sisters Rachel Easter, Gilberta Cain, and one grandson Barry Adkins.
Bessie is the third child of ten children. She grew up in Emporia, Virginia where she attended Greensville County Public Schools. She was blessed with one daughter, Gracie Elaine Phipps-Artis, who preceded her in death. Bessie accepted the Lord at an early age and was a faithful member of Rocky Mount Baptist Church. As a young adult, Bessie left Emporia to work in Richmond, Virginia for several years as a domestic worker. She was known for her hospitality by welcoming many family members and friends into her home. If anyone needed a place to sleep, or needed something to eat, Bessie’s place was the place to stay. After her health declined slightly, she moved back to her home in Emporia, Virginia to be with her daughter Gracie.
Bessie was a faithful woman of God. Her name explains it all which means, pledged to God. It’s no wonder that she had overflowing love for her family and she was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. If anyone had the privilege to talk to her they always heard her praising God for being good to her and blessing her with many years. Bessie had a quiet and gentle spirit and didn’t talk very much, however, honesty was her strength. She loved to sit outside under the carport and enjoy the great outdoors. When inside she could be found watching her favorite westerns or inspirational television shows. After being diagnosed with a brain tumor in September, if you asked her how she was doing, she always replied, “I’m alright,” she never complained. Bessie and Gracie were like two peas in a pod. When Gracie decided to drive again, you could find Bessie riding shot-gun next to her like Thelma and Louise. They were inseparable and now they are back together again.
Bessie leaves to cherish her memory, one grandson Keith C. Adkins (Kimberly), one great granddaughter who gave her inexplicable joy, Keisha Monique Adkins, one son-in-law Roy M. Artis, one sister, Elizabeth Copeland, two brothers Robert Phipps, Floyd Phipps, one sister-in-law Lessie Mae Phipps, nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

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