Bessie Marie Pringle, 93 of Temple Hills, Maryland

Bessie Marie Geddis was born in Sumter, SC on July 1, 1930 to the late Jeremiah and Hester Geddis.

Bessie was the youngest of 3 children with about 15 years difference in age, so she was spoiled rotten.  Bessie was educated in the public schools of Sumter, SC. She was married to her childhood sweetheart, Clarence James (CJ) for over 65 years.  From this union they had five children: Connie Jean Brown (Oak Park, MI), Doris Marie Brown (Oxon Hill, MD), Clarence James Jr., "Teddy", deceased, Patrice Larell Brown, (Temple Hills, MD), and Marvin LaVern, deceased.  Bessie was preceded in death by her sisters, Hester Casey, Hattie May, and brother, Uncle James.

Bessie was a stay-at-home mom raising their 5 kids like CJ wanted.  After Patrice and Marvin went to junior high, she obtained a job with the Hecht Company on New York Ave. as a tagger.  She met her traveling partner Carole Simms at the Hecht company.  They traveled to all of the Caribbean islands, Alaska, Hawaii and numerous other places.

Bessie loved the Lord and became a follower of Christ early in life at St. Luke, AME in Sumter.   After moving to DC, she was Baptized into the Baptist denomination at Carolina Missionary Baptist Church under Pastor J. W. Sleigh.

At Carolina, Bessie was a Sunday School Teacher, a member of the Joyland Singers, Pastor's Aide, Outreach Ministry, Pastoral Care and Intercessory Prayer Ministry. She faithfully served Carolina for over 65+ years.  Bessie continued to watch the services via the internet, always asking, "Who is that white-haired man?".  Patrice responded "Mommie, that's pastor".  She was a avid puzzler and was always ready to play a game of Spades or Scrabble and making sweet potato pies and peach cobblers.

She departed this life on July 24th after struggling with Dementia.

She leaves to cherish her memory, three loving daughters: Connie Jean, Doris and Patrice, Daughter in-law, Donnita Pringle (Teddy), Sister in Christ, Dr. Thomasina M. Portis, Faithful Health Aide, Rosetta Kawana, 21 Grandchildren, 30 Great Grandchildren and 21 Great- Great Grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends.