Bessie Crutchfield

Bessie Mae Crutchfield (Mama Bessie) was a caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, godmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.  Her battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed her unwavering strength and love for life as she always faced challenges with courage and a smile, until her call to Glory on March 14, 2022.

Bessie was born on July 10, 1944.  She was the first daughter to the late Eddie Love and late Allee Love.  Her parents moved to Pine Bluff, Arkansas when she was just a toddler.  Bessie attended Indiana Elementary school and went on to graduate from Merrill high school.  She then married Percy Jackson Sr. (preceded in death) and to that union four children were born.  

Bessie moved to California, then Illinois, where she gave birth to her fifth child.  Bessie always spoke highly of her children as she loved and adored them. Afterwards, Bessie relocated to East Chicago, Indiana, married Stephen Jones (preceded in death) in 1980, worked and retired from Geminus Headstart. Bessie accepted Christ at an early age and was a Godfearing woman with an unfaltering faith. Bessie loved learning and sharing the word of God, as she became a member and served as vice president and president of the nurse’s board for 30 years at Mount Hermon Baptist Church.   

Bessie was a Black Expo member and had a love for poetry, fashion, cooking, card playing, puzzle booking, bingo, game shows and boat casinos.  Bessie’s unselfishness and consideration for others was unparalleled to none, as she would literally give you her last and would often be heard telling someone to “come eat’ and “put on a coat” or asking, “how can I help?” and “what do you need me to do?” 

This phenomenal woman, was and will always be surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy by celebrating her, loving one another, and living life to the fullest.

Bessie leaves to cherish her memory of her four children, Percy (aka Junior) Jackson, Cynthia (aka Cyn) and Sam Robinson, Eric (aka EJ) Jackson and Donita (aka Bay) and Christopher Jackson;  honorary son Michael Jones; seven sisters, Eddie Mae Jackson, Annie Richmond, Lillie Mae Cregrett, Daisy Mae Julkes, Ida Love, Darlene Love and Sharon Love; brother Conrad Love; five grandkids, Keon Jackson, Tealicia Morris, Natasha Jackson, Roderick Fuller and Keontria Jackson; four great grandchildren, TreNyah Jackson, Shanzon Royal, Leilani Ratcliffe and Kaizer Jackson; special nephew Edwin Richmond; special brother in-law Robert E. Jackson Sr.; goddaughter Mikeia Scott; best friend, Mary Harris; honorary daughters, Casandra Bell, Renee Kershaw and Karen Howard; and a host of nieces, nephews cousins and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Eddie and Allee Love; husbands, Percy Jackson Sr and Stephen Jones; son, Roderick (aka Moose) Jackson; four brothers, Henry Love, Walter Love and Robert Love; Special nephew Richard (aka Bear) Jackson and other loved ones. 

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

-Isaiah 40:31

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