Bessie was born in Charleston, WV on July 21, 1923, the daughter of Okey and Niatia Bailey Walton.  

She was an educator, primarily teaching high school students, in the Roanoke Rapids Schools system for over 19 years.  A very active member of Good News Baptist Church, she was involved for as long as her health permitted.  

She is survived by her daughter, Melinda Hite; son and daughter-in-law, David Lee and Leah Willey; grandchildren, Ann Marie (Brad) Lassiter, Jessica (Eric) Russ, and Daniela Willey; great-grandson, Christian Lassiter; and her sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Dale Graybill.   Bessie was preceded in death by her parents; 3 infant sons; her husband, Edgar Willey; and son-in-law, Darrell Hite.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 7:30 pm Tuesday at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.

The funeral service for Bessie Willey will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at Good News Baptist Church, with Pastors Jimmy King and Steve Melton presiding.

A private burial will be held at a later time.

Memorials may be sent to: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, PO Box 98018, Washington DC 20090-8018.

Online condolences may be left at hockadayfs.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.