Bessie Mae Bowdry peacefully transitioned from this life to eternity on Sunday, May 2, 2021 at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS. She was born March 13, 1940 to the late Prentiss Stewart and Willie B. Starks. She was reared by the late Willie and Katie Mae Agnew. She was the youngest of four children: Laverna Calomese, Christell Jackson and Bonds T. Stewart, who all preceded her in death.

She professed Christ at an early age and was a faithful lifelong member of Mt. Nebo C.M.E. Church until her health failed. She used her gift and talents to serve the Lord and Mt. Nebo C.M.E. in several capacities, including Stewardess, Missionary Society, Pastor Aides Board and Kitchen Committee.

She was married to the late Andy Bob Bowdry and a loving, devoted mother to six children. She was the life of her family gatherings. She loved life and cherished her children and grandchildren. She was blessed with a large, loving family. She worked tirelessly after the passing of her husband to takecare of their children and she mastered that goal. She leaves to cherish her memories four (4) daughters: Stephanie Grove (Dale) of Booneville, MS, Tonja Williams (Jerome) of Baldwyn, MS, Sherrell Mayfield (Ronnie) of Saltillo, MS and Donnell Bowdry of Saltillo, MS; two (2) sons, Leonardo Bowdry (Demetria) of Baldwyn, MS and Jeffery Bowdry (Yolanda) of Guntown, MS; thirteen (13) grandchildren: Andrew Williams (Quen) of Booneville, MS, Jarett Williams of Booneville, MS, Cheesnee Bowdry of Booneville, MS, Tice Bowdry of Baldwyn, MS,Annissia Williams of Guntown, MS, JaKoby Williams, of Baldwyn, MS, Oria Mayfield of Saltillo, MS, Neilson Crump of Saltillo, MS, Ja'Lee Bowdry of Guntown, MS, Christopher Bowdry of Marysville, California, Bradley Boose of Baldwyn, MS, LaDarrius Fair and Kyle Fair of Guntown, MS; God-daughter Faye Jackson (Fred) of Louisville, MS; five (5) great grandchildren; two (2) sisters-in-law, Virginia Bowdry of Baldwyn, MS and Rosalyn McCoy (Charlie) of Tupelo, MS; one (1) brother-in-law Murray Calomese (Martha) of Baldwyn, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.