The funeral services for the late Ms. Bessie Coley, who departed this life on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at Pruitt Health Ashburn in Ashburn, Georgia, will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. from the Zion Hope Baptist Church in Ashburn, Georgia. Bishop Dr. Willie C. Coley will be delivering the Eulogy. Burial will follow in the Westview Memorial Cemetery in Ashburn, Georgia. Services may be viewed Facebook Live from the "Shipps Funeral Home" Facebook page or by clicking the Video Stream link on this site's Home Page.

Ms. Bessie Coley was born on February 14, 1945 in Dawson, Georgia to the late Mr. and Mrs. Hubert and Irene Coley. Early in her life, the family moved to Turner County, Georgia.

Bessie was educated in the Turner County Public School System. She graduated from Eureka High School in 1960.

Bessie moved to Ridgeland, South Carolina in the 1970’s. It was in Ridgeland where she was united in Holy Matrimony to John Graham. Bessie lived in South Carolina for many years before moving back to Ashburn, Georgia in 2017.

After moving back to Ashburn, Georgia in 2017, Bessie joined the Gospel Temple of Peace in Chula, Georgia, on January 11, 2017, under the leadership of Bishop Dr. Willie C. Coley, Pastor, and M. C. Robert Smith. She was made a Mother in the church. Mother Coley was a faithful member. She always had a song to sing or praise in her heart, as she loved the Lord.

God saw fit to call this soldier in His army home on February 5, 2023 at Pruitt Healthcare in Ashburn, Georgia. Mother Coley will be truly missed by many. She will be remembered for her big heart and cheerful giving spirit. Her parents, her husband, a son, Anthony Coley, have all preceded her in death.

Mother Coley leaves to cherish her memories a daughter, Vivian Coley (Rufus “Corn” Jones) of Ashburn, Georgia; three grandchildren, Latoya Coley, Latasha Burrison, both of Ashburn, Georgia, and Donmetirus (Carina) King of Newport News, Virginia; fourteen great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren; two sisters, Louise Byrd, Corine Holmes, both of Albany, Georgia; two brothers, Bishop Dr. Willie C. (Louise P.) Coley, A. J. (Georgia Mae) Coley, both of Ashburn, Georgia; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.