On Monday, May 12, 2025, Bessie B. Evans, aged 84, of Valdosta, Georgia, peacefully passed away at Langdale Hospice House. Born on November 19, 1940, in Fargo, Georgia (Clinch County), Bessie was the daughter of Tarshia Soloman Brown and Jessie Mae (Robinson) Brown.

She attended Valdosta City Schools and graduated from Pinevale High School in 1960 with honors, where she served as a distinguished majorette. Bessie pursued her cosmetology aspirations at Cannolene Cosmetology College in Atlanta, Georgia, where she earned a Master Cosmetologist License.

Throughout her professional career, Bessie held various positions in Valdosta, including her retirement from PCA in 2006, where she made history as the first African American woman to retire after 28 years of dedicated service. Notably, during her initial five years at PCA, Bessie maintained an exceptional attendance record, despite the demanding rotating shift schedule.

In her leisure time, Bessie found solace in outdoor activities and spent ample time on her rural farmland. She was known for her resilience and unwavering spirit, often referring to herself as a “tough cookie” who rarely succumbed to adversity.

A devout Christian, Bessie was a member of St. James Baptist Church, where she joined on December 12, 1946. She actively participated in various churches throughout the Valdosta community, including Youngs Chapel Missionary Church in Douglas, Georgia, where her daughter serves as a dedicated member for over 27 years, under the guidance of Rev. Dr. Booker T. Rose.

Bessie is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Eddie Evans, Jr.; her siblings, Willie Rivers, Mack Brown, and her grandmother, Maggie Robinson Jones.

Bessie, a woman known for her unwavering love and care, will be deeply missed by her only daughter, Merita Robinson (Johnnie), of Douglas, Georgia. She is survived by one brother, Dr. Joseph Brown of Valdosta, Georgia; one grandson, Marc C. R. Black of Valdosta, Georgia; two great grandchildren, Keymorie M. Black and Malayshia K. Black; one great great grandson, Kaison Diahn Black; devoted goddaughter, Elder Sandra D.S. Jones of Valdosta, Georgia; two devoted godsons, OJ Anderson and Demetrius King both of Valdosta, Georgia; a devoted godsister, Linda Sanford of Valdosta, Georgia; and a host of cousins, relatives, and friends.

The celebration of life service will be held Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. at St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 104 ½ Wisenbaker Lane, Valdosta, GA 31601. Rev. Charles Colson, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery.

Public viewing will be held Friday, May 16, 2025 from 2:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

The celebration of life service will be live streamed on the funeral home Facebook & YouTube Page (Stevens Funeral Home - Valdosta, GA).

We Solicit Your Prayers for The EVANS Family.

Due to COVID-19, Stevens Funeral Home will be enforcing social distancing and following the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. We ask that anyone entering the building and attending any funeral events to please wear a mask.

Stevens Funeral Home of Valdosta is serving The EVANS family with care, compassion, love and uncompromising dignity.