Bessie Wright Lee

Bessie Wright Lee, a devout Christian, a devoted wife, a loving mother, a dedicated educator, and

funeral director was born on October 14, 1937, in Lincolnton, Georgia, to the late George Wright and

Gussie Mae Malone Wright; she was the first born to this union. She went home to be with the Lord on

Tuesday, September 6, 2022, after having lived a long, fruitful 84 years of life.

Raised on a farm with parents who believed in education, entrepreneurship, faith, and family values,

Bessie had no choice, but to strive to succeed. She attended Lincoln County Training School earning

her diploma in 1956. During that time, she pursued a high school basketball career as a guard. After

her high school graduation she furthered her education at Tennessee Agricultural & Industrial State University in Nashville, TN. She

graduated in May 1960 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education degree. After completing her college education, she began to

enter into her career as a life-long educator. She taught at Westside High School in Lincolnton, GA, Taliaferro County Schools, and later

returned to Lincoln County Elementary School. Bessie retired after thirty years of service in 1994.

In the fall of 1964, she met the gentleman who became the love of her life, Esper Lee. After being out with friends, he boldly asked if

he could come to see her. She obliged. Ten months later, wedding bells began to ring and Bessie married Esper Lee on August 21, 1965.

To their union, they borned a family that she loved and was truly her greatest accomplishment, three beautiful children, Damonica,

Divenski, and Deleki. She was always very proud of her children and adored all of her family. She was everyone’s biggest cheerleader.

At an early age, Bessie partnered in business with her father at Wright and Jones Funeral Home’s current location. Initially established in

1950, she has continued the 72-year long legacy of George and Gussie Wright as a licensed funeral director and owner. Not only did she

work in funeral service, she was also a well-known cosmetologist in Lincoln and Wilkes County communities. She continued to style hair

through the late 90s. She was also a very popular face at Belk. She worked at Belk for over 30 years. Affectionately known for her smiling

face, interesting conversations, sense of humor, and personal shopper services to guests and herself.

Bessie took pride in nurturing youth through education. She was a mother figure to children before even becoming a mother. She would

allow younger girls to stay overnight at her home while creating lasting memories, styling their hair, purchasing clothes for them, and

consistently providing for them.

Bessie’s most favorite things to do were shopping at Belk and Hamrick’s, growing collards, corn, and peppers in her garden, selling

watermelons, traveling to Chicago and the beach, exercising, watching NBA and NFL games, and spending time with family. Her

shopping habit increased after retiring from Belk and the school system. Throughout her journey, she took pleasure in not only shopping

for herself, but she could not leave the store without picking up something for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other

family and friends.

She joined Ebenezer Baptist Church in Lincolnton, GA at an early age and attended New Salem Baptist Church in Washington, GA. She

enjoyed gospel music and the Parade of Quartets. She was also a faithful long time member of the Georgia Funeral Service Practitioners

Association 8th District and the Lincoln Wilkes Retired Educators Association.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Mr. & Mrs. George (Gussie Malone) Wright; brother, Thomas Wright; and son, Divenski Lee, Sr.

She leaves with us those who hold her dear in their hearts; her dedicated and loving husband of 57 years, Esper Lee; her two daughters,

Damonica Roshunda Lee and Deleki Rayatta Lee of Lincolnton, GA; six grandchildren, DeRon Ricardo (Michelle) Lee of Grovetown,

GA; Dekemus Rygodfrey Zellars of Lincolnton, GA; DeBriah R’yanna Lee, Divesia Ramanda Lee (Caron) Patterson, Datlyn Raquel Lee

and Divenski Ramon Lee, Jr. all of Washington, GA.; two great-grandchildren, Brayden and Briley Marshall of Washington, GA; devoted

niece, LaJuana Kennedy; raised as a daughter, Quironda (Kee-Kee) Evans; devoted friend, Silas (Rosemary) Gresham; God-Grandsons,

Rev. Daravious (Cierra) Cullars and Jeremy Latimer; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.