Bessie Swanson was born to Luther and Emma Summerville on July 7, 1927 in Arkadelphia, AR. Her father, Luther, was a deacon in the church and her mother, Emma, was a God-fearing woman. Her parents raised her and her siblings up in the knowledge of the Lord. Bessie was the seventh of nine children:  Ray, William, Curtis, L.C., James, Gladys, Ionia and Clifford.

Bessie left Arkansas at the age of 22 and relocated to Lansing, MI. Where she met and married Joseph Swanson. They were married for sixty years. In this union one child was adopted, Scholonne. Bessie was a stepmother to Joseph's children: Linda Diane Swanson, Joseph (Cynthia) Alexander and Terre Swanson Sanders.

Bessie worked at Michigan State University, McDonald Middle School and retired from East Lansing High School in 1990 from the laundry department.

Bessie was a loving caring wife, mother, stepmother, grandmother and good to her friends. Bessie was a devout Christian who spent her life spreading the word of the Lord and being of service to others.

Bessie enjoyed reading the bible, cooking, sewing, gardening, eating and being there for her family and anyone else who needed help.

Bessie made her transition from earth to heaven at home in the house that she lived in for 60 years on December 29, 2024. She is reunited with: her husband, Joseph; grandson, Terrence; and all of her siblings that preceded her in death.

Bessie leaves to mourn her in passing: her daughter, Scholonne "Che"; her stepchildren, Linda Diane, Joseph and Terre; sister in-laws, Merle Boykins and Hattie (Peaches) Simmons; grand children, Cataliyah and twins, Delkilya'e and Na'Keliya; along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Arrangements for Mrs. Swanson are as follows: