Mother Bessie Mae Nunn

Mother Bessie Mae Nunn was born March 16, 1938, in Coolidge, Georgia to the late Robert Burns and the late Rodie Bell Stewart Burns. Ma Bessie transitioned peacefully from her earthly home with her family by her side on Monday, May 1, 2023, at her home in Thomasville, Georgia. Bessie Mae Nunn was the oldest of her parents’ children. She attended Coolidge Schools. She grew and developed into a hard-working young lady. She later spent some years in Coon Creek where she surrounded herself with family and friends. At an early age, she joined New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Coolidge, Georgia, and served as a member of the Usher Board and the Choir. Mother Nunn served there faithfully prior to joining New Generation Church under her son’s leadership. Again, she faithfully served and led the Usher Board as well as becoming a mother of the church wherein she lovingly nurtured everyone. Mother Nunn had a smile that would light up a room. She was known to be a caring person, and firm when she needed to be. She was faithful in her service and continued until her health failed. Through it all, she stayed committed to the Lord and the church. Every opportunity she had; she was in the house of the Lord. She was a young mother who loved her son very much. She lived in Groveland, Florida briefly before moving to Memphis, Tennessee where she resided for about five years. She lived near the famed Lorraine Hotel in Memphis where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. She went to the hotel just after he was shot. From there she journeyed to Rochester, New York making that her second home, before eventually making her way back to Georgia. She was a hard worker. She enjoyed cooking and taking care of her grandchildren. She loved her family, friends, and those with whom she came in contact. She was a mother to so many and had a sense of humor that was golden. She was strong and tough, insisting that things were done her way and the right way. She was a woman of great wisdom, strength, and love. Those left to celebrate her life and remember her love, laughter, and legacy include: an uncle, Joseph Stewart, Tampa, Florida; her only child Bishop Joe (Pastor Cleo) Burns, Thomasville Georgia; Grandchildren Joe (Tiffany) Burns, Atlanta, Georgia, Adrian Burns, Thomasville, Georgia. Great Grandchildren, Noa and Carter Burns, Atlanta, Georgia. God-grandchildren Shemeka Bowdry, Monique Long, Reggie Ponder, Dawan Perry, Adrianna Henderson, and Shonda Worthy. She had a special love for Todrick Christful, Joshua Choice, Verna Lee, Marvin Davis, Adam Choice, Marquis Williams and Trey Choice. Other survivors include a special friend, Mrs. Geraldine Williams, special nephews Rodrick Burns and Gerald McCormick. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, Godchildren, and friends will forever cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Loretta Jackson and Emma Lee McCormick, and brother Robert Lee Burns, Sr.

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