Bessie Mae Leggett

Bessie Mae Leggett entered the world Sunday, December 11, 1927, in Greensboro, Alabama to the late Mary Alice Hinton and Shelley Harris. Bessie relocated to Newark, Ohio, in 1935 with her family. She graduated from Newark High School. She joined Shiloh Baptist Church under the late Pastor E. L. Alexander where she remained a faithful member until meeting her beloved Aljunius Leggett. The two married on October 25, 1953. Pastor Leggett’s distinguished military career took the young couple on travels overseas to Germany, England, and Spain, where they resided with their children for four years. They returned to the United States and settled in Columbus, Ohio, where they joined Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church under Reverend Dr. M.J. Mitchell. Pastor and Sister Leggett briefly served at St Mark Baptist Church under the tutelage of Pastor J. P. Barnett. Pastor Leggett was called to serve at the Family Missionary Baptist Church. Sister Leggett stood as the First Lady of The Family Missionary Baptist Church for more than 23 years alongside her husband. After his passing, Sister Leggett stood strong as Mother of the Church for many years under the leadership of Pastor Frederick V. LaMarr. Sister Leggett was a member of the Senior Choir and served on the Mother’s Board until she was no longer physically able to serve. Sister Leggett was a former member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Love Thy Neighbor Chapter for many years. Sister Leggett was employed by Cole’s of Columbus. She served her community for ten years, working for the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center. Leaving the Detention Center, Sister Leggett also worked at the Borden Building. Sister Leggett, despite her prognosis, was active and full of vigor until her condition worsened in her last days. She will forever be remembered for her sweet smile and refusal to ever complain. On Saturday, December 15, 2012, surrounded by family and loved ones, Sister Leggett closed her eyes peacefully and reunited with the love of her life. Sister Leggett is preceded in death by her beloved husband Reverend Aljunius Leggett, parents Mary Alice Hinton (Shelley Harris), sister, Annie B Hill, sons Aljunius Jr., Leonard, and Monroe Leggett, and great grandson David Penn Jr. She leaves to cherish her memories her daughters, Ellen Stewart, Jacqueline McGrapth, Jennifer Leggett, and Minister Patricia Leggett; nine grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends that have known her as Granny, Nana-bean, and most recently Noni, an endearment that brought a smile to her peaceful sleeping face in her last days.