Bessie Mae Curtis

Bessie Mae Curtis of Morganton, NC passed away on Friday, April 2, 2021 at Burke Hospice following a short period of declining health. She was born on June 14, 1928 in Burke County to the late Walter E. Bean and Martha Whisenant Bean.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Henry Ernest Curtis; daughters, Terry Curtis and Brenda Brown and husband, Arnold; sisters, Kathryn Vines, Ruth Curtis, and Elizabeth “Beth” Henderson; brother, Rev. Ed Bean.

Bessie was a member of Conway’s Chapel Baptist Church and a devoted pastor’s wife. She worked for many years at Shadowline and Western Carolina Center (JIRDC).

She is survived by her daughter, Patricia “Ann” Lowman (Buddy); sons, David Curtis (Jo) and Steve Curtis (Becky); best friend, Gladys Williams of Hendersonville, NC; grandchildren, Tracy Vance, Michael Brown, Chris Brown, Ashley Clark, Shelly Spoon, Steve Crockford, Chandler Curtis, Danielle Pruitt and Pam Harrah; 19 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and treasured family members and church family.

The family will receive friends from 2:00pm-3:00pm Sunday, April 4, 2021 at Conway’s Chapel Baptist Church. The funeral service will begin at 3:00pm in the church with Rev. Steve Curtis officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Conway’s Chapel Baptist Church, c/o Becky Shaw, 3624 Spencer Lane, Lenoir, NC 28645.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.