Bessie Mae Greene Turner Stow, born on July 26, 1943, in Gates County, North Carolina, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ peacefully surrounded by her family on May 24, 2026, in Suffolk, Virginia, at the age of 82.

A graduate of Whaleyville High School Class of 1961, Bessie was a dedicated and hardworking individual who retired as a bookkeeper after serving several businesses with diligence and integrity. In 1986, she began a new chapter in her career as a funeral attendant for Sidney F. Harrell Funeral Home and Harrell & Hill Funeral Home, where she dedicated several years to serving her community with compassion and care.

Her life was enriched by her commitment to personal growth and community service. As a Personal Enrichment Club Leader with the Narramore Christian Foundation, Bessie inspired many with her passion for self-improvement and her love for Christ. She was also a devoted supporter and advocate for the Crisis Pregnancy Center, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to helping the most vulnerable in need.

A faithful member of Abundant Grace Baptist Church, Bessie was deeply involved in supporting global missions, reflecting her generous spirit and dedication to her faith.

Bessie was preceded in death by her parents, Martin Edward Greene and Juanita Wilson Greene; her first husband, Thomas J. Turner, Jr.; and her sister, Mary Helen Scott. She is survived by her loving husband of 27 years, Benjamin M. Stow; her daughters, Anita T. Cobb (Bobby), Deborah T. Parker-Milner (Don), and Charlene T. Puckett (Fred); her stepchildren, Elizabeth "Betsy" J. Stow, Laura S. Sells (Kevin), and Matthew R. Stow; her cherished grandchildren, Amber E. Cobb (Camden), Sara M. Beale (Jeremy), Aaron Langston, Hailey N. Puckett, Ashleigh E. Stow, Abby M. Stow, Katelyn N. Stow, Alex L. Sells, Noah B. Sells, Rachel A. P. Sells; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Cole, Raylan, and Emily Cobb, Phoenix and Memphis Langston. She is also survived by her brother, James M. Greene (Dorothy), as well as cousins, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

A Celebration of Life service to honor Bessie will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory, with Pastor Scott Cornette and Pastor T.A. Powell officiating. Burial will follow at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. Friends are invited to join the family for a time of visitation on Tuesday night from 7-8 p.m. at the funeral home. The family will also receive friends after the graveside service at the residence of Don and Debbie Milner.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Crisis Pregnancy Center of Tidewater or the Liberty Godparent Home in Lynchburg, VA. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.

Bessie Mae Greene Turner Stow will be remembered for her love of God, her kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith. Her legacy of love and service will continue to inspire all who knew her.

John 3:16