Bessie Speed passed away Sunday night. She was the widow of Jackson titan Leland Speed. She suffered a massive infection recently and after spending some time in the hospital, she passed peacefully at home surrounded by family.
Miss Bessie epitomized the definition of a Southern Belle: a bulldozer disguised as a powderpuff. Mr. Speed might have ruled the roost in Mississippi but you know who called the shots at home. They were married 59 years before Mr. Speed passed in 2021 from ALS. She was a friend to many and blessing to all who knew her. She is survived by her sons Stuart, Warren, and Forest as well as numerous grandchildren.
I got to do one last favor for the Speeds, a few weeks before Mr. Speed passed. I watched his body wither under the ravages of ALS over the last twelve months of his life. Mr. Speed and Miss Bessie stayed home as much as possible during the pandemic as did most people her age. However, they managed to have one last date.
Yours truly suggested going to the Monet exhibit at the Mississippi Museum of Art. The Speeds were understandably hesitant. Fortunately, Executive Director Betsy Bradley worked with me to make arrangements for them to visit outside of regular hours as it was safer and allowed Mr. Speed to have some dignity as he could no longer use his arms. Miss Bessie's face glowed with relief when she realized they were going to have some fun. "You mean we actually get to get out of the house," she cried when I told her the arrangements.
We scheduled a visit during the exhibit's last week. Yours truly chauffeured them to the museum. Thankfully, Mr. Speed and his son Warren avoided calling me Rochester. I pushed his wheelchair while Ms. Bradley gave a private guided tour to the exhibit (A guided tour from her is a treat as she is quite the narrator.).
Mr. Speed and Miss Bessie drank in the sight of masters such as Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh as Ms. Bradley explained the significance of each work. Mr. Speed would slightly nod his head when he was ready to move on to the next masterpiece. Miss Bessie touched him ever so often as she sweetly called him "Daddy." After 59 years of marriage, the magic was still there. ALS may have taken his body but it didn't take his heart nor their love as they had one last date together. It was a special moment that will never be forgotten.
Mr. Speed always said "I married well."
9 comments:
The loss of a great NE Jackson treasured soul.
Bessie and I were at Ole Miss together and were friends. She was always a delight. The Speed's kids were good friends of my kids and played together. I hate she is gone. Wonderful person.
Godspeed, Bessie,
R.I.P. Miss Bessie lived a wonderful and full life.
She came to Jackson to teach at Emma Green Elementary second semester of 1961.
I loved her as only a 10 year old could love their teacher. I thought she hung the moon! She was an encouraging mentor and fostered my love of science.
She used to sing the descant part as we sang from our public school songbooks in class.
She came to Jackson to teach at Emma Green Elementary second semester in 1961.
I loved her as only a 10 year old could love her teacher. I thought she hung the moon!
One beautiful memory that stays with me was her singing the descant part as we sang from our public school music books in class.
RIP
Heartfelt condolences to all who miss her
Mississippi Royalty.
Beautiful article. Thanks.
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