Obituary
Bessie Jefferson-Caldwell, was born February 26, 1926 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to George Lovell Jefferson and Trannie (Gillespie) Jefferson-Fife. Bessie passed away peacefully at her home on July 1st, 2023, at the young age of 97 surrounded by her family. Bessie was baptized at a young age at Second Baptist Church, in Joliet, IL. She has now joined her other three deceased siblings, George Lovell Jr., James Elbert and Bettye Jean, her husband Hampton W. Caldwell and son Richard Arnold Caldwell in their eternal resting place.
Bessie moved to Washington D.C, in 1945, to pursue a career as a Government Administrative Professional where she met the love of her life Hampton W. Caldwell. Bessie became the bride of Hampton on September 2nd, 1946, in Washington D.C. Bessie and Hampton were married for 49 years and they were also blessed with four children.
Bessie was educated at Joliet Township High School, and continued her education in Washington D.C at Secretarial School. Upon graduation she was employed at the United States Armament Material Command Federal Government for 35 years and retired in 1982. Bessie’s strong work ethics led her to start another career in 1983, at Honeywell Inc. which she retired after 10 years. After retiring from Honeywell, Bessie found her last passion career with Carson Pirie Scott and committed another 11 years to working and finally went into retirement.
Bessie loved to travel. Her travel catalog allowed her to visit Africa, China, Europe, Hawaii and Thailand (just to name a few). She loved her family, she was a nurturer at heart and enjoyed hosting dinners for family and friends where she was affectionately known as the “hostess with the mostest”. Bessie was an active member of the Assembly Social Klub, The Red Hat Society and she was on the Board of Senior Service Center. Bessie also took pleasure in bowling, shopping, theater arts and fine dining specifically with white linen.
Bessie left to cherish her three loving children Regina (Leonard) White, of Plainfield, IL, Althea Caldwell of Joliet, IL and one son Lovell (Dorothy) Caldwell, of Jacksonville, FL. Three grandchildren Nikole White, Brian Caldwell and Jorian Caldwell. Six great-grandchildren, the twins Kyle and Kianna, Kaylyn, Olivia, Brian Jr., and Jorian Jr. Three great-great grandchildren Kayden, Sanyla’ and Kylan. Along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Our family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of Grandma Bessie’s Caregivers to Lightways Hospice Staff, Elosie Moody, Deborah Carpenter, Elizabeth Williams, Valerie Pace Doris Gray, Latechia Kinney, Nicole Carpenter and DeJeanette Hytower.
She is proceeded in the death by her husband, Hampton Caldwell; her son Richard Arnold Caldwell; her parents George Lovell Jefferson and Trannie (Gillespie)-Jefferson-Fife; her siblings, George Lovell (Billy) Jefferson, James Elbert (Shirley) Jefferson, Bettye Jean (Clinton) Stevenson and Washington D.C. in-laws.