On Monday morning, March 24, 2025, Bessie Whitfield Colvin passed away peacefully at the age of 98. She was at home, surrounded by those she loved and who, in turn, adored her, as was often the case throughout her life.
Bessie was born on October 25, 1926, to the late Fred D. Whitfield and Bessie Williams Whitfield. She was educated in the Portsmouth school system, attending Our Lady of Victory Catholic School until high school, where she then graduated from IC Norcom High School in 1945. She initially struggled with the change in schools but often spoke about a beloved nun who met her each morning and walked her to school until she was settled. She eventually did settle in and became a cheerleader at Norcom, where she met many lifelong friends.
With the encouragement of a high school teacher, she applied and was accepted to West Virginia State College, where she majored in home economics. She originally wanted to study interior design, but her parents would not support that choice. Instead, her advisor suggested home economics as an alternative. While at West Virginia State College, she pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Bessie married Abner Colvin, and to that union, three children were born: Douglas, Linda, and David.
Bessie retired from General Electric Company as an Instructor in 1986 where she had a long career at the Portsmouth, VA, Video Products Business Division. After retiring from GE, Bessie went back to college and earned an associate’s degree from Tidewater Community College in Interior Design and was offered a job at a local design center but respectfully declined.
Later in life, she became a member of the Red Hatters and Survivors Club, where she enjoyed fellowship with members for many years. Bessie was a member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church, Portsmouth, VA.
Bessie was an artist, excelling at painting, drawing, playing the piano, and contemporary home design. She was intelligent and beautiful, known for impeccable style. Friends and family frequently sought her advice, which she gladly shared.
Her testimony was to put God first and that it is never too late to follow your dreams.
She was predeceased by her mother, Bessie Williams Dean; father, Fred D. Whitfield; husband, Abner Colvin; son, Douglas C. Colvin; grandson, Marcus Colvin; sisters, Shearlin Mazyck and Lenora Dean; and special cousins, who were more like brothers, Randolf Smith and Harry L. Jones.
She is survived by her daughter, Linda C. Johnson (Devon); son, David Colvin; sister, Tawanna Harper; three grandchildren, Keisha Martin, McKinley Bowen, and Roth Colvin; and 5 great-grandchildren, Arianna Martin, Naomi Bowen, Meleah Bowen, Farrah Hall, and Kalyn Hall.
Bessie leaves behind countless other family members and friends who will forever cherish her memory.
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Gwyn Carter says
March 27, 2025 at 12:28 pmDavid,
May you find comfort in the love and support of those around you, and may the cherished memories of your mother bring you peace. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Brenda Nelson says
March 31, 2025 at 6:55 pmLinda, David and Family,
It is of deepest of regrets I send condolences to you. I loved my chats with Aunt Bessie over the phone. Our talks were wonderful memories of her life and times with my mom Lenora growing up in Portsmouth.
May you find peace in knowing she lived a long good life.
Cousin Brenda
Mrs. Marion Johnson says
April 3, 2025 at 10:52 pmMs.Bessie was a dear friend of mine when I attended Mt. Carmel Baptist church and I always enjoyed my church fellowship with her. She will be missed , My condolences to the family.
Kimberly Jones says
April 4, 2025 at 10:12 amLinda and David, you have my deepest condolences. I always enjoyed Aunt Bessie Mae’s calm and peaceful presence. Praying for your peace and comfort as you cherish her memory.
Arrie Flyth says
April 4, 2025 at 11:54 amDavid and Linda, we are so sorry to hear of Bessie’s passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the family during this difficult time. Keep looking to God to give you strength.
charles crest says
April 4, 2025 at 3:12 pmMay God bless and keep you during this time
Gary Daughtry says
April 10, 2025 at 1:28 pmYou meant so much to so many. Enjoy a well deserved vacation.