Bessie Burnell was born on June 1, 1937, in Buena Vista, Arkansas to Talmage Tatum and Lettie Lewis Tatum. She worked as a Teacher in the Milwaukee School District.

For the many lives that Bessie touched, she will never be forgotten.

Bessie was proceeded in death by her father Talmage, her mother Lettie, her husband Dr. Earnest Burnell, four sister and six bothers.

She is survived by her son; Leonard Burnell of Asheville, North Caroline, daughter; Stephanie Burnell of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and sisters; Milreen Stockman of Camden, Arkansas and host nieces, nephews and a host of cousins and friends.

Services will be held Sunday, May 26, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. at St. James AME Church 241 Center Street, Camden, Arkansas.