Joe Bessie Whitehead

Joe Bessie Whitehead,96, of 200 Constance Road, Suffolk, departed this life on Dec. 6, 2015 at Nansemond Pointe Care Facility. She was born August 26, 1919 in Nansemond County to the late Tom and Alice Johnson Williams. She received her early education at Nansemond County Training School. She was the last surviving of 16 children.She was a faithful and devoted member of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church for more than 78 years.Joe Bessie was preceded in death by her husband Rochelle J. Whitehead, sons, Michael and Albert S. Whitehead, and grandson Ivan L. Whitehead Jr. She leaves us wanting to cherish her memory her children, Rochelle J. Whitehead Jr. (Grand Rapid, Michigan), Steve L. (Debbie) Whitehead, Donnie L. (Everly) Whitehead, Sr., James E. (Bertha) Whitehead (Suffolk, VA), Roy H. (JoAnn) Whitehead (Franklin, VA), and Ivan L. (Debbie) Whitehead (Norcross, GA), and daughter-in-law, Louise Whitehead, 13 grandchildren, and 12 great-granchildren and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.A celebration of life will be held 12:00 noon Friday, December 11, 2015 at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church 6100 Holy Neck Road, Suffolk. Rev. Dr. J.J. Ferguson will deliver the eulogy. Rev. William Lang is the pastor of the church. She will be laid to rest in Mt. Sinai Baptist Church Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joe Bessie Whitehead, please visit our flower store.