Bessie Mae Forsythe Reed

Bessie Mae Forsythe Reed was born to the union of the late Willie Reginald and Nellie McCrea Forsythe on March 14, 1936, in Barbreck, Louisiana.  Who lived to be 89 years old, she was 88, her birthday would have been March 14.  She surrendered to the sovereign call of God's sunset on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at her home, surrounded by her family and friends.

Bessie accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized into Christian faith at Mt. Triumph Baptist Church in Barbreck, Louisiana.

Later in Life she united with Little Zion Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana under the leadership of the late Pastor Morris Jackson, Jr.,  until she relocated to Lake Charles, Louisiana and became a member of the Mount Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Elmore Garner.

Bessie received her education in the public schools of St. Landry Parish.  She worked for the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, Calcasieu Parish School System and retired from City Parish – Juvenile Detention Center.

Her greatest legacy was the life she lives as a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and devoted sister.  She was united in holy matrimony to Jim Reed, Jr.  unto this union two children were born.  Her life was fulfilled, rich, and happy.  Bessie loved people and touched the hearts of many with her love and kindness.

Bessie's legacy will always be cherished.  She is survived by her loving children:  Yolanda Reed Sanders, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Anthony Paul Reed (Raven) Houston, Texas; one sister:  Joyce Marie Forsythe Duhon (George), Lake Charles, Louisiana; one brother:  David Eldridge Forsythe (Sandra), Killeen, Texas; five grandchildren; Jeremy Jerod Reed, Lake Charles, Louisiana; James Charles Sanders, Jr., Houston, Texas; Anthony Marquis Graham, Austin, Texas; Diamond Monique Reed, Houston, Texas; Brelyn Paul Reed, Lake Charles, Louisiana; one great granddaughter, Lariyn Rose Reed, Lake Charles, Louisiana; three brother-in-law's; Elbert Reed (Geraldine); Gable Reed, (Marlene); Curley Reed (Carolyn); all of Lake Charles, Louisiana; four sister-in-law's; Irene Bellard, and Sylvia Bilbo Forsythe, Lake Charles, Louisiana; Thelma Lee Tatman Forsythe, Opelousas, Louisiana; and Sandra Laverne Forsythe, Killeen, Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Bessie was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Reed, Jr.; her parents, Willie Reginald & Nellie McCrea Forsythe, and five siblings: Frances Forsythe LeBlanc, Henry Lee Forsythe, Delores Forsythe Sonnier, Veronica Forsythe Arceneaux, and Malcolm Ray Forsythe, Sr.

A Life lived as Bessie lived cannot die; but live on in the heart, memories and ideas of all those who knew and loved her.

Her visitation will be Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 9:00 A.M. in Mount Calvary Baptist Church with her funeral following at 11:00 A.M. in the church. Burial will be in  Combre Memorial Park.