Bessie L. Whitehead

Bessie L. Whitehead, 71, of Topeka, went home to be with her Lord on Monday, October 14, 2013. She was born July 19, 1942 in Topeka, the daughter of Phillip and Allene Pinkston Anderson. She attended Topeka public schools.

Bessie was employed by the Colmery O'Neal VA Medical Center for 35 years before retiring on June 14, 2013. She was a member of Myra Chapter No. 5 Order of the Eastern Star.

Bessie married James H. McMillon, Sr. To this union were born three children, Tamara A. Harrison, James H. McMillon, Jr. and Kim Y. McMillon. She later married Eddie Whitehead. They were later divorced. To this union were born two children, Tremel Lee Whitehead and Tricia M. Whitehead. She also raised another son, Hezekiah Conway and a step-daughter, Bridgit E. B. Whitehead Baggett. Tremel preceded her death on August 15, 2004. Other survivors include twenty-two grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren, one brother, Phillip Anderson, Jr., one sister, Carolyn Nance and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family. She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Alberta E. Anderson and Phyllis J. Anderson.

Eastern Star Services will be provided by Myra Chapter No. 5 O.E.S. at 6:00 p.m. Monday, October 21, 2013 at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel. The family will receive friends until 8:00 p.m. following the service. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Topeka Cemetery.