January 20, 2022
Fairmont NC
“And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am there ye may be also. John 14:3
On Thursday January 20th, 2022, Mrs. Bessie Florence Baker McLean left a legacy of love when she departed from this earthly life at UNC Health Southeastern in Lumberton. Bessie was the third child born to Annie Townsend Baker and Ad Baker. Her parents, two brothers, one son and one great granddaughter preceded her in death.
She was united in holy matrimony to Tommy List McLean who also preceded her in death. She joined Providence AME Zion Church in Rowland at an early age. She served faithfully as a deaconess until her declining health no longer permitted her to attend. Bessie received her schooling in the Purvis community and Rowland area. She worked in her home as well as outside of her home as a caretaker for the Grantham family in Fairmont until she retired.
Bessie was a master baker of cakes and pies and so many mouthwatering meals for her family and others in the community. She was also gifted in the sewing of garments for her girls, and growing flowers and vegetables. Bessie loved to dress and always had a matching hat to compliment her outfits.
Visitation Saturday, January 29, 2022 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, Hills Chapel 302 N Main Street, Fairmont with Funeral Service Saturday 1:00 PM. Interment following funeral service Saturday, Providence AME Zion Church, 279 Purvis Road Rowland.
Left to cherish her fond memories are: her son Tommy McLean Jr. (Kyongae) her daughters, Mrs. Hattie Scales (Charles) of Winston Salem, Mary Ann Stephens (Preston) of Orrum, and Bessie and Margaret of the home. She also leaves one nephew, Mr. Thomas Giles Baker of Lumberton, one niece Ms. Lorene B. Tuck of Pembroke, and a great nephew Mr. Bobby Green of New Bern; 8 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 9 great-great grandchildren and one sister-in-law, Ms. Mary McMillan of Rocky Mount and a host of other relatives and friends in the community.
We would like to give special recognition to her daughters Bessie and Margaret for the excellent care they gave to our mother along with Ms. Betty Williams, Ms. Dorothy Jamison and Mrs. Betty Wheeler who were always willing to fill in when needed. We thank her physician Dr. Dennis O. Stuart for the loving care he provided to her for many years.
