Billy Bess Sr. was born April 1, 1946 in Metta, Georgia to his loving parents, Charles
and Maebel Bess. He later moved to Rochester, New York where he was employed
with the Xerox Corporation, as an Environmental Service Custodian. He also worked
in building maintenance in Washington, D.C. He went to school to become a boxer.

Billy Bess Sr. was a man of God, and attended The Church of God for the majority of
his life. He became Reverend Billy Bess Sr., and he was filled with the Holy Spirit. He
spread the Gospel throughout Florida, Georgia, and Washington, D.C. After returning
to Rochester, New York, he opened his own church. He will be remembered for the
kind, loving, and giving man that he was. He would give you his last, just to see you
happy. He never liked to tell anyone “no”, if they asked him for anything. One of his
favorite sayings was, “It is better to give than to receive, son.”

On Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at 1:56 a.m., at the age of 76, the Lord called Elder
Billy Bess Sr. home. He leaves to cherish precious memories: his loving sons, Billy
(Katrece) Bess Jr., and Maurice Bess; stepdaughters: Lisa (Hanif Al-azim), Latricia
Butler, Linda (Troy) Thomas, and Laterica Coney; loving grandchildren: Tatyiana
Bess, Asad Bess, and Prinston Seawright; loving siblings: Drucilla Betty Bess (Twin)
Charles Best Jr., Eddie (Lillie Bell) Bess, and Earnest Bess; his special lady, Lucielle
Holland-Bess; special nephew, Otis Tucker, and a host of nephews, nieces, and
cousins that he loved so much, along with his church family and friends.