Minnie "Bea" Jessee, age 93, passed away on April 26, 2025 surrounded by her loving family after a brief illness. She was born on August 21, 1931 in the Appalachian mountain region of Wise, Virginia; the first child of Milford and Mary Vanover.  Nine more children would be born, with Bea becoming the caretaker of the others so her mom could focus on the new baby. The memories of growing up in poverty and immense hardship never faded. Her servant's heart was formed early in life. She learned to cook at seven years old; standing on a box to reach the coal stove burners. Cooking became her therapy later in life and there was always something cooking on the stove, in the fridge or a cake baked to offer friends and family when they visited.

She married John Jessee in 1950 and they were married 62 years before his death in 2012. Together they raised five children. She was pre-deceased by her parents, husband John Jessee, son Ronald Jessee; sisters Lina Craiger and Thelma Clay; and brother Thurman Vanover. Survivors include children: Geneva Bennett, Doug (Jackie) Jessee, Linda (Chris) Waronek and Jackie (Brian) Poindexter.  Seven Grandchildren: Richard Bennett, Bill (Amy) Jessee, Laura (Brian) Croll, Heather (Rick Kilyanek) Johnson, Amanda (Garrett) Browning, Christina (Andy) Garris and Chaz Poindexter. Eight Great-Grandchildren: Ethan and Ashlyn Jessee, Carter and Wyatt Johnson, Logan Kilyanek, Mason Tuberville, Brooke and Luke Croll. Brothers: Charles, Tommy, Ernie, and Randall Vanover; Sisters: Nancy Brents, and Elizabeth Tomblin.

She will best be remembered for her deep love of her family, her excellent cooking and canning skills and love of beautiful flowers.

A funeral service will be held at 12 noon, Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Trinity Freewill Baptist Church, 410 Oregon St., Ypsilanti, MI 48198. Pastor Michael Tomblin will officiate. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:30am – 12noon.