God has turned the sunset for Bessie Odell Stephenson into a sunrise.

During the early morning of Aug. 11, 2005, she left this earthly home and went to her heavenly home.

She was born March 27, 1943 in Suffolk. She was the daughter of the late Clinton Franklin Sr. and Martha Baker and she was the wife of Benjamin L. Stephenson.

She was a member of Healing Fountain/Macedonia Church in Suffolk.

She loved her church family and remained faithful until her illness prevailed.

While we will greatly miss her friendly smile and wit, we bow submissively to the will of our Heavenly Father, who doeth all things well.

She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Benjamin L. Stephenson; two sons, Benjamin L. Stephenson Jr. and Royland E. Franklin; two daughters, Sonya Franklin and Vickie F. Branch; 15 grandchildren; one great grandchild and other relatives and friends.

Viewing will be from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14, 2005. Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 15, 2005 at the Healing Fountain/Macedonia Church at 308 Briggs Street.

The family will greet family and friends at 1307 Forest Oak Lane Apt #N (Suffolk Station). The funeral procession will leave from this address at noon on Monday, Aug. 15. Interment will be held at Carver Memorial Park Cemetery. Professional services are entrusted to T.E. Cooke-Overton Funeral Home.