BESSIE RAYMOND ZEIGLER was born in Itta Bena, MS, the sixth and youngest child to the union of John Sullivan Raymond and Bessie Phillip Raymond (deceased) on October 5, 1937.  She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at the age of 10, was baptized and continued to serve her community over the years as an active member of Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church, Greensboro, NC.

Bessie met and married John Zeigler (deceased) of Charlotte, NC and from this union two children were born, a son, John Reginald and a daughter, Elon Patrice.  A graduate of Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU), Bessie helped charter the MVSU Association's First Carolina Chapter.  A lifelong learner, Bessie was a member of the Ever-Achieving Retired Teachers Club. She enjoyed reading, fishing, and traveling.

Bessie R. Zeigler, 83, entered into peaceful rest Sunday, January 3, 2021 at her residence.

She is survived by her son John Reginald Zeigler of Pico Rivera, CA, and her daughter Elon Patrice Zeigler Slaughter of Champaign, IL.

Visitation will be held at Callands Funeral Home Chapel Thursday, January 14 from 1 - 7 pm Eastern Time (family will receive guests 5 - 7 pm).  On Friday, January 15 at 11 am, a private funeral service will be held at Callands' (onsite attendance restricted to designated guests only).  A live-stream of the service will be available from this website.  Scroll down further on this page for access instructions. The interment will be held following the service at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Greensboro (family members only).

To further honor Bessie, a proud alum of Mississippi Valley State University (affectionately known as "The Valley"), please consider contributing to a scholarship fund that she established in memory of her parents, John & Bessie Raymond. 

Checks payable to: Mississippi Valley State University

Memo Section: John & Bessie Raymond Endowed Scholarship Fund 

Mail to: 

Mississippi Valley State University
Office of Development
14000 Highway 82 W
Itta Bena, MS 38941