Bessie Mae Johnson, 98, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Monday afternoon, October 26, 2020 at William Newton Hospital.

Born September 10, 1922 in Cedar Creek, Missouri, she was the daughter of William Sherman and Mary Elizabeth (Blyue) Little. She was raised and received her education in Arkansas where she graduated high school.

Bessie married Gilbert Charles Johnson on December 3, 1943 in Hugo, Oklahoma. The couple moved all over the country while Gilbert was stationed in the United States Army. After his honorable discharge, they returned to Harrison, Arkansas where they remained until moving to Wichita, Kansas. While in Wichita, Bessie worked as a seamstress for many years. Mr. Johnson preceded her in death on July 14, 1989.

Bessie loved gardening and was always very proud to show off her vegetable garden and beautiful flowers. Bessie also enjoyed sewing and took up hand and machine quilting after retiring. Children were very important to Bessie and she especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. But Bessie also had a heart for children in her neighborhood who didn't have a family to take care of them, and was often known to give food, socks, toothbrushes, homework help, and a lot of love to the children that would come her way

Her family includes her grandchildren, Chris Johnson of Arkansas City; Cindy Johnson of Wichita; her great grandchildren, Chance Johnson of Arkansas City; Haley Johnson and Paul Mendez of Arkansas City; her great-great grandchildren, Hendrix Johnson and Pierre Mendez, both of Arkansas City; her daughter-in-law, Denise Johnson of Winfield; her step grandchildren, Joel Wheeler of Wichita; Daniel Wheeler and wife Paige of Edmond, OK; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Bessie was preceded in death by her son Norris Johnson, a nephew Ray Price, and four sisters, Flora Belle Scott, Clara Stultz, Alta Johnson, and Alma Little.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at Shepherd's Grace Church in Arkansas City. Graveside services will be held at 1:30 P.M. that afternoon at Wilmot Cemetery north of Winfield. Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield on Friday afternoon from 2 to 5. The family will greet visitors at the church from 10 to 11 A.M. prior to the service.

A memorial has been established in Bessie's name for the Wichita Children's Home. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.

Bessie's funeral service from Saturday, October 31, 2020 is available to be viewed from the Facebook page of Shepherd's Grace Church in Arkansas City, Kansas.  Their page is linked below:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Religious-Organization/Shepherds-Grace-Church-155032414536206/

Bessie's Funeral service is linked below:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=814881205935119