Bessie Elaine Thomas Brown was born on April 18, 1931 to Allen Thomas and Francis Lanier in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.Bessie, who was affectionately called "Tootsie" by family and close friends, was the eldest of five children. She attended Broward County Public Schools and graduated at age 16 as the valedictorian of Dillard High School, class of 1947.Bessie left Florida for Alabama to attend the-then Tuskegee Institute where she met her future husband, Harold Robert Brown. After graduation, the couple returned to Harold's hometown of Tampa, Florida and married at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church.While Harold served his country in the U.S. Army, Bessie raised their seven children, living abroad and throughout the United States. Upon his retirement, the family settled in Tampa and became devoted members of St. Peter Claver, where Bessie attended Mass faithfully until her last months.Many would come to know her friendly and warm personality through her involvement in church, various clubs, and social and civic organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, The Links, Incorporated, and the National Council of Negro Women.Known for her culinary skills, Bessie loved cooking and was a professional caterer for several years. She also enjoyed reading, gardening, watching football and solving crossword puzzles. But most of all, she relished the company of her family and numerous friends, sorors, and Link sisters.

Bessie was preceded in death by husband, Harold; son David Brown; and daughter Frances Brown Doss.

She leaves behind sons Anthony Brown and Harold Brown Jr.; daughters Adrienne Brown, Patricia Mitchell and Teresa Diane Brown; son-in-law Anthony Mitchell; daughters-in-law Denise Brown and Anita Brown; granddaughters Aprille Doss, Natasha Goodchild, Cherise Brown, Dana Pinkney and Dr. Sydney Brown; grandson Darryl Mungin Jr.; great-grandchildren Kalani, Serenna, Dasia, Ethan, Liam, Annise and Teigan; nephews Donald Brown and Jeff Randall; nieces Debra Randall and Annie (Rikki) Brown; cousins Kermit Robinson Jr., Willis Robinson, Audrey Bell, Dollie Lanier Taylor, Elmer Lanier, Johnny Lanier, Maryanne Lanier, Delores Lanier, Gloria Lanier and William Lanier.