Obituary for Bessie Marie Strand (Budd)
Bessie Marie Budd Strand, the first child of Elizabeth and Milton Budd, was born in Onancock, Virginia on July 27, 1944.
While still a youngster, Bessie recognized that heaven was real, and that the only way to get there was through faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, she placed her faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior while attending Bethel A.M.E. Church in Onancock, Virginia.
After graduating from Mary N. Smith High School in 1961, Bessie continued her education by enrolling at Virginia State College, in Petersburg, Virginia.
Later, Bessie moved to Baltimore to seek employment and to (possibly) be closer to one, Mr. Preston Strand, Jr. who by now, had left the Eastern Shore of Virginia and moved to Washington, DC.
The year 1965 proved to be very eventful for Bessie, as she married the love of her life, (the aforementioned Mr. Preston Strand, Jr.), moved to Washington, DC, and began what would be a more than a 30-year career at AT&T. She was quickly promoted to a new position where she used her extraordinary teaching skills to train new operators. She was so effective in this role that she built and maintained lasting relationships with her students long after they no longer worked together. In fact, at Bessie’s retirement ceremony, it was so gratifying to hear her past and present students refer to her as “Ma Bessie.”
Bessie loved helping organize family get-togethers. For many years, she helped organize the annual family reunions, whether at Sunset Beach Resort or some other location. She also enjoyed planning Thanksgiving and Christmas family dinners. Who can ever forget the very delicious roast beef that she Bessie went to be with Jesus on March 16, 2023. The path that God chose to call Bessie out of this world and unto himself, was rather sudden. However, even as we talk about the suddenness of her departure, we believe Bessie is relishing being in Jesus’ presence, along with being reunited with Preston, her beloved grandmother, mother, father, sister, brother, and other loved ones.
Cherishing fond memories of Bessie until our reunion in heaven are her beloved aunt and second mother, Martina Beckett; brothers-in-law, Vernon L. “Duke” Williams, Herbert Strand, Carey Strand (Sophronia), David Strand (Kade), Lawrence Strand (Cassandra), Tyrone Strand (Virginia), and Derwin Strand; sisters-in-law Barbara Hoy (Thomas), Barbara Strand, Bertie Strand, and Raenelle Humbles Zapata; a special friends, Mary Bagwell and Michelle Reid; special neighbors, Delores Heyward and Barbara Brooks; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Submitted with great love and dedication,
The family of Bessie Budd Strand
While still a youngster, Bessie recognized that heaven was real, and that the only way to get there was through faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, she placed her faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior while attending Bethel A.M.E. Church in Onancock, Virginia.
After graduating from Mary N. Smith High School in 1961, Bessie continued her education by enrolling at Virginia State College, in Petersburg, Virginia.
Later, Bessie moved to Baltimore to seek employment and to (possibly) be closer to one, Mr. Preston Strand, Jr. who by now, had left the Eastern Shore of Virginia and moved to Washington, DC.
The year 1965 proved to be very eventful for Bessie, as she married the love of her life, (the aforementioned Mr. Preston Strand, Jr.), moved to Washington, DC, and began what would be a more than a 30-year career at AT&T. She was quickly promoted to a new position where she used her extraordinary teaching skills to train new operators. She was so effective in this role that she built and maintained lasting relationships with her students long after they no longer worked together. In fact, at Bessie’s retirement ceremony, it was so gratifying to hear her past and present students refer to her as “Ma Bessie.”
Bessie loved helping organize family get-togethers. For many years, she helped organize the annual family reunions, whether at Sunset Beach Resort or some other location. She also enjoyed planning Thanksgiving and Christmas family dinners. Who can ever forget the very delicious roast beef that she Bessie went to be with Jesus on March 16, 2023. The path that God chose to call Bessie out of this world and unto himself, was rather sudden. However, even as we talk about the suddenness of her departure, we believe Bessie is relishing being in Jesus’ presence, along with being reunited with Preston, her beloved grandmother, mother, father, sister, brother, and other loved ones.
Cherishing fond memories of Bessie until our reunion in heaven are her beloved aunt and second mother, Martina Beckett; brothers-in-law, Vernon L. “Duke” Williams, Herbert Strand, Carey Strand (Sophronia), David Strand (Kade), Lawrence Strand (Cassandra), Tyrone Strand (Virginia), and Derwin Strand; sisters-in-law Barbara Hoy (Thomas), Barbara Strand, Bertie Strand, and Raenelle Humbles Zapata; a special friends, Mary Bagwell and Michelle Reid; special neighbors, Delores Heyward and Barbara Brooks; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Submitted with great love and dedication,
The family of Bessie Budd Strand