Bessie Mae McDuffie

Today we celebrate the precious life of Mrs. Bessie Mae Ransom Simon McDuffie. A beautiful woman who has moved through life with grace, dignity, kindness, and compassion. Bessie was born to Samuel and Azilee Ransom on November 14, 1942, in Rembert, South Carolina. She attended public schools in Lee County and graduated from Dennis High School. Shortly after graduation Mom married Harry Simon and moved to start a new chapter in Patterson, New Jersey. In Patterson, she enjoyed her first job working at a local lamp-making company. Harry and Bessie later moved to Saginaw, Michigan. Mom became a stay-at home wife and mother for many years. Also, during her time in Saginaw she was known as a Community Mother in our neighborhood and provided childcare for many. Bessie became a widow while she lived in Saginaw. Many years later mom met and married Thomas McDuffie. The couple and their children moved to Danville, Illinois in 1988.  

Bessie loved to cook. She shared her delicious meals and baked goods as an expression of her love. She also enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and her friends. Her longstanding hobby was playing BINGO and watching her favorite Soap Operas. Later in life, Bessie met many wonderful people during her employment at Danville’s Walmart Store. She retired from Walmart over a decade ago and since then enjoys time at home with hobbies, family and friends. 

Bessie leaves to cherish her beautiful memories, her four children, Debbie (Ernest) Jenkins, Angelique Simon, Tonette (Darryl LeShun) Steward, and Stephon McDuffie. Her sisters Birtie Graham and Ethel Loney. Bessie has left an amazing impact on her four grandchildren: Dominique Jenkins, Ashley Jenkins, Jayda Steward, and Layla Reign Steward; and her great – granddaughter, DaMya Barber. Bessie leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends to hold dear memories.  

Bessie was preceded in death by:  her parents, Samuel and Azilee Ransom, sister Dorothy Johnson, brother Frank Ransom, husband Harry Simon; husband Thomas McDuffie, and her son-in-law Ernest Jenkins. 

Homegoing Celebration will commence at 11:00 a.m. Friday January 16, 2026 at Leek & Sons Funeral Home, 304 E. Williams St. Danville. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m.until the time of the service. Eulogist: Pastor Ricky Hoskins. Interment will be at Spring Hill Cemetery.

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