Bessie Williams Sermons, 95, of Palatka, heard her Lord and Saviors voice and answered His call for her to come home on Saturday afternoon, May 30, 2009 peacefully at Putnam Community Medical Center with her husband, Amos by her side. She was born on Saturday, April 11, 1914 in Boston, Georgia to the union of Walter Gray, Sr., & Mary Magdalene (Hopkins) Williams. Since 1923, she has resided in Palatka and was educated in the Putnam County School District at Central Academy. On Saturday, December 18, 1937, Bessie was united in Holy Matrimony to Amos Sermons. She joined the Shiloh Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. F.R. Mathis and was a faithful member for over 69 years. She served faithfully on the Deaconess Ministry, Missionary Society, Usher Ministry, and Choir #1. She was a devoted Sunday School Teacher and longtime Church Clerk. She was also a member of the Barragans Tri- County Seniors. Bessie was employed as a maid for the Hancock family for over 57 years. She was an accomplished seamstress and a community mother to many and served as her familys matriarch. In addition to her parents, her brothers & sisters, Ethel Hampton, Annie Mae Thomas, Emma Mae Lewis, Claudia Fells, Walter Williams, Jr., Frank Williams, Sr. Elizabeth Gibson, Ralph Williams, Sr., and George Mac Williams, preceded her in eternal rest.

To cherish her memories, Devoted Husband of over 71 years, Deacon Amos The Ice Man Sermons, Palatka; Sister: Pauline Williams, Palatka; two nephews they raised as their own sons, Renard Renny (Gayle) Harrison, St. Augustine and Wilbert Sonny (Gail) Williams, Fayetteville, NC; Devoted Niece, Mae Thelma Frazier, Palatka; Devoted Nephew, William Bill Fells, Palatka; Brother- in -law; Arletha (Gladys) Sermons, Valdosta, GA; Sisters in law, Delores Williams, Jacksonville; Arizona Sermons, Valdosta GA; 12 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren; An enormous host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins; special Deaconess friends.

Visitation of family & friends will be from 5-8 pm, Friday, June 5 at the Chapel of Serenity. Homegoing services will be 12 Noon Saturday, June 6 at Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 1000 North 19th Street, Palatka. Rev. Anthony Q. Robinson. Sr., Pastor is the eulogist. Interment will follow in Oak Hill West Cemetery. The cortege will assemble at the Sermons family residence 1012 Dunham Street at 11:20 a.m. Saturday.