Bessie Mae Downing of Port Arthur died Sunday, July 24, 2016 in Gilbert, Arizona where she lived with her daughter, Bettye for two years.

Funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, June 30, 2016 at Carter Chapel CME Church with visitation from 9 a.m. until service time. Rev. Rodney Wooten will officiate. Burial will follow in Live Oak Cemetery under the direction of Gabriel Funeral Home.

Bessie is survived by two daughters: Bettye Augustine of Gilbert, AZ and Marilyn Downing of Suitland, MD.