Bessie "Jean" Phillips Owens transitioned on Monday, March 11, 2024, at Devonshire Senior Living Center, Hampton, VA. Bessie was born in North Carolina, the 2nd of four children to James R. Phillips (Father) and Bertha P. Phillips (Mother) (both pre-deceased).

She graduated from Huntington High School and received her BS in Elementary Education from Hampton University and a Masters in Reading from the University of Michigan.

She was a career Teacher in Williamsburg, VA for 5 years, Newport News, VA for 3 years, and 25 years in the public school system in Flint Michigan. Bessie was a lifetime Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. member– Lambda Omega Chapter. Bessie organized monthly programs for the NB Clark Center for Seniors, chaired the committee for cancer screening with PICH, organized back-to-school supplies in conjunction with the Gospel Light Church, organized donations and presentations of books to Resource Mothers at Downing-Gross building, and organized AKA coat day held annually at Carver Presbyterian Church. She was a lifetime member of the NAACP.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William E. Owens of 49 years.  Bessie leaves to mourn her passing:  sister, Annie L. Phillips of Queens New York; brother, Carl P. Phillips (Maxine) of Hampton, VA; stepdaughter, Cheryl A. Owens of Nashville, TN; special cousin, Laura Horton of Danville, VA; and many other relatives and friends.

Viewing will be begin Friday, March 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a AKA ceremony from 4 to 5 p.m. at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th Street, Newport News, Va. 23607. A funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2024 at St. Augustine Episcopal Church, 2515 Marshall Avenue, Newport News, Va. Interment will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens.