In Loving Memory Mrs. Bessie Mason December 27, 1912 - September 19, 2013Tuesday, September 24, 2013Twelve Oâ??clock NoonNew Light Missionary Baptist Church1105 Willow Road, Greensboro, NC 27401Rev. Dr. Cardes H. Brown, Jr., Senior Pastor, OfficiatingThe ReflectionsBessie Mason, the daughter of the late Fannie and Jasper Barnett was born December 27, 1912 in Clover, South Carolina. She departed this life very peacefully on Thursday, September 19, 2013, Beacon Place in Greensboro at the age of 100. Mrs. Mason spent her childhood and teen - aged years pursing her education and helping her parents with the daily chores and responsibilities that came with providing for a family of nine, particularly in those days. In 1933, she met and was united in holy matrimony with Clifton Mason. Employment opportunities led the couple to re-locate several places, before settling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1943, where they would spend the next forty-five years.While in Pittsburgh, Mrs. Mason developed an interest in cosmetology and enrolled in the Wharton School of Beauty. After graduating as a Licensed Beautician, she became part owner of the Mason and Mull Beauty Shop. It was also during this time that Mrs. Mason began to grow within her Christian life and to develop a passion for community service. She became a 31-year member of Baptist Temple Church serving in various capacities that included Sunday School Teacher, Childrenâ??s Church Assistant and Deaconess. She participated in many outreach activities, especially those that benefited the poor and the needy. She often provided complimentary cosmetology services to those within the community.In 1978, Mr. and Mrs. Mason retired to Greensboro, NC. She immediately joined New Light Missionary Baptist Church where she was a dedicated member and faithful servant. At New Light, she worked in the Christian Education Department, as Sunday School Teacher Assistant, Assistant Superintendent of Sunday School, and served as, Childrenâ??s Church Assistant. She was a member of the Senior Choir and performed in a bell choir. Mrs. Mason was a Deaconess, a member of the Missionaries and the Baptist Training Union. She was on the Motherâ??s Board, and held the title of, Mother of the Church, at the time of her death.In Greensboro, Mrs. Mason also continued her work within the community service arena, ultimately finding her niche as a volunteer with Urban Ministries, for many years. She accepted her God-given gift of service with honor and carried it out with passion. She believed that, â??to whom much is given, much is expectedâ?? and she considered herself and her family, abundantly blessed. She was interested in civil rights, justice and the general well - being of others. She attended the, March on Washington rally in 1963 and she was a proud, â??curb-sideâ?? voter in the 2012 Presidential Election of President Barack Obama. Mrs. Mason led a full, engaging and fruitful life. She enjoyed being in the company of friends and church members. Her hobbies included cooking, sewing, homemaking, gardening, fishing, reading, studying the Bible, current events, watching the nightly news and TV game shows and travel. She attended the Tolbert Center, a senior resource center at New Light Missionary Church, where she participated in various daily activities and fellowshipped with church members until earlier this year, when she was no longer able.As the matriarch of five generations, she ultimately enjoyed spending time with both immediate and extended family. Known to the family as â??Camâ??, orâ?? Aunt Bessâ?? she was loved, respected and revered. She had a majestically, beautiful smile that radiated from within and a sweet, sweet spirit. Somehow, all of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, learned and knew at an early age to â??come correctlyâ??, as just her mere presence seemed to command.Mother Mason will greatly be missed for her profound example of love, compassion, true dedication and loyal commitment to friends, family, community, church and to God. Siblings who have preceded her in death include the late Robert Barnett, Carroll Barnett, David Barnett, Zolene Shoats, Wilma Armstrong, Ray Barnett, and Annie Barnett. In her passing, Mrs. Mason leaves to cherish her memory: very beloved daughter, Mary Frances Marshall, very special and devoted son-in-law, Ronald Marshall; two grandchildren, Roxanne Marshall King( Benjamin) of Greensboro, Ronette Marshall of Timonium, Maryland, five great â?? grandchildren, Benjamin King(Nina) of Atlanta, Georgia, Ericka King Hebron(Nolan) of Randallstown, Maryland, Erin King of Silver Spring, Maryland, Lydia McLaughlin and Lindsay Brown of Timonium, Maryland; six great- great grandchildren, Corey Logan, Niyah Hebron, Nolan Hebron, Carter King, Cameron King, Caylee Logan and a host of other devoted relatives and friends.