Bessie L. Gilmore-Wright

On Monday, June 24, 2024, Bessie L. Wright exited from her physical presence, going home to be with the Lord. She was born Bessie Lee Gilmore in Santee, South Carolina on May 15, 1939 to the late James "Jim" and Rena " Sister" Gilmore. She attended schools in Elloree, SC for her elementary and intermediate educational journey. In her early teen years, her parents sent her from her childhood home in Santee, SC to reside in Bronx, New York with her great- grand aunt, known as " Big Annie" who was her mother's aunt. There Bessie attended the New York City Board of Education School System for her high school years. Also, it was there she met her high school sweetheart, the late James " Mickey" Ballard; through their relationship one child was born, her eldest daughter Linda Gilmore Wright. Thereafter, Bessie began her career within community activist positions.

Years later Bessie worked to enhance her community activism employment through obtaining a supervisory position in The Bedford Stuyvesant Youth in Action Organization. By that time she had met her late husband Edward Wright, Sr. Through their union four children were born - Ivory Della, Elaine, April and Edward, Jr. In their blissful marriage they worked collectively to raise their children in a stable, happy, loving environment. Their love for family was the most imperative aspect of their journey together.

In her later years, Bessie found her life evolving and moving toward her career in the political arena in her former neighborhood of Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY, where she became employed with various notable community advocates. Throughout Bessie's community outreach career, she was employed as the Community Liaison to Congressmember Elizabeth Holtzman. Bessie also worked as a Community Assistant for Assembly Member Rhoda Jacobs, whom she assisted in community events, townhall meetings, school board activities and electoral campaigns. Outside of work, her personal life was modified, whereby she was then remarried to the late Samuel Wright-Gadson. Within their union of marriage her last child was born, Janice Karen “Tasha” Wright. Within their marriage their love would include their commitment of home-life and exploring education, recreation and entertainment with all six children. As life progressed, Bessie was employed within and ultimately completed her career with the New York City Board of Education.

She leaves behind to cherish her memories;: her children - Linda Gilmore Wright (Allen), Ivory-Della Wilson (Charles), Elaine Pullum (Wade), Pastor Edward Wright (Mona) and Janice “Tasha" Wright (Steve), and son-in-law Lawrence Wright. Her daughter April Wright and granddaughter Shakia M. Robinson preceded her in death. To date she is currently survived by eighteen grandchildren. This includes Anthony "Nu-Nu" Wright, whom she raised; and additionally,  devoted grandchildren Sean Gilmore, Austin Tyriek Redd and Tytiana Brown, who were always available for their support and assistance as she often called on the three. Her legacy also continues to live with her twenty-one great-grandchildren, including Hasan "Bubbles” Willis, and Kenneth "Golden-Nugget" Brown, who he knows, refers to and calls her ‘Grand-Grand.’ Now and forever more ‘Grand-Grand’ has been imparted in each of our hearts. Her four sisters - Margret, Patricia, Sadie and Frances all preceded her in death,  thereby leaving her brother James Gilmore, Jr. (Ernestine) along with her beloved nephew “Brother” Charles Gilmore (Vanessa) and cherished nieces Terry Williams and Toisette Gilmore-Vasquez. In addition, she also leaves behind lasting love for other family - Steve St. Bernard, her “other son” who remained vigilant at her side, Shari Ballard, (Rick) Austin Redd Sr., (Mel) Melvin Brown, Dawn and Toy Nuzzi, along with a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Family and friends are invited to call from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Sunday, July 7, 2024 at the Olthof Funeral Home, 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira, New York 14904. Bessie’s home going service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 3:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will take place in Rosehill Cemetery, Linden, New Jersey.