Bessie Mary Shackelford Robertson, 86, was born in Richmond, Virginia, on December 11, 1937, to the late Mamie Elizabeth Shackelford East. She departed this life on August 9, 2024, at her residence in Hampton, taking her noble place among the angels and ancestors.

She spent her youth in Richmond, and she attended Maggie L. Walker High School where she played the cello as a member of the orchestra. She also attended Smith-Madden Business College where she studied Business Administration. She was an active member of the Minks Social & Savings Club.

Helping others was her passion, and she did so in numerous ways. As a cashier at Highland Park Elementary School, she often gave free lunch to kids who could not afford to pay. As a geriatric physical therapist at the Hermitage Methodist Home, she was beloved by her patients, and she received numerous awards and accolades for her devoted service.

In 1956, she married Nathaniel “Nat The Cat” Robertson, Jr., who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her middle sister, Mamie Barbara Ann Conyers on March 25, 2022, and by her grandson, Charles Leon Willie on May 11, 2024.

She leaves to cherish her memory her two adult daughters: Dr. Natalie Suzette Robertson and Rev. Cynthia Amanda Robertson, along with her youngest sister, Luvenia Celestine Lewis; one niece, Arvette Marcia Conyers; and, two nephews, Terry Conyers, Jr. and Kevin Scott Jones.

She also leaves to cherish her memory her dearest friends: Dr. Kanata A. Jackson, Blanch Ruffin, and Joyce Young as well as her beloved companion dog, Reese.

A private Memorial Celebration will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at New Bethel Baptist Church, 4212 Greenwood Dr., Portsmouth, VA 23701.

Revelation 21:4, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Amen and Amen.

Acknowledgements

We, the Robertson Family, would like to thank everyone for their love, prayers, calls, cards, flowers, visits, and support during this difficult time of the loss of our loving mother.

Special Thanks To

New Bethel Baptist Church whose Pastor, Reverend Dr. Mark M. Whitaker, preached our mother’s Memorial Celebration. The Riverside Hospital Hospice Team for its excellent home hospice care to our mother. Cremation Society of Virginia for its professionalism, timeliness, concern, integrity, and dignity in the services provided to our mother and the family.