Bessie (Gardner) Gifford

Bessie Mae Gardner Gifford~

On September 18, 1948, Pervis and Eleazer Mae Lee Gardner were blessed with the birth of their beautiful daughter, Bessie Mae Gardner. Bessie was a proud graduate of Ridgeland High School, class of 1965. After high school, she moved to Atlanta, Ga. To continue her education. She attended Morris Brown College, where she earned an Associate Degree in Computer Science. Bessie was raised in Bethel Baptist Church and remained a faithful member for many years, serving as a member of the choir. She later joined Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Bessie was raised in Bethel Baptist Church and remained a faithful member for many years, serving as a member of the choir. She later joined Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. While living in Atlanta, Georgia, Bessie made history at Ford Motor Company by being the first black, female supervisor. She worked at Ford for several years until she moved on to other opportunities. Suring this time, she met and was united in holy matrimony to Bernie Gifford. This union was blessed with two daughters and one son. In the 1980’s Bessie and her family relocated to South Carolina. She began to serve her community through her work with the Jasper County Probate Court as a clerk. After she left probate court, she worked at the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department as a dispatcher. Throughout her career and personal life, Bessie touched many lives. She built lasting friendships, inspired those around her,and was admired for her wisdom, kindness, and quiet strength. Her life’s work reflected her deep sense of responsibly and care for others. On December 19, 2025, Bessie was called home to be with the Lord. She was preceded in death by her parents, Pervis and Eleazer Gardner.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: two daughters, Tammy (Robert) Mikell and Tonya (Derrick) Shiggs, Sr.; two sons, Bernard (Michelle) Gifford and Dwight Gifford; goddaughter, Tamika Miller; like a daughter, Evetta Shiggs; god- brother, Ronell Lee; best friend, like a sister, Mary Wingo; 14 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on through the many lives she has impacted and the path she helped pave for those to follow.

Bessie Gardner Gifford 77, passed away on December 19, 2025. Please feel free to light a candle and sign the guestbook to show your expressions of love to the family.

Legacy Funeral Home is in charge of the final arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bessie (Gardner) Gifford, please visit our floral store.