Bessie Lee McLeod

Bessie Lee McLeod, a cherished caregiver and beloved family matriarch, passed away peacefully at her home in Jeffersonville, Indiana, on August 19, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on January 8, 1933, in Whatley, Alabama, Bessie dedicated her life to caring for others, taking pride in her role not only as a caregiver for strangers but also deeply for her family.

Throughout her life, Bessie was known for her nurturing spirit and unwavering faith. She was a proud member of Jehovah's Witnesses in Charlestown, Indiana, where she found joy in sharing her faith and connecting with others. Her warmth extended beyond her spiritual community, as she cultivated strong bonds with family and friends alike.

Bessie's hobbies included gardening, cooking, and baking, activities that brought her immense joy and allowed her to express her love through nourishment. She was also fond of word puzzles and had a spirit of adventure, delighting in traveling whenever she could. Feeding nature's animals brought her happiness, and her greatest joy came from spending time with her family.

She is survived by her daughters, Vivian King, Gloria (Timothy) Hawkins, Janice Johnson, and Trelles Hale. In addition to her daughters, she leaves behind 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren, as well as her sister, Geneva Lynn Ruggs, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who will fondly remember her enduring spirit and kindness.

Bessie is preceded in death by her husband, Wesley McLeod; grandson, Evyn R. Hale; her parents, William B. and Allena Ruggs; and her sons-in-law, Weldon King, Andre Johnson, and David Hale, Sr. She is also preceded by her brothers, James, Frank, Edward, and Carl Ruggs, and her sisters, Marie Williams and Georgia Bell.

A visitation to honor Bessie’s life will take place on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Newcomer Funeral Home in Southern Indiana, located at 3309 Ballard Ln, New Albany, IN. Friends and family may gather from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM, leading into the funeral service scheduled for the same day at 11:00 AM. Private burial at Indiana Veteran Memorial Cemetery in Madison, Indiana.

Bessie Lee McLeod will be remembered for her unconditional love, nurturing heart, and the legacy of care she has left behind. Her spirit will continue to live on in all those whose lives she touched.

The family requests that contributions in Bessie’s memory be made to donor's choice.