Bessie Mae Sharpe, daughter of the late Charlie and Margaret
Royster, was born in Person County, North Carolina on January 24, 1947.
She transitioned to her heavenly home early Sunday morning on January
7, 2024. Bessie, fondly known as Mae, and her 7 siblings were reared in a
Christian home. She joined the Blue Wing Baptist Church at an early
age. Bessie attended Person County Public Schools and continued her
education at Cortez Peters Business School in Baltimore, Maryland. She
moved to New Jersey where she met and married Nelson Sharpe, Sr.
During her time in New Jersey, she joined Bright Hope Baptist Church.
After relocating to Dillwyn, Virginia, she joined Zion Baptist Church
and worked for Buckingham County Schools. During her leisure time, Bessie enjoyed gardening, fishing, and
making crafts. She also enjoyed spending time with family. Her family
and friends will remember her hospitality, generosity, and words of
encouragement. In addition to her parents, Bessie Sharpe was preceded in death by:her
youngest son, Derrick Sharpe; sister, Carrie Sharpe; brothers, James
Royster, and Alvin Royster. She leaves to cherish her memory: a devoted and caring husband,
Nelson Sharpe, Sr.; son, Nelson Sharpe, Jr. (Victoria); granddaughter,
Aaliyah; sisters, Drucilla Powell and Bernadine Royster of Roxboro, NC;
brothers Alvin (Debra) Lumberton, NC, and Stanley Royster of Roxboro,
NC; sister-in-law, Debra Royster of Greensboro, NC; and a host of
nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.