Mrs. Bessie Elizabeth Campbell Fennell

Mrs. Bessie Elizabeth Campbell Fennell, age 77, a pillar of our family, was summoned by Christ to come and take her eternal rest on Wednesday, June 28, 2023.

She is survived by three of her children and their families; Charles Fennell of Cameron, NC wife Jenifer and their children TaMyiah, Daniel, Peyton and Parker; Terrance Fennell of Raleigh, NC and his children Talen and Toya; Andrea Fennell of Raleigh, NC and her children Danika, Treyveon, Tionna and Aiden; grandchildren, Marvin Johnson of Raleigh, NC and his daughter Aleiya; Ricky Denning of Raleigh, NC and his children Rayshawn and Legacy; Shyontika Pearson of Raleigh, NC and her child Niari; great granchildren, Ajiya and Kevin Lightsey, Skylar and Travuun Johnson, Journee, Jace, Jeremiah and Jamari Richardson.

She is also survived by her siblings, brother William A. Campbell Jr. of Springdale, MD; sisters, Maryanne Sutton, Antionette Peoples of Raleigh, NC and baby sister Denise Nwaodu of Raleigh, NC. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews, relatives and a host of cherished friends.

She was predeceased by her loving husband of 40 years, Charles E. Fennell, her daughter Sharon D. Fennell-Crowder and her granddaughter Vontrece D. Johnson.

Born in Newark, NJ on July 10, 1945 to William Artimous Campbell Sr. and Mary Campbell.  Her family moved to Raleigh, NC at the age of 8, where she spent a majority of her childhood. She married Charles E. Fennell in June of 1964 and traveled with him in the military having the opportunity to reside in Germany twice. Bessie or “Bootsie” as she was known, lived a fulfilling life as a mother, sister, wife, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She had a love for Christ and had daily scriptures that popped up on her phone. She had a huge heart and enjoyed helping others. She worked at Dorothea Dix for 24 years with her best friend Della.

She has spent the last several years enjoying her retirement. Bessie was her own woman and knew what she wanted; you could not tell her otherwise. She loved all types of music, trips to the beach and spending time with her dogs. She loved to shop, you could find her in the most stylish clothes and shoes. Bessie adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was quick witted and had a nickname for everyone. Her hugs were tight, her laugh was so sweet and she will be terribly missed.

Viewing will be available Sunday July 9, 2023, from 1-8 PM, at Steven L Lyons Funeral Home, 1515 New Bern Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27610.

Services will held at Poplar Springs Church located at 6115 Old Stage Road Raleigh, NC 27603, Monday July 10, 2023 at 11 AM.  

Interment followed immediately at The Fennell Memorial Park off Murphy Town Rd in Harrells, NC 28444. 

Flowers and cards can be sent to the family to Steven L. Lyons Funeral Home, 1515 New Bern Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27610.

The family will receive friends at 5205 Tanglewood Pine Lane, Raleigh.