Bessie Irene McCoy Jones

Our beloved Bessie Irene McCoy Jones formerly of South Mills, North Carolina entered into eternal rest on August 2, 2025 at the North Shore University Hospital in Manhassett, New York. 

She was born September 23, 1940 to the late Grace Ann and the late Ernest L. McCoy in South Mills, NC. She was predeceased by her husband, Percel, 2 brothers, Leroy McCoy and Gerald McCoy Sr. and 3 sisters, Cleo Green, Doretha Banks and Maggie Griffin.

Bessie was a graduate of Shaw University and attended Columba University. She was a member of Allen AME Church, in Queens, NY.; but also remembered and attended McBride A.M.E Zion Church whenever she went back to South Mills to visit.

Bessie worked for the New York City Board of Health; then became an Entrepeneur where she opened and operated Bess Video, a video rental store in Laurelton, NY.  She was also a landlady; accumulating and renting several houses in NY and NC.

She is survived by her 2 sons Glendon and Darian Jones; a daughter-in-law, Janice Gentles-Jones; step-son Lester, 1 sister, Savonne Griffin (Cedric Jr.) ; two brothers, Joseph McCoy Sr. (Bertha), Ernest L. McCoy Jr.; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren (and one on the way); and a host of other relatives and friends.

Celebration of life services will take place on Saturday, August 23, 2025 beginning at 1:00pm at The New McBride A.M.E Zion Church in South Mills North Carolina. A viewing and visitation will take place at the funeral home on Friday, August 22, 2025 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm. 
 

Adkins Memorial Funeral Home is assisting the family with love and professionalism during their time of bereavement. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.