Obituaries » Bessie Moore Forney
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September 3, 1926 - September 3, 2026
Burial Date September 15, 2026
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Ms. Bessie Moore Forney 100, of Charlotte, NC passed away Thursday, September 3, 2026 at her residence. Celebration of her life will be held Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at Simpson – Gillespie United Methodist 3545 Beatties Ford Rd. Charlotte, NC 28216. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM and the Service will follow at 11:00AM. Interment will be in the Beatties Ford Memorial Gardens 11201 Beatties Ford Rd. Huntersville, NC 28078.
Mrs. Bessie Moore Forney was born September 3, 1926, to the late James Len and Mary Douglas Moore.
She was educated in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System. In the early 1950s, she joined New Hope Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. M. McMoore, remaining a faithful member for many years. She was preceded in death by her parents, her two sisters, Ruth Lyons and Louise Harvell, and her beloved daughter, Gloria Tillman.
She is survived by her devoted daughter, Joyce Wright of Charlotte, NC; four grandchildren: Rodney Wright, Ryan Wright (Missy) of Charlotte, NC, Rafik Tillman, and Makeba Tillman; son-in-law, Earnest Tillman of Miami, Florida; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She also leaves to cherish her memory a very special cousin, Virginia Covington of Houston, Texas; a special niece, Cecilia Tillman (Alton); and a host of nieces and one nephew, all of Charlotte, NC.
Mrs. Forney, the proud matriarch of the family, held deep affection for her family, friends, and Joyce’s ABWA Sisters. She cherished every moment spent with the Essence Social Club members, especially Joan McDonald, Janice Standifer, and Jenny Wallace (John), with celebrations over Zoom marking true highlights of her later years. A passionate sports fan, she was a diehard supporter of the Atlanta Braves and Carolina Panthers, always enjoying game updates from Joyce.
Her remarkable memory remained intact through the years, holding steadfast onto family birthdays. Sustained by unwavering faith, strong will, and determination, her heart’s desire was to be with her Heavenly Father—while Joyce prayed she would reach her milestone 100th birthday. God answered both prayers, and today she is celebrated as the Queen she truly was.
