Bessie Ann Walton, 73, of Warren, passed away April 14, 2025. Born August 24, 1951, to Bishop ‘Flipper’ and Etherlene Nelson.
She attended school at Wilmar Elementary in Wilmar, AR. and graduated from Bradley County High School. She also attended University of Arkansas Monticello, where she received her LPN degree and University of Arkansas Pine Bluff (AM&N), where she received her RN degree.
She was a nurse trainer at Pine Lodge Nursing Home, worked at the Dallas County Hospital and Nursing Home. She continued her career as a nurse working for the Jefferson Regional Hospital, Drew County Home Care, S.E. Ark Health Department and retired from Bradley County Memorial Hospital.
Bessie was united in holy matrimony to Henry ‘Gooley’ Walton Jr., to this union no children were born.
She was a member of St. James AME Church in Wilmar, AR most of her life, serving as church secretary, choir member, missionary president and district nurse. She later became a member of St. James AME Church in Warren, AR. after the closing of her home church in Wilmar.
She was preceded in death by father, Bishop Nelson; mother, Etherlene McCray; stepfather, Porter McCray; husband, Henry Walton Jr.; sisters, Jamie Nelson, Dorothy Cooper; brothers, Michael Nelson, Andrew Cooper and Donell Cooper.
She is survived by her brother, Phil Nelson; dear friend, Carolyn Bloom; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Funeral service was held April 21, at St. James AME Church in Warren with Rev. Kurbe Newsom officiating. Burial was in Bethel Cemetery, Wilmar, AR. Arrangements by Hammons Funeral Home.
