Bessie Marie Butts Ingram, 92, affectionately called "Ree" and "Grandma", a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend was born on August 7, 1923 in Franklin County, NC to Charlie and Lula Debnam Butts. She departed this life to be with her heavenly Father on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at the Springwood Care Center.

Bessie was a retired employee of Wake Forest University. She was a longtime, faithful member of New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church. She loved God, her family, Pastor, and church. She was one of the "Mothers of the Church" and served diligently with the Nurses' Board, Hospitality Staff, and Missionaries until her health declined. She was dedicated to helping others in any capacity.

Family, friends, and strangers always felt welcomed when entering the Ingram household. Family especially enjoyed coming over for dinner almost every Sunday after church. There was always enough food for others stopping by. Bessie was an excellent cook and was known for baking the best homemade biscuits and pound cakes. She was kind, thoughtful, selfless, and fun to be around. She loved people and showed that love in many ways. She was a care-giver who was a great support for her family, friends, and neighbors. She leaves a legacy of a special Mother's love that will be cherished.

Bessie "Ree" was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Pate Spivey; husband, Willie Ingram; son, Willie A. Ingram; daughter, Lula Ingram; and six brothers, Leotis, Charlie, Russell, Whalie, Hugh, and Lewis.

She leaves to cherish many loving memories her children, Elizabeth (Ronald) Carter, Lucy Tabron, Mildred Gaffney, James (Paulette) Ingram, and Joshua (Tangee) Ingram of the city; daughter-in-law, Brenda Ingram; ten grandchildren including care-giving grandchildren, Jacqueline Tabron, Frank (Deborah) Gaffney, Jr., Willette Ingram, and Monica Ingram; eighteen great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; a devoted relative and friend, Darlene Wake; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm Saturday, October 17, 2015 at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Ronald Speas officiating and Reverend Samuel J. Cornelius eulogist. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 1:30pm until 2:00pm on Saturday at the Church.

The family would like to thank Darlene Wake for her loving support, the staff of Springwood Care Center, and Belinda of Liberty Hospice Services.