Mrs. Bessie Louise Jolliff Ross Burtin, Jr. was born on August 9, 1949 to James and Edith Ross in Chicago, Illinois. She is preceded in death by both parents, James Ross and Edith Ross Porter, Marca Harco Ross Sr. (brother), Tyler RaShaun Burtin (grandson), Theodore Udell and Mary F. Burtin, Sr. Father and Mother-in law, and grandparents on both sides.

She professed her faith to Christ at an early age. Bessie received her High School Diploma and formal education at Mobile County Training School in Mobile, AL. She also received her Bachelor Degree in Business from the University of Baltimore, Maryland. While attending Airline Stewardship Training in Kansas City, MO, she met the love of her life Theodore Burtin Jr. while he was home on leave from the military. After they were married in Mobile AL she relocated with Theodore to Kansas City and united with the Friendship Baptist Church under the Pastoral of the late (Rev.) I. H. Henderson Jr.  To their union three children were born: Lanisha Nnekia, Theodore Udell III, and Yannick Rashad.

She found her passion by becoming a teacher in the Kansas City Missouri School District as a computer instructor, until her health started declining forcing her to retire. Still wanting to provide for her family, and found a new passion in catering weddings, birthdays, parties, and large dinner gatherings.  She also found time to work out her salvation by attending Sunday School working alongside Rosa Robinson in culinary, Diane Jeffery in beautification, Senior Ministry, Bible Study, and yes the Bus Ministry alongside her husband. She loved decorating her home and hosting the Christmas party for the Potluck dinner club with the help of Diane Jeffery.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her  husband of 50 years, Theodore Burtin Jr; daughter, Lanisha N. Burtin, KCMO; two sons, Theodore U. Burtin III (Sonya), Olathe, KS; Yannick R. Burtin, Norton, Kansas; one sister, Helen Samuel (Fred), Jacksonville, FL; one brother, Duane Porter, Chicago, IL; two aunts, Arthelda Jenks, Chicago,IL,  Doris Armstrong Greenwood, MS; three sisters-in-laws, Mildred Ross, Killeen, TX, Mary Ann, Cook Katy, TX; Deloris Burtin, KCMO; two grandchildren, Theodore Burtin, IV and Mykaela Burtin of Bakersfield, CA; three grandchildren by marriage, Carter I. Davis, Kailei E. Davis, Tatem A. Davis and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members and friends.

Services for Mrs. Burtin will be held 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at Friendship Baptist Church.  Burial Leavenworth National Cemetery. Friends may call from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday, January 18, 2021, at E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel and 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Tuesday at the church.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. ELEY & SONS FUNERAL CHAPEL.