Bessie was born on December 26, 1940 in Lake Charles, LA to Edward and Ruth Bartie. She graduated from W.O. Boston High School and later married Horace Joseph Toussaint to which 2 children (Brenda & Tonnia) were born to this union. She lived in Lake Charles, LA most of her life, until March 2020 when she relocated to Houston to be near her family.

Bessie joined Greater St. Mary Baptist Church at the age of 6 and was a faithful member until her death. During her tenure she served as a Greeter, Sunday School Teacher, Superintendent of Sunday School, Choir Member, Women's Mission, Church Driver, and Deaconess. She loved to dress her best for church, always having matching shoes, purse, and hat.

Dedication was a true part of Bessie's life. She was a diligent employee of the Calcasieu Parish School Board for 34 years. Even after retirement several of her former students continue to speak of the type of employee she was. She also loved her community and served by speaking at women's events and working at voting polls. In addition to being dedicated and service oriented, Bessie was one of the most giving people you could meet. She frequently opened her home to others and if you told her you liked her shoes and wanted a pair, she would take them off and give them to you.

Bessie was preceded in death by her husband, Horace Toussaint; father, Edward Bartie; mother, Ruth Bilbo; bonus father, Isaac Bilbo; sister, Doriska (Tiny) Young; sister, Mary Lee Jackson.

Persons remaining who will tremendously miss Bessie include her daughters, Brenda (Glennis)  Magee and Tonnia (Claude) Cotton; grandchildren, Heather (Bethel) Johnson, Raphael Vallier-Cotton, Taylor (Quinn) Johnson, Justin Cotton, and Sierra Cotton; great grandchildren, Bethel Johnson III, Hailey Johnson, Chase Vallier-Cotton, Logan Cotton, Jade Vallier-Cotton, and Olivia Johnson; sister, Cassandra (Ed) Harley; brother, Eddie Bartie; special Goddaughter, Sarah (Clifford) Bargemen; and a host of nieces, nephews, additional family members, and friends.

Acknowledgement:

The family of Bessie "Ella Mae" Toussaint wishes to thank everyone who participated in her homegoing celebration. We sincerely thank you for your prayers, words of inspiration, encouragement and your unconditional outpouring of love. You are in our hearts forever.