ELKHART -- Bessie Young, 76, of State Street, died at 6:59 p.m. Sunday (May 18, 2008) in Elkhart General Hospital.

She was born Jan. 26, 1932, in Fargo, Ark., to Georgie A. and Ollie Mae (Marshall) Jackson. Two husbands, Thad Flower and Julius Young, preceded her in death.

Mrs. Young is survived by four daughters, Judy M. and Angalee Young, both of Elkhart, Louise Young of Goshen and Barbara (Ronnie) Nichols of Oklahoma City; six sons, Willie, James, Joe, Clint, Jerry and Anthony Young, all of Elkhart; 24 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; six sisters, Rebecca Bowen, Jessie Lee Jackson and Savannah Williams, all of Cleveland, Hattie Cooper of Steele, Mo., and Ruth Childress and Margie Lee Patterson, both of Elkhart; and three brothers, Jessie James, John Lee and Sammie Lee Jackson, all of Elkhart.

She was preceded in death by three sons, Harris, Earl and Larry Young; three sisters, June M., Bernice and Corine Jackson; and three brothers, Converse, J.D. and Sylvester Jackson.

Mrs. Young worked as a housekeeper most of her life for Hotel Elkhart, Valley View Healthcare and Turtle Creek Nursing Home (Riverside Village). She was a member of the Temple of Yahweh and Yashua, Niles, Mich., Willowdale Church of God, Elkhart, and attended Greater Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church.

She enjoyed watching gospel programs, television evangelists and "The Price is Right." She loved to cook (especially her family's favorite, buttermilk biscuits) and spend time with her family.

Friends may call one hour prior to Saturday's 1 p.m. funeral service at Greater Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, 1829 Oakland Ave., Elkhart. The Rev. Dr. Nichols Cossey will officiate. Burial will follow in Prairie Street Cemetery.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, assisted with arrangements.

Memorials may be given to Midwest Basketball Academy at ICE Athletic Center, 1526 Deer Run Drive, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.