We received the following email from Presiding Bishop Dr. Ronald Carpenter, Sr. Mrs. Bessie Reece, Mrs. Nan Carpenter's mother, has passed away.  We will pass on arrangements as we received them.  Please remember Bishop and Mrs. Carpenter and their entire family in prayer as they go through this difficult time.

May the comfort of the Holy Spirit surround them today.  Thank you for your prayers.

In Christ,
Rev. David Richardson, Jr.
Discipleship Ministries Director

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Nan’s mother, Mrs. Bessie Hale Reece, went home to be with the Lord Sunday morning about 5:30 am.  She was 91 years old and served the Lord basically all of her life.  She was ready to go and had been praying to go home throughout this entire time since her recent surgery.

She had been in a nursing home for the last five years.  We visited with her on Friday afternoon after Thanksgiving.  That night about 2 am she fell and broke her hip, elbow, and several fingers.  She had surgery the next day but never really got over the fall and the after-effects of it. Her situation had been deteriorating ever since.  They put her in hospice care earlier this week.  Nan flew back thirteen days ago and has been by her side night and day ever since that time.  I flew back last night and was thankful that the Lord spared my mother-in-law until I could be here with Nan.

Many of you have e-mailed and some have called over the last couple of weeks assuring Nan and me of your love and prayers. We want to express our heart-felt gratitude for all of your encouraging words and your acts of kindness. Ron Jr. and I will be doing the memorial service. Please pray for the family as we walk through the next few days of adjustment and transition.