DOVER - Bessie S. Wilson of Chatham Court Dover, quietly slipped away on Sunday, May 27, 2012 after a long illness. Bessie was born on Aug. 23, 1934, in Crisfield, Md., to the late Garfield and Merley Sutton. Bessie graduated from Bowie State Teachers College in Maryland 1956; she devoted her career to teaching. Bessie taught elementary school throughout her career until she retired from the Delaware public school system (Fairview Elementary) in 1991. Bessie was a beautiful woman, devoted wife and mother. Her other interests included reading, decorating, cooking and volunteerism. She was also a member of the Officer's Wives Club. Bessie served as a volunteer at the Dover Air Force Base Hospital in the Pharmacy Department. Bessie was an avid animal lover; she later became known as the Chatham Cove Pet Sitter. She could be relied upon by her neighbors to care for the many cats and dogs and also served on homeowner's association. Surviving to love and cherish many memories are, devoted husband of 56 years, Carl W. Wilson; loving and dedicated daughter, Carla M. Wilson of University Park, Maryland; the love of her life, best friend and son, Derric W. Wilson of Dover; step-son, Michael Gattis of Salisbury, Md.; two sisters, Bobbie White of Princess Anne, Md., Billie Brown of Crisfield, Md.; and a host of loving nieces, nephews and friends. Four brothers; and three sisters preceded her in death as well as her beloved four legged friends, Missy, Simi and Yoda. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 1, 2012 at the Bennie Smith Funeral Home, 717 West Division Street, Dover, DE. Viewing 2 hours prior. Interment Sharon Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Delaware Alzheimer's Association, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106