Elberth J. Trotter Obituary (1939

Elberth Jean Bess Trotter Sunrise on March 1, 1939 Sunset on September 20, 2019 Elberth was born on March 1, 1939 to Jake Perry and Irene Steals in Wynne, AR. She graduated from High School in 1955 and completed the Providence School of Nursing in Seattle, WA Fall of 1957. She met John Bess, Jr. and they were married on Jan. 13, 1958. Four children were born from this union. They lived in different States, finally settling in Toppenish WA. At the age of 29 she was appointed the youngest State Supervisor of the Church of God in Christ. In 1972 the family moved to Yakima where Mother Trotter was active in the Community. On May 28, 1977 she married Sammy J. Trotter and they obtained legal custody of Lawrence Madry in 1988. She took in several foster children, so the home was never empty, and she was "world renown" for her pies. She leaves behind her husband Sammy Trotter of 42 years, daughters June (Otis) West, Waunda Bess Shelton, Sandra Bess, daughter-in-law Kimberly Bess and sons Jeffery Bess, Larry Madry and her special cousin Vernell Catlett. She has 6 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, mother, sister Carcena Hall, son John Gregory Bess and grandson Jayon Bess. She was blessed to have women in her life who proved to be very instrumental in both her life and the lives of her children. To name a few, Jessie Wilkerson, Ruth Weaver Cook, Hattie Willis, Ruth Jacobs, Lillie Chappell, Alice Mabry and her longtime friend Edith Miller. Special recognition also goes out to cousin Elizabeth Vaughn (her other daughter), Mary Turner, Linda Ivory, Gwen Raines, Alma Trotter, Louise Nelson, Ruthie Fay Arnette, Herbert Weaver and her oldest living cousin Tyree Weaver. Mother Trotter loved the Lord and enjoyed serving the church. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5th at 10:00 am at the Greater Faith Baptist Church located at 816 South 6th Street. In lieu of a viewing, there will be a friends & family fellowship on Friday, Oct. 4th from 5:00 pm8:00 pm at Shaw & Sons Funeral Home to share stories about moms life and the legacy she leaves behind. Visitation Shaw and Sons Funeral Home Friday, October 4, 2019 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM 201 N 2nd St. Yakima, Washington 98901 Not a "Traditional Viewing", but a Fellowship time in Shaw and Sons Fellowship Hall.