Mrs. Bessie Marie Horton was born on January 22, 1926 in Pasacola, Missouri to Louise Florence Terrell-Stroughter and Samuel Stroughter whom preceded her in death. Two sisters, Willie Mae Butler, Sammie Lee Thompson and a brother, Freddie Lee Stroughter also preceded her in death.

Bessie was united in Holy Matrimony to T. C. Horton on December 7, 1942 and to this union ten children were born. Husband and daughter (Carolyn) both preceded her in death.

She was baptized in Jesus Name and received the gift of the Holy Ghost at Bethel Temple Church in 1957 under the leadership of Elder E. C. Seales. All nine living children were raised in the Bethel Temple Church. Mother Horton daily fasted, prayed and read the Word of God believing that He would save her children. As a number of her children followed her belief in serving God according to Acts 2:38.

She was a member of Bethel Temple Church until 1979. She became a member of House of Prayer to All Nations Church under Elder John H. Pettiford, Jr. in 1979.

Mother Horton was the President of the Mother's Board; often went to the Monday night Prayer meeting; and also was a Missionary serving under Evg. Ruth Jones. Mother Horton as she was lovingly called at House of Prayer by all who knew her and wanted her to personally pray for them.

She was employed at Firmin Desloge Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri as a Medical Clerk. Later, she became a Foster Grandparent at the Catholic Daycare where her presence won the hearts of more children.

Her grandchildren, great-grand and great-great grandchildren fondly called her Grandma or Grandma Bessie.

Mother Horton departed this life on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at Swansea Rehabilitation in Swansea, Illinois. She leaves to cherish her memory her children; Shirley (Reggie) Beard of Fairview Heights, IL; Maxine M. Willis of Belleville, IL, Paulette (Tony) Hill of Belleville, IL, Tyree Horton of Ballwin, MO, Constance Harrell of Belleville, IL, Steve (Beverly) Horton of East St. Louis, IL, Rondae (Lula) Horton, Cibolo, TX, Denise Gary of O'Fallon, IL and Audrey (Michael) Byrd of O'Fallon, IL.

She enjoyed her 18 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and church family.