Phyllis Bessey

Mrs. Phyllis S. (Slye) Bessey, 94, of Blandon, formerly of Whitesboro, New York, passed away on Tuesday morning, June 3, 2025 at Keystone Villa of Fleetwood.

Born December 20, 1930 in Cleveland, OH, she was the daughter of the late B. Franklin and Anna L. (Payne) Slye. Her husband of 56 years, John A. Bessey, passed away on April 14, 2014.

Phyllis was a graduate of Baldwinsville Free Academy, Baldwinsville, NY, and went on to receive her bachelor's degree from Defiance College, in Defiance, OH. Phyllis worked part-time, for many years, in the Registrar's Office at Mohawk Valley Community College, Utica, NY.

Phyllis was a member of New Hartford Presbyterian Church, New Hartford, NY and was a member of the sewing group, Sit & Stitch. Phyllis was a homemaker who loved making cookies, fudge, and especially bread for her son. She truly enjoyed spending time in the company of her good friends.

Phyllis is survived by her four children, Judith A. (Bessey) Glew, Clinton, IA, Janet B. (Bessey) Gravel, wife of Michael Gravel, Vernon, WI, John F. Bessey, husband of Jennifer A. (Simon) Bessey, Blandon, and Patricia B. (Bessey) King, Clinton, NY. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Ryan and his wife, Chelsea, Shane and his wife, Rhonda, Andrew and his wife, Tina, Nathan, Shawn, Katherine, Patrick and his wife, Rebecca, Connor, and Olivia, and by her great-grandchildren, Thomas, Harrison and Hudson.

Along with her parents and her husband, John, Phyllis was preceded in death by her great-grandson, Holden, her brother, Gordon Slye, and twin sister, Carol Carson.

Memorial Services for Phyllis will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025 at 11:00 am at New Hartford Presbyterian Church, 45 Genesee Street, New Hartford, New York.

Walbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Fleetwood, is honored to be caring for Phyllis and her family. Messages of comfort and sympathy can be offered to her family at www.WalbertFuneralHome.com.