Mary Marcilla Bessent

Mary Marcilla "Cilia" Bessent, daughter of the late Woodrow Ward and Mable Stanley, was born on June 22, I959 in Horry County, South Carolina. On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, God, in His infinite wisdom, saw fit to remove Cilia from her earthly home and take her to her heavenly home. She will be missed dearly and her memories will be cherished forever.

Mary, affectionately known as "Cilia", was raised in the home with her loving grandparents, Johnny and Rhoda Ward in Little River, South Carolina. She received her diploma from North Myrtle Beach High School in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She began her career at an early age, working in the hospitality and housekeeping industry where she was a loyal and hard worker. Admired by many, Cilia was loved and adored by her family and friends.

Cilia was baptized and dedicated her life to Christ at an early age. She joined Mt. Calvary #2 Missionary Baptist Church in Little River, South Carolina where she sang on the choir and was a devoted member of the Pastor's Aide Committee. She was a faithful and dedicated member until her health began to fail.

Cilia was preceded in death by her loving grandparents, Johnny and Rhoda Ward, and one brother, Harris Claridy.

Cilia leaves to cherish her memories two children, Krishmer Bessent of Little River South Carolina, and Yashicia Bessent of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; six grandchildren, Tysheria Bessent, Ja'Roderick Bessent Chestnut, Ja'Mareon Bessent Chestnut, Ty'Shanae Bessent, Daquares Bessent, and Diannia Livingston; two brothers, Tony (Thamantha) Bessent of Flagpatch, South Carolina and Thomas Bessent of Virginia; one sister, Debra Bessent of Brooksville, South Carolina; special friends, Ms. Annette Spivey, Ms. Otheia Jackson, Mrs. Betty Gore, Mrs. Bobbie Jean Bessent, and Ms. Jessie Lee Bellamy; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and devoted friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, July 19, 2024, at Mt. Calvary #2 Church.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.  There will be a viewing from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Ocean View Funeral Home and Beach Crematory, North Strand Chapel.

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