Mrs. Bessie Bates Bruce, 98, went Home to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 7, 2023. Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Mt. Bethlehem P.B. Church. Viewing is Friday 4-6 p.m. at TILLMAN OF TALLAHASSEE (850-942-1950). Mother Bruce had been a caregiver and a church mother at Mt. Bethlehem. She was an excellent cook and loved baking cakes, sewing and gardening. Survivors include her grandchildren: Antionette Hines, Andre and John Bryant and Trikenya Ali; and a host of other relatives and friends.