Mrs. Bessie Tillman Early, 94, passed on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 1, at the Monticello Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. Burial will follow in Oakfield Cemetery. Viewing is Friday 4-6 p.m. at 1215 North Jefferson Street, Monticello. Mrs. Early was a native of Monticello who had been a longtime Jehovah's Witness. She was a graduate of Howard Academy High School and attended FAMU (FAMCEE) and later Florida Memorial College. She had been a Substitute Teacher for Jefferson County Schools. Mrs. Early was the eldest of all of her siblings and they all preceded her in death. Survivors include her son, Benjamin Leonard; daughters: Arlene Early, Cynthia Early Alusma, Barbara Early (Willie) Smith and Katie Williams (Michael) McCloud; grandchildren: Vertez (Chris) Cox, Nikitress Smith, Ashley Alusma, Shannon McCloud and Jonathan Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.