On October 25, 2024, the world lost a true matriarch. Ossie Ruth Beasley, born on May 23, 1932, in Orange County, North Carolina, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones.

Ossie was the beloved child of the late Sam and Martha Latta Crisp. Ossie married the late Leroy Beasley and together they created eight beautiful children.

Ossie was a dedicated and caring individual who touched the lives of many. After attending Pleasant Grove High School, she pursued a career in healthcare, eventually becoming a 10-year manager of a rest home as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She was the President of Morningside Homes Resident Council at the ocurrence of the Greensboro Massacre in 1979. Ossie later became the Resident Manager of Morehead-Simkins Independent Living facility until her health recently declined.

Mother Beasley was a founding member of Garden of Prayer Soverign Grace Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Elder Michael King. She later united with Rock Hill Soverign Grace Baptist Church with Elder Benji Brewer as pastor, and her grandson, the late Brian Beasley, as an associate pastor. Mother Beasley was the oldest member of Rock Hill and served in any way she could. She loved sending cards for most any occasion. She loved the Lord and her church, and she served others in any way possible.

People referred to Ossie in many ways: Mother, Mama, Mommie, and Grandma the Great; and she claimed them all as her own. She loved her family and was affectionately called Granny by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many of her extended family. She helped raise two grandsons, Rodney and Tony Lamont Beasley, both of whom she loved and was extremely proud.

Ossie is survived by one sister, Mary Crisp Key, of Philadelphia PA; her children, Shelia Scott of Philadelphia PA, Tony Beasley of New York NY, Donald Beasley, Sheena Beasley, Deborah Beasley Harris, and Faye Beasley of Greensboro NC; her grandchildren, Rodney Beasley, Natasha Harris, Tony Lamont Beasley, and Britton Paulk of Greensboro NC, Christopher Scott of Philadephia PA, and Malachi King, Matthew King, and Bethany King of Charlotte NC; and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other friends and family. Ossie was preceeded in death by brothers Sam Crisp, Frank Walker, Galvin Crisp, Lacy Crisp, and Albert Crisp; sisters Theola, Bernice Aiken, and Shirley Bailey; children Ronald Beasley and Jerry Beasley; foster son Leonard Brooks; grandchildren Michael Beasley, Brian Beasley, Tamia Beasley; and great-grandson Ja'Cere. Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, and all those fortunate enough to have known her.

Though Ossie may no longer be with us in body, her spirit will forever guide and inspire us. Take your rest with the Lord. You will be deeply missed.