Ms. Minnie Catherine Long Knight

Minnie Catherine Long Knight ("Bessie Mae" or "GG"), born on December 30, 1945, in Cartersville, GA, passed away peacefully at home on December 29, 2024, just one day shy of her 79th birthday. Surrounded by her loving family, Bessie Mae lived a life that was a true celebration of family, laughter, and joy.

Born to Helen Long and John Billie Brown, Bessie Mae was educated in the Summer Hill schools of Cartersville, GA. She developed a deep love for family and community, values that would define her life. Known for her exceptional cooking, Bessie Mae shared her culinary talents as the head chef at Red Top Mountain Resort in Acworth, GA, where she delighted guests with unforgettable meals. To her family, she was much more than a gifted chef—she was the heart of every gathering, bringing love, laughter, and warmth wherever she went.

Bessie Mae cherished her family both near and far. She especially enjoyed visiting relatives in Ohio, creating many lasting memories during her trips. Her love for family transcended generations and distances, and she always found time to stay connected with those she held dear.

She was the devoted mother of two daughters, one of whom, Caroline Benham of Rome, Georgia, preceded her in death in 2007. Bessie Mae was also preceded in death by her sisters Janice Bean Brown, Darelene Brown, and Bertha Diane Traylor, all of Sandusky, Ohio; her brothers James "Bull" Brown, John Billy "JB" Brown, Freddy Brown, Percy "Q" Brown, Kalvin "Flip" Brown, Rex Brown, and Tommie Brown, all of Sandusky, Ohio; as well as Michael and Jerry Worthy, both of Cartersville, Georgia.

She is survived by her youngest daughter, Cloretta Benham Sellers; a loving sister, Sheila Winters of Cartersville, Georgia; two younger brothers, Paul Brown and Jerry Grant of Sandusky, Ohio; and one surviving uncle Willie Long. She also leaves behind her six grandchildren—Brian Benham, Sheritta Turner, Natosha Turner, Justin Sellers, Angel Benham, and Jasmine Sellars—as well as twelve great-grandchildren, who lovingly called her “GG.” Additionally, she is survived by a special son, Curtis Sellers; a special friend,  Gladys Everette; a special cousin, Gloria Bryant; a special niece and nephew, Montoya White and Mark Brown; and her lifelong friend, Earnestine Carson.

In addition to her immediate family, Bessie Mae leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and extended family who will deeply miss her. Her warmth, laughter, and boundless love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. 

The Celebration of Life for Ms. Minnie Catherine Long Knight will be Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 12 noon at F. K. Jones Funeral Home Rome Chapel. 

Care and Direction entrusted to F. K. Jones Funeral Home.

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