Elder Allen Bess was delivered into this world on the 5th day of October in the year of 1929.Even before his birth his steps had already been ordered by Almighty God. He started his life with the desire to do things in excellence in every aspect of his life. Whether in his work experience or in his dealings with people whom he had the privilege to come into contact with on a daily basis. God had already chosen him for mighty works. He was humble as he began his journey serving God. He experienced so many wonderful moments in his very unique walk with the Lord. God ordained him by allowing him to perform many gifts of the Holy Spirit. He was given the gift of laying anointed hands on people to be blessed by God. When God decided Allen and I should become husband and wife I was told by everyone who knew this wonderful man of God you know that you are blessed right? Eventually I discovered that I was extraordinarily blessed by GOD because of the man he had made Allen to be. Even as my husband began his journey to Heaven he was leading people to salvation. All who came into contact with him were affected with his capacity to show the love of Almighty God to each and every one of them. All the nurses as well as the hospital Chaplain told me that they loved my husband! Hallelujah and Glory to God Almighty! I will forever love him and be grateful that God saw fit to bless me with such an amazing man! I pray that all who knew him saw who he truly was God's property! Thanks be to God!

He preceded in death by his parents: Bessie Lee Bess and Freeman McArn, his siblings Isaac McArn, Daniel Archie McArn, Arzander McArn, Mary Lois Stokes, Linwood Williams, Jr, Betty Lou Glover, Roy Lee McArn, and Sarah Howell.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife Evelyn Rebecca Bess; two daughters Alease Bess and Alvina Bess Beverly; two sons Allen Bess and Anthony Bess; six grandchildren and five great grandchildren; a brother, Willie Thomas McArn; sister-cousin, Rosa Mae McArn; special cousins Mary N. Washington and Ernest McArn, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, and friends.

A homegoing service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 8, 2023 at St. Thomas AME Zion Chuch, 1700 Melon Street, Norfolk. Interment will follow at Roosevelt Memorial Park. Viewing will be held from 5pm until 7pm Friday, July 7, 2023 at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, 500 Liberty Street, Chesapeake.