With profound sadness, we announce that Bessie Goldberg Speyer passed away on May 31, 2024. She was 90 years old.

Bessie was born and raised in New Orleans. Her mother, Sarah, and father, Julius "The Tailor," met on the ship from Europe to America. Bessie and her family lived above the tailor shop on Rampart Street and then uptown New Orleans. Growing up with her sister Helen, cousins, aunts, and uncles, she had a connection to the Yiddish community.

Bessie's journey was one of extraordinary achievements. She graduated from Newcomb College (Tulane), where she later met the love of her life, Lawrence "Larry" Speyer. While they dated, Bessie and Larry were deeply in love, exchanging heartfelt letters while Larry traveled as a salesperson. They married in 1955 and moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where they would have three adoring children. Bessie's dedication to her career was unwavering. She earned a Master's in Social Work from Oklahoma University and led a career advocating for the protection of children. Her role as a social worker for Child Protective Services and a Foster Parent training instructor was deeply fulfilling. Bessie's commitment extended beyond her work, as she served as a board member for Tulsa Advocates for the Protection of Children and was Chairperson for Christmas for Kids.

Bessie's love for her family was unparalleled. Her dedication to the Tulsa Jewish Community for over 50 years was a testament to her unwavering commitment. She had many friends and was an avid Mahjong player known for her caring and loyalty. She will be greatly missed, leaving behind a legacy of love and service.

Bessie's passing has left a void in our hearts, but her memory will forever be cherished. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from the community and extended family during this challenging time. Bessie is survived by her sister, Helen Zerlin-Sperling; her children, Bruce Speyer and his wife Roberta, Susan Speyer, Lisa Phillips and her husband, Loren Phillips; her seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Her parents, Julius and Sarah Goldberg, and her husband, Larry Speyer, preceded her in death.

Services for Bessie will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery, Temple Israel Old Section, on Friday, June 7, at 11:00 AM for a graveside ceremony. A get-together for friends and family will be held at the Zarrow Pointe Retirement Center at 2:00 PM. To honor Bessie's memory, please consider contributions to the Jewish Children's Regional Service PO Box 7368 Metairie, LA 70010 (jcrs.org) or the Southern Poverty Law Center 400 Washington Street Montgomery, AL 36104 (splcenter.org).
Fitzgeralds Ivy Chapel 918-585-1151 Fitzgeraldfuneralservice.com