Emma Beatrice Acoff

EMMA BEATRICE ACOFF, affectionately known as “Bea” was the 9th of 14th children born to the late Willie Sr. and Alma D. Mellerson on August 14, 1939 in Summerton, South Carolina. 

Bea was educated in the public school system of Clarendon County, SC.  At an early age, she accepted Christ and became a member of St. James AME Zion Church in Summerton, SC, where she faithfully served until she moved to Baltimore, MD.  Here, she joined Mt. Mariah Baptist Church and remained an active member until her move to Buffalo, New York.  It was in Buffalo, she joined Bethel AME Church.

Bea met the late Wiley Acoff and in 1978 they united in holy matrimony.  She joined him serving in the vineyard of St. John Baptist Church.  As a member, she served in the choir ministry of the United Voices of St. John.  Upon the passing of her husband, Bea joined family to worship at Antioch Baptist Church.

Bea was employed at Olson Wire Products Company while in Baltimore, MD.  Upon her relocation to Buffalo, NY in 1967, Bea was gainfully employed by Blue Shield of Western New York, starting as an elevator operator, performing other duties along the way, retiring as a claims adjustor.

Bea loved to play BINGO, playing Spades and trash talking to her opponents while doing so.  Some memorable thoughts would be of her broccoli salad, which was one of her best dishes;  her love of crab legs;  but most of all, she loved her family. She will be truly missed!

Bea departed this life Sunday, August 7, 2016 at Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Williamsville, New York.

Preceding her in death are two sisters, Annie M. Clark and Robertha M. Caldwell; five brothers, Johnnie, Charlie, Willie Jr., Thomas and Samuel Mellerson; and one granddaughter, Tina A. Mellerson.

Emma “Bea” Acoff leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Claretha Mellerson and Denna Peterson and one son, Dwayne Mellerson, all of Buffalo, NY; two granddaughters, Shakara Mellerson and Jada Mixon of Buffalo, NY; three sisters, Carrie M. Nelson of Broomall, PA, Alma Mellerson and Lillian Burgin of Buffalo, NY; three brothers, James (Betty) Mellerson of Baltimore, MD, Albert Mellerson of Miami, FL and General L. Mellerson of Buffalo, NY; two sisters-in-law, Mattie Mellerson of Buffalo, NY and Patricia Mellerson of Baltimore, MD; two godsons, Charlie Mellerson, Jr and Emanuel Mellerson; a special grandniece, Sabrina Cannon; her lifelong friend, Foza Thurston and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Family will receive friends Friday, August 12, 2016, 11am at Antioch Baptist Church, 1327 Fillmore Ave., Buffalo, NY.  Funeral to follow at 12 noon. Interment at St. John's Cemetery.

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