Bessie Virginia Griffin was born in Hickory, Virginia, a rural community. Her early life was marked by racial prejudice and limited opportunities, experiences that would later fuel her determination to overcome adversity and create a better world for herself and others.

As a child, Bessie experienced paralysis in her left hand. Instead of succumbing to this physical limitation, she taught herself to write and perform everyday tasks with her feet, demonstrating her incredible adaptability and strong will. This early experience shaped her understanding of physical limitations and her desire to help others with disabilities.