of Marianna, AR
September 29, 1937 - September 26, 2014
Jessamine Daggett Gist Jr,. of Marianna, Arkansas; departed from this life Friday, September 26, 2014. She was born September 29, 1937 in Helena, Arkansas; to the late Jessamine Daggett and Thomas Hottel Gist, Sr.
Jessamine graduated from Marianna T.A. Futrell High School in 1955 and received a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. She influenced many young lives teaching high school English at Lee Academy in Marianna, Arkansas for 33 Years. Jessamine was the ultimate Razorback Fan following teams to games around the state and Bowl games across the country and was passionate in her caring for rescued Shetland Sheep dogs. She enjoyed collecting fine antiques, including those passed down by family over multiple generations, and traveling to Europe, New York and other destinations.
''Doc'' Gist is survived by her brother; Thomas H. Gist, Jr., of Marianna, AR; nieces Lisa Robertson (Kirk) of McLean, VA; and Sydney White (Rick) of Stuttgart, AR; and nephews Trey Gist (Laura) of Little Rock, AR; and John McManus of Jackson , TN.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 3, 2014, at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Marianna at 2:30 P.M.. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friends of Marianna Dog Pound, P.O. Box 648, Marianna, AR 72360 and to the Lee County Community Foundation. Roller Citizens Funeral Home has charge of arrangements. Sign online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com
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31 Condolence(s)
Dr. Ron Thielman
Saturday, December 30, 2023
Lisa Wheeler Myers
Friday, October 24, 2014
What a legacy! My heart aches for all who loved Dr. Gist. She impacted so many lives. She will certainly be missed by many!!
Cheree "McKinney" Hutton
Saturday, October 4, 2014
I have so many memories of Doctor Gist. She was an inspiration to all of those who knew her. I will miss her.
Merrilee S. Leatherman
Friday, October 3, 2014
You all know how much Jessamine's friendship meant to me and I am sure she shared some of our "adventures" with you. One she may not have discussed: while sharing a house in Shreveport in 1964-65, I had to go into the hospital for overnight tests. Jessamine said she would come with me to take care of me. When the doctor walked into the room to tell me about the next day's test, he talked only to Jessamine who was sitting on the lounge. Finally, a bit perturbed, Jessamine said, "Why are you telling me....the patient is over there on the bed!" The poor doctor sputtered and left. Jessamine and I both laughed. When we went home the next day, I will never forget the sweetest gesture EVER!....Jessamine came walking ever so slowly into the room, basket containing toast and juice attached to her crutch, and said, "I think you need something to eat!" Can you imagine the effort that went into that act of kindness? An amazing angel is smiling down at us and I know she is finally able to run freely with the best of the best. RIP, my friend!
Joicie McConnell Gilbreath
Thursday, October 2, 2014
I am so saddened by the home going of Jessamine. I had called her just two weeks ago to plan another visit but didn't get to discuss it with her because I did not realize how sick she was. I met Jessamine in 1959 when we lived in Holcombe Hall at the U of A; then the next two years I was her roommate at Carnell Hall which were two of the best years of my life. I loved her and her parents. They were so good to me and I can honestly say that Jessamine was the most remarkable person I ever knew and I am so blessed to have had her for a friend.
Johnny Hudspeth
Thursday, October 2, 2014
It was a pleasure to be her classmate.She inspired me with her determination even though with her handicap she did not miss a thing. The thing I remember most vividly when she was selected homecoming queen. Our prayers are with you
Jo Anne And David Cahoon
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Dr. Gist was a wonderful lady! We are so sorry for your loss.
Melanie Young
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Dr Gist was a wonderful lady. She had a great impact on so many student's lives. It was a privilege to be one of her students. She will be greatly missed.
Linda. Odum Bell
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
I am so sorry to have heard of Jessamine's death. We were students at the UofA and lived across the hall in Carnell Hall. We shared many laughs and good times. We continued to be friends after I started medical school in Little Rock when she lived on Markham St. I always enjoyed her Christmas letter in July each year. I am sorry that I will not be able to be in Marianna on Friday. You all are in my prayers.
Fay Ko Ramey
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Dr. Gist was "simply the best." I had the honor of being one of her students at Lee Academy. I will miss her quick sense of humor, her love for the Razorbacks, and her annual Christmas cards in July. Heaven gained an angel today. RIP Dr. Gist
Ann rainwater Henry
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Jessamine and I were at the ya together. I lived part time with her for awhile and came to know her parents and relatives. She never complained. And when I taught at the ua I had students from Marianna she taught. She came to my tiny wedding in 1964. And to our home when they came to football games. Amazing person.
Mary Kathryn Keasler Cooper
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Dear Family,
It was a pleasure to have known Jessamine and to be a part of her high school. years at T.A. Futrell. She and her Mother were "two of a kine" compassionate, always smiling and never complaining. God will surely find a special place for them.
Terri Huffman
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
So sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy McKinney
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
I taught with "Doc" at Lee Academy (across the hall from her classroom) for several years. She was a dear friend.
Lisa Keeling Busby
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
What an awesome lady! Our lives were changed just by knowing her, truly one of a kind. Thoughts and prayers for her family, I know you will miss her.
Teresa Whitehead Walker
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Doc. Was a wonderful teacher and friend. She was loved by everyone . I feel she knew how many students lives she touched. Thoughts are with Mr. Tom and family . Teresa
Sheila carter
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Doc was truly an inspiration to many...she made the best of ever situation and taught many many students...what a great lady!
Millie Smith
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Thank you for being willing to teach at Lee Acedemy.Dear family so sad for her passing.May you all find hope in The Lord Jesus.
Stacie Sparks
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Dr. Gist was my mentor and friend. Heaven gained a special angel. I am praying for the Gist family.
Stephanie Johnson Dixon
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
To all the Gist Family,
I admired Jessamine at least since I was in 7th grade and Miss Eugenia Rives telling my class how she courageously set her sights high in education and how her family took whatever steps were necessary for her to achieve that. Then she proceeded to live a long, full life on her own.
I always enjoyed the few times we were able to visit and felt wonderful that someone with her obvious superior intellect deigned to favor me or whomever she was talking too with her attention to whatever we were saying.
She was a real asset to Lee County and I know she'll be missed by family, friends, former students, and the many who simply admired her grit and intelligence.
michelle (Lee) Heagwood
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Loved this lady. She was a great teacher/person. She will be missed. Prayers for her family.
Cristy Walter
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Many happy memories with this sweetheart! She loved my Molly Rae, and we loved her.
Carol Owens
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Miss Jessamine was an amazing person and an inspiration to so many. I loved her as my teacher. RIP
Terri Webb
Monday, September 29, 2014
A beautiful and wonderful person inside and out. Rest in peace sweet lady.
Brent Davis
Monday, September 29, 2014
Doc you will be missed thanks for being the wonderful teacher and person you were
Riitta Kouva
Sunday, September 28, 2014
You were a wonderful person. Rest in peace my dear american aunt.
Bill Sudbery
Saturday, September 27, 2014
You were a gift to education. You were an inspiration to your students. I'm proud to have been one of your students. You, truly, made a difference in my life. May you rest in peace Dr. Gist.
Lori Richardson
Saturday, September 27, 2014
There will never be another teacher like Doc! A woman I will never forget. She gave everything she had to help her students get the best of their time with her. She will be dearly missed by everyone who ever had the honor of being her student.
Annette Hamilton
Saturday, September 27, 2014
I remember her with great admiration. She was a wonderful woman and teacher.
She will be missed by all her family and extended family (her students). May your memories be what helps you to find peace at this very difficult time.
Helen Lovelace
Friday, September 26, 2014
Such a wonderful lady and teacher you will be missed.
Brenda Rice Palmer
Friday, September 26, 2014
Will miss you dearly. You were a wonderful teacher.