of Helena, AR
January 19, 1916 - November 17, 2024
Jessamine Florine Bell Wilson went to be with her Lord on November 17, 2024 at the age of 108. She was born on January 19, 1916, as the only child of Robert Nonsuch Bell and Mary Lula Erwin Bell. She is preceded in death by her husband, Earl W. Wilson, Sr.; a very close first cousin, Mildred Neal Dickey and two dear friends, Avanell Conner and Ellen Carnathan Lawrence.
After the death of her father when she was very young, she was raised by her mother in the Ouachita Mountain Range near Murfreesboro, Arkansas. She and her mother moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas where she graduated high school. After graduation she, her mother and several relatives moved to California where she attended UCLA and graduated with a degree in English. She and her cousin Mildred moved to Jacksonville, Arkansas where she met her future husband, Earl who was teaching Agriculture at Jacksonville High. They moved to West Helena in 1947 when Earl took a job with the Farmers Home Administration.
Jessie was a homemaker, loved her flowers, vegetable garden, reading, painting and animals, especially cats. She was a faithful member of the West Helena United Methodist Church where she served many capacities.
She leaves to cherish her memory and to celebrate her life a son, Earl Witt (Butch) Wilson, Jr. and his wife, Neala; grandson, Earl Witt Wilson, III and wife, Shonya; granddaughter, Mary Duke Wilson Davis and husband, Anthony; five great-grandchildren, Kenley, Keegan and John Luke Wilson and Hartley and Falls Davis.
She and her family were also grateful for the loving care and friendship from her caregivers, Theresa Taylor, Effie Randal and Mary Chadwick. Thanks also to Joe Ann Voyles Franklin and the staff of Heritage Hill Manor and Neal Duke, Jr. for their kindness and care.
A graveside service with the family was held Thursday, November 21, 2024 at Sunset Memorial Cemetery. Eddie Schiffler officiated.
Services were directed by the staff of Roller Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870)-572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhome.com/westhelena.
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11 Condolence(s)
Earl W. Wilson
Sunday, December 29, 2024
Thank you all for your messages. They are much appreciated !!
Tommie Jean Anderson
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Dear Butch, Neala, and Family,
Jessamine's passing from this life saddened me, but knowing she is with Jesus makes me happy. She was very special to me and also to her cousin Edna, my mother. I always admired Jessie for her intelligence and compassion. God bless you always, Tommie Jean and Sonny
Penny Culver
Sunday, November 24, 2024
I loved Jessie and enjoyed her friendship.
Joanne
Friday, November 22, 2024
Sincerest condolences to you all. I did not know your loved one, but her age alone tell us she was an amazing lady.
Billie Sue Rohrscheib
Friday, November 22, 2024
Butch and Neala, I am so sorry to her of your Mother passing! Wow, what an amazing life she had, and the wonderful care you gave her. She will be missed, but she will never have a painful day again with our Lord and Savior. Just think of all the things she has to tell her love ones in Heaven. My prayers are with you, and I love you!!! Billie Sue Rohrscheib
John Henry Jones
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Coach I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your dear mother. There’s one thing you can be proud of and that’s that you had your mom for a very long time.she had to be a very strong lady to live to see 108 years. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Camille Snider
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Miss Jessie and Mr. Earl were dear to our family.They were much more to us than neighbors.
Miss Jessie was like a grandmorher to us and shared so many of her art pieces with our family.
I have a painting hanging in my house now that was in our home for many years.
I was in West Helena just last week for the 1st time in 25 yrs and thought og her.
Butch she was a gift from God to so many.
Terri James-Goodman
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Butch and family I am sorry for the loss of your mother and grandmother. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this time.
Kelly
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Ms.Neala and Mr. Butch, Oh my, what a wonderful life she had, 108 years. Love, to you both and your family.
Gene B. Borowski
Thursday, November 21, 2024
I send my deepest sympathy for your loss. What a remarkable woman she was and lived such a complete life. Many prayers for peace and precious memories.
Barbara Stambaugh
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Butch, Neal, and Family,
I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Mrs. Wilson. The Lord Blessed this Sweet lady with a long life. We got to be Friends at Crestpark when Daddy and Lettie were there. My prayer is that the Lord will Bless each of you with love, happy memories, and comfort as only He can give to us. God Bless each of you in the coming days, minutes, moments and just Precious Memories to show the love all of you had for each other. Love and prayers Barbara