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.