Jessie Ann was born and raised in her beloved Huntsville, AL on “Echols Hill” and summer home on Monte Sano Mountain, where she enjoyed joyful years with numerous family and friends along with her horses and dogs. She was especially fond of her time at Huntsville High School as a cheerleader and leader of numerous clubs with her lifelong friends whom she cherished. She attended The University of Alabama, was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority, and where she met and married her beloved husband of 63 years, Elbert S. Jemison, Jr. of Birmingham, AL, who predeceased her in 2010. The rest of her life was spent in Birmingham where she was an active member of The Cathedral Church of the Advent, The Junior League of Birmingham, and several Garden Clubs. She was always described as a “beautiful true Southern Lady”. Her quick wit, intelligence, love of nature and crossword puzzles as well as talents in gardening, decorating, sewing, needlework, knitting, cooking and joyfully presenting a beautiful dining room table for family holidays will always be cherished.
Jessie Ann was predeceased by her parents, the late John Sullivan Yarbrough and Ada Mae Rand Yarbrough of Huntsville, along with her three beloved siblings Helen Yarbrough Porter of Huntsville, John Sullivan Yarbrough, Jr. of Hampton, VA, and Minnie Lois Yarbrough Lowry Neal of Huntsville.
Jessie Ann is survived by her daughter Anne Jemison Heppenstall (Rest), her sons Elbert “Bo” S. Jemison, III and Richard Rand Jemison, along with her adored grandchildren Rest Baker Heppenstall, Jr. (Jessie) and Jess Anne Heppenstall Ragsdale (Ben), and great grandchildren James Jemison Ragsdale, Rest “Baker” Heppenstall, III, Virginia Nelms Heppenstall and Margaret “Mims” Sevier Ragsdale. She is also survived by her devoted sister-in-law Jeanie Jemison Matthews and her husband, Dr. George W. Matthews, Jr. and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Jessie Ann will be interred at Elmwood Cemetery next to her beloved Elbert at a graveside service on Wednesday, October 5th, 2022, at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to The Cathedral Church of the Advent, 2017 6th Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203 or The Greater Birmingham Humane Society, 300 Snow Drive, Birmingham, Alabama 35209. Services are under the direction of Ridout’s Valley Chapel (205-879-3401) in Homewood.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsvalleychapel.com for the Jemison family.
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