She was born on March 2, 1921 in Muddy, Illinois to her parents Jesse and Nannie Moore. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, James A Hawhee, daughter, Jean Bryer, son, James Hawhee, Jr., grandson, Jeff Bryer, sisters Mildred Crawford, Marion Arnold, and brother William Moore. Infant siblings that preceded her were John, Ruby, Lora and Elvira Moore.
She is survived by her children Ed Hawhee (Mary), Connie Hollar, Cliff Hawhee (Lynn), Lisa McClain (Brad) and Kerry Hawhee (Angie), grandchildren Greg Bryer, Cheryl Anderson, Kristie Amenda, Angie Welty, Dawn Bowers, Debbie Hawhee, Buffy Campbell, Kelly Hefner, Jim Hawhee, Alexis Young, Jessica Mcclain, Andrew McClain, Megan White, Morgan Hawhee, and two sisters Betty Harris and Catherine Moore. She was also blessed with 22 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Jessie left her fingerprint on her family and friends who deeply loved her. Growing up during the Great Depression she appreciated all that was given to her. She was a volunteer at Laughlin Hospital for 19 years. As a young girl she learned to play the violin going on to play in the Tri-City Orchestra in southern Illinois. Jessie began taking art lessons in her 40s and spent the rest of her life painting, decorating or using her hands to do other craft projects. She was always generous with her love, time and possessions. Always first to volunteer at Church, she sang in the choir, chaperoned youth camp, was an Acteen leader, Sunday School teacher, and Vacation Bible School coordinator. If she was asked to fill a need, she never said no. She once said she felt her purpose in life was to be a mother. Her final week of life was spent preparing her loved ones to go on without her-sharing her humor, love and wisdom until the end.
The family would like to offer a special thanks to the following caregivers for their years of friendship and care to Jessie: Becky Collins, Mary Anderson and Susie Ricker. A thanks is also extended to Smokey Mountain Home Health & Hospice for their support and care to Jessie and family.
The family will receive family and friends at Kiser-Rose Hill Chapel from 1:30-2:30 PM on May 26, 2019, with a memorial service to begin at 2:30 PM. Pastor Joseph Welty will officiate the service.
