Jessie Belle Emmons Ash

Jessie Belle Emmons Ash died peacefully on Tuesday, April 23 just sixteen days after the death of her beloved husband Jerry. Jessie was born on July 7, 1935, in Fort Worth, the only child of Elias Franklin and Kathleen Shrewder Emmons.

A talented and dedicated musician, Jessie began her training with piano lessons in childhood. Her first teacher, Mrs. Ruth Heywood, became a life-long friend and role model. Jessie enjoyed over 40 years of teaching piano, and like Mrs. Heywood, she became a friend, confidant, and mentor to many of her students maintaining relationships with them for years after their weekly lessons had concluded.

Jessie began her career as a church musician during her teen years when she served as organist for children’s chapel at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Fort Worth. After moving the family to San Antonio in1962, Jessie became rehearsal pianist for the choirs of Trinity Episcopal Church. She quickly moved on to become Assistant Organist, playing at the 9:15 Family Service and directing the Junior Choir. Ultimately, she took over as Trinity’s full-time Organist and Choir Director. During those years, she continued her studies and graduated from Incarnate Word with a degree in Organ in 1975. Jessie never really stopped being a church musician. Her love for the music and rituals of the Episcopal Church was shown in her dedication to the Wednesday morning chapel services at the Bishop Jones Center. She selected hymns and played organ for those services for many years. It was only her declining health that caused her to call an end to that work in 2023.

Jessie was also an active and enthusiastic member of the Tuesday Musical Club. She joined the TMC Dance Ensemble and was heavily involved with the Junior Competition. She served as TMC President from 2001 to 2003.

Preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jerry Ash, and son Ronnie Ash, Jessie is survived by daughters Viki Ash and Angela Green, son Tony Ash, and son-in-law Paul Green. She was grandmother to Lilla Bernal, Elise and Trevor Ash, and Abby Green and great-grandmother to Robin and Carlos Bernal, Paxton Perris, Eli Ash, and Pierce Green.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas or the San Antonio Food Bank.