On her 100th birthday, Jessie, who was residing at the home of her daughter Karen Jane and son-in- law Rod, received many cards, cakes, flowers, phone calls and “Zoom” visits from nieces and nephews in Tennessee and Texas. At 100 years old, she was still active and mobile. A fall the next day, surgery, Covid-19 positivity and other health issues contributed to her death. She passed away peacefully in her sleep a short time after being received into Hospice Care at Bell Minor Home in Gainesville, Georgia.
Jessie was born in Knoxville, Tennessee to parents Beecher Arthur Ridings and Iva Ethyl Hansard Ridings. She was preceded in death by brother Clifford Ridings and wife Gladys and their son John Ridings; Earl Ridings and wife June Irwin Ridings; Earl and Minnie Ridings daughter, Carol Ridings and sons Wayne and Bill Ridings and wife T.J; sister Louise Ridings Irwin and husband Jack Irwin and their daughter Sarah Elizabeth Irwin Graves.
Jessie Is survived by her daughter Karen McGill Bunn and son-in-law Rod Bunn. Surviving nieces and nephews are Chris Irwin and wife Darlene; Jill Irwin Longmire and husband Robert; Tina Irwin Clawson and husband Mel; Jeff Irwin and wife Debbie; Betty Jo Ridings. Step nieces and nephews are Ronnie Brock and wife Patricia; Joyce Brock Norwood and husband Rob; Tommy Brock and wife Donna; Janet Brock Downey and husband Steve; Tim Brock and wife Kim.
As a young woman during the years of WWII, Jessie worked as an inspector at Fulton Sylphon. After the war, she met a handsome Lt. jg Naval Airman James A. McGill from Knoxville. They were married on New Years Day 1946. Their only child, a daughter Karen Jane was born February 4, 1947 at the U. S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. They eventually returned to live in Knoxville. James A. McGill died in 1996. In the 1970’s and 1980’s Jessie was employed by Bondurant Bros. Co and McCarty Mortuary.
Jessie moved to Johns Creek, Georgia in 2004 to be near her daughter and son-in-law. While in Atlanta, Jessie was a member of the Intermezzo Unit of the Atlanta Symphony Associates for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
She became a member of the Cathedral of St. Philip Episcopal on Peachtree St. in Atlanta where she served as an usher. When her daughter became the volunteer organist for the Hispanic service, “Iglesia de San Philipe”, which met in the Michael Chapel, Jessie always sat in the pew just in front of the organ.
Miss Jessie, as she was known, became a beloved member of the Spanish speaking congregation. On Sundays, the adults and children would file in passing by the organ and stop at her pew for hugs and kisses. At the end of the service, Miss Jessie would be standing at her pew to tell them goodbye as they went out the door. With their gracious manners, the members were always there to make sure she could get up and down the steps for communion.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 3:00pm at Sherwood Chapel and Memorial Gardens, 3176 Airport Highway, Alcoa, Tennessee. Please follow Covid-19 restriction guidelines, wear a mask and practice social distancing.
If you would like to honor the memory of Jessie R. McGill, make a donation to any local food bank, church or organization that is providing food for those who are in need during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
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