Jessie L Vail

Jessie Lafayette Vail was born on April 30, 1928 in Paris, Texas to William M. Vail and Ester Nation Vail. Jessie gained his heavenly reward on May 6, 2020 in Kaufman, Texas at the age of 92. He is no longer constrained by the infirmities he lived with and suffered with for so long.

Jessie was preceded in death by his parents, William M. Vail and Ester Nation Vail; his wife, Susie E. Vail; Brothers - James Melvin Vail, Lucian T. Vail, and Bobby R. Vail; Sister – Melivee Wright; Half-Brothers – Don Vail and Estee Vail; and Half-Sister – Ruby Mitchell; as well some nephews and nieces.

Jessie is survived by his dearly beloved sister, Maurice Wilson of Midlothian, TX. Jessie and Maurice visited by phone daily, even though it was getting more difficult with the circumstances and with the passing of time. Sometimes they wouldn’t say a lot, but just hearing each other’s voice was enough to hold them over until the next time they spoke. The last time they visited personally was before Christmas, 2019. Jessie and Maurice loved each other to a fault.

Jessie is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, as well as a host of longtime friends.

Jessie was a brick mason by trade. He worked along side his brothers Lucian and Bobby. However, his favorite pass time was his music. He was an accomplished musician. His favorite was the steel guitar. He was also a gifted guitarist. He used those talents for the Lord as he played in the orchestra at Gospel Lighthouse Church on Ewing where he first became a Christian. Later in life he also used those talents when attending Dallas Bethel Temple.

Back in the 70’s the Vail family had annual reunions where they rented a house in Mexia, TX for a weekend. The entire family joined in singalongs and Jessie led the backup band. Definitely a musical family.

As an adult, Jessie moved in with his mother and took care of her until she passed away in 1971.

Jessie did not have children of his own, but loved his nieces and nephews, especially Bart who spent a lot of weekends and summers with Jessie and Granny Vail.

Jessie’s health began to decline and was unable to live unassisted and moved into a nursing home about 13 years ago where he lived until God called him home.

To honor Jessie’s life the family requests that donations be made to Give-The Lighthouse lighthousedallas.org or to the Alzheimer's Association, Dallas & Northeast Texas Chapter, 3001 Knox St, Ste. 200, Dallas, TX 75205.