Mary Ann Jessup

Mary Ann Jessup, 88, passed away on June 12, 2026. Born May 21, 1938, Mary Ann lived in Houston, Texas, and leaves behind a legacy marked by steadfast faith, devoted love, and a generous, gentle spirit that touched countless lives.

From an early age, Mary Ann’s life was shaped by the steady guidance of family and the deep roots of belief. As a young girl, she learned about the Lord when she went to church with her grandma. Through her father’s work as a handyman at a Catholic orphanage, she also gained lifelong skills and creativity—learning to crochet and do leather tooling from the nuns—gifts she would carry forward with patience, care, and remarkable hands-on talent.

Mary Ann attended NCHS and was recognized for her poise and determination when she won 1st place in the Kansas Miss Perfect 36 Contest sponsored by the US-36 Highway Association, with her measurements announced as 36-24-36. She also brought a spirited sense of fun to whatever she did, including a brief but memorable promotional campaign at Silvaire Drive In, where she delivered orders to customers while wearing roller skates—an early glimpse of her adventurous streak and quick, humorous charm.

Just after high school, she met and married Paul Jessup. Mary Ann often said she prayed for a husband, and Paul came by. Their marriage lasted for nearly 70 faithful years—a bond defined by loyalty, resilience, and a love that endured through every season with quiet strength and unwavering devotion. After this first mention, she will be remembered simply as Mary Ann: beloved, cherished, and deeply admired by those who knew her best.

Mary Ann found joy in the simple, meaningful rhythms of life. She enjoyed going fishing with Paul on the weekends, and she loved gardening and crocheting. Yet her favorite thing in life was going to church and praising the Lord. She valued fellowship, prayed for those in need, and carried herself with compassionate sincerity—selfless in her care for others and thoughtful in the way she listened, encouraged, and stood beside those who were hurting.

Her faith was not private or passive; it was lived. Over the years, Mary Ann hosted various prayer meetings in her home, opening her doors with warmth and generosity. She also loved her country very much and encouraged others to do their part and vote. And she delighted in the celebration of freedom—especially the 4th of July and the fireworks she so enjoyed—moments that reflected her grateful heart and enduring hope.

Mary Ann’s presence was unmistakable. She had a manner of love that could not be faked—honest, kind-hearted, and steady. She was an excellent debater who would very seldom lose, pairing wisdom with wit and a determined clarity that made conversations with her both memorable and meaningful. Extremely creative, she could make anything with her hands. She was also an excellent writer, and she had a special gift of making others laugh—offering light when it was needed most, and inspiration when days felt heavy.

Mary Ann held close what she called her mantra: the Love Chapter—1 Corinthians Chapter 13, Verses 4-7. And she often said, “Everything happens for the best for them that love the Lord, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” These words reflected the faithful, patient courage with which she met life, and the gentle confidence she carried into every trial and triumph.

Mary Ann was survived by her husband, Paul; her children, Donette Trabilsy and husband Jimmy, Tina Jessup, Dana Barrero and husband Carlos, Paul Jessup III and wife Shonna, and Raymond John McCrea Jessup and wife April; her grandchildren, Russie Hayden, Chadwick Hayden and wife Anna, Tallor Reilly, Austin Reilly and wife Makayla, Lauren Barrero, Phillip Barrero, Ray Jessup, and Ashley Jessup; Great grandchildren, Henry Hayden and Harold Hayden. She was also survived by her sister, Beverly Duke; her nephews, Terry Suter and wife Debra, and Timmy Suter and wife Debbie; niece, Karen Hutchinson and husband Neil and their children Christopher and Meredith; nephew, Billy Zollman and wife Jill and Billy's children Keith and Brian and Jill's daughter Anna; her niece Jeremy Veeter and Jennifer Thornton. She was also survived by her cousin, Donna Campbell and husband Roger.

Visitation will be held at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077, US, on June 26, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. A Funeral Service will follow at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home on June 26, 2026, from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. A Committal Service will take place at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077, US, on June 26, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm.

Mary Ann will be remembered with profound respect and enduring gratitude—for her faithful heart, her brave perseverance, her gentle generosity, and the beloved joy she brought into the lives of family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her.