Norma Jane Jessee

She leaves two blood relatives, her son Steven Ellson who lives in Westfield, IN (his wife Rebecca) and Vicki Petrie, a cousin who lives in Ft. Wayne, IN. She also leaves 5 adult step children including Ron Jessee who was always a great help to her, many family members through marriage and friends including Carol, Karen and Norma.

Jane was born in Fairmont, IN, on April 28, 1927. She attended Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis, IN.

A woman of incredible independence and resolute faith in Jesus, Jane left her Indiana roots in 1976 to marry the late Howard Jessee. She initially lived in southern Florida and spent a few years in Decatur, Georgia, before returning closer to Howard’s children in southern Florida.

Jane worked as a Ministry Director and staffer for many years at Coral Ridge Ministries. She attended Calvary Chapel Church in Ft. Lauderdale.

Jane was best known as a self taught Christian water color painter and sketch artist in Georgia and South Florida. She owned and operated a small art business in the Atlanta area for several years; however, not one to forget her roots in Indiana, she gave paintings and drawings to family and friends in the Indianapolis area.

Most notably, Jane continued drawing and painting until she was 94 years old. At the age of 95, she held an art show of new and old drawings and paintings for residents, staff and guests at Grand Villa of Deerfield Beach. It was a huge success. She proved to herself that her talents did not wane in her later years.

Recently, Jane was living in Willow Bay Senior Resort after living at Grand Villa of Deerfield Beach for several years.

Sadly, at the age of 95, Jane began suffering from repeated falls, high blood pressure, dementia and a-fib. She spent the last 12 to 18 months in and out of South Florida rehab facilities and hospitals. Several times, she fought back from the brink of death.

Those close to Jane could not believe her gutty fight to live until recently when she had a severe stroke. Even with the stroke, she fought to talk with family and friends.

Sadly, Jane was placed in hospice on November 17th. She died peacefully and quietly less than 2 days later.

Jane’s family would like to think this is the message she sent to us just before she took her last breath: