Jessie Opal Meese

I will always remember Jessie lovingly. She was my mother’s best friend and like a second mother to me and grandmother to my children. We had a special bond because we were both teachers She shared many books and supplies that I will cherish as I continue to see her name in the books.

Jesse’s husband Bill is my first cousin. My mother Ruth helped take care of Bill as a youngster when his birth mother – Ruth’s sister Helen – died at an early age. My mother always had a very close relationship with Jesse later as did I although we did not meet frequently since I lived mostly on the West Coast. Jesse was always the one so interested in the family, and the one that always got everyone involved; due to her and Bill I got to know their children and all eight of their grandchildren. On one of our trips to Virginia many years ago we were walking through an underground passageway between Capital buildings when aging Barry Goldwater slowly trudged by opposite us an arm’s length away. I was leading our group single file down this narrow passageway and Jesse was at the rear. I thought I recognized Goldwater, but then Jesse came up immediately, overly excited and blurted out “That was Goldwater!!!” Jesse was always full of life.

The highest compliment one could receive was to be anointed a ‘character’ by Jessie. ‘Characters’ were people who had high moral standards and kind hearts. Any ‘character’ Jessie brought up in conversation would be described with humorous stories meant to entertain her audience while at the same time reveal the special qualities of the individual in question. According to Jessie, my grandma Ruth was funny because she would sit on the beach all day while absolutely hating the sun and the sand, huddled under a small umbrella with toes curled so as to squeeze sand from them. But Ruth was a character because she endured the beach to be next to family all day. Jessie didnt say it but it was clear that the point of the story was to reveal how much Ruth valued family and how much Jessie respected her for it. Jessie had the gift of making you laugh while teaching you how and why to laugh at the same time. Farewell Jessie, you were the greatest character of all.

It was an honor and a priviledge to know Jessie for my whole life. I loved her like I loved my Mother. She attended my High School graduation and told me she was proud of me. She still looked after me when my parents were away and made sure I went to work and that I was on time and asked me how my day went. We will always miss you and I hope to see you one in a far away place.

Jessie was the life of our family gatherings. Each time when she came to California with Bill, it was her that kept up on the details of our lives. She had a positive attitude and catchy laugh. As a young girl, I wasn’t sure who she was, but I wanted to be around her. Back in 1978, when I came to Washington D.C. with a boyfriend, she and Bill opened their home to us. She took us sight-seeing for two full days. I thought it very special when she and Bill made the trip to California in the early 90’s so that three or four year old Allison could be in my brother’s wedding, along with my 4 year old son. Jessie would repeat, during the many California visits, that they had to come, since this just might be the last time they would see my grandmother Ruth, before she dies. So they kept coming, summer after summer. I’ll miss you Aunt Jess.

Mrs. Meese was my kindergarten and first grade teacher at Lynnbrook Elementary. I am grateful to her for getting me off to a great start in school. My condolences to her family, who knew how really special she was long before I did, and for so many years after I had left her classroom.

I had the privilege of doing my practicing teaching under Jessie in her K/1 classroom at Lynnbrook Elem. in the fall of 1974. Every day was a joy in her classroom, so I know her students through the years were blessed to have her as their teacher. Thank you, Jessie, and thanks to your family for sharing you with all of us. Chris Scanlon

I’m sorry to hear of your loss you’re in my thoughs now and in the days to come.

Nancy, I am so sorry to hear about your mother. I never got to meet her but I know she was a lovely lady because you are a reflection of her and you are such a loving person. I didn’t realize your dad was from Knoxville until I read the obituary. That is about two hours from where I lived. So we have something in common. Please give us a call if there is anything we can do for you. Please know that you are in my prayers and so is your dad. Kim Keene / Monroe House