Jessie was born on October 28, 1914 to Willie and Lula Harrell in Roanoke Rapids. She had three older brothers and three younger sisters. She became the wife of Robert Lee Powell in 1931and was his loving wife until his passing in 1950. Jessie remarried in 1967 to Johnnie Patterson.
Jessie was active in school events and served as grade mother throughout her children’s years at William R. Davie. She also served as the first PTA president. Jessie was a charter member of the South Rosemary Home Demonstration Club. She was previously employed at Powell’s Garage for over 20 years.
Jessie lived her life by faith and exemplified a strong trust in the Lord. She was an active member of Smith United Methodist Church for over 80 years. Jessie taught Sunday school for many years and was honored to have the young adult Sunday school class named the ‘Jessie Patterson Class’ in her honor. While regularly attending Sunday school and Worship service every Sunday, she was also active in the United Methodist Women’s day circle, weekly ‘Prayer Warriors’ group, and visitation teams. Jessie always visited shut-ins of the church family, and had a special gift for lifting the spirits of others. Jessie was truly a blessing to all that knew her and loved her.
She is survived by six children, Erma (Bill) Hux, Robert Lee (Gwen) Powell Jr., Anne (Howell) Draper, Judy (Billy) Smith, Louise Roach, William (Lynn) Powell; thirteen grandchildren, Velna Hux, Debra (John) Pittman, Robert (Tina) Powell, Iris (Paul) Kinnin, Nina (David) Swink, William (Tammy) Smith, Greg (Susan) Smith, Cindy (Brad) Thomas, Neal (Michelle) Draper, Tim (Monica) Roach, Michelle Roach, Craig (Jennifer) Powell, and Amy (Mike) Kelly; eighteen great-grandchildren, Lee & Joshua Powell, Stephanie & Kimberly Kinnin, J.C. Pittman, Lauren & Jacob Swink, Elizabeth & Michael Thomas, Allison & Cole Draper, Jessica & Will Smith, Katie & Clay Smith, Landon Powell, Taylor & Peyton Kelly; and five step great-grandchildren, Paul Kinnin III, Jessica Williams, Carissa & Samantha Poling, and Meredith Rains. Jessie is also survived by her sister, Mamie (Wilbur) Combs; brother-in-law, Buddy (Theresa) Powell, and sisters-in-law, Gertrude (Carl) Clary, Charlotte Kerr, Janie Powell, Bula Crawley and numerous special people she considered family. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Robert Lee Powell (1950) and Johnnie Patterson (1990); her parents Willie Harrell and Lula Harrell (1973), and son-in-law Charles Roach (2003).
The family will receive friends at Smith United Methodist Church in the fellowship hall on Saturday, December 26th from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. with services being held at 2:00 p.m with Rev. Curtis Mull and Rev. Johnny Branch officiating. The burial will follow the service at the church cemetery. The family requests that donations be made to the Smith United Methodist Church Building Fund in care of Debra Pittman, 113 Appleton Drive, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870. The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Gerardo Maradiaga and the Community Homecare and Hospice of Roanoke Rapids.
Online condolences may be made at www.hockadayfs.com.
Comments
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Jessie. She was an inspiration to me for so many years. She always spoke kind words. She lived life to its fullest. I will cherish the memories of her. I am very thankful to have had the privilege of knowing Jessie. She will be missed greatly.
Your mom lived a long and full life. I know that your presence with her these last several years was a blessing to her. Know that your church family in Rockville grieves with you and holds you and the family in prayer.
Gary and Misty Mincolla, Grant Stevens, Dawn and Jeff Stevens, and Tricia Henderson