On February 22, 2024, Jessie Wilson Woody left her home here to spend eternity in Heaven with her Lord. Born in the Pensacola Community of Yancey County on January 18, 1932, she was a daughter of the late George and Rittie Wilson. Jessie’s husband, Gene, passed away in 2005. Jessie was the baby of the family and the last of six children to pass. Sisters preceding her in death are Helen Lanning, Helena Higgins, Evelyn Bagwell, Thelma Honeycutt, and one brother, Fred Wilson.
Jessie is survived by two daughters, Debbie Hensley (Ronnie) and Tammy Buchanan (Marc), and a son, Tim Woody (April). The joys of her life were in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Tiffany Stinnett (Zach), Brandi Revis (Dillon), Sabrena Scates (Michael), and Devan Woody (Ashlyn); great-granddaughter, Caroline (who continues Jessie’s namesake), and twins Andrew and Jack Stinnett. She leaves behind a large number of nieces and nephews to cherish her memory.
Jessie was an active and lifelong member of Green Mountain Freewill Baptist Church. She deeply loved her church family and prepared many meals she shared with them. Jessie’s children describe her as loving, selfless, classy, and a great inspiration to them. Her grandchildren remember her best as their Mama Woody, the maker of cheesy Ramen noodles and butter-dripping Pop-Tarts. They thought she was such a cool grandma, zipping around town in her red sports car, blaring Elvis. And great-granddaughter Caroline thought she was the greatest Mama Woo-Poo ever.
Residents of Yancey County enjoyed many years of Christmas decor beaming brightly from the hilltop of Rocky Spring Heights. Those gifted with entering Jessie’s home were constantly astonished by the seasonal decor she had displayed. She loved making her house a home, and spent countless hours beautifying the outside as much as she did the inside. Her lawn was kept in pristine shape, as well as the lawn of nearby neighbors. After a day’s work, she found nothing better than watching whatever sports were in season. Jessie especially favored Tarheels basketball and Braves baseball the most.
Funeral services will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, February 26th in the chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Jason Penland and David McCourry will officiate. Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 27th in the Styles Cemetery on Green Mountain Drive. The family will receive friends from 4 until 6 p.m. prior to the services at the funeral home.
The family wishes to thank the nurses at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, Pruitt Home Health nurses, and Yancey County EMS workers. Their kindness to all of Jessie’s family during this time has meant so much to them. If anyone wishes to visit the family, they will be at Jessie’s home at 145 Mill Spring Road. To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
