Jane Ann (Martin) Jesson

She was born Dec. 23, 1935, in Marietta, Ohio, and grew up in Elkins, West Virginia. In 1957, she married the love of her life, Darreld “Jess” Jesson, at Fort Holabird in Baltimore, Maryland, where Jess was stationed and Jane was completing nursing school. After years of Army life, the family settled in Missoula, Montana, where Jane founded the Western Montana Cat Club in 1973 and spent 22 years breeding and showing silver and golden Persians. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a knitter, a reader, and a devoted genealogist.

In 2000, Jane and Jess moved to Enterprise, Alabama, to be near their children and grandchildren. Jane became a member of Enterprise First United Methodist Church and led the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution as Regent from 2009 to 2011.

Jane was preceded in death by her husband Jess in 2020; and their stillborn son, Jess Joseph Jesson, in 1973; her natural mother, Leona Alberta (Nieding) Martin; and her father Joseph E. Martin, Jr., M.D.; and her stepmother, Rose G. Martin. She was also preceded in death by her twin sister, Mary E. (Martin) Schneider; and by her brother, Joseph E Martin III.

She is survived by her son, J.R. Jesson, and his wife, Tara; her daughter, Leah Wilson and her husband Gordon Wilson; her grandchildren, Sienna and Collin Jesson and Paul Hiniker, Susan Little and her husband, Joey, Noah Wilson, Mandy Hilger, and Larisa Wilson; eight great-grandchildren; her brother, John Martin and longtime partner, Hope Rierson; and her niece, Abbey Martin.

Jane will be laid to rest beside her beloved Jess at the family plot in Missoula, Montana — returning together to the place they called home. A service was held at the First Methodist Church of Enterprise on April 4.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.