Jessie Mae Tolleson

On Saturday, October 12th, Jessie Mae Tolleson peacefully passed away at her home. Jessie was born on May 18th, 1931 to Jess Monroe and Ollie Coleman Petty in Spartanburg, SC. She was the widow of George William (Bill) Tolleson, Sr.

For 93 years, Jessie graced this earth with beauty, poise, and an immense love for her family and friends. She had an impeccable fashion sense and perfectly styled hair but above all, Jessie had a sweet and spunky personality that truly sparkled. Jessie loved a pretty shade of lipstick, a plate of sweet potato souffle’, dancing with her husband at Christmas time to Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty, and a long conversation. Still, she loved nothing more than spending time with her family. She was loved by everyone who was blessed to know her. Perhaps the luckiest of all were the ones that called her ‘Nana’.

Jessie was a faithful member of Roebuck Baptist Church. Her love for Christ was shown in the way she treated people, in her warm embrace, in the countless times she covered people in prayer, and in her genuine, welcoming smile. Her entrance into Heaven must have been a glorious one as she reunited with all the ones she loved who passed before her.

Jessie is survived by her children, Gary Tolleson, Lynn Tolleson, Keith Tolleson (Gaye), her sister Barbara Swofford (Billy), nine grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, George William Tolleson, Sr. (Bill), her son George William Tolleson, Jr. (Butch), her daughter-in-law, Imogene K. Tolleson, her grandson, Daniel Shane Goen, and her sisters and brothers.

Jessie’s life and legacy will be celebrated on Friday, October 18th at Roebuck Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with the service immediately following at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.