Jessie, Janice Hess
Ruby Janice Jessie, age 80, of Pilot, Virginia, went home to be with Jesus and was reunited with her loving husband on May 1, 2026. Janice was born on September 17, 1945, to the late Rev. Burgess Hess and Agnes Boyd Hess.
In addition to her parents, Janice was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 61 years, Roger Lee Jessie; her brothers Paul, Jack, Benton, Jerry, and Darrell Hess, and Mike Jessie; her sisters Ruth Richardson, Billie Jean Horton, and Sandra Blankenship; and numerous beloved aunts and uncles.
She is survived by her loving children: Lynn Dunaway, Donna Fortune, Rodney Jessie (Lisa), Sean Jessie, and Renee Graham. She also leaves behind her treasured grandchildren: Jimmy Roberts, Christy Roberts, Lauren Fortune, Rachel Fortune, Brandon Jessie (Miranda), Nathan VanHoy (Mallory), Alek Jessie, Alyssa Hodge, Julianna Hall (Jeremiah), Kirsten Lawson, Stanley Lawson, Logan Jessie (Jaci), Liam Jessie, Ashleigh Jessie, Evan Jessie, and Matthew Graham (Ady); as well as 16 greatgrandchildren. Janice is also survived by her brother Donnie Jessie (Peggy); sisters, Faye Richardson, Peggy Johnson (Bob), and Teresa Ososki (John); and many cherished nieces and nephews.
Born and raised on Horton Ridge in Southwest Virginia, Janice married the love of her life, Roger Lee Jessie. Together, they built a successful business in Christiansburg and touched countless lives throughout their many years of work and service. Janice was an amazing cook and shared many life lessons with her children. She was actively involved in their schools while they were growing up and had a special love for all the little ones. She enjoyed watching game shows and listening to music, especially old gospel hymns that brought her comfort and joy. She was loved beyond words and will be greatly missed by all who knew her, especially for her amazing hugs.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Lighthouse Family Ministries Church for their love and support, as well as to the doctors and nursing staff in the ICU at Lewis-Gale Montgomery Hospital for their compassion and amazing care and comfort to both Janice and her family. We also want to send a very special thank you to her nurses at home Dana and Harmony.
Family will receive friends on Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 12 – 2 p.m. at Lighthouse Family Ministries, 365 Union Valley Road, Riner, with a memorial service to follow at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to: Lighthouse Ministries Church/Youth Fund or St Jude’s Children Hospital in honor of Janice Jessie
