Alice L. Jessen

Alice Loraine Jessen, February 19, 1938 – May 22, 2026

Alice Loraine Jessen exchanged her earthly dwelling for the place prepared for her, “not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” on May 22, 2026 at Tristar/Greenview Hospital, Bowling Green, KY. Born February 19, 1938 in Port Jervis, NY, she was predeceased by her Father, Leonard Powers, and mother, Marion Powers. She is survived by her husband, Charles, of almost 64 years (June 23, 1962); Sister, Lois Decker, Port Jervis, NY; 3 children: Mark David, (Lauren) Bowling Green, KY; Stephen Charles (Julie), Apex, NC: Joel Christian (Kimberly), Stanley, NC; 8 Grandchildren, and 11 Great Grandchildren.

A diligent student, she graduated second in her class from Port Jervis High School (1955), West Suburban Hospital School of Nursing, Oak Park, Illinois, (RN 1958), and Wheaton College, Illinois (BS in Nursing, 1960). She also deserved an honorary PHT (Putting Hubby Through seminary degree). Her early nursing career included teaching nursing at Beverly Hospital in Massachusetts. She then shifted her nursing skills to her husband and family in countless missions of healing and help. But nothing made her happier than resurrecting her RN status to help at Mark’s office whenever visiting in Bowling Green. She happily served as an electoral assistant at the polls, and volunteered as an RN at the Red Cross bloodmobile.

Her career as a devoted wife and mother extended into the churches Charles served. She became a “mother” and “grandma” to countless persons along the way. Babies and children were her specialty, causing one dear church saint to name her the “baby snatcher.” The appropriate name stuck to one that God blessed with 8 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, along with countless other babies and children that she loved and held through the years. When Charles retired, a 9-year-old granddaughter inquired what it felt like to be “no longer famous” as a pastor’s wife. Over 10 years later when son Stephen became pastor of First Presbyterian Stanley, she told her grandma that she could be “famous again” as the Pastor’s mother! She loved it!

She teased and relished the loving barbs she exchanged with friends; male and female, young and old. Her family’s annual “crazy Christmas gag gift” brought on hysteric laughter that will always stand as a sweet reminder of her great sense of humor. Early-on she was affectionately dubbed “Mrs. Rev.” by the church youth; she loved her role as a minister’s wife: her many contributions to the body of Christ included: Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent; Women’s Bible Studies; Vacation Bible School; Mission Trips and Missions Prayer support; greeting and hospitality. She loved, and was deeply loved by the people of the congregations of which she was a part.

Her passing came on the weekend of Pentecost Sunday, celebrating the coming of the Holy Spirit, who John beautifully named the “Paracletos,” variously translated as comforter, counselor, and helper. The Spirit of Jesus shone in her practice and passion as a helper to her husband, her family, and those around her who needed love and care. When she saw a need she came alongside to support and encourage them. As a faithful observer (her husband) said, “if you got on her prayer list you would stay there forever.”

Alice was “far more precious than jewels” to those who benefited from her loving care. “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also praises her…a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Prov. 31:10,28,30

A service in her honor was held on May 24, 2026, at Connexion Church, Bowling Green, KY, where she worshipped. On Saturday, June 6, 2026, a service of Resurrection and Remembrance will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 512 Old Mt. Holly Road, Stanley, NC; visitation at 2:00 pm, followed by a worship service at 3:00 pm (Livestream available at www.fpcstanley.org). Interment at the Stanley Cemetery following for the family. Because of her big heart for missions, the family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to “Mission Grant Fund” of the First Presbyterian Church, 512 Old Mt. Holly Road, Stanley, NC 28164 or to Connexion Church “In memory of Alice Jessen” 824 Parkland Way, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101.

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