Jessie Lee Heath, Salina
December 14, 1923 - March 7, 2021
Jessie Lee Heath, a life well lived, one of Faith, Hope and Love a legacy he inherited from his great-great grandparents Jack and Jennie Heath who persevered through slavery. These Godly principles became the pathway for each generation beginning with his grandparents Winzer and Esther Heath and his parents John and Frances Heath.
Life begins
On December 14, 1923 in Butler, Georgia (Taylor County) the only son to John and Frances Heath was born. While growing up in Taylor County Jessie was intellectually and spiritually groomed at Second Tazewell Baptist Church where he became acquainted with his faith at an early age and through his public confession accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, he was baptized in Cedar Creek. Jessie’s church affiliations began as a child at Second Tazewell Baptist Church in Butler, GA. As an adult he joined St. John’s Baptist Church in Salina, Kansas then went on to become a member of The Living Word in Junction City, Kansas. Jessie was previously a member of the Freemason Society.
A young Man with Dreams
Once Jessie completed what was formerly known as grade school, he entered the military between the ages of sixteen and eighteen. Jessie’s dreams are on the horizon as he leaves Taylor County to Americus, Ga to what was then called CCC Camp (Civilian Conservation Corps) he would then be drafted into the Army Air Force, where he served his county for 26 and half years. In 2014 Jessie was nominated by the United States Air Force to receive a Quilt of Valor for his honorable service. His awards and medals included an Air Force Longevity Service Award, Good Conduct Medal. World War II Victory Medal, EAME Ribbon WD cir, AFLSA w/4, BrOLC, AFR 900-10, SAEMR SO-35, 5010th CSG, NDSM, AFM 900-3, AFOUA, Clasp to Good Conduct Medal. Jessie retired as a Master Sergeant E7 with an honorable discharge. Jessie went on to be a Youth Service Counselor for 15 years.
A young Man with a Family
In the early part of the 1940’s while in Americus, Georgia Jessie married Eleanor Murdness Johnson Heath on April 1st to this union one child was born Gloria Jean Heath. The next seventeen years military life afforded Jessie and his family to be stationed in many places throughout the United States including Scott Air Force Base in Belleville, Illinois.
A Family Extended
On August eighteenth in 1962 Jessie married Willeen Buchanan-Curry in Salina, Kansas though no children were born through this union their blended family was brought together which included 3 daughters and 1 son. Jessie’s Military career would have them relocate to Fairbanks, AK in 1964, This would become home for the next six years. In 1970 they returned to Salina Kansas and they remained together there until the Lord called Willeen home on September 17th 2005.
Living a full life
Jessie met Barbra Harvey at St. John’s Baptist Church in 2008, where they discovered, they were both widowed in 2005. Then Barbara relocated to Salina from California in 2009, where their love developed and grew, shortly after they became husband and wife. Life began again for both of them. Barbara had 2 daughters and 2 sons from her previous marriage. They lived a quiet, peaceful life with each other. Jessie was a kind and loving person, full of integrity and principles. He was also an adventurer and enjoyed traveling and music. Attending the Stiefel Theatre for the concerts, also the plays at the Salina Community Theater. Every Sunday evening Jessie would take Barbara for a drive. Their travels would take them to California to visit his daughter Gloria, sometimes they would end up in Georgia to visit Mrs. Essie Bell. Jessie was loved and well taken care of until he went on to be with the Lord.
Life Well Lived
Jessie was precede in death by his parents John and Frances, son in-law Emmett R.York his 1st wife Eleanor M. Johnson Heath, and 2nd wife Willeen Buchanon-Curry Heath.
On March 7th 2021 Jessie transitioned from this life. He leaves to cherish,
Wife: Barbara Harvey-Heath of Salina, Kansas. Daughter: Gloria Jean Heath York of Santa Clarita, CA
8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
