Jessie G. Mcgraner

Jessie G. McGraner, 97, passed away on January 27, 2025.

Jessie is survived by her sons Jerry L. McGraner (Kathie) and Terry W. McGraner (Brenda), granddaughters Melissa J. Harris (Nathan), Kristen L. Nickols (Jake), Melinda J. Allen (Matthew), grandsons Daniel P. McGraner (Heidi), Christopher J. McGraner (Tasha), Joshua W. McGraner (Jess Ann), Benjamin S. McGraner (Tonya), Jonathan D. McGraner (Jenna) and Jonah D. McGraner.  She is survived by eighteen great grandchildren.

Jessie is preceded in death by her parents Melvin and Ola (Smith) Stamper, her husband Paul H. McGraner, her sister Janis (Stamper) Amburgey, her brother Wiley J. Stamper, and grandson Jeremy L.  McGraner.

Jessie was born in Littcarr, Kentucky to Melvin and Ola Stamper on July 6, 1927.  Growing up in southeastern Kentucky was difficult.  Jessie's father worked in the mines, so their family spent time in a mining town. Eventually they moved to a family “holler" where several of her kin lived and farmed.  Jessie grew up in those hills and spoke of riding mules, being chased by roosters, walking to school, helping on the farm, and country life in general.  She went to school there and graduated from Carr Creek High School.   She went to Caney College and earned an associate’s degree in education.

Jessie began her teaching career in Knott County in 1947.  The next year on August 21st, she married Paul H. McGraner.  Shortly after that they moved to Hazard, Kentucky where Jessie taught third grade in the Hazard school system.

Then in 1956 Jessie gave birth to twin sons Jerry Lane and Terry Wayne.  Jessie balanced the life of mother and teacher as she cared for her family.

Jessie went to the University of Kentucky in Lexington during summers to complete her bachelor's degree.  She graduated in August 1961 with a B.A. in Education.   She did this with her twin sons in tow.  Quite an accomplishment.

Jessie and Paul moved to New Carlisle, Ohio in 1962.  She began teaching in the New Carlisle-Bethel school district.  She taught fourth grade for 22 years until she retired in 1985.  Jessie invested her time and energy into the life of her students.   She did much to help them succeed in school and life.   She truly cared about them and celebrated their lives.

Upon retirement Jessie and Paul began to spend winters in Okeechobee, Florida.   There Jessie wanted to spend more time with Paul, so she took up golf. Well, on March 16, 1988, she scored a hole-in-one at the Okeechobee Country Club.  That was something her tutor, Paul, never accomplished.   She did mention that to him once in a while.

During retirement, Jessie spent time with family and friends.   In 1985 Jessie and Paul traveled to Hawaii together.   They traveled from Ohio to Tennessee to Florida together until Paul passed away in 1997.  After that Jessie traveled to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.  She traveled to the Smokey Mountains, Louisiana, Texas, and Carolina’s.  She loved spending time with her grandchildren and took every opportunity to enjoy them.   After Paul passed away, she had the joy of having several of her grandkids live with her as they were transitioning to new situations in their lives.   Jessie truly had a passion to be a blessing to her family.

Jessie was a loving mother and grandmother.   She was a devoted Christian and a true friend to many.  She will be greatly missed until we see her again with Jesus.

Visitation and celebration of life will be held Friday, February 7, 2025, 3-5pm, at Trostel, Chapman, Dunbar & Fraley Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 1:30pm at Carr Fork Memorial, Littcarr, KY. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.trostelchapman.com.