Jessie Stone

Jessie Lee Stone died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at the age of 92. Jessie was born September 14, 1929, in Palmer Texas to Lee and Felma Whiteside.  She married Thomas Stone, her husband of 59 years in 1947 and in 1949 moved from Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Santa Barbara. In 1956 they moved to the Five Cities area. Jessie fell in love with the central coast.  Family meant everything to Jessie and it was here that she and her husband Tom decided to raise their eight children.  She always referred to it as “God’s country.”

In 1961 Jessie opened Jessie’s Beauty Salon in Pismo Beach. Jessie became involved in many aspects of the community. Over the years these affiliations were PTA, Red Hats, a local writing club. She also served as President of Altrusa International of San Luis Obispo County, formerly known as of the Altrusa Club of Cinco Ciudades. Altrusa highlighted Jessie’s leadership ability and service to her community.

In 1968 Jessie and Tom opened A-1 Vacuum and Sewing Center which served the community until 2005. Three of their children and their spouses worked with them in the business. Always a life-long learner, Jessie received a teaching credential from UCLA extension and taught vocational sewing through AGHS, Kids Can Sew, and AG Adult Ed. Jessie’s students not only learned sewing, they were also taught business and life skills. 

After suffering a stroke in 2009, Jessie became aware of the lack of resources for stroke victims and at the age of 80 founded Hope for Stroke.  As membership grew, she was able to partner with Sierra Vista Hospital where they gave Hope for Stroke a permanent place to meet  while also providing specialists and guest speakers who provided the latest information and resources to assist both stroke survivors and their caregivers.

Jessie led a full life with a loving family. She cherished her neighborhood, friends and community.  Jessie was a member of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, where she was called "Church Mother" by many and loved being around young people.  Her faith was very important to her and she was always willing to share it with others.
 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas, her son Glen, parents Lee and Felma Whiteside, siblings Arie Carter, Lafayette, Alice and Arthur Whiteside.
 

She is survived by her children Malcolm Stone (Jacqueline), Felma Hurdle, Janice Stone Rose (John), Deborah Brown (Kurt), Lynda Lynch (Anthony) Carolyn Stone, and Tommi Stone.  Grandchildren Monica Poland (Doug), Matthew Drake (Heather). David Stone (Racquel), Marc Drake (Serena), Jesslyn Wimbish (Mike), Isaac Lynch, Adam Lynch (Alesha), Matthew Lynch (Carinne), Michael John Rose, Harold Brown, Ashleigh Trang (Richard) and many great grandchildren.

Viewing will be held at Marshall-Spoo Mortuary, December 17th from 5-7p.m.  Funeral services will be held December 18th at 10a.m.  at Oak Park Christian Church, 386 N. Oak Park Blvd., Grover Beach

Donations may be made in her honor to:  Hope for Stroke

                                                                   Sierra Vista Medical Center

                                                                   Attn: Penny Kelly/Volunteer 

                                                                   1010 Murray Street

                                                                   San Luis Obispo, CA. 93405

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