Jessie Nell Alexander

Jessie Nell Alexander, age 91, longtime resident of Puryear, TN, died Friday, December 29, 2023, at her residence in Huntingdon, TN.

Jessie Nell attended Springhill Baptist Church in Huntingdon, TN.  She was the oldest member of Puryear Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for many years.  She retired from Avon in 2000 as Regional Manager of Sales having worked for 50 years with over 400 saleswomen under her leadership.  Jessie Nell loved keeping her grandchildren who all referred to her as Mama Jessie.

Jessie Nell was born March 19, 1932, in Melber, KY to the late Odell Hawes and the late Geneva Beasley Hawes.

She was married on December 24, 1950, to Gaylon Alexander and he preceded her in death on May 21, 2000.  She then married Edward D. Sanford on December 1, 2020, and he survives of Huntingdon, TN.

Besides her husband, Jessie Nell is also survived by two sons, Dwain (Janna) Alexander of Puryear, TN, and Dwight (Vicki) Alexander of Charleston, SC; three grandchildren, Aaron (Kim) Alexander, Talia Alexander (Corey) Wilson, and Gracian Alexander (John) McElroy; one granddaughter-in-law, Monica Alexander; and six great grandchildren, Josie Alexander, Bree Alexander, Noby Wilson, Cheslee Wilson, Paige Alexander, and Chloe McElroy.

Besides her parents and first husband, Jessie Nell was also preceded in death by her twin brother, James Dell Hawes who died in infancy; one other brother, Larrye O. Hawes; and one grandson, Levi Lee Alexander.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap St, Paris, TN.   Visitation will be Tuesday, January 2, 2024 from 10 am – 1 pm at Puryear Baptist Church with the funeral service to follow at 1:00 pm at Puryear Baptist Church with Rev. Lathan McLean and Chad Kennedy officiating.

Pallbearers will be John McElroy, Corey Wilson, Paige Alexander, Chloe McElroy, Noby Wilson, and Cheslee Wilson. 

Burial will follow in Puryear City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Puryear Baptist Church – New Sign Project, PO Box 56, Puryear, TN 38251.