Jessie Harbison Sheldon died Tuesday, October 18, 2022 following a short hospitalization from a head injury due to a fall. She was 79.
Jessie was born September 4, 1943 in Highlands, North Carolina. She was the youngest daughter of Thomas Cobb Harbison and Elizabeth Catherine Rice Harbison.
Jessie graduated from Highlands School in Highlands, North Carolina. After high school she attended Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina.
On June 14, 1968, Jessie married Stanley M. Sheldon at the Church of the Incarnation in Highlands, North Carolina. Stan’s military career took them to many beautiful places around the country. Jessie’s early career included teaching school in Montana and Florida. Later in her career she became an Executive Assistant at the National School Board Association in Alexandria, Virginia. Jessie was very active in philanthropic and community organizations such as The Officer Wives Club, Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO), and the Episcopal Church. In 1997, they moved to Lompoc, California where they both enjoyed retirement among many friends.
Jessie loved life, God, family, friends and all creatures great and small; especially dogs. She was loved by everyone and will truly be missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Col. Stanley M. Sheldon, USAF, Ret., her sister Christina Newton and brother-in-law James H. Newton.
She is survived by her sister Susannah (Ann) Harbison of Colorado, niece Pauline (Scott) Fletcher of Ohio and nephew David (Michelle) Newton of Ohio plus numerous cousins, extended family and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to P.E.O California State Chapter in Jessie’s name https://www.peocalifornia.org or a charity of your choice.
Services will be planned in the near future at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Lompoc, California where Jessie and Stan attended for many years.