Obituary of Jessie Ruth Harden

Jessie Ruth Harden, age 99, of Mount Vernon, passed away in the early afternoon hours of Friday, September 21, 2017 at the Whispering Pines Nursing Home in Winnsboro.  Jessie Ruth was born on February 25, 1918 in the Cypress Community in between Mount Vernon and Winnsboro to the late Walter Daniel and Ota Wylie Williamson.  Following high school, Jessie Ruth worked for the Red River Arsenal Plant during WWII.  She spent many years working Austin at the capital and then the majority of her life in the medical field for numerous doctors and specialties. 

Jessie Ruth was a lifetime Methodist having last attended the First United Methodist Church of Winnsboro.  Throughout her life, Jessie Ruth was active in various clubs, groups and committees.  She always optimistic and had a positive spin on most every situation she was in.  Jessie Ruth enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, and writing. She sold some of her work over the years and wrote an editorial column for the Winnsboro News.   Jessie Ruth is one of the last of her family.  She lived a long life with many adventures that so few are lucky enough to see.

Jessie is survived by two nephews, Mike Parnell and Joel Parnell of Mount Vernon; great-nephew, Archer Parnell of Scroggins and great-great nephews Blaine Parnell and Roman Parnell; great-niece, Melinda Mills Losey and great-great niece, Sarah Losey, both of Jessieville, Arkansas.

She was also preceded in death by one sister, Opal Parnell, and by her former husband James Harden.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Sunday, September 24, 2017 at Cypress Cemetery with David Hightower and Jeff Hightower officiating.