Jessie Marie Eck

Jessie Marie Eck, passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at the age of 87 in Gulfport, Mississippi.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph R.P. Eck; father, Carl F. McDonald; mother, Grace Cure McDonald; and sister, Carol Whitehead.

Jessie is survived by her daughter, Julie Morris; son, John (Connie) Eck; sister, May Parnow; and grandchildren, Braxton Bowling, Jesse Morris, John Eck, Jr., and Devin Eck.

Jessie’s professional journey was marked by her passion for education and social service. She earned her bachelor’s degree in social service from the University of North Dakota and pursued further studies at the University of Southern Mississippi, where she obtained bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education and Library Science. Jessie retired after a rewarding career as a librarian with Harrison County Schools. Additionally, she devoted her time as a volunteer social worker at Gulf Coast Ministries, showcasing her dedication to helping others.

Jessie’s life was woven with threads of service and dedication, recognized as an Honorary Seabee in 1974, and honored as both Navy Wife of the Year and Military Wife of the Year. Jessie was deeply involved with her community and embraced numerous organizations that mirrored her interests and values. She was a cherished member of the First United Methodist Church of Gulfport, a vibrant participant in the Gulfport’s Krewe of Venus, and actively engaged with the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and the Red Hat Society. In her leisure time, Jessie found joy in playing bingo, cards, and fellowship with friends, as well as fellow residents and staff at the Summerfield Living Facility.

If anyone knows our mother, you would know that she has “been there and done that”! From visiting every state in America to teaching English in China, traveling the world was a passion of hers. Her travels include adventures to Africa, Canada, Mexico, Italy, Costa Rica as well as many missionary trips in several countries, too many to mention because she never sat still. She has been and will always be the one I look up to, not because of all of her accomplishments or travels but because she was always so willing to stop and help others. If I ever needed anything she was always just a phone call away. I loved how she always took it upon herself to be the one-man welcome committee to anyone who moved on our street. All new neighbors would receive a fresh baked banana bread and her warm smile. She had so many friends all over the world who loved her dearly. She was truly a one-of-a-kind woman who will be greatly missed by everyone.

Visitation will be 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Sunday, January 12, 2025 at Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport (11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport).  Her Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, January 13, 2025 at the Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport.  Graveside Services will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.  

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family.