Beloved mother is laid to rest

She was in her 94th year and was the beloved mother of Rodney, Sandra, Janet and Philip.

Jessie was born on November 7, 1920 - the first of five children born to Johnny and Olive Russell (nee Chambers).

She went to Church Street and Abercorn Schools.

On leaving school Jessie started work in Seapatrick Mill where she met and married Aubrey Myles. Aubrey died at the young age of 30 and Jessie brought up their three children Rodney, Sandra and Janet.

Jessie later married Sam McCracken and Philip was born - her family was now complete.

She had a great zest for life and enjoyed playing bowls winning many trophies, she loved going on family holidays visiting Harry Thirza and family in Nottingham, later when Janet made Nottingham her home it gave Jessie another reason to travel. Unfortunately Janet lost her husband Clive when their three children were young.

Jessie finished her working life in the Metal Box in Portadown, it was then she discovered Salou in Spain to be her special place and enjoyed many holidays with Janet and later with her good friend Brownlow.

Jessie loved to dance especially with her two sisters Maureen and Olive. She suffered a terrible blow when her eyesight began to fade but joined the local V.I.P Club and went on many trips and holidays with them.

Jessie was a survivor and never let anything beat her, she fought many health problems in her 93 years. Unfortunately she was predeceased by all of her siblings which left a big void in her life.

Jessie moved into Bannview Care Home just a year ago making many friends with both residents and staff, the staff showed great love and care to her - many a laugh was shared between them.

Jessie’s family are indebted to them for all their love and kindness they gave to her. She is survived by two sons Rodney Myles and Philip McCracken (Portadown), two daughters Mrs Sandra Moffatt (Banbridge) and Mrs Janet Anderson (England), daughters-in-law Annette and Lorna, son-in-law Winston, 10 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren and two great great grandsons. To these and all other relatives sincere sympathy has been extended.

Jessie felt blessed to have lived to see her extended family and loved to see them call with her. The funeral took place from the home of her son Philip and daughter-in-law Lorna 55 Breagh Lodge, Portadown on Thursday April 24 for a service in Holy Trinity Parish Church at which her rector Archdeacon Roderic West paid a fitting tribute to Jessie’s life and her faith in her Lord. The hymns ‘Be Thou My Vision; and ‘How Great Thou Art’ were sung. Mr Roly Anketel presided at the organ and her son Rodney

Myles read from the scriptures of John 14 verses 1-6 and 27. The interment took place in the New Cemetery. Family flowers were placed on the grave and donations in lieu of flowers are being sent to William Bell and Co. Funeral Directors, 23 Kenlis Street, Banbridge, BT23 3LR for Alzheimer’s Society.

William Bell and Co. had charge of the funeral arrangements.