03/13/2026
It was a bitterly cold day when a baby girl was born on the family farm where the country doctor preceded to pronounce the baby deceased at birth and lay her in a chair in the corner of the room. Minutes later her father saw the baby move her leg and attention was returned to her, thus beginning her 92-year journey on this earth.
On March 10, 2026, she peacefully passed from this life to life in Heaven. Jessie Mae Abbott was born on January 30, 1934, in Blue Jacket OK to Jess and Verda Abbott. She grew up in Vinita OK where she met James Thomas Harp, while he bought candy at the Five & Dime where she worked. They were married on January 27, 1954. They soon moved to Texas and began a family where Jessie was able to stay home and raise their five children. She took pride in running a happy home and her children were her pride and joy. It was very common for her home to be the gathering place for all the neighborhood children to play and enjoy Kool-Aid and cookies.
Jessie was a very active member at Twin Cities Baptist Church and later Parkside Baptist Church. It was a frequent sight to see her sitting at the kitchen table reading and studying her Bible. A relationship with Jesus was important to her and it was important to her for others to hear how Jesus loved them and they too can have a home in Heaven. After the children grew and left the home she became “Checker #5” at the old Walmart in Sherman. Later she returned to tending the home, gardening, and spoiling grandchildren. It was said that Jessie could plant a stick and it would sprout leaves.
She is survived by her husband James Harp of Denison, and children, Jeff (Karen) Harp, Jimi Lou (Jerry) Coleman of Denison, John (Barbara) Harp of Stonewall, LA, Jason Harp of Colorado Springs, CO, and Janet (Barry) McCuistion of Denison. Grandchildren Staci (Skyler) Gast, Kyle (Mandi) Harp, Dustin Harp, Lindsey Harp, Zachary (Holly) Harp, Traci (Weston) Jarvis and Caleb McCuistion. Great Grandchildren Hudson Gast, Asher Gast, Zane Gast, Brooke Gast, Cadence Hopper, Jameson Harp, Aubree Harp, MacKenzie Harp and Hudson Harp. Siblings Bill (Debbie) Abbott and Velma Holt, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Robert Abbott.
Funeral arrangements will be with Fisher Funeral Home with Family visitation from 5-7 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2026, and Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Fisher Funeral Home Chapel, with John Harp, officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Jeff Harp, John Harp, Jason Harp, Jerry Coleman, Barry McCuistion and Joe Meeker.
In honor of our mother being such a gifted gardener, we will be celebrating her by wearing spring colors at her service and welcome you to join us!