Jessie Clifton

(From Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Mrs. Jessie Emma Gayle Clifton, 91, a fifty-seven-year resident of Carterville, Missouri, departed this life Sunday, August 28, 2022, in the comfort of her home, after months of declining health.

Jessie entered this life on November 30, 1930, in Laguna Beach, California, daughter of the late John and Gayle Stewart. She moved to Joplin, Missouri at the age of twelve. 

On April 20, 1948, she was untied in marriage to Junior Clifton, Sr. and together they shared nearly forty-one years before his passing on April 18, 1989. 

Jessie was a hardworking and devoted homemaker throughout her life. She enjoyed spending time with her family and her sister-in-law, Florence “Tutti” Bradfield. She enjoyed attending worship services at Central Christian Center in Joplin.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Junior Clifton, Sr.; two children, Junior Clifton, Jr. and Patricia Woodard; a brother, Clyde Stewart; and a sister, Ann Marie Stewart.

Jessie is survived by her five children, Glenn Clifton and wife, Lynnette, of Alba, Randall Clifton of the home; Ricky Clifton, Sr. and wife, Kathy, of Jasper, Sherry Blackburn and husband, Terry, of Helena, Oklahoma and Kathy Bronson and husband, Bill, of Carterville; twenty-four grandchildren; sixty-seven great grandchildren; seventeen great-great grandchildren; a sister, Irene Blakeley of McKinney, Texas; as well as a host of other family and friends.

Graveside funeral services are 2:00 p.m. Thursday, September 8, 2022, at Fairview Cemetery in Joplin. The family will receive friends on Thursday beginning at 12:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home in Webb City, Missouri.