Carl Olen Jessup

Carl Olen Jessup, of Yadkinville, NC, 97, passed away Sunday, March 11th, 2018, at the Yadkin Nursing Care Center, of Yadkinville. He began his journey near the banks of the Dan River in Stokes County, NC, on November 7th, 1920, the oldest of eight children born to John Henry and Hessie Hill Jessup, and grew to manhood on Stony Ridge, near Pinnacle, NC, where he, along with his siblings, helped his father on the family farm. Dad loved to sing, and many years ago, was a member of a gospel quartet, which was accompanied on piano by his wife.  He was still known to sing and entertain other residents at the nursing home. He was a man of many talents and a strong determination to succeed, and was blessed to apply them in several different fields, from farming to trucking, and ultimately the insurance industry, where he built a successful insurance agency, and was able to travel extensively, including several trips to Europe, the Bahamas, and across the United States.  In his retirement, he and his wife of 60 years, Evelyn Brown Jessup, also spent time each winter in the warmth of Florida, and each summer in the mountains of North Carolina and Virginia.  He was also a man of strong faith who served as superintendent of Friends Union Friends Church for many years as well as serving as an Elder and Sunday School teacher there and at Union Cross Friends Church. In addition to his parents, Carl was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn, the love of his life.  He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Fred and Marshall Jessup; two sisters, Rumell J. Moore, and Thelma J. Perrell; brothers-in-law, Lionel Moore and Clyde Perrell; two sisters-in-law, Betty Knouse Jessup and Betty Allen Jessup.  He is survived by his two sons, Lonnie (wife Paulette) and Dennis (wife Martha); grandchildren, Lee ( wife Denise) Jessup, Kelly Moon, Brian Jessup, and Christopher Jessup; great grandchildren Abbie and Olivia Jessup, Elijah and Quentin Moon, and Brianna Jessup; two brothers, Jack and Roscoe (wife Mildred) and sister, Ruth Moore; a brother-in-law, Lewis Moore and sister-in-law, Inez Jessup; a special friend, Don Moore, of Pensacola, Florida; and a host of nieces and nephews. The funeral will be held at the Gentry Family Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at 2:00 PM, by the Rev. Jake Penley, with burial to follow at the Union Cross Friends Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Union Cross Friends Cemetery Fund, 2533 Union Cross Church Rd, Yadkinville, NC 27055, or to the charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at the Yadkin Nursing Care Center for the wonderful care given to Carl over the last few years, and also the many friends at both Union Cross and Forbush Friends who have visited him over the years.  Gentry Family Funeral Service of Yadkinville is serving the Jessup Family.  Online condolences may be made to www.gentryfuneralservice.com.