Jessie Laverne High

Our mother, Jessie High, passed away March 1, 2026 at the age of 88. Her service and final internment will be Saturday, March 7th at Loftis Cemetery in Wilhoit, Missouri at 1 p.m. Following the service, a family reception will be held at Backroads BBQ in Ava, Missouri.

Jessie Laverne High was born to Vernie and Argie (Henley) Sievert on February 12, 1938, in Douglas County, Missouri. She graduated from Ava High School in 1956. Two years later, she married the love of her life, Jim High, at Wasola Church in Ozark County. After marrying, Jim and Jessie moved to Lee’s Summit, Missouri. There, they opened and operated High Construction and started a family that Jessie loved and adored.

Jessie and Jim welcomed three children before returning to Gainesville in 1973 to manage a cattle farm. To help support the family, Jessie took a brief position on the factory line at Baxter Laboratory in Mountain Home, Arkansas, assembling medical equipment.

In 1978, Jim and Jessie took a bold step and moved to Camdenton, Missouri. Together with Jim’s brother, Pete High, they established Ozark Construction and Plywood Barn. While Jim built the business, Jessie managed the household and raised the children as a stay-at-home mom. Her talents in the kitchen delighted all who gathered at her table. As their biggest fan, Jessie made sure to attend every sporting event for her children and grandchildren. In 1991, the couple opened High Brothers Lumber with their son Mike, who helped run the operation.

Jim and Jessie were founding members of Bible Baptist Church in Camdenton and became pillars of the community. Jessie was a staple in the church nursery, caring for many generations of children. She was always giving of her time and often helped elderly members of the community travel to and from church and appointments.

Jessie is survived by her children, Jana Hunter of Osage Beach, Missouri, and Jamie Hofmann (David) of Valley, Nebraska. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Crystal Neuman (Joseph), Jim Michael High, Colton High (Faith), Mariah Hunter, Carly Trout (Jonathan), and Alyson Hofmann. She is survived by her great-grandchildren, Kayla and Carmyn Paquette, and Malcom High. Jessie is also survived by her siblings, June Huff, Corine Hicks, Maxine Graves, Lola Mayberry, and Vivian Haynes, as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim High; her son, Michael High; and her siblings, Clifford Sievert, Carl Sievert, and Judy Looney.

Jessie High will be remembered for her love of family, her giving spirit, and her steadfast belief in salvation through Jesus Christ. Until we meet again, may we always remember the sweet and wonderful woman she was.

“No pit is so deep that He is not deeper still; with Jesus even in our darkest moments, the best remains and the very best is yet to be.” — Corrie ten Boom.

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