Paula Ruth Jessie

Paula Ruth Jessie, age 53, of Speedwell, Tennessee, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Fort Sanders Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee, after a long and courageous battle.

Born on January 6, 1973, to Joyce Bolden-Jessie and the late Donald Jake Jessie, Paula devoted her life to being a loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend. A strong and faithful servant of God, she attended Emmanuel Baptist Church in Speedwell for more than ten years. She found joy in collecting giraffes and cats, scrapbooking, and crafting. She also cherished opportunities to travel, especially her memorable trip two years ago to the Grand Canyon and Mount Rushmore with her son, Dylan. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Grace Bolden, and her paternal grandmother, Nettie Jessie.

She is survived by her son, Dylan Jessie; her mother, Joyce Bolden-Jessie; her sisters, Teresa Wilson and Diane (Vince) Hopper; her brothers, William (Debra) Jessie and James (Debbie) Jessie; her special “adopted” son, Wesley Brooks; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and her beloved “grand” dog, Jennifer.