Jessie M. Appling was born Feb. 18, 1937, in Everett, Wash., and passed away March 22, 2013. She had just celebrated her 76th birthday. Moving to Santa Ana, Calif. when she was 14, Jessie graduated high school there and gained her bachelor of arts in education from Orange State University (now California State University Fullerton). She later received a master's degree in education and counseling at UNLV. Jessie taught sixth grade in Orange, Calif. She was a naturally gifted, inspiring educator whom her students loved. In 1975, she and her close friend, Linda Fox, opened their own private school, Take Joy, which they ran until 1982. Moving to Las Vegas in 1982, Jessie continued her teaching career for over 20 years at several schools, retiring from Robison Middle School at the age of 65. She expanded her outreach across the Las Vegas community, becoming actively involved in the We Care organization and providing sympathetic counseling to scores of people. For the past 27 years, Jessie has been loved and admired by hundreds of the Friends of Bill W., as she offered her own love and support to the many, many life-long friends she made there. Jessie was always a spiritual seeker. She ultimately found the tenants of Buddhism to be the most comfortable fit for her eclectic and thoughtful sensibilities. Diagnosed with Alzheimer's several years ago, Jessie accepted it gracefully and often joked about her "magical brain." March 13, 2013, she had a heart attack and stroke and she finally slipped away March 22, 2013. She is survived by her sisters, Kathleen Appling Maxwell, Susan Appling Johnson; brother-in-law, Kenny Johnson; brother, Harry James Appling; and nieces, Robin Whitmarsh, Polly Filla and Katie Johnson. Jessie is fondly remembered by her family, students and friends as being smart, wise and possessing a keen sense of humor. She was a delightful character, an outstanding teacher, a compelling mentor, a strong sponsor, a reliable friend and a loving sister. By all those who had the joy of knowing her, Jessie Appling will be remembered always. Memorial services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Ave. All of Jessie's friends are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimer's Association for research and treatment of the disease at www.alz.org or by calling (800) 272-3900.
Service arrangements under the direction of Palm Eastern Mortuary.
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