Jessie Robertson Hanson

Jessie Robertson Hanson, age 99, departed this life on Sunday, May 5, 2013, At NHC Healthcare in Johnson City. She was born on June 4, 1914 in a California, PA, where she grew up. During WWII She worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” in Akron, OH. Following the untimely death of her first husband, she returned to Pennsylvania, attended Slippery Rock University and Penn State University, earning a masters degree in physical education. She taught physical education at Meadville High School, Meadville, PA, for thirty years. After retiring, she resided in Ft. Myers, FL, and in 2001, moved to Johnson City. She traveled extensively and loved her nieces and nephews and their children. She attended Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Jessie was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Becker; son, Robbie Becker; her second husband, William C. Hanson, beloved swim coach at Allegheny College in Meadville; a sister, Mary R. Straka and two brothers: Alexander and Robert Robertson.

She is survived by her niece and husband, Jean and Charles Barnes, her great nephew, Charles E. “Curt” Barnes, wife Beth, and children David, Megan, and Luke, of Johnson City, great niece, Karen B. Oakes, husband Craig, and children, Emily, and Trevor of Suwanee, GA.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to CNAs Wendy, Sharon, Amanda and Kelly and nurses Alicia, Judy and Amanda on station 2 at NHC for their loving care and concern, to Caris Healthcare, and also to Alena Haynes and staff at Colonial Hill Retirement Center where Jessie resided for several years. Thank you for the support of friends at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

A memorial service will be held at a soon-to-be-specified time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Special Olympics or Easter Seals.

Please visit www.eastlawnkingsport.com to leave a condolence for the family. East Lawn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements and is honored to serve the Hanson family.