Jessie Marie (Reed) Schafer

Jessie Marie (Reed) Schafer, the daughter of Windfred and Maymie (Mauk) Reed was born July 23, 1936, in Darien, Missouri. At the age of fourteen, Jessie met the love of her life, Herschel “Junior” Schafer, and to this union blessed with four children, Brenda, Dennis, Debbie, and Larry. Although her family was her primary focus, she did work outside the home in years past at Barards Lingerie and the International Shoe Factory. She was always a loving support for her husband and children. She was their prayer warrior. She prayed for them daily by name. A tradition that continued with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Jessie was a lifetime member of Corinth Baptist Church where she attended faithfully until her health declined. Jessie found joy in serving the Lord and helping others in any way she could. She truly had a servant’s heart and was happiest when serving her family, church, and community. She loved volunteering in the nursery and with the kitchen ministry. After Sunday morning worship services, Jessie looked forward to preparing Sunday dinners and spending time with her family. She adored her grandchildren and loved being grandma. She was always demonstrating to them the importance of life, love, and faith. Jessie was a living example of a godly woman. She entered her Heavenly Home on July 31, 2025, at the age of eighty-nine years. Those left behind to cherish her memory include her loving children: Brenda Nash of Lebanon, MO, Dennis Schafer and wife Cindy of Rolla, MO, Debbie Hines and husband Tim of Salem, MO, and Larry Schafer and wife Shelley of Salem, MO; sisters: Beverly Canaday of Salem, MO and Carol Lewis of Salem, MO; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding her in death were her husband: Junior Schafer; parents: Windfred and Maymie (Mauk) Reed; brothers: Sonny Reed and Wayne Reed; sister: Glenna Reed; son-in-law: Dennis Nash; daughter-in-law: Sandra Schafer; and grandson: Christian Schafer. Jessie was beautiful inside and out. She was a kindhearted, softspoken, and graceful lady. Her contagious smile and compassionate heart brightened the lives of everyone she encountered. Her memory will be a guiding light for all who knew her. She will be forever missed. Funeral Services for Jessie Marie (Reed) Schafer were held Tuesday, August 5, 2025, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Dennis Schafer, Kaleigh O’Daniel, and Natalie Bowen speaking. Special Music was provided by Collin Nash singing “Far Side Banks Of Jordan”. Serving as Pallbearers were Greg Nash, Josh Schafer, Dustin Schafer, Zach Hines, JR Bowen, and Andrew O’Daniel. Honorary Pallbearers were Joey Schafer, James Schafer, Jacob Schafer, Jonah Schafer, Jake Brooks, Scott Shults, Keith Steelman, and Terry Reed. Burial was in the Green Forest Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family requests Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Jessie Schafer to Green Forest Cemetery. Memorial Envelopes will be available. Condolences may be left online at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Jessie Marie (Reed) Schafer

July 23, 1936 - July 31, 2025