Jessie Warren Witherspoon

Jessie Warren Witherspoon, age 76, of Jefferson, NC, passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, surrounded by his family.Born in Ashe County on June 27, 1948, he was the son of the late William and Louise Howell Witherspoon. 

A proud graduate of Ashe Central High School, he was a standout athlete and a member of the school’s legendary 1965 State Championship Basketball team—an accomplishment he remembered with deep pride throughout his life.

Following high school, he answered the call to serve his country and was drafted into the United States Army. He served honorably on the ground during the Vietnam War, a chapter of his life that helped shape his quiet strength and unwavering patriotism.

After returning home, he began a long and dedicated career in the workforce. He worked at Lowe’s Food before joining Frito-Lay, where he remained until his well-earned retirement. 

Above all, he was a devoted family man. Married for 57 years to his beloved wife, Barbara Leona Arnold Witherspoon, he was a husband, father, and grandfather who poured his heart into those he loved. One of his greatest joys in life was taking his family to Disney World, a place he visited around 50 times. For him, those trips weren’t just vacations—they were treasured memories in the making.

Mr. Witherspoon was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Lorrie Witherspoon Roten and brothers-in-law, Darrell Hoosier, Dennis Arnold and Lewis Shepherd.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Leona Witherspoon; daughter, Amber Murphy (T.J.) of Lansing; grandson, Talon Jessie Murphy; granddaughter, Piper Murphy; sisters, Sandy Witherspoon and Kathy Shepherd; brother-in-law, Scott Roten, sisters-in-law, Maxine Arnold; and nieces and nephews: Matt Shepherd, Andrew Shepherd, Autumn Chamberlain, Taryn Boston, Cory Roten, and Tyler Roten. One step-grandchild, several great-nieces and nephews also survive, each of whom he loved deeply.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, June 9, 2025, at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow in Ashelawn Memorial Gardens with military rites. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, from 12:00 noon to 1:00 PM.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), c/o William Ryan, 366 Bar None Road, Jefferson, NC 28640—honoring Jessie’s legacy of service.

He will be remembered for his kind heart, quiet humor, deep love for his family, and steadfast devotion to those he held dear. His was a life well lived and well loved.