NAHUNTA – Mrs. Juanita Highsmith Chesser, 93 of Nahunta, passed away early Wednesday morning, May 28, 2025 at Bayview Nursing Home in Nahunta after an extended illness.
Born in Nahunta, Mrs. Chesser’s parents were Cecil Edwin Highsmith and Mary Todd Highsmith. She is also preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Samuel “Sam” Chesser; a
daughter-in-law, Annette Chesser; special niece who was like a sister, Betty Jo McGarrity; and 12 siblings.
Chesser
Mrs. Chesser was a fullt ime mother and housewife until her children were grown. She then worked at the sewing factory in Nahunta for several years and was a member of Nahunta First Baptist Church.
She married Samuel “Sam” Chesser on February 2, 1951. They were married for 55 years and 6 months until he passed July 26, 2006.
Mrs. Chesser was saved when she was 30 years old and has worked for the Lord ever since. She taught Sunday School and VBS for over 25 years at Hickox Baptist Church. She joined Nahunta First Baptist Church October 6, 2002, where Mrs. Chesser was active until she lost her eye sight.
She loved her church family, God and being a servant to the Lord. Mrs. Chesser also loved her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and everyone in her family.
They were a joy to her and had several nieces and nephews that were special to her. Mrs. Chesser loved having family dinners and working in her flowers.
Survivors include her three wonderful children, Barry S. Chesser (Sandra), Elaine Wilson (Hubert) and Arlene Jacobs (David) all of Nahunta; five grandchildren, Kevin Wilson (Shea), Karla Perkins (Rege), Natalie Jacobs, Barry “Bo” Chesser (Christina) and Ashlie Mudge (Christopher); nine great grandchildren, Westin Perkins, Kali Perkins, Samuel Chesser, Eli Chesser, Caleb Mudge, Blake Mudge, Regan Perkins, Walker Wilson and Katlyn Wilson; two step-grandchildren, Sarah Johns and Austin Harris (Sloan); two step-great grandchildren, Holden Harris, Dani Grace Johns and one on the way, McKendree; special niece, Daine Lake (Joe) of Nahunta; and also several other nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.
A funeral service was held Saturday morning, May 31, 2025 at the chapel of Frye Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Altman and Rev. Randy Wainright officiating.
Burial followed in Oakgrove Cemetery. Pallbearers were Chrisopher Mudge, Sam Chesser, Steven Chesser, Kevin Wilson, Bo Chesser, Westin Perkins, Eli Chesser, Walker Wilson, Caleb Mudge and Blake Mudge.
Honorary pallbearers were the staff of Bayview Nursing Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Nahunta First Baptist Church and any crippled children’s ministry.
Arrangements were with Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.fryefh.com.
