NORWICH – Jessie M. Oakes, 86, of Norwich, passed away Friday morning, Dec. 8, 2006, in the Chenango Memorial Hospital.
The daughter of William B. and Mabel (Wright) Clark, Jessie was born in Syracuse on Aug. 23, 1920. Following her graduation from Oneida High School, she attended Alfred University. Jessie lived for a time in Westport before moving to Norwich, where she had made her home for the past 35 years. For ten of those years, she worked as a secretary for the Chenango County Planning Board. Jessie was a very selfless person, always putting others ahead of her own needs, and was a kind and gentle lady.
Jessie is survived by her children Anne Worthy of Peahala Park, N.J., Allen Oakes and wife Jean of Syracuse, Edwin Oakes and wife Martha of Durhamville, James Oakes and wife Linda of Richmond, Va.; Wanda Oakes of Cheshire, Conn.; Rowena Graef of Plymouth, Dale Oakes and wife Lisa of Enoree, S.C., and Dean Oakes and wife Michelle of Richmond, VA.
She is also survived by her brothers Bertram and Edwin Clark; 22 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Jessie was predeceased by her brothers, Leland and William Clark.
Funeral services for Jessie will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Richard Anderson, pastor of the Plymouth United Methodist Church, will officiate. Interment will be in South Side Cemetery of Plymouth at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday.
Friends are invited to call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Monday from 5 p.m. until the service at 6 p.m.
Jessie’s family has asked that memorial contributions be sent to 60 Plus in Norwich.