Jessie Juanita Licklider

Jessie Juanita Licklider of St. James, Missouri, took her final breath this side of heaven on Friday, August 23, 2024, at the age of 87 years old. 

Born March 30, 1937, to the late Boley and Ella (Hutchison) Elrod, Jessie was raised on the banks of the Gasconade River. The second to the youngest of 11 siblings, Jessie grew up fishing, farming and learning to tend a house and raise a family. Jessie fondly recalled memories of storing food in the spring house, watching her daddy in the blacksmith shed and being in awe of how her mama could always prepare enough food, no matter how many people came to the table.  

Upon graduating from Belle High School in 1955, Jessie met the love of her life William Warren Licklider. The two were united in marriage in October of 1956 and soon after made their home on a farm north of St. James. Together, they raised three children and a countless number of “adopted” children who found comfort in the welcoming atmosphere and delectable food of the Licklider household. 

While pipeline and construction work kept Warren away from home, Jessie tended to the needs of their children along with a countless number of horses, cattle and farrowing sows. Year after year, she raised a large vegetable garden, planted fruit trees and flowers and always made sure that her family, friends and neighbors were well taken care of. Jessie stayed true to her farming roots all her life. She didn’t stay idle for too long and never shied away from a hard day’s work. 

A devoted wife and mother, Jessie was also widely known for her incredible skills in the kitchen. From biscuits to blackberry cobbler to mashed potatoes or fried chicken, everything was always homemade. No one left Jessie’s table without a full belly and typically a plate or two to take home with them. She loved creating her own recipes and trying new ways to make old favorites even better. 

Jessie had a special knack for finding joy with the little things in life. From baby calves chasing each other in the field to deer and turkeys coming out in the evening or bass feeding on the pond surface, Jessie loved to sit in her chair and take in the world around her. 

Happiest with a fishing pole in her hand or a baby in her lap, Jessie treasured her roles as “Nanaw,” “Aunt J,” and “Momma Jessie.” She spent countless hours singing and rocking babies, being a listening ear and sharing her love and zest for life with her family and all those who had the pleasure of spending time with her. You never needed an invite to be welcomed in her home or at her table.  You could show up at a moment's notice and she would make you feel right at home. If she did know you were coming, your favorite cookie, pie, or supper was probably going to be ready and waiting for you! 

Jessie was the epitome of strength, grit and grace. She was always good for a laugh, a card game or a hug whenever needed. She will be deeply missed by the family she leaves behind including her two sons Bill (Lynn) Licklider, Bryan (Jean) Licklider; a daughter Penny (Tom) McDonald; as well as six granddaughters: Kristina, Shannon, Beth, Sarah (Jordan), Amy (Cristian) and Dani; one grandson, Will Beaner; five great grandchildren Blake, Liam, Madison, Levi and Abigail; nieces and nephews; cousins; other extended family members and many dear friends. 

In addition to her parents and husband of over sixty years, Jessie was preceded in death by her infant son Joseph Elrod Licklider and her nine siblings; brothers Charles, Perry, Boley Jr., Clarence and Russell Elrod; and sisters Ruby Backues, Aimee Klebba, Thelma Heck and Wilma Cassie. 

Cremation arrangements have taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Greentree Christian Church in Rolla, Missouri. Visitation will be at 2:00 pm with a service following.  

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jessie’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.