Jessie Louise Chesser

Age 89 of Hillsboro, Illinois, formerly of Wilmington, Illinois, died Saturday, February 14, 2026 at The ARC of Dwight Nursing Home.

Born January 8, 1937 in Omaha, Nebraska, Jessie was a daughter of Cleo and Josephine (Hoban) Woodson. She relocated with her family from Omaha to Winchester, Illinois, where she attended Routt Catholic High School and graduated with the Class of 1955. In her youth, Jessie had a great love for tap dancing and was a past member of the Catholic Daughters of America. On April 14, 1956, Jessie married Carl Eugene "Gene" Chesser at Saint Mark Catholic Church in Winchester, Illinois. Together they shared 48 years of marriage and raised eight children between Belleville and Wilmington, Illinois.

Jessie's faith was of deep importance to her life, holding memberships with Saint Agnes Catholic Church in Hillsboro and St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Wilmington, where her children attended parochial school and she was a devoted member of the Catholic Council of Catholic Women. She found strength and purpose through her faith, and could often be found praying the rosary which was part of her everyday life. Jessie devoted much of her life to raising her children. While raising her children she held employment with the Coil Factory in Dwight, and later worked at a grocer in Morrisonville, Illinois after relocating to Hillsboro.

Jessie was a woman of many interests and talents, particularly with crafting. She enjoyed making things with her hands and had a knack for sewing, always making sure her girls had matching holiday outfits. Jessie was also an avid collector. She enjoyed attending antique auctions and amassed numerous treasures over the years, that included Avon plates and anything and everything related to strawberries. Jessie loved working outside in her garden and found great beauty in flowers, a love she shared with her family.

Jessie's core was family, taking great pride in her Irish heritage as a 2nd generation descendent from immigrants on her mother's side of the family. More important than that was raising her children and being blessed to see her grandchildren and great grandchildren added to her family tree. Jessie's deep faith and strength radiated from her, setting a great example for her family and the generations to come.

Survivors include six children: Betty Earp, Becky (Steve) Quigley, Donna Chesser, Cecilia Storbeck, Carla (Tim) Smith, and Joan Eddy; (9) grandchildren: Josh (Sara) Quigley, Nathan Earp, Travis (Kristen) Quigley, Kate (Chris) Hansen, Andrew (Ashley) Storbeck, Brittany (Jong) Kim, Brianne (Jerry) Riggs, Benjamin (Emily) Storbeck, and Ian (Kelly) Issert; and (26) great grandchildren: Ava, Ella, and Carter Quigley; Zoey and Norah Kate Earp; Wyatt and Mackenzie Quigley; Claire, Julia, Ellie, Phoenix, and Knox Hansen; Gavin and Addyson Riggs; Avery Rogowski; Jacobi, Paxton, Leo, and Trey Issert-Kim; Ian, Ryker, and Rowan Issert; Mavis Storbeck; Emberly Schumacher, and Sawyer and Tatum Storbeck and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jessie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gene Chesser; two daughters: Diana Lynn and Judith Ann; two sons-in-law: Dan Earp and Brian Storbeck; and her siblings: her twin sister, Elizabeth Woodson, Richard Woodson, Charlotte (Nick) Stevenson, Geneann (Don, Sr.) Johnson, and Sr. Donna Marie Woodson, OSF.

The family will receive friends at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington on Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. until the time of funeral service at 6:00 p.m. Deacon Jay Plese from St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington will preside. Jessie will be laid to rest with her late husband Gene at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois on Friday morning, February 27, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Those wishing to attend are requested to meet at the cemetery prior to 10:45 a.m.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Jessie’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-476-2181)