| Daily Oklahoman, The
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
June 24, 2003
Jessie Lyday Jude was born to William L. Lyday and Gertrude
Thomas Lyday in Boswell, Oklahoma, as the ninth of 12 children.
All preceded her in death. She was reared in McIntosh County
around Eufaula, Oklahoma, where she attended elementary and
junior high school. Jessie graduated from Manual Training High
School, Muskogee, Oklahoma. After several years, she enrolled at
Langston University, Langston, Oklahoma, and received the
bachelor of science degree in business education. Jessie
graduated from the University of Denver with a MBA degree in
1949. During her time as an educator, she attended five Oklahoma
institutions of higher education and a number of out-of-state
universities. Jessie taught one year of elementary education in
the Eufaula Public School System before coming to Oklahoma City
in 1942, seeking a better position. She served the law firm of
Bruce & Rowan for more than a year as secretary/stenographer.
She was later employed at Tinker Air Force Base as
secretary/stenographer for a brief period. For 27 years she
taught business education, history, and was a guidance counselor
at Dunjee Junior-Senior High School. In 1961-62, Jessie was
named "Teacher of the Year", receiving a nice trophy. She was a
dedicated educator. Many students recognized this and benefited
from her instruction and guidance. When the Oklahoma City Public
School System began the desegregation process, Jessie was
transferred to Capitol Hill Middle School as a counselor.
Serving five years in that capacity, she retired in 1977.
On January 29, 1945, she married Ellis Dewitt Jude , an eastside
businessman. No children were born. He preceded her in death in
1968. Jessie accepted Christ at an early age and joined the AME
church in McIntosh County. After moving to Oklahoma City, her
membership was established at the Avery Chapel AME Church where
she participated, for many years, in the sanctuary choir. She
later joined her husband at the First AME Church (then located
on Glen Ellyn) until his death.
Jessie, subsequently, became a member of St. Joseph Old
Cathedral working with the Altar Society and Council of Catholic
Women. At St. Joseph, she was selected, "The Lady of
Achievement," for the year 1979. She was chairman of the
community committee for four years and a member of the building
corporation committee for three years. She also joined the
Catholic Daughters of America and affiliated with Court Santa
Maria, #81, Oklahoma City. Jessie was a member of the Oklahoma
County Retired Teachers, State Teachers Retirement System, AARP,
American School Counselors Association, American Personnel and
Guidance Association, American Association of University Women,
YWCA, and the Urban League. She made generous financial
contributions to many charitable and human development
organizations.
To cherish her memory, "Aunt Babe," as she was affectionately
known by the family, are 23 nieces and nephews and many great
nieces and nephews from: California, Colorado, Kansas, Maryland,
Michigan, Oklahoma and Wisconsin. Vigil, 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Services 10 a.m. Thursday, St Joseph Old Cathedral. Temple &
Sons Funeral Home. Burial
Fairlawn Cemetery.
Sources: good faith fair use of sources stated above
Compiled, transcribed and submitted by Marti Graham, Oklahoma County, OKGenWeb Coordinator,
September 2009. Information
posted for educational purposes for viewers and researchers. The contributor is not
related to nor researching any of the above.
I believe in random acts of kindness and I believe in sharing genealogy. If you have copies of
photos, obituaries, wills, biographies, or stories relating to any of these families or other Oklahoma County families, would you consider sending them my way for publication at this site?
I always welcome comments and corrections.
I live outside the Oklahoma City area, I cannot personally do any research for you. However I will try to direct you to someone who may help you if you can't find what you want here.
Please understand ALL information on this site was contributed by people like you. If it's not on the site,
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