Jessie Marie Girdner

Jessie Marie Girdner Curtis was born on April 15, 1951 to Barney and Dora (Malloy) Girdner. She departed this life at the age of 69 years, on January 15, 2021 at Stilwell Memorial Hospital after a difficult battle with the Covid-19 virus. Jessie was one of a kind and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

On April 15, 1973, Jessie married the love of her life, Danny Clyde Curtis and they had one child, Danya Curtis. The source of Jessie's greatest pride was her family. Jessie lived her life for her loved ones, family, friends, and students, from cooking delicious meals to giving much needed advice and guidance. (I am sorry if you never got to taste her life changing chocolate pecan pie.) Jessie was an amazing and supportive mother to her only child, Danya, and an even more amazing and devoted Nana to her only granddaughter, Tru Joi, who was truly her pride and joy. She loved to do literally anything and go anywhere with her girls. Words are simply inadequate to describe the most amazing woman of all time, but her girls know who they aspire and who they strive to be.

Jessie taught history and civics at Lincoln Public Schools for 28 years and retired almost 20 years ago. She continued to educate people in civics even in her Facebook posts, explaining the role of the Constitution and the electoral college in our last election, starting with "Since I have your attention...more civics!!!" Ms. Curtis loved teaching and she loved each and every one of her students. She maintained her youthful exuberance taking the time to help and participate in their lives. "She was a difference maker in mine and many students lives", "she was that one teacher in your life who stands out" and "she was my favorite teacher", as quoted from former students. The outreaching from these former students has been so appreciated and comforting to the family during this time of loss.

Jessie is survived by Danny, Danya and Tru Joi Curtis. She is also survived by her sister, Iva Girdner Hume, sister-in law Betty Girdner, brother-in-law Ivan Hembree, brother-in-law Charlie Neale, and a host of nieces/nephews and great nieces/nephews, all whom she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Dora Malloy Girdner and Barney Girdner; her sisters, Joy Neale and Ruth Ann Hembree, and her brother, Barney Girdner, Jr. Whatever else is happening in heaven, we can all rest assured these four are up to “Good Trouble.”