Jacquelyn Johnson Bissette

Jacquelyn Johnson Bissette October 17, 1931 – June 3, 2016 Jacquelyn “Jackie” Johnson Bissette, of Wilson passed away Friday at home on June 3, 2016 at the age of 84. She was born on October 17, 1931, the seventh of eight children. Jacquelyn’s parents were the late, Nathan Manly Johnson, Sr. and the late, Elizabeth Hodges Denning Johnson of Dunn. Jackie graduated from Queen’s College in May, 1954, and was married in June of 1954. Jackie admitted to telling her mother, “I’m going to marry that bald-headed man”, after their first date. She worked in the Wilson County School system for a short time before the birth of her three sons. Jackie also worked with her husband in the insurance and real estate business in Wilson for over forty years. Although children and family were the focal point of Jackie’s life, her numerous dogs over the years came in a close second. She didn’t just love her dogs, but most of the neighborhood dogs loved Jackie. As “Bootsie”, (next door neighbor), says, “if reincarnation exists, then I want to come back to earth as Jackie’s dog.” Jackie’s sense of right and wrong always reflected a high standard. Her standards were formed by the influence of Daddy Johnson. In many ways Jackie continued his strong sense of church, community and family. Jackie is survived by her sons, Mack Dolphus Bissette, III, and wife, Kathryn, and Nathan Johnson Bissette and wife, Anne; daughter-in-law, Kimberly Bissette Farris, and husband, Paul; her grandchildren, Ella Bissette, Nathan Bissette, Madison Bissette, Jim Bissette, and Rebecca Bissette, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mack Dolphus Bissette, Jr., her son, James Denning Bissette; her sisters and brothers, Meda, Helen, Nathan, Jr., Gale, Elaine, Mary Lide, Nathan, Jr. and James “Brother”, and her many beloved dogs. A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday in Maplewood Cemetery, 400 College Street, Wilson. The Rev. Dr. Doug Murray will officiate. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 7 – 9 p.m. at the home, 900 Salem Street, Wilson. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Jackie to the Wilson County Humane Society, PO Box 7064, Wilson, North Carolina 27895 or the James D. Bissette Scholarship Fund, First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 3184, Wilson, North Carolina 27895. Condolences may be directed to www.joyners.net.