1954-2026
Jessie Lue Waldrop, 71, of Winters, Texas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
She was born on July 27, 1954, to Alvis and Dorothy Joe (Turnbow) Waldrop in Winters, Texas. Jessie Lue Waldrop was a gentle soul with a soft heart, genuine spirit, and had the best intentions. To those who knew and loved her most, she was kind, caring, and a true friend. To her grandchildren, she was affectionately known as their “hippie Nana” — fun-loving, creative, and always ready to make life a little more special.
Jessie dearly loved her children, grandchildren, siblings, parents, nieces, and nephews. She treasured time spent with family and shared especially close bonds with her high school friends and nieces and nephews, often known as the “fun aunt.” Family gatherings, holidays, birthdays, and simple moments together were among the greatest joys of her life. She loved celebrating others and made holidays and birthday parties memorable for her children and their friends.
A graduate of Winters High School, Jessie later attended American Commercial College. She worked at doctors’ offices in Winters and Ballinger, and later at KRUN. During her years at KRUN, her family saw a brighter and more confident side of her emerge. She truly enjoyed dressing up for work, accessorizing, and embracing life during that season. Those years also brought special trips and happy memories with her family.
Jessie loved music and seemed to know every word to songs by Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Vince Gill, and Carole King. Music filled her heart, and she loved dancing in the hallway, much like her own mother danced in the kitchen.
Jessie had a deep love for creativity and collecting treasures. She enjoyed shopping at resale stores and “junk” shops, always searching for something needed. She loved crafting, painting, coloring, and creating beautiful things with her hands, proudly sharing her latest projects with family and friends.
In her later years, Jessie developed a fondness for llamas and birdwatching, always wanting the very best bird feeders and attractions outside her window. She also became surprisingly competitive — especially when it came to bingo. She loved to win and carefully saved her bingo bucks for special prizes and treats for her grandchildren, whom she adored beyond measure.
Above all else, Jessie will be remembered for her loving heart, gentle spirit, playful nature, and the joy she brought to those around her. Her love for family, music, creativity, and celebration leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories.
Jessie is preceded in death by parents Alvis and Dorothy Waldrop, and her son Courtney Van Collom. She is also preceded by her sister Opal Stanfield and her special friend Marvin Traylor.
She is survived by her daughter Amanda Collom and husband Michael Hoten, her grandchildren Blake and Bailey Collom, and Taytem Hernandez, and one great- grandson Hayze Courtney Hernandez. Jessie is also survived by her siblings, and her ex-husband Bennie Sellars.
A memorial service for Jessie will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 11:00 am with a small meal to precede at First Christian Church in Ballinger, Texas with Lynn Smith officiating. A private family interment will follow at Crews cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Foundation in Jessie’s honor.
