Jesse Lee Calvert

Jesse Lee McElrath Calvert, 80, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 15, in Charleston, WV following a long illness. She was born on May 30, 1945, in Beckley, WV. Jesse was a resident of Sophia for 79 years. She lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others.

A proud graduate of Sophia High School, Jesse pursued her passion for education at Concord College. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Jesse's commitment to learning ushered her to obtain a master's degree in communications through West Virginia University. These academic achievements led to a remarkable career that would span more than five decades. Jesse dedicated her professional life to the students in Raleigh County Schools as a WV history and science teacher. Her classroom was a place of instruction, warmth, encouragement, and inspiration. Even after retiring, Jesse continued to share her love of learning by becoming a substitute teacher. She carried immense pride in her work and cherished the many lives she touched throughout her career.

Beyond the classroom, Jesse was known for her compassion and unwavering devotion to others. She was a beloved wife to the late James Calvert and a devoted mother to three daughters: Jennifer Hilgardner (Bob), Jamie Kingrey (Todd), and the late Julie Wolfe. Jesse's love extended to her only grandchild Griffin Kinder and son-in-law Donald Wolfe. She also shared close bonds with her sisters Mary Veneri and Thora Sutherland, as well as several special nieces, nephews, and friends who brought joy to her life.

Jesse's faith was central to her character. A lifelong member of Sophia United Methodist Church, she embodied the values of kindness and grace. Jesse was a colon cancer survivor. Her trust in the Lord carried her through that difficult time. She found joy in life's simple pleasures- laughter over a family meal, tending to her flowers, time with her dogs, and visits to the family farm in Virginia. Jesse appreciated moments shared with loved ones. She had an extraordinary ability to make others feel seen and valued. Her comforting words made everyone feel at home in her presence.

She was preceded in death by her parents William Jesse McElrath and Anna Kaplya McElrath; husband James Calvert; daughter Julie Wolfe; and nephews David Martin and Dwayne Martin.

Jesse will always be remembered for the compassion she showed throughout every aspect of her life. Her legacy will live on in the family she nurtured with love and strength, the countless students she mentored, and the community she served.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Caffee Funeral Home 800 S Oakwood Avenue, Beckley, WV 25801. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM with the funeral immediately following. Pastor David Rumberg of Sophia United Methodist Church will officiate. Jesse will be laid to rest at her family cemetery in Newport, VA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jesse's memory to Kanawha County Hospice Care at 1606 Kanawha Blvd W, Charleston, WV 25387 or Sophia United Methodist Church at PO Box 518, Sophia, WV 25921.