Jessie Perl Tipper

Jessie Perl Lilly Tipper, born Oct. 6, 1922, went to be with the Lord March 4, 2015. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jessie and Rev. K.C. Lilly, husband Cecil E. Tipper, grandson Justin Reynolds, great-grandson Riley Reynolds, brothers Rev. Cameron Lilly, and French Lilly and son-in-law Don Gombert.
She is survived by a large loving family: children Karen Gombert, John Tipper(Jennifer), Annette Cook(Edward), Karla Jean Reynolds(Joe), David Tipper (Cindy), and Christy Register(Shane). Grandchildren include Brandon Scott Privett (Becca), Jeanne McKan (Jerry), Ryan Cook, Rebecca Chapman (Jason), Sarah Cook, Jeffrey Tipper, Natalie Register, Meredith Tipper, Phillip Register, and Evelyn Tipper. Great-grandchildren include Anthony Privett, Elijah McKan, Tristan Reynolds, Jillian McKan, Cameron Privett, Jasper Reynolds, and Jaycee Chapman.
She graduated salutatorian of Glen Rogers High School, attended Berea College, continuing her art education through Bluefield State, Concord College, and WVU. She worked in the offices of Koppers Coal Company prior to marriage and worked for the US Postal Service for 18 yrs. at Princewick, WV and then MacArthur, WV.
Jessie Perl was a member of Bible Baptist Church, former member of Hilltop Baptist Church, and Matoaka United Methodist Church. She was a founding member of the Beckley Art Group, and worked diligently to establish the Cynthia Bickey Art Center. She was a long time, active member of the Gulf Women’s Club and the Beckley Women’s Club. She served in various positions including many terms as president of both the Art Group and the Women’s Club. She also served as organist/pianist and youth director at Matoaka United Methodist Church, painted a number of local baptistries, enjoyed teaching Bible School and served as a PTA leader.
She was a prolific artist, seamstress, and writer. She enthusiastically embraced life and loved her family, her work, her faith, traveling, reading, and music. She was a fount of creativity and her many paintings, sculptures, writings and projects live on as a testimony of her life. She gave generously of her time, talents, and finances to many local and national organizations.
“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” Proverbs 31:31.
Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2015 at Bible Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Park, Princeton, WV. Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday at the church.
Pallbearers will be Jason Chapman, Jerry McKan, Brandon Scott Privett, Anthony Privett, Elijah McKan, Phillip Register, Tristan Reynolds and Ryan Cook
Flowers are appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to the John & Romans Ministry, C/O Bible Baptist Church, P.O. Box 415, MacArthur, WV 25873, Bowers Hospice House, 454 Cranberry Dr., Beckley, WV 25801 or to the Beckley Art Center, 600 Johnstown Rd., Beckley, WV 25801
Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.