Jessi Seawright Ogburn,83, of Shelby, NC, died on January 13, 2022 surrounded by family. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Joe Ogburn; by her children, Carolyn Ogburn (Mary Wynns Gregory); Katherine Ogburn (Grant Thompson); John Ogburn (Catherine); by her beloved grandsons, Bennett and Henry Thompson, and John ("Jack") Thain Ogburn, Jr. She is also survived by her first cousins, George Bennett and Grady Seawright. She was predeceased by her siblings, Cordelia Bealor (Jesse), Kenneth Seawright, Jr. (Betty Ann), and her first cousins Robert and Alma Bennett.

Born to the Rev. Kenneth and Alma Weir Seawright, Jessi grew up in New Albany, Mississippi, in the home that William Faulkner was born in, before leaving for Erskine College. She moved first to Beaufort, SC, where she taught high school for a year before moving to Charlotte, NC where she taught in the newly desegregated Garinger High School. Once married, she moved first to Huntersville, then Charlotte, and in 1979, to Shelby.

Jessi retired from Shelby City Schools in 2001 after many years of service. She was a tremendous advocate for public schools. After retirement, she taught for Cleveland County Community College. A life-long Presbyterian, Jessi has been an active member of Shelby Presbyterian Church since 1979, and has served as a deacon and an elder. She loved to read, and was a long-time member of the Literario Bookclub. She didn't much like to swim, but swam laps at the YMCA until COVID. She laughed often, and was famous among family and friends for never letting a birthday or anniversary go by without sending a cheerful card to mark the day. She is greatly loved, and will be missed.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Shelby Presbyterian Church, 226 E. Graham St. Shelby, NC, or to Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Dr. Shelby, NC, 28150.