Jessie Johnson Laird

Mrs. Jessie Johnson Laird, age 84, passed away on August 19, 2026, in Picayune, Mississippi where she had been residing since 2024.  Jessie was born on November 17, 1941 in Dothan, Alabama to Leland Gladwyn Johnson and Nona Wood Johnson.  After graduating from Ponce de Leon High School in Florida in 1959, Jessie lived most of her adult life in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.

She devoted most of her life to being a homemaker, mother, and supportive wife to the love of her life, Ronald. She was also known as being a top-notch Southern cook and baker. Additionally, Jessie worked as a sales associate at several local retail businesses in DeFuniak Springs for nearly 25 years.

The family was very faithful and active in several Baptist churches and in their early family life, Jessie played the piano and Ronald was the music director.

Jessie is survived by her loving sons Geoffrey (Donna) and Scott, granddaughters Leigh Anne Nevarez, Karli Briganti, and Melanie Cheney, great-grandchildren, and her devoted brother Donald Johnson.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ronald R. Laird, parents Leland Gladwyn Johnson and Nona Wood Johnson, her daughter Ronna K. Briganti, and her brother Hayden Johnson.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Gaskin First Baptist Church Cemetery, 107 County Highway 181 E, Westville, Florida with Reverend Dean Penzo officiating.

The family would like to thank the Hospice team of Forrest General and all her loyal caregivers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution can be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 75 Church St., DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433.