JACKSONVILLE  -  Jessie Carolyn Shepard Ottaway, 82, passed away Friday evening, January 30, 2026 at Onslow House Assisted Living in Jacksonville.  Her Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Verona Baptist Church in Verona.  Burial will follow at Onslow Memorial Park.

Mrs. Ottaway was born in Wilmington, NC on January 5, 1944 to the late Buren and Dorothy Shepard.  She graduated from Dixon High School in 1961.  After working for AD Guy Insurance for many years, she served in multiple roles as an employee of Onslow County Schools.  She officially retired in 2006 as an administrative assistant at the school district's administrative offices.

Jessie married Edsel Ottaway on June 10, 1962.  They were married for 63 years.  Jessie was a faithful member of Verona Baptist Church where she served as the church's organist for nearly 60 years.  She was a part of the Ladies Auxiliary group and served as church clerk for many years.

In addition to her parents, Jessie was preceded in death by her sister, Joy Thomas, and her brother, David Shepard.

She leaves an amazing legacy to her family, survived by her husband, Edsel, of Verona; her son, Greg and his wife, KB, of Greensboro;  one brother, James Shepard and his wife, Uli of Goldsboro;  one sister, Edna Branch and her husband, J.D. of Lumberton; two grandsons, Alek Ottaway and his wife, Elizabeth and Shepard Ottaway and his wife, Jenni; two great-grandchildren, Davis Ottaway and Harlee Ottaway.

A special thank you goes to the staff of Onslow House in Jacksonville and Gentiva Hospice in Swansboro for their special love and support over the last few weeks.

Family visitation will be observed from 12:00-1:45 PM prior to the service at the church.