DUNCAN — Jewell (Judy) Shorter Dessinger, 89, entered the eternal presence of her Heavenly Father on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012. She was “a woman of noble character worth far more than rubies” who was blessed with a long and happy life. Her memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Jubilee Full Gospel Tabernacle, two miles west of U.S. Hwy 81 on Seminole Road in Duncan, officiated by Rev. Alton Hutto.

The service will be followed by interment in Duncan Municipal Cemetery under direction of Carter-Smart Funeral Home. For memorials, flowers may be sent to Carter-Smart Funeral Home in Duncan.

Jewell was born Mar. 6, 1923, in Duncan, to the late Jesse Shorter and Ruby Brooks Shorter. She was their first daughter, the third of seven children. Jewell graduated from Empire School and began working at the Palace Drug Store in Duncan where she met her husband-to-be, Army Staff Sergeant Howard Dessinger who was serving at Ft. Sill. It was love at first sight. Howard and Jewell were married three months later on Leap Year — Feb. 29, 1944, in Duncan. Shortly after their marriage, Howard was sent to the Philippine Islands, and Jewell remained in Duncan. Jewell was proud of Howard’s military service. Jerry, her first son, was born while Howard was overseas. After returning from the war, Howard, Jewell, and Jerry moved to Fort Dodge, Iowa, Howard’s hometown. There her second son, Steven, was born. In 1956, the family relocated to Tulsa. Jewell loved children and enjoyed teaching Sunday school in the Junior Department at Sheridan Christian Center for over 15 years. She loved to visit with her wonderful friends in the Gleaners Sunday school class. Jewell graduated from Hillcrest Nursing School in Tulsa and worked as an LPN for nine years. She later received her nursing home administrator license and served as the nursing home administrator at Tulsa Christian Home for 19 years. Jewell was a natural caregiver who loved to visit each of her patients every day.

Jewell enjoyed cooking, gardening, crocheting, listening to hymns and gospel music, and traveling the world with her husband. She especially enjoyed their trips to Switzerland and Hawaii. Jewell’s warm smile, humor, listening ear, and generous heart blessed many. She never met a stranger and put people immediately at ease. Her greatest joy was providing love, encouragement, and support to her family, friends, and neighbors. This included serving her Berean Sunday School Class at Woodlake Assembly of God by making phone calls to encourage her dear friends. She had an impact on her family and friends that cannot be estimated. Her smile, laugh, and hugs will be greatly missed. Her legacy will live on through the lives of those who loved her.

The Scripture Proverbs 31:28 is a fitting description: “Her children rise up and call her blessed. Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.”

In March of 2009, she moved to Texas where she lived with her younger son Steve and his family. In July of 2009, Howard, her husband of 65 years, passed away. Their faithful love and commitment to each other has been a beautiful inspiration. In March of 2011, Jewell moved to Wilkins Nursing Center in Duncan. The family would like to thank Wilkins Nursing Center and Ross Hospice Care for their loving care and support.

Jewell was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse Shorter and Ruby Brooks Shorter; her brother, Marion Shorter; her brother, Wayne Shorter; her sister, Delores Shorter Brooks; her brother, David Shorter; and her husband of 65 years, Howard Dessinger. What a wonderful time of reuniting and rejoicing that must be.

Jewell is survived by her brother, Roy Shorter of Duncan; her sister, Clairece Shorter Hutto of Duncan; her son, Jerry Dessinger of Tulsa; her son and wife, Steven and Marian Dessinger of North Richland Hills, Texas; her granddaughter, Kristine Dessinger of North Richland Hills, Texas; her grandson and wife, Daniel and Heather Dessinger of Franklin, Tennessee; her great-granddaughter, Kathryn; her great-grandson, Micah; her beloved sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews; and a host of dear friends.