January 31, 2017

Jessie M. Smithers, 86, of Watertown, passed away Tuesday morning, January 31, 2017, at the home of her niece, Marlene Kirch, on Pillar Point.

A celebration of her life and burial in North Watertown Cemetery will be at the convenience of her family. Arrangements are entrusted with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown.

Jessie was born in Heuvelton on January 3, 1931, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (McManus) Macaulay and she graduated from Heuvelton High School. A marriage to William S. Smithers ended in divorce.

She was a manager in the domestics department at Fay's for many years. She then worked at Jefferson Rehabilitation Center as a Direct Support Professional until her retirement. She enjoyed sewing, thrifty shopping, cooking, and anything with butterflies. She was very family orientated and spending time and caring for her family was her greatest enjoyment.

Jessie is survived by her three sons, William S., Macomb, Peter M. and Shainey House, Dexter, and Jody M. and Tammy Smithers, Watertown; six grandchildren, Lorien, Erik, Matthew, Melissa, Chelsey, and Hannah and five great grandchildren; two sisters, Edna Gates, Hailsboro and Annabette Brown and husband, Leland, Rochester; brother-in-law, Philip Parish, FL and sister-in-law, Dorothy Macaulay, FL; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her son, John M., two brothers, Edward (and wife, Helen) and George Macaulay; two sisters, Aleta Parish and Ellen (and husband, Manuel) Busto; and brother-in-law, Clifford Gates.

Donations in her name may be made to either Aids Council 927 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207 or Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901. Online condolences in Jessie's name may be made at www.cummingsfuneral.com.