Jesselene Irene McMillen's Obituary
Jesselene Irene McMillen died January 18, 2019 at the age of 88. She was born July 25, 1930 as Rosalee Stanislaus in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and was adopted by Melvina and Jesse Bellew. She grew up in Boise, Idaho, lived in Winnemucca, Nevada, Fairfax and Richmond, Virginia, and Salt Lake City and Centerville, Utah. She was a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a powerful and contagious testimony. She came to the Salt Lake Valley to join the Saints in a red Volkswagon the summer of 1973.
Jesselene is survived by her four children: Deborah Sanders (John), Rosie Carpenter (Mark), Andre Sanchez (Carol), and Sharon Gabbitas (Mark), as well as 14 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren.
Professionally, she worked as a claim’s representative for the Social Security Administration where she felt it a privilege to help others prepare for retirement. Her love of service continued following her own retirement through her volunteer work as a tour guide on Temple Square for two years, as a part-time service missionary at the Family History Library for five years, and in the Bountiful Temple answering telephones for the prayer roll.
A viewing will be held at the Centerville 19th Ward, 900 S. 400 E. in Centerville, Utah at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, January 26, 2019, prior to the funeral services at 11:00 A.M.
Jesselene’s Prayer
(New words to a favorite hymn.)
I’ll go when you want me to go, dear Lord,
For I’m as ready as I can be.
I’ll sing and I’ll shout, and I’ll laugh with glee
For with my Savior and friends I will be.
I’ll go when thou callest me, dear Lord,
From earthly woes to be free.
I’ll love and I’ll serve my Lord and my God
For all eternity.
It may not be on a mission far,
It may only be to a “star.”
But I’ll go when you want me to go dear Lord,
In your judgment whenever that may be.
I’ll go when you want me to go, dear Lord,
I’ve tried to be the best I could be.
Now, with faith and with love,
I go to Thee!
God saw her getting tired,
A cure not meant to be,
So, with a smile, He put His arms around her, and whispered . . .
“Jesselene, Come with Me.”
What’s your fondest memory of Jesselene?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jesselene?
Share a story where Jesselene's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jesselene you’ll never forget.
How did Jesselene make you smile?