Jesse Sunderland

A memorial service for Jesse Orman Sunderland will be held Sunday, March 19, 2023, 2:30 p.m. at Midway Baptist Church (4579 Old 8th Street Road N, Meridian) with Dr. Michael Bird officiating. Webb & Stephens Funeral Home-Downtown is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Mr. Sunderland, 90, of Meridian, passed away Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Specialty Hospital.

Born on a farm near Joplin, Missouri in January 1933, Jesse attended a one room school house for three years before being bussed into town, where he became a member of the school band. Joining the Marines in 1952, he performed with Marine field bands for twenty years. Obtaining a music degree during that time, much of it by attending night school, he received a commission in 1973. Serving an additional six years as a band officer and conductor, he retired with the rank of Captain. After retirement, he and his wife, the former Ruby Frances (Moore/Covington) of the Lost Gap area of Meridian, traveled extensively in their RV for twenty years, finally settling in the Nellieburg area of Meridian.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ruby Frances; daughter, Teri Crippen (Mike); son, Coy Covington; and granddaughters, Jessica Fox and Marissa Fox McCann (Clay).

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Clara Sunderland; sister, Maxine; brother, Henry; and son, Lewis.