Jessie Harrower Brandt, 74
Jessie Harrower Brandt, 74 of Ashland passed away on Tuesday morning, July 29, 2025, in the Kingston of Ashland following an extended illness.
She was born on June 4, 1951, in Cleveland, Ohio, the daughter of the late James F. Preston Jr. and Margaret (nee Hertrich) Preston. Jessie and her father had a close relationship and he always made certain she and her children had everything they needed. Jessie’s love of music was instilled at an early age by her mother.
Jessie was also preceded in death by Georgia Crosby. Georgia was employed as Jessie’s nanny at her birth. The two had a very close bond that lasted the rest of Georgia’s lifetime. Jessie affectionately called Georgia, Mom.
Jessie graduated from Euclid High School, Class of 1970.
She lived in the Cleveland area and moved to Ashland in 1976 and ten years later relocated to Maine in 1986. Jessie returned to Ashland in 1990 for the remainder of her life.
As a child, Jessie bred and showed the Elkhound dog breed. She also loved horses and was an avid rider. In her early 20’s Jessie volunteered at a center for the blind, where she read books to those without sight. Throughout her life, Jessie continued to volunteer at various nursing homes, reading to the elderly.
In her 20’s and 30’s, Jessie taught numerous people the relaxing art of ceramics at her shop in Polk, OH and later on in Ellsworth, ME. In her 40’s, Jessie provided care and compassion to the elderly, through her profession as a home health aid. In the 90’s, Jessie became one of the founding volunteers of the Ashland Rape Crisis Center. After a full days work, she would come home and man the crisis phone line. In 2012, Jessie was honored with the Crime Victims Service Award for her outstanding dedication to victims of crime. After many years of volunteering, she was offered employment with the Ashland Rape Crisis Center, renamed at that time as the Ashland Domestic Violence Center.
Jessie was a devoted member of the Park Street Brethren Church and attended the Root Sunday School Class; and where she was a proud volunteer serving the Lord.
She is survived by her loving children, Alice (Matthew) Nauman of Olive Hill, Kentucky and Dan Brandt Jr. of Ashland; one grandson, Preston Nauman of Olive Hill, Kentucky; three brothers, Dr. Jim (Sharon) Preston III of Micanopy, Florida, Dr. Henry Preston of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Bobby Bloodsaw of Farrel, Pennsylvania; and her sister-in-law, Mia Preston of Ashland. She is also survived by her beloved nieces and nephews: Marcy Janes-Quintanilla, Joe Preston, Ian Goicochea, Dominic Centorbi, Garrett Preston, David Preston, Laura Preston, Whitt Preston, Hilary Preston, Jules Preston, and Srue Preston.
In addition to her parents, Jessie is preceded in death by her one brother, Fred Preston, sister-in-laws Neime Preston and Sally Pagan; and her nephews Michael Preston and James Preston.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 3, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home with Chaplain Dave Matos presiding. Family and friends may visit at the funeral home one hour prior to the service from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Jessie was known for her love of cats and all of her cats have been adopted strays, including Milo.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the non-profit, The Cat House Sanctuary, Inc of Ashland, OH.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh.com