Jessie Nelson Thigpen, 78, of Clinton passed away Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Rolling Ridge Assisted Living Facility in Newton Grove. 

Nelson was born March 11, 1947, to Stacy Thigpen, Sr., and Donnie Wiggins Thigpen.  He was a graduate of Hobbton High School, Sampson Community College, and a veteran of the United States Air Force (1965-1969).  He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, an Assistant Sunday School Secretary, and in other various ways. He retired from Smithfield Foods after 38 years.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Ann Honeycutt Thigpen, his parents, and a sister, Cindy Grimes.  He is survived by his son, Robert and wife Jennifer, sisters Jane Robinson (Clayton), Ginger Sturges, Diane Hight (Phil) and Wendy Thigpen (Becky), his brother Stacy Thigpen, Jr., (June) and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

His funeral service will be on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 2:00pm at Immanuel Baptist Church, 1017 Sunset Ave., Clinton, with Rev. Dr. Will Matthews and Rev. Tim Ameen officiating.  The family will receive friends at 1:00pm before the service. Burial with military honors will follow at the Clinton City Cemetery. 

Nelson’s family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Rolling Ridge and Gentiva Hospice for all the kindness, care, and compassion shown to him during his time with them.  His life was longer and better because of these caregivers. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to The Immanuel Baptist Church, P.O. Box  52, Clinton, North Carolina  28329.