Jessie Mae Bridges Runnels, 86, of Silsbee, died Thursday, October 29, 2009, at Silsbee Oaks Health Care.

Born in Silsbee on May 26, 1923, to Ethelene Mask Bridges and Allen B. Bridges, she was raised in Silsbee and was a long time resident of Beaumont and Lufkin.

Survivors include her children, Robert Allen Runnels and his wife Reneé of Port Neches, Donna Lea Stroud and her husband Dennis and Judith Runnels all of Beaumont, Terri Lynn Whittlesey and her husband Larry of Groveton, and Richard Clayton Runnels and his wife Davelyn of Lufkin; twelve grandchildren, Jarrod Runnels and his wife Kathryn, Leigh Erin Kubin and her husband Paul, Kristen Runnels, Casey Runnels, Dawn Clary and her husband Shawn, James Michael Cassels and his wife Kelli, Thomas Clayton Cassels, Alisha Praznik, Brandon Rodrigues, Jessica Whittlesey and her husband Luke, Jordeyn Runnels, Jacob Runnels, and Dwayne Whittlesey and his wife Jennifer; nine great grandchildren, Lauren, Logan, Lily, Logan, Tia, Dalton, Cain, Jayce, and Sarah; brother, Roy Bridges; and sister, JoAnn Pate.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Clayton Runnels.

Her graveside service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 31, 2009, at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Nederland under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A gathering of her family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, October 29, 2009, at Broussard’s.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 700 North Street, Suite M, Beaumont, Texas 77701.