Jessie E. "Wood Man" Phelps

Jessie E. Phelps Sr. (affectionately known as the Wood Man) departed this life Friday, August 29, 2025, at his residence. He was born March 2, 1931, to the late Theodore R. Phelps Sr. and the late Dr. Madelean C. Phelps.

Jessie accepted Christ at an early age and was a lifelong member of Chestnut Grove Baptist Church. He sang on the senior choir and could be found serving in any capacity until his health failed.

For many years Jessie worked at Fears Upholstery while also providing firewood for many people in the local area. Jessie will be remembered for his excellent memory and straightforward talk. He never minced words and would quickly tell you what was on his mind.

Jessie is preceded in death by three brothers, Billy, Ted, and Lester; a sister, Malinda; four sons, Jesse Jr., Ted, James, George, and a daughter, Carolyn.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Marion Braxton Phelps; a daughter, Madeline Green (Kenneth), a son, Donald (Adelle); two sisters, Mabel Calloway and Harriette Phelps; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and other relatives and friends.

 A funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 8, 2025, at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, with the Bishop Adolph Brown, officiating and Rev. Dr. Charles Ingram, as Eulogist. Interment will be in the Chestnut Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. His remains will lie in state one hour prior to the service. The family is receiving friends, and the cortege will assemble at 1188 Chestnut Grove Drive, Forest.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.