01/09/2026
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the Promotion to Glory of Jessie Baillie, a much-loved and faithful soldier of our Corps for over 70 years.
Throughout those many years, Jessie gave devoted service to the Corps. Music, and particularly singing, was a very important part of her life and her Christian service.
Following her marriage to John, Jessie took her place in the soprano section of the Songsters. Blessed with a beautiful soprano voice, Jessie regularly featured as a soloist in Songster programmes as well as ministering through song in her own right.
Jessie also served the Young People’s Corps as a Company Guard for many years, investing her time and care in generations of young people. Alongside her own service, she was a constant and tremendous support to her husband John throughout his years of leadership as both Songster Leader and Bandmaster.
Jessie’s love of singing remained with her throughout her life. Even during her latter years in her care home, she continued to share that gift with those around her, entertaining fellow residents with her daily renditions of old Salvation Army hymns, often interspersed with much-loved songs from the musicals.
Jessie leaves behind a wonderful legacy of faithful service, music, family and fellowship, spanning more than seven decades of Corps life. She will be remembered with great affection by so many whose lives she touched.
At this sad time, our thoughts and prayers are especially with Nigel, Claire, Mia and Jude, and also with Paula, who devoted so many hours to caring for Jessie and ensuring that, even when they could not be together in person, Jessie remained in weekly contact with her family online via Zoom.
We give thanks to God for Jessie’s long life, her faith, her music and her remarkable years of service.
Well done, good and faithful servant.
