Northeast Texas Community College mourns the passing of Dr. Jerry Wesson, a founding administrator and former Vice President of Student Services, who passed away on April 20, 2026, at the age of 85. A memorial service will be held on May 9 at 1:00 p.m. at Tennison Memorial United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant. Following the memorial, A short graveside service will be held at 4:00PM at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Wolfe City, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts may be made to the Dr. Jerry Wesson Honors Scholarship at Northeast Texas Community College or to Tennison Memorial United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant, Texas. Click here to read the full obituary.
Dr. Wesson played a vital role in shaping NTCC from its earliest days, joining the college in 1984 as one of its original administrators. Over the course of a distinguished 35-year career in higher education, he became known for his steady leadership, deep commitment to students, and passion for building opportunities that would last far beyond his tenure. He retired from NTCC in 1997, leaving behind a strong foundation that continues to benefit generations of students.
After retirement, Dr. Wesson continued his service to the community as a Municipal Judge in Mount Pleasant and later authored The Miracle on FM 1735 (2013), widely regarded as the definitive history of NTCC. His work preserved the story of the college he helped build, ensuring its legacy would endure.
While his professional accomplishments were significant, Dr. Wesson is perhaps best remembered for the personal impact he made on students. Through mentorship, encouragement, and genuine care, he helped shape lives in ways that extended far beyond the classroom.
That legacy lives on through the Dr. Jerry Wesson Honors Scholarship, established to support students in pursuing their academic goals. Since its creation, the scholarship has opened doors for countless NTCC students.
“I wish I could again tell Dr. Wesson how deeply I appreciated his support of NTCC,” said former recipient Monserrat Rivero-Sanchez. “I carry with me the encouragement and kindness Dr. Wesson shared, as well as the wonderful stories and the laughter we enjoyed together at his home. Those memories will stay with me always.”
Current recipient José Fuentes echoed that sentiment, noting, “The Wesson Scholarship is of the kind that changes a student’s path. It removes barriers, creates opportunities, and allows us to invest fully in our goals. Because of Dr. Wesson’s generosity, students like me are able to go further than we ever imagined.”
Aaliyah Avellaneda, a 2021–2022 Wesson Scholar and Jack Kent Cooke Scholar, added, “His kindness and genuine interest in others made it clear how deeply he cared about helping students succeed. Through his scholarship, he opened doors for me that I might not have been able to walk through otherwise. I’m incredibly grateful for his generosity and will carry his impact with me moving forward.”
Dr. Wesson’s legacy at NTCC is one of service, leadership, and an unwavering belief in the potential of students. He will be remembered not only as an administrator, but as a mentor, storyteller, and friend to the college.
Gifts for the Dr. Jerry Wesson Honors Scholarship can be made online at www.ntcc.edu/givenow or by contacting Nita May, Director of Development, at 903-434-8113 or nmay@ntcc.edu.
