Bessie Justiss Cason celebrates 100 years

Bessie Justiss Cason celebrated her 100th birthday on Saturday, Feb. 7th. She was born at the cotton gin in Snow Hill, Texas, in 1915. She was the 7th of 12 children, and the first daughter, born to Una Joe and Willie Lowe Justiss. She and her younger brother, C. Y. Justiss (96 years old), of Daingerfield, are the only two of the 12 children still living. Two of the twelve lived to be 100 years of age, and several, including her father, lived past the age of 90 years. She graduated from Daingerfield High School in 1935 and is believed to be the oldest living alumna.

She grew up on a Morris County farm, Joe Justiss & Sons, which later became Justiss Ranch owned by her brother, Adron Justiss, and now her nieces. Her childhood home is still on the Justiss Ranch on Hwy. 49 between Daingerfield and Mt. Pleasant. When it was built in 1927, it was the only home around with indoor bathroom facilities. She said that the neighbors couldn’t believe that they put their “outhouse” inside! They were one of the first in East Texas to do terrace farming, have a three-level barn, and own a tractor!

 

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