Jesse Edward Pryor

Jesse Pryor, beloved husband, father, grandfather, educator, veteran, and lifelong Houston Astros fan, passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the age of 93.

 

Jesse was born in 1933 in Rusk, Texas, to Myrtie and James “Ed” Pryor. Baseball was an early love, and he played while attending Navarro Junior College before continuing his education at Sam Houston State Teachers College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education.

 

After graduating from college, Jesse was drafted into the United States Army and served from 1954 to 1956 as a tank commander stationed in Germany. While there, he also served as a referee for Army baseball games. Following his military service, he used the GI Bill to return to Sam Houston State Teachers College, where he earned his Master of Education degree.

 

Jesse dedicated his professional life to helping young people, spending his entire career with the Houston Independent School District. He taught ninth-grade science for nine years before becoming a junior high school counselor, a role he held for 16 years. He went on to serve as an assistant principal, and then as an elementary school principal — many years at Franklin Elementary School, and finally at Pugh Elementary School, where he closed out his career.

 

It was while working as a counselor at Edison Junior High that Jesse met an English teacher named Edith Ann Sterett, and his life changed forever. At the time, employees at the same school were not permitted to be married, so Jesse transferred to another school, and he and Edith married. They were married for 56 years. As Edith’s health declined in later years, Jesse became her tireless caregiver, quietly demonstrating the love, loyalty, and devotion that defined him.

 

Jesse and Edith welcomed their first son, Kent Edward, in 1972, followed by Gregory Allen in 1975. Jesse was a devoted father and immensely proud of his sons. That world grew even richer with the arrival of his grandchildren, Meredith Kathleen and Nicholas Allen, whom he loved dearly. They were fortunate enough to live within bike riding distance and could always count on Grandpa to make them lemonade when they would visit.

 

Jesse was a lifelong, diehard Houston Astros fan, loyal through the good seasons and the bad. One of his sons’ most cherished memories was seeing their dad finally watch his Astros become World Series champions—and then enjoy it a second time! For someone who had loved baseball since his own playing days at Navarro, it was a fitting reward for a lifetime of fandom.

 

Jesse and Edith were active members of St. Philip’s United Methodist Church for more than 30 years.

 

Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, Myrtie and Ed Pryor. He is survived by his beloved wife and lifelong love, Edith; his sons, Kent (and partner Steven) and Gregory (and wife Christa); his cherished grandchildren, Meredith and Nicholas; his brother, Louie; his niece, Tracie; his nephew, Eugene; and extended family and friends who were fortunate to know him.

 

The Pryor family is deeply grateful to those who cared for Jesse during the final six months of his life. They are especially thankful to Linda Graf (Edith’s sister) and her husband Paul, whose tireless care, kindness, and dedication provided Jesse and his family with invaluable support during this time.

 

A memorial service will be planned at a later date.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor Jesse’s memory to make a contribution to the Astros Foundation. Through programs including the Astros Youth Academy, the Foundation supports young people in the Houston community through baseball and softball, education, mentoring, and leadership development.