Jessie Lavalle Meredith

Jessie LaValle Meredith was born December 26, 1959, as the third of seven children to the union of Jessie L. Meredith and Alyce R. Meredith in Meridian, Mississippi.

Jessie was a loving and kind child, whose gentle and vibrant spirit remained constant throughout his life. At a very young age, he united with the Haven Chapel Methodist Church, laying the foundation for a lifelong path to faith and service. He was the eldest of 5 sons who took being a big brother to heart as he always watched out for his younger siblings.

Jessie began his educational journey at East End Elementary, before the family relocated to Maywood, IL. He continued his schooling at Irving Elementary and Proviso East High School. He furthered his education at Triton Community College, where he pursued post-secondary studies for two years.

Jessie and Joyce Ashford first met at a church basketball game, and from there on, a special relationship began. They dated for about two and a half years before getting engaged, and around eight months later, on October 8th 1993, they tied the knot. Together, they built a strong and loving marriage. Jessie was Batman, and Joyce his Robin. Through 33 years they shared life’s many joys, challenges, and everything in between, always having each other to lean on. They were blessed with two wonderful miracles, their sons Jared and Jalen. Their relationship was fueled by love, faith, respect, compassion, and communication. The relationship was a true partnership, one that remained a crucial part in Jessie’s life.

Jessie had many passions; with family, golf, and smooth jazz being just a few that he enjoyed most. He supported his wife Joyce in various community service projects. To pass time, Jessie also enjoyed cooking and watching the food network, specifically Chopped or Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. He also loved sports and on weekends hanging out with friends. On Sundays, you could find him at his parents’ house enjoying dinner and passionately discussing the latest sports topics with his brothers, especially Michael Jordan (or at any gathering of any kind).

From a young age, Jessie was active in the life of Canaan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Maywood, Illinois. As a child, he participated in the Youth Choir and was also a member of the church’s youth basketball team. These early experiences helped shape his love for fellowship, music, service, and community. As Jessie grew older, he found a new church home at Rock of Ages, where his commitment to serving God and others continued. He faithfully served as a member of the Deacon Board and was also an active member of the Men’s Ministry. His dedication to his faith remained a meaningful part of his life, and he continued to serve with humility, compassion, and a willing heart.

Jessie spent much of his career working in warehouse, distribution, and operations management. Over the years, he worked with several companies, including Universal Coach Parts, Unisource, Veritiv, and Samsung. Jessie took pride in his work and was dedicated to doing his job well. Throughout his career, he met and worked with many people, mentoring and building lasting relationships along the way. His commitment to his work, and the experience he gained over the years were important parts of his life and something he was proud of.

Jessie took his last earthly breath, peacefully transitioning from this life the morning of August 4th. His grandparents, parents Jessie and Alyce Meredith, his daughters Jessica and Jazmin, his sister Rhonda Meredith-Hodge, and brothers Ricky LaVoid, and Bruce Terence preceded him in death. Those who cherish fond memories of Jessie include: his wife Joyce Meredith, his children Jared Meredith and Jalen Meredith. His brothers: Ernest Theoria (Ann), Odessa, FL; Lonnie Wayne (Bridgette), Columbus, OH; and Cedric Charles, Atlanta, GA; four sisters in-love, Regina Ashford-Shern, Renita Ashford, Tonjua Jackson, and Vicki Kindred-Meredith; two brothers in-love Willie Ashford and Alvin Hodge; Eighteen nephews and nieces: Cameron Meredith, Anastasia Berry (Dominique), Brooklyn Meredith, Blaise Meredith, Bryce Meredith, Kenneth Ashford, Kevin Ashford, Lydia Collazo, Nisha Walton, Mark Seabron, Daryl DuPree, Greg Ashford, Devon Ashford, Darion Ashford, Rhonda Hendricks, Janita Ashford, Tanya Ashford, and Kisha Ashford. A host of great nephews and nieces; and a host of godchildren, cousins, and friends.