Jessie L. Meredith

Jessie Lee Meredith was born May 6, 1935, to Everette Meredith and Elnora Evans in Meridian, Mississippi.

Jessie was a gentle and kind child, and throughout his lifetime he remained loving, kind, and generous to his family and friends. At a very young age, Jessie was united with the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church.

Jessie received his early education in the Meridian and Youngstown, OH Public School System: West End Elementary, Reed Middle School, Wechsler Jr. High, Campbell Memorial Elementary and Jr High School and T.J. Harris High School, where he starred in football.

Jessie met and courted Alyce Ruth Johnson in Meridian. They were wed in holy matrimony on August 10th, 1956, and to this union were born seven children. In 1967 (after a year of commuting back and forth) they and their children migrated to Chicago, IL. They were happily married 67 years. Throughout his lifetime Jessie was acquainted with many people which developed into meaningful connections. He was a very gentle giant in the community that garnered respect from all those he encountered. He was always willing to help anyone whenever he could, especially all those who had the pleasure of visiting his home.

Jessie was adamant about his relationship with God. He genuinely enjoyed spending time with his buddies listening to many of his favorite quartet groups. After visiting several churches in the Chicagoland area, he united with Canaan African Methodist Episcopal Church after the family moved to Maywood, IL. During his time, he served as a Steward, a member of the Senior (Chancel) Choir, and was the resident master griller for the church (especially the annual Men’s Day cookout).

Jessie’s occupational history includes working in the family business for his grandfather, before employment at the Pet Dairy Company, and Tingles Meat Market. While in Chicago, he was employed for over 30 years at the Continental Baking Company until he retired in 2000. After retirement, he spent time with his wife helping raise their grandchildren.

Jessie took his last earthly breath and transitioned the evening of July 14th. His father and mother, Everette Meredith and Elnora Samuels, bonus father Theoria Thames, wife Alyce Ruth Meredith, son Ricky Lavoid, and daughter Rhonda Yvette Meredith-Hodge preceded him in death. Those who cherish fond memories of Jessie include his children: Jessie LaValle (Joyce), Lombard, IL, Ernest Theoria (Ann), Odessa, FL, Lonnie Wayne (Bridgette), Columbus, OH, Bruce Terence, Berkeley, IL, and Cedric Charles, Atlanta, GA; One Son-In-Love, Alvin Hodge; Two daughters in-love, Vicki Kindred Meredith and Tonjua Jackson. Seven grandchildren: Cameron Meredith, Anastasia Berry (Dominique), Brooklyn Meredith, Blaise Meredith, Jared Meredith, Jalen Meredith, and Bryce Meredith. Five great-

grandchildren: Victoria, Xayne, Kamiyah, Dominique, and Josiah, and a host of nieces/nephews, great nieces/nephews, and cousins. Additionally, Jessie was a village father to friends of his children and youth in the community.