Jesse Ford

Jesse James Ford was born into life on May 17, 1945, to Fannie Ford and Clifton Cates in Leland, MS.

He confessed a hope in Christ at a young age. He was a member of Messiah Temple M.B. Church under the leadership of Rev. Saulsby. On September 2, 2018, he joined Home of Life Christian Ministers under the leadership of Apostle Charlene Benson.

Jesse attended grammar school in Leland, MS. In 1957, he moved with his family to Chicago, IL where he attended Crane High School.

By profession, Jesse was a truck driver. He loved the open road and driving from state to state. He drove for various companies and retired from Marina Trucking Company in 2002. Jesse enjoyed being around family, laughing and joking around. Jesse had a passion for barbecuing.

Jesse departed earth on April 16, 2025, in the care of amazing Nurses at AccentCare Hospice in Berwyn, IL.

In 2002, Jesse married Georgia Smith who preceded him in death. 

Jesse is preceded in death by: Both parents; two sons, Jerrod and Jesse; two brothers, Theodore and Eugene; and three sisters Lucille, Lee Ethel and Dorothy.

He leaves to cherish his memory: Nine daughters, Gwendolyn, Robin, Lawanda, Sherese, Fannie, Sherice, Tarice, Juanita and Passion; four sons, Lee, Jermel, Dwight and James; a host of grandchildren and great grand children; two sisters, Ruth and Charlene (James); three best friends, Luther, Bob and John; his personal caregivers; his sister and brother-in-law, Charlene and James; nieces, Antionette and Marquita; Angelique and Ernestine; and a host of nieces and nephews.