Ms. Jessie Royster

Jessie Mae Royster (Gordon) was born October 21st in 1946 to the late Laura Ann Gordon and John Candy Griffith. She was the fourth oldest of ten children. She was educated at Broadstreet School in Greenwood, Mississippi. At the age of 16, she had her first child, her oldest son, Marvin. At the age of 18, she migrated to Chicago, Illinois where she had her two youngest kids, Traie and Fatima.

Jessie resided on the west side of Chicago where she finished her high school education. She then continued her education and earned a business certificate. After that, she became an employee of IBM and remained there for 30 years.

Jessie leaves behind: Three children, Marvin (Laura), Traie Joiner (James) and Fatima Royster; six grandchildren, Maurice, Laura, Michaela, Olivia, Nick and Slyvia; and four sisters, along with a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

One of Jessie’s favorite things to do was to travel. She especially enjoyed planning the many family reunions with other family members over the years. She also enjoyed attending them by taking those family car rides, or even traveling by train with her family to see family. She also went on our first family cruise where we would find her in the casino, playing the slot machines, listening and dancing to music and having those family dinners together.

She will be greatly missed by all those who loved her.