ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Jessie Williams (AKA Mama Jessie) 93 years old , born on September 23, 1926 and passed away on May 13, 2020. We will remember her forever.

The Williams and Martin family will be celebrating the life and legacy of our matriarch,  Jessie Williams, virtually on the Forevermissed memorial website. Please click on the  "Stories" tab above to share your memories of Mama Jessie.  Also, to view Mama Jessie's video, please click on "Gallery" and click the "Video" tab.  We are preparing for a public celebration of her life in the near future.   

"So when tomorrow starts without me don't think we are far apart, For every time you think of me I'm right here in your heart."

Let the memory of Mama Jessie be with us forever.


Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.
The Williams and Martin Family
June 17, 2020
June 17, 2020
Until we meet again
WE THINK ABOUT YOU ALWAYS,
WE TALK ABOUT YOU STILL. 
YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN FORGOTTEN,
AND YOU NEVER WILL. 
WE HOLD YOU CLOSE WITHIN OUR HEARTS
AND THERE YOU WILL REMAIN. 
TO WALK AND GUIDE US THROUGH OUR LIVES.
UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN.
ALWAYS IN MY HEART,

YOUR GREAT-GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER, KAYLA
June 17, 2020
June 17, 2020
MAMA JESSIE

A Woman that held so many titles
A Woman who lived life to the fullest
A Woman who was loved by family and friends
A Woman who showed Unconditional Love
A “PHENOMENAL WOMAN” she was

Rest well, Mama Jessie
Love, Ms. Gayle
June 17, 2020
June 17, 2020
A Special Kind of Love Grandma

There’s a special kind of love that grandchildren
have for their grandparents.

It’s filled with respect for their wisdom and
accomplishments…

with gratitude for the values they’ve given us…
with delight in the stories of our family that they
remember and share.

It’s a special kind of love that’s built on a lifetime
of caring and giving.

It’s the kind of love that’s felt for you, Grandma…
today and always.

RIH, Love your great-grandson, Michael
June 17, 2020
June 17, 2020
Dearest Mama Jessie

Our love for you was boundless because yours was the same for us. You never made us feel less than because we weren’t exactly yours. You fed us, made us laugh hysterically and took care of us well whenever we were with you. Wherever you called home, was home for us all. You showed up whenever we called, and you were always so stylish! You could rock a hat, beret, baseball cap and any other headpiece. Oh, how we will miss that great smile of yours. You gave it often and willingly. However, you didn’t hesitate to fuss when necessary and we were better for it. Thank you for all the love, wonderful memories of family, picnics, greens and more. Enjoy your well deserved rest. Rest in Peace. 

Love always, the Boykin’s, Brigmon’s, Moore’s Shuck’s and Williams families
June 17, 2020
June 17, 2020
Celebrating the Legacy of Mama Jessie

J-ewel of Devotion in the formation of our Family
E-xquisite Example of Libra Love
S-upreme Woman who lifted the lives of many
S-oul Food of the Heart, Now the Heaven Above
I-nstrumental Memories of our matriarch, so Beloved
E-ternal Light (Appointed by Angels)

A toast 2 you with none other than Canadian Club

With Love Always, your grandson, Kevin
June 17, 2020
June 17, 2020
My Grandmother, Mama Jessie
She wasn't like the other grans,
Spoiling kids with food and sweets,
The minute you stepped out of line,
That slipper's off her feet!
She never was a pushover,
The final word was hers,
She had her own opinions,
She made her feelings known,
And when it came to grandad,
She could always pick a bone!
But she was someone I'd depend on,
Whenever things turned bad,
And someone I could talk to if I was feeling sad!
She was someone who'd stand up for me,
No matter what I'd done,
Someone who always loved me,
Like a mom,
I'm going to miss my grandma,
More and more each day.
She had so much grace,
No one can ever take her place.

Love you forever, your granddaughter, Tinesa Beyers

June 17, 2020
June 17, 2020
Mama Jessie loved so much. WIth her food many souls she touched. Loving, caring and would put you in your place. Stood for what's right. Yes indeed she was the family's light. Thanks for the wisdom and love you spread, as heaven is receiving a real Wonder Woman

Love from your Grandson Money
June 17, 2020
June 17, 2020
Grandma, your life was full of living deeds, forever thoughtful of our special needs, today and tomorrow, my whole life through. I will always love and cherish you.

Your Great Granddaughter,

Tinesa
June 17, 2020
June 17, 2020
Mama Jessie

Though her smile is gone forever
and her hand I cannot touch
I still have so many memories
Of the one I loved so much.
Her memory is now my keepsake
Which with I’ll never part.
God has her in her keeping
I have her in my heart
Sadly missed, but never forgotten.

Love,

Great grandson Armani Monroe Aston Martin
June 17, 2020
June 17, 2020
Mama Jessie,

There was kindness and compassion in everything you did for us. We will always remember you.

Love always your great granddaughters Keara and Monay Martin
June 17, 2020
June 17, 2020
Traits of a Superhero

*Extra Ordinary Abilities and Powers.
*Courageous
*Strong Moral Codes
*Tolerant to Pain
*A Great Sense of Responsibility
*Fighting Spirit
*Mental Stability
If this isn’t a definition of Mama Jessie, then I don’t know what is! She was everyone’s personal superhero, With love and the most sincerest respect! I will miss you! And love you!

Rest Well Mama Jessie
Great grandson Dominique
June 17, 2020
June 17, 2020
What A Woman

A daughter, a mother, and a sister of three, and this is the beginning of her great legacy.

She bore four, but under her wings took care of many, many more.
Nieces, Nephews, Grandchildren, and Great, and all of their friends, for none she would forsake.

To her house they would go, if they needed to eat, sleep, or reap, for her door was always open to every peep.

She cared for them all, with all of her heart, for she strongly believed in this thing called family right from the start.

So now that she's gone, what do we do? For she was the glue that connected this entire family, you know, YOU!

Forever in our hearts

Love you,
Granddaughter Torasia
June 17, 2020
June 17, 2020
Mama Jessie

More than a grandmother, always been that plus a queen to me
Reverence and respect as I break down all of what you mean to me
Singly you brought joy to so many souls keeping the sun rising in their skies
Stepped in, stepped up admirably with never a question as to the whys
Eyes to the prize kept the movement going wherever it had to go
Always with that constant reminder, “One monkey don’t stop no show”
Not even a train could hope to derail your ability to be there to invoke smiles
All the while leaving tracks of memories that go on for miles and miles
Smiles my heart at the reminiscence of being blessed by your essence
Touched hearts and souls, as you eagerly fed those in your presence
Blessings rain down as your essence reigns now over the lives you’ve graced
You blazed pathways to get past days never giving in to gray skies you faced
Never two-faced, always kept your words as real as the light of the sun
So, in spite that you’re gone, I gotta thank God that he provided the one
And just like the sun I look up to you for the light to guide me through
But somehow, He knew I needed an Angel, so I thank God He provided me you.

Love, your Grandson Dub
June 17, 2020
June 17, 2020
Tributes for Mama Jessie

On May 13, 2020, my heart was broken. I lost my Mom, my best friend, my world. All I can say is, Thank You Mother for giving me life and your love. You are the best, and I’ll try to be half the woman you were. I Love You With Everything God gave me.

Your #1 Daughter, Carolyn Martin

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Recent Tributes
June 17, 2020
June 17, 2020
Until we meet again
WE THINK ABOUT YOU ALWAYS,
WE TALK ABOUT YOU STILL. 
YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN FORGOTTEN,
AND YOU NEVER WILL. 
WE HOLD YOU CLOSE WITHIN OUR HEARTS
AND THERE YOU WILL REMAIN. 
TO WALK AND GUIDE US THROUGH OUR LIVES.
UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN.
ALWAYS IN MY HEART,

YOUR GREAT-GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER, KAYLA
June 17, 2020
June 17, 2020
MAMA JESSIE

A Woman that held so many titles
A Woman who lived life to the fullest
A Woman who was loved by family and friends
A Woman who showed Unconditional Love
A “PHENOMENAL WOMAN” she was

Rest well, Mama Jessie
Love, Ms. Gayle
June 17, 2020
June 17, 2020
A Special Kind of Love Grandma

There’s a special kind of love that grandchildren
have for their grandparents.

It’s filled with respect for their wisdom and
accomplishments…

with gratitude for the values they’ve given us…
with delight in the stories of our family that they
remember and share.

It’s a special kind of love that’s built on a lifetime
of caring and giving.

It’s the kind of love that’s felt for you, Grandma…
today and always.

RIH, Love your great-grandson, Michael
Her Life
May 21, 2020
The Obituary of Jessie Williams

Mama Jessie was born on September 23,1926 to the late Jetta and Lula Mae (Matthews) Williams. Jessie and her sisters, Mattie and Minnie, who both preceded her in death, were born in Elaine, Arkansas.

Jessie accepted Christ at an early age. She was baptized at New Mt. Nebo Baptist Church by Reverend Gaston and later joined Salem Baptist Church where she was a current member.She met her husband, Herbert J. Martin (preceded in death) in Helena, Arkansas and both of their families moved to Mississippi and then eventually to Chicago. To this union, four children were born; Carolyn, Arteria, Beverly and Monroe, with the latter two preceding her in death. Mama Jessie had eight grandchildren:Alisa, Tinesa, Kevin, Torasia, Monroe (Coran), William, Glenn and Kenneth (preceded in death).Jessie also leaves behind 21 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

Jessie attended DuSable High School and later attended Wendell Phillips night school in which she received a night school certificate. She worked for Campbell Soup Company, RR Donnelly, Sam's Laundry and the University of Illinois Hospital where she retired in 1993.

When her sisters preceded her in death many years ago, Jessie stepped in to help raise their children as her own. Mattie’s: Robert Jr.(preceded in death), Lorraine (preceded in death), Cornelia (Tiny), Arbery, and Minnie’s: Betty Jean (preceded in death), and Tommie Lee.In addition, years later she also became grandmother and great-grandmother to their children. Everyone was family.She would always say “you better get to know your family, because when you're dating, you never know who you might be related to.”At every family function, she was always introducing someone as a “new” cousin.

Jessie’s love of life and family was deeply instilled in her by her mother, Lula, aka Mama Lula, our former matriarch.Mama Lula raised the family to be extremely close and to stay close. She ensured every holiday was celebrated together.She taught Jessie “old school” cooking.Everything was fresh from the market or the butcher and desserts were always homemade.The family that prays and plays together stays together. Mama Lula wouldn’t let you eat Sunday dinner until you had gone to church and you had to be doing something productive to keep you out of trouble.We played straight whist and/or bid whist and competed for bragging rights.We played softball, football and would watch Friday night wrestling on TV.

When Mama Lula passed, Jessie became “Mama Jessie” the new Matriarch of the family and the traditions continued.Mama Jessie didn’t disappoint with her newly inherited title.Her passion and skill for cooking were legendary.Dinner at her house was a pleasure to be had by all and everyone was welcomed.Anyone lucky enough to experience a Mama Jessie meal exclaimed it was the “best they ever had.” Her signature dish was her greens.She was known for her greens across the country.They even earned the nickname, “Mama Jessie’s Greens” in California.Mama Jessie also raised the level of the family picnic.Our family picnics behind the Museum of Science of Industry were always the highlight event of the year. Family and friends arrived from all over the country to attend and we would always meet some new cousin!Mama Jessie would arrive at the crack of dawn to get set up and make sure everything was ready.Once at the picnic you ate until you were full, got tired from playing cards, softball, riding the paddleboats, eating some more and then she sent you home with a plate.Cooking and raising children brought her the greatest joys because sharing her food and being with her family brought us all closer to her and that’s just where she liked everyone to be.

Mama Jessie lived life on her on own terms.She did what she wanted to do when she wanted to do it.She said what she wanted to say when and how she wanted to say it. We know she’s upstairs upsetting the applecart and giving Herbert hell for leaving her way too soon.

In addition to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, Mama Jessie also leaves to cherish her memories, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Rest In Peace. You will always be remembered and in our hearts.  Love you always!




Legacy of Love

Mama Jessie’s Great-Grandchildren

Airika, Kevin (preceded in death), Kenneth, Keith, Michael, Myles, Dominique, Kendall, Kenya,

Dinero, Tinesa, Endia (preceded in death), Mykia, Darius, Monay, Keara, Armani, Anaiya, William, Jalilah, and Jabari

Great-Great Grandchildren

Kayla, Parker, Kemari, Kentae, Kayden, Kobe, Terrion, Torrianna, Jayceon, and Endia

Mama Jessie’s Nieces, Nephews, Grandnieces and Grandnephews

Mattie’s Children and Grandchildren

Robert Jr. – Steve, Carla, Calvin

Lorraine – Luella (preceded in death), Patricia, Rosemary and Lionel

Arbery – Herbert James, Arbery Jr., Oscar

Cornelia (Tiny) – Marion, Miriam, James and Felicia

Minnie’s Children and Grandchildren

Betty – Tina (preceded in death), Gayle, Matt Jr.

Tommie – Barron, Tiffany, Nia









Recent stories
June 19, 2020
Wishing the family well wishes through a difficult time such as this. Heard about Mama Jesse’s love many times throughout the years from Torasia.  God Bless.  

Mama Jesse,,

June 18, 2020
I didn’t know her very well or long, from the moment I met her at Jabari’s birthday party, I really liked her, the Love she had for Rae Rae, and the Love That Rae had for her made me love both of them more. I always called her “My Girl Mama Jesse”. May she Rest In Peace. May your Family Be Blessed 

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