Jesse Benjamin Kemp Jr. was born on August 5, 1939 in Cleveland, Ohio to the union of Jesse B. Kemp, Sr. (deceased) and Gladys M. Kemp (nee Williams deceased). He was an only child. He was lovingly doted on by his parents and Aunts and Uncles.

Jesse was educated in the Cleveland Public School System and was a proud graduate of East Technical High School. He continued his education at Cuyahoga Community College while working and raising a family. Education was paramount to him. He acquired a real estate license, not to sell homes, but to understand the process and assist others. He read the newspaper daily and consistently read books.

His acumen for precision was the foundation for his lifelong career as a machinist. He was employed by the Baker Division of Otis Elevator Co. for many years. He was a Union Steward and activist. His skillset allowed employment at several manufacturing companies until his health failed.

Bennie (as he was affectionately called) accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior as a young man. He was baptized at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church under the Pastorate of Rev. Odie M. Hoover.

On July 10, 1967, Jesse married Frances M. Peters (nee Chapman). This union was blessed with the birth of Reginald and the birth of Bernard. He willingly took on the role of an additional father to Jacqueline, Deborah, and Fred. Jesse is also father to Lashanda Turner.

Jesse was an extremely proud man, a thinking man, and a great provider. Traveling on vacations, going to different amusement parks, league bowling, teaching his children how to bowl as he practiced, and attending the various sports venues throughout Cleveland were some of the fun experiences that he provided to his family. He loved music and dancing (we called it the Daddy dance) especially the Temptations, Al Green, and the O’Jays. He was also a Mason.

On Sunday, May 12, 2024, the Lord called our Dad from labor to reward. We applaud his resilience, his consistency, and his love. We say well done on this side and we believe God will say the final well done in glory.

He leaves to mourn his passing his three sons: Reginald Kemp, Bernard (Yalonda) Kemp, and Fred (Doris) Peters; his three daughters: Jacqueline Chapman, Deborah Peters (Ronald), and Lashanda Turner. His 15 grandchildren: Shaderia Kemp, Aysia Kemp, Phillip Bremer, Jr., Keon Staten, Fred (Shavonne) Peters III, Jason Peters, Francine Peters (Terrence), Sean (Amanda) Peters, Jesse Peters, Sondra Peters, Duncan Peters, Stacy Jones, Janae Peters, Jessica (Bennie) Payne, and Jared Peters. 27 Great Grand Children. His loving ex-wife and friend, Frances Kemp. His lifelong friend Mr. Sparkus Fantroy and a host of other relatives and friends.