A Little About Our Dear, Sweet Jessie Mae

Jessie Mae Taylor was born on February 14, 1942, to Jessie and Inez Taylor in Greenville, Florida—a Valentine’s Day baby! As the eldest of five children, she took her role as “the boss” very seriously. Core values of faith, hard work, and the importance of family were instilled in her early, and she wasted no time putting them to use. She was often entrusted with the care of her younger siblings and had absolutely no issue keeping them in line. And if they stepped out of line? Jessie had no hesitation reporting directly to management—also known as Mother and Daddy.

At an early age, Jessie accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior and was baptized at The Olivet Institutional Baptist Church under the pastorate of Reverend Odie M. Hoover. In her adulthood, she was an active member of Dorcas Circle of The Missionary Society and The Usher Board.

Jessie was educated in the Cleveland Public School System and was a proud graduate of East Technical High School. Upon graduation from high school, Jessie began her studies at Howard University in Washington, D.C. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree and returned home to Cleveland to begin her career as a Registered Nurse. Jessie began a courtship with Randolphus (Randy) Eugene Wade. They married on July 29, 1977, and two years later welcomed their son, Malacha, who brought her immeasurable joy, pride, and love.

Jessie worked primarily as a nurse in Obstetrics and Gynecology at MetroHealth in Cleveland, Ohio. For most of her career, she served at the main campus on West 25th and later transitioned to the Lee-Harvard office, serving the community in which she was a long-time resident. Jessie also spent a few years working as a nurse at General Electric. After over 40 years of service, Jessie retired from a career of outstanding support and care to those that she served.

Given her lifelong habit of caring for her siblings and her decades as a nurse, it comes as no surprise that Jessie was a caregiver to her core. She took care of so many people outside of work. She would transport relatives and friends to their doctor’s appointments, help them with follow-up care and was always a phone call away as the family’s advice nurse. She always provided explanations and recommendations that were sound and thankfully, in plain English!

If you did not know Jessie well, you might have mistaken her for a detective, because she asked questions—lots of them. But her “interrogations” were really her way of showing interest, sparking conversation, and building connection. With her radiant smile and warm

voice, she made you feel like she was super excited to see you. Her kind and sweet spirit had a way of making you feel seen and important. If you had problem and Jessie had a way to help you, the problem was no longer a problem!

In her spare time, Jessie enjoyed traveling and spending time with family. Over the years, she was eager to go on road trips to attend family reunions and stop at various places along the way. She also enjoyed working in the yard, planting beautiful flowers. Jessie loved shopping and good music. Some of her favorite artists included Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Anita Baker, Luther Vandross and Chaka Khan. She stayed informed about what was going on in the world around us and made sure that she watched the news daily. Jessie was a good baker and could make a delicious poundcake and cheesecake!

Along with Randy, Jessie enjoyed the warmth and beauty of winters in Georgia and spring and summer weather in Cleveland until her health recently made it a challenge to do so.

Jessie went home to be with the Lord on January 10 with her son by her side. She leaves behind to cherish her memory: her husband Randy; her son Malacha J. Wade (LaKenya); grandchildren Ariel, Austin, AJ, and Ari; stepchildren Teroy and Terea (David) Williams; siblings Beverly Lawery and Lora Daugherty; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She is preceded in death by her brothers Stanley and Anthony.

Jessie Mae lived a life of service, love, and laughter. She cared deeply, questioned thoroughly, loved fiercely, and did her part to make the world better than she found it. And for that, we are forever grateful.