Jesse L. (“Mook”) Jemison

My name is Jesse Lamonte Jemison. I was born on April 14, in 1968, to my loving parents Jesse (Red) and Betty Jemison Jr. in Michigan City, Indiana.

I was a good kid that came from a faithful and God fearing family. My mother was a true soldier for God. She wore her armor proudly. She made sure that we were raised to know God and helped us develop our personal relationships with him. I was a member of New Hope M.B.C before I was even born. This church is as much a part of me as I am of it. In addition to being a member, I also was blessed with the opportunity to work at New Hope as a sound tech. This was not an easy job! (lol). Thank you New Hope and Pastor J for that opportunity.

My education began right here in Michigan City. I attended Mullen and Eastport Elementary schools, and then Faith City Assembly. I graduated from Elston High School in 1986. Shortly after high school, I moved to Naperville, Illinois to attend North Central College.

In 1989, I enlisted to serve in the U.S Navy. The military presented me with the opportunity to meet new people and explore new places like Asia and Germany.

After fulfilling my duties to my country, I returned to Michigan City and started my family with my soon to be wife Jeanal Watts. I began working for the South Shore Line and the United States Post Office in Forest Park, IL. In 1994, after only working at the post office for a short while, Jeanal and I were blessed with our first child and my only son Jaylen.

During my career at the post office, I met the person that I would go on to spend the rest of my life with. My love, my friend, my nurse, and so much more, Ms. Ramona Freeman. I moved to Chicago and in 2002 we tied the knot to begin our 21 year marriage. Along with a wife, I gained four bonus daughters: Tekolia, Itanzia, Jasmine, and Ramona (Whew;

In 2005 we welcomed our baby girl Jamya. My family was finally complete.

After years of battling my illness, In 2009 my faith in God blessed me to receive a kidney and pancreas transplant.

And man it was good!

In 2012, my family and I returned to Michigan City, IN. I was so grateful to finally be closer to my son. I started working at the Indiana State Prison until I took ill again and resigned in 2014. For the next 9 years, I fought a great fight.

On the morning of July 5th, 2023, The Lord unexpectedly called me to join him and my parents in heaven. The King himself has assured me that I was a champion and In the end was indeed victorious! So, don't worry. I am not fearful, sad, or regretful. I think you all would be proud to know, that I actually won my battle. My assignment on earth is complete. For 55years worked hard to claim my spot in heaven. Guess what? I MADE IT!

In heaven waiting for me, my parents Jesse (Red) and Betty Jemison Jr.; grandparents Eddie Moore Sr.,Dorothy P. Phillips, Jesse Jemison Sr.,Sarah and William (WH) Goodwin; my aunts Elmira Patterson and Lillie Florence Goodwin.

My loved ones on earth include: My loving and devoted wife Ramona Jemison; My children: Jaylen Jemison, Jamyia Jemison, Tekolia Bates. Itanzia McCullough, Jasmine Smith(Dwayne) and Ramona Penro; My grandchildren: Jayden Allen, Adam Allen Jr., Tori Jack, Jaliyah, Jayla Smith, Aiden Knight, Jacoby Smith, Izaiah Summerville, Nathan Allen, Akira Summerville, and Christian "Juju" Ransom; My amazing sisters: Archell (Stephen) Carter, Charlotte (Dr. Andre Sr.) Harris, Tasha (Ken) Powell, and Kimberly Jemison; My nephews: Andre Harris Jr., Wesley Harris, Caleb Harris, and Taundre Perkins; My nieces: Raven (Lorenzo) Cash, Brelyn Carter, Ragen Carter, Cameal Powell, Lauren Powell, Laya Westphal, and Carmen Jemison; My bestfriends: Anthony Brewer and Les Bolton. I also leave my large family of siblings in love (in laws), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other near and dear relatives.

I was blessed to meet so many good people on earth. Thank you all for celebrating my transition. My time is done here so I'm going to go now. Mom and Dad have been waiting patiently. Safe travels to your destinations and may God continue to bless vou all.

-Jesse

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