To My Dear Husband, When I think of the memories that time can’t erase and all of the smiles you brought to my face, it makes me want more time with you, but that was not to be. You were the world’s best provider for your wife, children, grandchildren and great grand and though I might go on for many more miles, I’ll take solace in the fact that at my journey’s end you will be waiting for me. Your loving wife, Mary
Dear Daddy, What can I say, really? You put your whole heart into raising us, providing for us, and teaching us to be proud people. You taught us how to hold our heads up and get the respect we deserved. You and mama supported me all throughout college and I was only able to accomplish so much because of the love and support that undergirded me. I did my best, Dad and I know you were proud. Thanks for everything. Your Personal Nurse, Tay
In Loving Memory of Our Brother If we could write a story it would be the greatest ever told, of a kind and Loving brother who had a heart of gold. You were a firm foundation through all the storms of life, a sturdy hand to hold onto in times of stress and strife. We will love and miss you everyday. Your Sisters, Louise and Queen
My Dearest Dad, To say that I am going to miss you is a gross understatement. Thank you for giving me life. Thank you for walking me down the aisle on my wedding day. Thank you for being an awesome granddad to my children and I appreciate you for letting your light shine on this side of the horizon. Until we meet again, I will always carry with me your astuteness and I will forever cherish the confidence that you gave me to live life on my own terms. May the ancestors receive you with open arms. I know that you are in heaven organizing pool tournaments and showing up as the man that you are. Enjoy this ride! Your daughter, Merrian “Lil Todd”
LTributes oving
To my Grandfather, You stepped into my father’s place and raised my brother and me without any complaints and showed us how to be men and I thank you. I love you forever. Patrick Jr.
A Tribute of Esteem
“TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON… A TIME TO WEEP, AND A TIME TO LAUGH; A TIME TO MOURN, AND A TIME TO DANCE.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 A SEASON TO LIVE…. Jessie Todd, Jr. was born on August 17, 1943 in Tyro, Mississippi to Ada Ramsey Todd and Jessie Todd, Sr. The second oldest of five children; he was the hero and protector of his three sisters Amanda, Flora, and Queen. He received spiritual nourishment from childhood to early adulthood at Independence Baptist Church and he sang in the gospel choir in high school. Jessie grew to become the remarkable man that we all know and love. After giving him 80 years with his family and friends, God required that this fearless soldier return home, and Jessie answered the Master’s call December 1, 2023 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. A SEASON TO LAUGH… Jessie’s childhood was wrapped in country living. He started first grade at eight years old, but with tenacity, determination, and perseverance he graduated from Tate County High School in 1964 and went on to graduate from Owen College while working two jobs. His mother and father worked diligently to instill quality values in him and his sisters. He loved motorcycles and the biker life. He co-founded the Hernando chapter of the King Riders Motorcycle Club and he remained the devoted President until his death. A man of resilience and determination; in the 1980’s he single-handedly brought the National Bikers Round Up to Memphis for the first time and it was hosted on the King Riders field. In 1992, he assisted with bringing the Round Up to Memphis a second time. In addition, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. He had a green thumb and could grow vegetables and plants just about anywhere and in any soil. His backyard and flower beds yielded tomatoes and greens that were gorgeous and life giving. A SEASON TO LOVE…. On June 26, 1969, he married the woman whom God created especially for him, Mary Esther Hill. He lived to celebrate fifty-four years of continuous wedlock with her until death parted them. Maintaining the tradition of his family, he and his wife were committed to raising their three children, Shantay, Patrick, and Merrian to be hardworking and productive people. By 1972 he’d landed a job at Schlitz Brewing Company. He remained with Schlitz through transitions to Stroh’s Brewing Company, and finally Coors Brewing Company. He used this position to bask in his many roles as provider, husband, father, dutiful grandfather, and devoted and patient brother, uncle, and friend. He was incredibly giving and generous and was always willing to support those he loved. While at the brewing companies, he served many years as Shop Steward for the Teamsters Union Local #1196 and was responsible for protecting the jobs of many fellow employees. He retired from Coors after 33 years in the brewing industry. A SEASON TO REMEMBER…… Jessie was a truly remarkable man. He was proceeded in death by his parents Ada and Jessie Sr, his brother Joseph, his beloved son Patrick Sr. and his sister Flora. He leaves an unsurpassed legacy of commitment, dedication, and influence. He will continually be remembered and celebrated by his wife Mary, and their daughters Shantay and Merrian along with her husband Kevin, his grandsons Colby and Patrick Jr. along with his wife Malainna, his granddaughters Elliana and Gabrielle, his daughter in law Carolyn, and his great grandson Patrick III. He will also retain a special memory in the heart of his sisters Amanda and Queen, many precious other relatives including nieces, nephews, cousins, in laws, club members and friends leaving a legacy of strength that will be impossible to replicate.
Order of Service Processional
Invocation................................................................................................................Pastor W.L. Nathaniel, Jr. Tabernacle of Praise Christian Church Muscial Selection.................................................................................................Pastor Christopher Williams Faith Covenant Church Tributes to Jessie As a Coworker............................................................................................................................Andrew Stokes As a Biker & President..............................................................................................................Donald Young As a Grandfather.............................................................................................................................Colby Todd As a Father........................................................................................................................................Daughters Musical Selection.............................................................Deborah Manning Thomas & Pastor Chris Williams
Words of Comfort.............................................................................................................Rev. Kevin Nathaniel Son-in-Law Obsequy (Read Silently) Acknowledgements..................................................................................................................Sharlisa Cooper Musical Selection....................................................................................................Deborah Manning Thomas
Eulogy...................................................................................................................Pastor Ronnie A. Turner, Sr. Faithstreet Baptist Church Recessional Remains will not be viewed after the eulogy.
The number of souls that YOU touched was immeasurable. Your greatness and legacy will live through us to the next generations and to come. Thank you for being my Grandfather. Love, Colby
My grandfather was a great man, he always cared for me, loved me, and made sure I knew just how much he loved me. He wouldn’t want us to be sad, but instead to continue to live like the world is on fire and love like hearts never ever break; to keep my head up and know that he will always be with me, watching over me, and continuing to love me. I love you Granddad! Elliana
Jessie Todd was an amazing grandfather to me. I will never forget the time he came to my grandparent’s day performance in the 3rd grade. Or the time he paid $23 dollars to send me only $22 dollars so it would make it to California in time for my birthday. He was an amazing person. I miss him very much. Rest in peace Granddad! Gabrielle
Dad, your love, guidance, and words of wisdom will always be with me. You set a standard. Daddy, I appreciate you and all you’ve done for me. Rest in Love, Carolyn
The day I became a part of your family, you didn’t just accept me, you made me feel like I truly belonged. That meant the world to me. Your unconditional support and the quiet, steady way you took care of everyone showed the immense love you held in your heart. You always had a way with words, saying so much in so few. You had a way of dropping nuggets of wisdom in the most unexpected moments. You would surprise us all with the most random facts, but that just reinforced the importance of being curious about the world around us. Your legacy lives on through everyone you’ve impacted, including me. Love and appreciate you. Kev
Thank you for accepting me with open arms & loving me as one of your own! You are loved greatly and missed extremely. Thank you for leading with strength, wisdom & love. P3 will always know how much he meant to you. We love you so much! Rudy
~ Acknowledgements ~
Our family is deeply indebted to each of you who have supported us during our loss. Your visits, heartfelt offerings of love and comfort and your gifts of food and cards are undoubtedly sustaining us. We are eternally grateful. May God bless and keep each of you.
The Family of Jessie Todd, Jr.
~ Active Attendants ~ Patrick Todd, Jr. Colby Todd King Riders Club Members
~ Interment & Committal Rites ~ Forest Hill Memorial Park South 2545 E. Holmes Road Memphis, Tennessee 38118
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