Jesse Dean Mason

Jesse Mason transitioned on March 21, 2018 at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville MI.  Legacy farewell service will be held on Saturday March 31, 2018 at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 214  E Britain Ave, Benton Harbor, MI 49022, with visitation starting at 10:00 am and services at 11:00 am.

JESSE DEAN MASON

Jesse Dean Mason, age 83, passed away on Wednesday March 21, 2018 at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville, MI.  He was born on August 28, 1934, the youngest of twelve children born to Charles and Mattie Lou Mason in Caruthersville, MO.  

JESSE graduated from Washington High School in Caruthersville, MO at age 15. He served his country in the United States Air Force (1952-56) during the Korean War.

JESSE furthered his education by attending Benton Harbor Jr. College earning an Associate degree in General Studies and attending Michigan Veterans Vocational Trade School for Machinery in Plainville, MI.  

JESSE was united in holy matrimony to the late Lula Mae Bogan on August 28, 1955 and they were blessed with three children.

JESSE worked multiple jobs throughout his life, often at the same time, he was as a cab driver, and a Chicago Board of Education night watchman.  He was most proud of his 31 years as a United States Letter Carrier in Chicago, IL.  Once he retired and returned to Benton Harbor MI., he worked as a transport driver for canceled checks and he found pleasure in delivering meals for Meals on Wheels.

JESSE loved playing Bid Whist, being on a softball team, being an avid sport’s fan, maintaining an immaculate car and lawn.  His favorite foods were White Castle cheeseburgers, beans, beans and more beans.   He was a lifelong learner and encouraged others to be the same. Jesse decided to learn to swim at age 72.

JESSE became a faithful and dedicated member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in 1990.  Throughout the years, he experienced joy in serving as a Deacon, Sunday school teacher, a member of the Men’s Choir, a faithful Bible Study member and a Mentor in the young men’s Mentoring Program. One of his favorite quotes was:

“Knowing the Bible is one thing – Knowing the Author is Another”.

Jesse knew both.

JESSE married Willie Ora Forrester on September 15, 2007.  They enjoyed serving their church and community together. They had fun listening to music on the many road trips they took.  He is lovingly remembered by his wife as “being a true man, who was simple and took care of his business”. “He loved me, and I loved him”.

Jesse leaves to cherish his memories, his wife Willie Ora Mason, one daughter- Maureen Denise Mason, two sons- Donald (Roxie) Pierce, Dean (Lisa) Mason, three grandsons- Donnie, Matthew  and Anthony Pierce and one granddaughter Maureen De Lisa Mason, a special son Augustus (Sherry)Wright, a special granddaughter Katina (Kirk) Winters,  two brothers-n-law and two sisters-n-law, lifelong friends Walter & Velma Dyse and a dear mall walking friend Brenda (Billy) Stovall.  And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends.  He will truly be missed.

He was also blessed by the priceless relationships he developed and nurtured with his second family:

Percy Davis, LaVerne (William) Jones, Johnnie (Patricia) Davis, Keith (Beverly) Davis, Joy Lynn Mortimore and Samantha Davis, four sisters-n-law, two brothers-n-law and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews  

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Lula M. Mason, eight brothers and three sisters

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jesse Dean Mason, please visit our floral store.