Mrs. Jessie Bell Hawkins

On Wednesday, February 28th, Jessie Bell (Kersh) Hawkins, loving mother, sister, auntie, cousin and friend, passed away at the age of 75. Jessie was born on June 24th, 1948, in Brandon, Mississippi, to the late Lucendia and Willie Daniel Kersh. She graduated from Carter High School and upon completion, she joined the army. After her Army career ended, Jessie worked various jobs in the Brandon area, including serving as a nurse’s aide at Whitfield and working as a long time cook at the local Chevron convenience store in Brandon. In her youth, Jessie enjoyed fishing, playing cards and playing softball. She loved being with her family. Many weekends were spent frying fish at her home where she was surrounded by family and friends. She could often be found just sitting outside in the rocking chair on her porch, enjoying nature and the simple pleasures of life. There are two words that can be used to describe Jessie. The first one is generous. She would give you everything that she had, even if she needed it for herself. She was selfless, always putting others first, giving to them out of the goodness of her heart and never expecting anything in return. And the second one would be straightforward. She said what she meant and she meant what she said. You never had to wonder what she was thinking as she would gladly tell you what was on her mind, whether you asked or not. Jessie loved the Lord and her church family at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. She served on several ministries over the years. She was a Sunday School teacher, assisted in the nursery and sang in the choir. One of her proudest honors was serving on the Mother’s Board at the church. She was faithful in her service to the Lord, and others, until the end. Jessie was preceded in death by her husband, J. R. Hawkins; five brothers, J. W. Kersh, R. C. Kersh, Lennis Kersh, Willie James Kersh, and Samuel Kersh; three sisters, Anna Pearl Ward, Lucy Gray and Ethel Rene Kersh; and one sister-in-law, Luberta Kersh. She leaves to cherish her memory - three sisters: Jewell Montgomery of Chicago, Illinois, Lue Dell (Edward) Ward of Chicago, Illinois, and Linda Kersh of Brandon, Mississippi; ; a sister-in-law, Dessie Kersh and one brother-in-law, Tyler Dequince (Fat) Ward; two sons, Ralphel Kersh of Clinton, Mississippi and Matthew Kersh (Lisa) of Brandon, Mississippi; six grandchildren – Raveen Kersh, Summer Kersh, Malik Kersh, Matthew Kersh II, Mason Kersh, and Noah Kersh; two great grandchildren, Amirea Kersh and Ryland Kersh; a loving great niece, Danielle Kersh; a loving great nephew, Dustin Kersh; and Sherrial Kersh, who was like a daughter to her. She also leaves behind nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and loved ones who will miss her presence.

Mrs. Jessie Bell Hawkins

June 24, 1948 - February 28, 2024