On the evening of February 16, 2026, our beloved Jessie Mae Thompson peacefully went home to be with the Lord and to reunite with her cherished husband, George Thompson. Though our hearts ache in her absence, we take comfort in knowing she has completed her earthly journey and entered eternal rest. Jessie wore many hats and answered to many names—wife, mama, grandma, great grandma, mother-in-law, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, momma gurl, and for many, a treasured friend. Yet above all else, Jessie’s most cherished and defining role was being a child of God. Her life was anchored in faith, guided by wisdom, and shaped by a deep desire to see others walk in God’s truth.

Jessie possessed remarkable discernment and God-given wisdom, which she freely shared with anyone seeking guidance. When counseling others, she was known to lovingly remind them, “Don’t throw your pearls before swine.” Even in her final days, with family lovingly gathered around her, Jessie continued to teach and minister. She spoke often of her favorite book of the Bible, Proverbs 9, and faithfully prayed for her loved ones every fifteen minutes—asking God to protect, guide, and save them long after she was gone. To the very end, her greatest concern was not herself, but the spiritual wellbeing of those she loved.

Jessie was proud of where she came from. It never took long before she would tell you she hailed from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, back when it was still small and humble. Born on August 21,1936, to Cammie and Ernest Hossley, Jessie grew up alongside her five siblings, John Wesley, Lillie-Catherine, Ernestine, Helen, and Babe Trich. Jessie was deeply rooted in family and community. She spoke fondly of her father, a hardworking cook, and her mother, a determined businesswoman who owned and operated the local café. Stories of “them Hossley girls” were legendary—strong, united, and not to be trifled with.

As a young woman, Jessie left Mississippi for California in search of new beginnings. It was there, during a Sunday dinner at a beloved cousin’s home, that she met the love of her life, George Thompson. Jessie would later lovingly say that George was “the only man I’ve ever known.” After they married, Jessie and George opened their home and hearts, welcoming her entire family as they made their own transition from Mississippi to California.

Together, Jessie and George raised three children—Ernest, Keith, and Greer—and built a beautiful life through hard work, faith, and love. Jessie became the Head Legal Secretary for the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office, a role she earned through sheer determination, intelligence, and integrity. Though she held no formal degree, Jessie commanded respect and admiration, guiding attorneys, deputies, and fellow staff with confidence, wit, and compassion. She was known for her sharp mind, quick humor, and deep empathy for everyone she encountered.

Jessie and George enjoyed a life filled with blessings, traveling with their children on cruises and memorable vacations, creating cherished family memories. Jessie later served as President of the Southbay Legal Secretaries Association, a role that became one of her great sources of pride and joy, allowing her to travel even more and build lasting friendships.

After Poppa George’s passing, Jessie continued to live life fully and unapologetically. She traveled wherever her heart led—by road, by air, or by sea. She loved casinos and had an undeniable talent for gambling, often winning with a smile and a laugh that filled the room.

One of Jessie’s greatest joys was her grandchildren. She delighted in taking them to school, watching I Love Lucy marathons, teaching them her favorite recipes, and spoiling them in ways she would jokingly admit she never did with her own children. But more than gifts, Jessie gave her grandchildren something priceless—a safe place, a listening ear, unwavering love, and wise, Godcentered counsel. With Grandma, there were heartfelt talks, healing tears, contagious laughter, and stories rich with life lessons and memories of Hattiesburg.

Jessie was humble, gracious, and deeply respectful of others. She carried herself without pretense or fanfare and had a rare gift for making friends wherever she went. She loved humanity and treated everyone with dignity and kindness. The passing of our beloved matriarch, Jessie Mae Thompson, leaves a space in our hearts and lives that can never be filled. In time, we will learn how to carry this loss—but we will never forget the profound impact she had on us all. We are grateful for the countless lives she touched, and above all, we are grateful that Jessie truly lived a life worth living. 

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Family Remarks
One of Jessie’s greatest fears in life was being forgotten, we thought it fitting to share remarks from family who will always and forever hold her close to their hearts. “My Jessie was more than just a sister, she was a fiercely protective advocate for all her sisters and remained faithfully by our side through all of life’s ups and downs. She will remain a blessing to our family forevermore”. – Earnestine Workman, beloved sister

“Compassionate. Resolute. Loving. Always determined to fill a need, whenever and wherever. Our lives are so much richer because of our connection to Jessie the Honey Child. Truly sent by God and blessed to have her in our lives”. – Helen Simmons, beloved sister

Jessie was our family’s protector, nurturer, and joy. She showed up fiercely for those she loved, offering strength, wisdom, laughter, and unwavering support. Her warmth filled every gathering, her voice guided us through hard moments, and her humor lifted every room. Her passing is a loss that words cannot adequately express; however, her legacy of love, courage, and enduring spirit will remain with us always. We carry her with us—in our memories, our laughter, and our hearts—forever. – Patricia Gordon, beloved sister

My Aunt Jessie…. She was a valiant defender of family. My mom had a life-threatening labor with me, who came to my mom’s aid to scare the absolute crap out of her obstetrician during a “one on one” meeting, Aunt Jessie. After that meeting, that obstetrician delivered me and Aunt Jessie never divulged that conversation. This anecdote is just one of many examples where Aunt Jessie showed up on behalf of family.  And her blunt sense of humor was one which had everyone in stitches – and she always did so with a straight face. Aunt Jessie was always supportive, encouraging and present. The many wonderful moments I shared with Aunt Jessie will stay with me forever. While your earthly presence will be missed, as loving members of your family, we will carry the memories of your phenomenal life forward. Rest easily and enjoy the reunion with Uncle George, Madea, Granddaddy, Stan, my dad and all of the family members that have gone before us. – Jason Gordon – Nephew

“We will always cherish the fond memories of time spent together. From the small moments of cooking breakfast together, to the larger events such as weddings, graduations, and travel. Her infamous quotes “Whatever doesn’t kill me makes me stronger” and “if you’re not stressed, you’re dead” will always bring laughter and deep comfort to our family”. – Greer Master, (Daughter) and family

“There is no one in this world who will ever compare to my grandma. Her love for life, humor, and those around her was apparent for all to see. One of the greatest gifts God ever gave to me was a grandma as great as mine. The lessons and values she instilled in me will live on through me as well as my children. Love you forever and always grandma”. – Jessica Perkins, Grand Daughter

I loved how grandma was always being used by the Lord. I love how she would use the gifts God gave her in terms of encouraging and nurturing. I was her grandson, but I love how she truly looked after me as if she was my mom. She was someone that always wanted to help even when it was not needed. This taught me to always think about others and not always about myself. I loved how she would always take me to school and just somehow knew when I had a bad day and was willing to take care of me or see if I needed anything. – Keith Jr, Grandson

As a young man growing up, my dad always said, “take care of your mom”. His words engrained in me leading into adulthood. Well for over twenty-three years, I took care of my “Momma Gurl”. Taking care of a parent from feeding, bathing, clothing, and doctor appointments, was the most challenging moment in my life. Towards the end and with the help of my Wife (Kathy), my dad’s instructions were carried out under the guidance of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Enjoy your reunion, Momma Gurl. – Keith (Son) and family