Mrs. Jessie Mae (Davis) Rudley

Mrs. Jessie Mae (Davis) Rudley, age 82, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 6, 2016, with her loving family by her side. Jessie was born in Dawson, Georgia on September 10, 1934, the daughter of the late Leroy Brown and Ola Mae Davis. She was educated in Georgia. In 1967 Jessie and her family relocated to Utica. Her first union was with Arthur Mack and it was blessed with 3 children. Arthur passed away in 1955. She entered into a union with James Rudley who passed on November 17, 1992. Jessie’s vocation in life was to be a loving homemaker and a lifetime foster-care parent. Her noble calling made her a mother to many, and her door was always open to her safe home for anyone who needed a sanctuary or shelter. She had a warm and welcoming smile and personality. Jessie had a big heart and a faith that was her foundation. The maternal care and comfort she provided was unwavering because it was a calling from God. She touched the lives of countless people, young and old, and helped them find their path in the darkness of troubled times. As a matriarch, she enjoyed cooking for her family, and “pan bread” was her specialty. Jessie was so proud of her children. She had a talent and interest in Church music, and during her spare time she enjoyed fishing, solving word and jig-saw puzzles, and playing board games, especially Monopoly and Trouble. Jessie was first a member at Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Isiah Miller. She later found her home at St. Matthew’s Temple Church of God in Christ. Jessie is survived by her children and their loves, Martha “Mott” (Mack) Carter of Utica, Anthony Tyrone (Andrea Murray) of Charlotte, NC. Her daughter, Helen Mack, passed during childhood on June 29, 1965; Riccardo Rudley, Sr., and Donovon Davis, both of Utica, and Patricia (Bailey) Scott of Shelby, NC.; her grandchildren, Rodney Carter Jr., Sonya Carter, Javell Carter, Jamaal Carter (Beatrice), Erica Carter, Natika Carter (David Drake), Derell Carter, Tremayne Carter, Darrius Carter, Ceketha Murray, Tyrone Murray, Jerome Murray, Riccardo A. Rudley, Jr., Keionie Banks, and Nzecha Williams; 43 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren. She will also remain in the hearts of her brother, Sammy Logan; a host of nieces and nephews, with mention of Darlene Mack-Brown with whom she shared a special love; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and sister-in-law, Ruby Davis; and her god-children, Natoiya (Mack) Lockwood, Rhodesia Day, and Nevaeh Hardgrove. She leaves many special friends, Minnie Johnson, Zola Hines, Cleo Herron, and Daisy Shealy and was preceded by Toreatha Brown, Ruby Collins, and Irene Jackson. She was predeceased by her brother, George Davis; and her in-laws, Willie Mack Sr., Irene (Mack) Taylor, Johnny Mack Sr., Julius Mack Sr., and Josephine (Mack) Ford. The family is grateful to the staff of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. for their compassionate care; and Dr. Sikder, Dr. Rizzi and Dr. Lawrence for their understanding and professional guidance. Visitation will be held Thursday from 10:00-12:00 at St. Matthew’s Temple Church of God in Christ, 110 Washington St., Utica. Jessie’s funeral service and Home Going celebration will commence on Thursday at 12:00 noon upon conclusion of visitation at St. Matthew’s Temple Church of God in Christ with Rev. Jimmie L. Griffin officiating the ceremony. Interment and committal prayers will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Mrs. Jessie Mae (Davis) Rudley

September 10, 1934 - November 6, 2016