Jessie Lee McKie

With deepest and profound sympathy, G. L. Brightharp & Sons announces the transition of Mrs. Jessie L. McKie who entered into rest September 17, 2026.

Jessie was born on November 21, 1932, in Clarks Hill, South Carolina, to Jessie Green and Annie Mitchum Green. She was raised in Clarks Hill and later made her home in Rahway, New Jersey, where she built a life with her beloved husband, Willie James McKie Sr.

In 1957, Jessie married Willie, beginning a 64-year journey together. Jessie knew that one of her greatest callings in life was to be a wife and mother, and she embraced both roles wholeheartedly. Side by side, she and Willie built a home, raised their children and shared the joys and challenges of life. Willie was her husband, companion, and lifelong partner, and the love they shared remained an important part of Jessie's story.

Jessie was a devoted mother to her four children: Priscilla Rose, Willie James Jr., Joseph Douglas, and Thomas Christopher. She could be strict when she needed to be, but her firmness came from wanting the best for her children. She wanted them to grow, learn, become independent, and, above all, be safe. One story Jessie shared perfectly captured the kind of mother she was. When Priscilla first began walking to school on her own, as many children in the neighborhood did,

Jessie quietly followed behind her. The school was not far from home, and Priscilla walked ahead, unaware that her mother was keeping watch from a distance. Jessie gave her daughter the freedom to walk to school independently while making sure she was safe. It was a simple moment, but it revealed something special about Jessie: she knew when to let go and when to quietly keep watch.

Jessie took great pride in her family and in the life she and Willie created together. She believed in teaching her children lessons that would stay with them throughout their lives. One of those lessons was simple and enduring: “Always tell the truth.” Those words remain part of the legacy she leaves with her family.

Jessie was a sweet and compassionate woman with a personality all her own. She had a special sense of style and loved looking her best. She was an elegant lady who carried herself with grace and dignity and took great pride in her appearance. She also loved to cook, and preparing food for her family was one of the ways she showed her love and brought people together.

Music and singing brought Jessie great joy. While in South Carolina, she sang with her church and participated in choirs that traveled to neighboring towns and churches, sharing her beautiful voice and her faith with others. Those who heard her sing will remember the beauty of her voice and the joy she found in sharing her gift.

A woman of faith, Jessie believed deeply in the power of prayer. She was a member of Laura Grove Missionary Church in Clarks Hill, South Carolina, and was a faithful member of Second Baptist Church in Rahway, New Jersey, for more than 60 years. During her many years at Second Baptist, she also participated in the Flower Club. Her church was an important part of her life, providing a place of worship, fellowship, service, and connection to others.

At home, Jessie enjoyed the familiar routines and simple pleasures that became part of her days. She loved watching The Young and the Restless and keeping up with its characters and storylines. She enjoyed cooking, singing, and spending time with family. Jessie especially enjoyed watching and listening to Jr Mack on YouTube, taking pleasure in the music and videos she could enjoy from the comfort of home.

Jessie also had a special fondness for her cousins, nieces, and nephews. She cherished these family relationships and enjoyed the connection they brought to her life.

Jessie had a special way of making each of her children part of her everyday life. She affectionately referred to Willie Jr. as her “doctor” and Joe as her “nurse,” recognizing the care and attention they gave her. She looked forward to Tom showing her family pictures and never missed an opportunity to tease him about his bald head. With Priscilla, she enjoyed watching church services and gospel quartet videos, sharing those moments of faith and music together. These small, personal moments reflected the closeness she shared with her children and the joy she continued to find in their company.

As Jessie grew older and faced serious health challenges, she showed a remarkable strength and determination. She was a fighter who overcame serious illnesses time and time again. Through those difficult years, she remained appreciative of the care and support she received from her children. She often expressed how proud she was of them and how grateful she was for the way they cared for her.

Jessie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willie James McKie Sr., who passed away in 2021; her sisters, Marie Middleton, Anna Bell Dais, Mary Williams, Viola Tate, Jennie Morgan, and Bertha Gowdy; and her brother, John Henry Green. She leaves to cherish her memory her four children, Priscilla Tippett, Willie McKie Jr., Joseph McKie, and Thomas (Sharon) McKie, along with her cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, loved ones, and friends.

For those who knew Jessie, her absence will be felt in the things that made her uniquely herself—the meals she prepared, the songs she sang, her elegant style, the shows she enjoyed watching, the gospel music and church services she loved, the music and videos she enjoyed on YouTube, the teasing and laughter she shared with her children,and the words of wisdom she made sure they remembered.

Her family will carry her memory forward through the stories they tell, the lessons they remember, and the love she gave so freely. Her beautiful voice may now be silent, but the faith she lived, the strength she showed, the values she taught, and the memories she created will continue through the lives of those who knew and loved her. Jessie will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Monday, September 28, 2026 at Laura Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Laura Grove Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Professional Services have been entrusted to Jones Funeral Home-Rahway, NJ and G. L. Brightharp & Sons Mortuary-North Augusta.