Jesse Jerome Stewart's Obituary
Jesse Jerome Stewart passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family and loved ones on July 31, 2021. Jesse or as many knew him by (Jerome) was born October 5, 1952, to Henrietta Patterson (Stewart) and Willie Martin in Memphis Tennessee. Jesse was the last remaining sibling of 13.
Jesse served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam where he also worked as a medic and was proud to serve and protect his country. During his life Jesse attended and graduated at Certified Careers Institute with his Associate degree in Computer Science in 1993. Jesse also continued to work in many different manufacturing occupations up until his injury that pushed for early retirement in 2012.
Jesse was truly an amazing soul. If you had the opportunity of meeting him, you were blessed with a presence like no other. It did not matter who you were, if you were a stranger, friend or family, Jesse treated you with respect and kindness. He would always help the next man and if he couldn't help you, he would find someone that could but always leave you with some words of wisdom or even just a laugh. Jesse absolutely loved his family and was proud of each member whether they were blood or not. He cherished the bond he had with each individual and personalized every relationship because they each meant that much to him. Jesse loved to clown around, if he insulted you, he loved you.
Jesse's cats were his world and he made sure everyone knew that. Whether it was giving up his bed when all 4 cats would take over or requesting snacks for the cats as a present on his birthday. Jesse enjoyed fishing, Friday night wrestling, reading, movies, computers, music (especially Afroman, Selena, and Bob Marley), and spending time with family. I know he would want me to list popcorn in its own category because whenever you would ask if he needed anything 90% of the time his response was popcorn.
Whether we were at home BBQing or taking a small road trip you could always count on him for the good vibes, laughter and what he would call JJ's killer dance moves. He would always say you are who you are so embrace it. I truly believe that is why he wore all the crazy shirts everyone loved and looked forward to seeing.
Jesse is preceded in death by his mother; Henrietta Patterson (Stewart), Father; Willie Martin, brothers'; George Stewart, McArthur Stewart, Freddie Stewart, and Benny Lee Stewart. Sisters': Delores Moore and Willie Jean Harston and his beloved companion Mamaz.
He is survived by his soulmate and wife June Salazar, Sons Jesse Jerome Stewart Jr. (Breanna Stewart), Paul Manuel Salazar Jr. (Jennifer Salazar), Robert Salazar, Ontonio Salazar (Jennifer Machowski-Rodriguez), and daughters'; (Keshia of Memphis, TN), Alisha Salazar and Keshia Martinez (Valentino Martinez). Grandchildren: Jordan, Breanna, and Gracie Stewart, Samara Nazario, Miranda Beal, Demario, Marissa and Victor Salazar, Tianna Marie, Carmen and Ava Salazar, Talika and Xeavyon Atkins, many nephews and nieces and extended family and his 3 beloved cats Charlie, Patrick and Spence. Jesse's final wishes were to not have any funeral services. So, I will leave you with his favorite quote, "Sip your beer wipe your tears encourage your peers it’s gonna be alright"-Afroman
A special thank you to all the doctors and nurses at Davis Hospital and Medical Center who helped my dad during his last vulnerable moments. Also, to Everest Home Health and Hospice especially Mallory for the overwhelming love, care and support. To all his family and friends, thank you!
Like we told each other every day dad, I'll say it one last time. "One step at a time little foot"... Until we meet again.
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