Jewell Sessom

Jewell Olivia Sessom was born in Jackson, Tennessee on October 1, 1939, to the union of YB and Georgia Mae (Northern) Williams, Sr. Her siblings, Mattie Comer, Hazel Neely, Nathaniel Williams, Millard Williams, YB Williams, Jr., and Harvey Williams, preceded her in death. Her one remaining sibling is her beloved sister, Beatrice Bunting.

The family moved to South Bend, Indiana, where she was baptized into the Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church. In 1956, she met and married Joe Louis Sessom, Sr., and their six children were born, including a stillborn, named Olivia. Jewell worked at Northern Indiana State Hospital as an attendant caring for disabled, special needs children.

In 1972, she and her five children, Joe (Jo-Jo), Michelle, Terry, Constance and Joyce moved to Inkster, Michigan, where she raised her children on her own, purchased a house, joined Sharon Seventh-day Adventist Church and became active in the church and community. She sang in the choir, volunteered at the soup kitchen, taught in the Cradle Roll Sabbath School class and cheerfully assisted wherever needed.

Jewell had a strong relationship with God and was faithful in practicing her beliefs. She really loved the Lord! Her favorite verses were Psalm 91 and Psalm 51:10. Jewell kept a song in her heart. She was often heard singing throughout the day and listening to good Christian music. When departing her company, she usually requested ‘"let's say a prayer".

Jewell supported Christian education to the fullest and continued her own education at the William D. Ford Community College obtaining a certificate in Childcare Development. She worked at the Children's Center for Social Change and her love of children was magnified when her first-born grandchild, Ryan Sessom, entered the world. She kept her home stocked with toys and crayons to entertain the visiting children and enjoyed coloring with them. Besides loving and caring for children, she cared for many sick and aged. She was a patient, gentle, thoughtful and loving person with a beautiful spirit and always gave her time unselfishly to those in need.

Family and friends did not have to look for a beautician because Jewell was excellent at pressing and curling hair. Her home was often full of people and everybody was always welcomed. Birthdays at her home were extra-extra special. She said it was an Indian custom that she practiced by giving gifts to other people on her birthday.

Jewell and her baby sister, Beatrice Bunting, were very close and shared an inseparable bond of love. She also had a special relationship with her daughter-in-law of thirty years - Carol Sessom (Jo-Jo) and her sister-in-law of over sixty years - Lela Williams (YB).

Jewell is known for writing notes and letters to loved ones expressing her appreciation and love. There were many addressed to "My Connie", her daughter and caregiver until the end. Jewell was not only her mother, but also her best friend.

We will miss her beautiful smile that would light up the room. She made friends wherever she went, including her last residence at the nursing home. She loved unconditionally. There was nothing she wouldn't do for anyone. She helped all that she could-she was there for people.

On May 4, 2017, she was hospitalized with pneumonia and suffered several complications until God saw fit to call her to rest on May 28, 2017. Jewell leaves to cherish her memory, three daughters, Michelle Sessom, Constance Sessom Curry and Joyce Sessom Simmons; one sister, Beatrice Bunting; beloved grandsons and granddaughters, great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Previous Events Family Hour JUN 11. 11:00 AM (ET) Sharon Seventh Day Adventist 28537 Cherry St. Inkster, MI Loading map

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