Jessie McCalister

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

Mother Jessie Mae McCalister began her earthly journey on June 25, 1932, in Fort Towson, Oklahoma. After the passing of her birth parents, God placed her into the loving arms of her aunt and uncle, Griffen White and Maybertie Hamilton, who raised her with strong faith, family values, and the fear of the Lord.

Mother Jessie Mae received her formal education from Booker T. Washington High School in Hugo, Oklahoma. As a young woman, she moved to Arizona, where she worked diligently as a housekeeper and in the cotton fields. Later, the Spirit of the Lord led her to Fort Worth, Texas, where she continued to work faithfully at the Tandy Center and in several private homes. No matter where she lived or labored, she carried herself with grace, humility, and a servant’s heart.

Above all, Mother Jessie Mae loved the Lord with all her heart, and her life was a shining example of devotion, faithfulness, and perseverance. She was a longtime member of House of Prayer #2 COGIC, before joining Another Chance Christian Church, where she remained a faithful member for over 40 years. She served as a Mother of the Church, a missionary, and a prayer warrior who stood in the gap for the sick, the shut-in, and anyone who needed a touch from the Lord. Her prayers strengthened families, comforted the brokenhearted, and uplifted her entire community. Truly, she was a servant of God whose light could not be hidden.

In her quiet hours, she found joy in camping, fishing, and spending quality time with those she loved. Family was her heartbeat, and she poured her wisdom, laughter, and unconditional love into every generation blessed to come from her.

Mother Jessie beloved mother, grandmother, and prayer warrior, peacefully transitioned from labor to reward on November 14, 2025, at the blessed age of 93. She placed her feet in the sand of time and crossed over to the shores of eternity, she was met by her beloved husband Earnest McCalister; her children Ernie McCalister and Barbara Hemphill; and her brother Aurther Cummings—all waiting to welcome her home.

Left in the caring hands of God and holding fast to her legacy of faith are her children: Marvin Ford, Larry Ford, Lerane Kindles (Darrell Wayne), Carolyn English, and Ronnie McCalister (Laberta); 17 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, church family, and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Mother Jessie Mae McCalister lived a life rooted in prayer, anchored in faith, and overflowing with love. Though she has departed from our sight, she remains forever in our hearts. We rejoice knowing she now rests safely in the arms of Jesus, where the weary are at rest and the righteous shall shine as the stars forever.