Mrs. Jessie Johnson

Jessie Marie Johnson was born January 27, 1925 in Corinth, Mississippi, the beloved daughter of Sanders and Arrilla (Wiley) Norman. Jessie received her education at Dennistown school in Corinth, Mississippi and worked on the family farm. One of her favorite stories was talking about when she was plowing a one hitch and she lost control of the mule. Her father was yelling to her to let go of the reigns. She wouldn’t for a while. That was Mom. Jessie was united in holy matrimony to Robert Lee Johnson Sr and together they raised seven children, her five and their two together. Robert Lee preceded Jessie in death. Jessie was one of 10 children. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four sisters, T. Willie Luster, Maxine Johnson, Grace Broady and Mary Burkett; two brothers, George Norman Sr, Tommy Ray Norman, and daughter-in-law, Cynthia D. Jumper. Jessie was a professional cook, laboring in several restaurants along historical route 66 as it ran through Madison County Illinois. The traveler stopping along the, Mother Road, at the Idlewood Inn and restaurant, Sunset Hills Country Club, or early risers wanting a nourishing breakfast at Bill ‘s Café were some of those privileged to taste Jessie ‘s cooking. Later in life Jessie worked at Rusty’s Restaurant on Main Street. She spent over a decade working for one of her favorite families. In addition to working, Jessie truly enjoyed cooking and feeding her family, friends and neighbors stopping in at her home. You were bound to get a meal at the table or a “go plate”. If she knew it was your birthday look out, because you knew she was baking you a cake and she told you upfront, don’t forget to return my plate. Otherwise, you would get no more cakes from Mom. Jessie loved being outside and walked every day. If you lived in a five-block radius of her home, she knew you and you knew her through conversations as she passed your house each day. She took pride in her garden and flowers, and loved her neighbors. On Monday, April 14, 2025 at 10:20 AM, Jessie Marie Johnson ascended to heaven and was embrace by her Holy Savior at her daughter’s home in Glen Carbon, Illinois, while holding her granddaughter, Deanna’s hand. Jessie was a faithful and loyal member of Mt Joy Missionary Baptist Church in Edwardsville, Illinois. She joined under the leadership of Reverend Gardner. She stayed true and steadfast to Mount Joy now under the leadership of Pastor Steve Jackson until her dying day. She volunteered for many undertakings at Mt Joy over the years, but those that she loved the best were working in the kitchen and being a member of the Usher Board. Jessie‘s life is celebrated by her children, Margie Moore of Edwardsville, Illinois, Jimmie (Mitzi) Jumper of St. Louis, Missouri, Gloria Ann (Eldon) Bigham of Glen Carbon, Illinois, S. Ray Jumper of Edwardsville, Illinois, Anderson Jumper of Edwardsville, Illinois, Robert Lee (Veronica) Johnson Jr. of Des Moines, Washington, and Richard (Sidra) Johnson of Tulsa, Oklahoma; three sisters, Macie Curlee, Shirley (James) Kirk both of Corinth, Mississippi, and Raynell Davis of Jackson, Mississippi; sister-in-law and friend, Essie Rae Wilson of Edwardsville, Illinois; 13 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren, plus numerous loving devoted nieces and nephews. Our matriarch, Jessie Marie Johnson, was loving, hard-working and faithful. Her legacy will be carried on by those that loved her. You will be missed but we will hold you in a special place in our hearts forever.