Mr. Jesse J. Brewster, Jr.

Jesse James Brewster, Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 28, 2019, in Washington, D.C. Jesse was born on June 27, 1939 in Meridian, Mississippi, to late Jesse and Minnie Sterdivant Brewster, and was the oldest of seven children. Jesse began his education at St. Joseph's Kindergarten in Meridian, and later attended Meridian Baptist Seminary. He entered Wechsler School in the fourth grade. Jesse finished his secondary schooling at T.J. Harris High School in 1958. He attended Mississippi Industrial College on an athletic scholarship in baseball, graduating with a bachelor's degree in Social Science in May 1962. Jesse enlisted in the United States Air Force in June 1962, first serving in Aerospace Security and Law Enforcement. He also served as an Air Traffic Control Technician, a Public Affairs Technician, and a Public Affairs Superintendent. As an Air Traffic Control Technician, Jesse served in Vietnam during 1969. His decorations, medals, badges, citations, and campaign ribbons included: a Bronze Star medal; a Meritorious Service Medal; an Air Force Commendation Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster; an Air Force Achievement Medal; a Small Arms Expert Rifle citation; a NCO PME Graduate Ribbon with one bronze oak leaf cluster; an Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with one silver oak leaf cluster; a National Defense Service Medal; an Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon with three oak leaf clusters; an Army of Occupation Medal; Air Force Training Ribbon; a Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars; an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat V device with four bronze oak leaf clusters; a Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm device; a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; and an Air Force Good Conduct Medal with a silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters. Jesse retired in March 1987, after serving 25 years and 3 months. Jesse loved the Lord and serving His kingdom. Early in life, Jesse joined 31st Avenue Baptist Church in Meridian, where he served in many leadership positions. After retirement from the military, he united with St. Paul United Methodist Church in Meridian, where he served on the Trustee Board and as a Sunday School teacher. During his later years, while living with his daughter in Washington, D.C., he associated with Emory United Methodist Church (affectionately known as "the Emory Fellowship"). After retirement from the military, Jesse first worked for Life of Georgia Insurance Company. When he retired completely from the workforce, Jesse kept busy with an active volunteer life. He served at Multi County in Meridian in several capacities. Jesse was on the original Board of Directors of the Lauderdale County Habitat for Humanity, serving for ten years. Jesse was on the Board of Directors of the Wechsler Community Arts Center Association in Meridian for over two decades, and served as its President for over a decade. As President, he was instrumental in obtaining grants from the Department of Archives & History and the Riley Foundation, and raising other money to save Wechsler School as a valuable historical icon of the African American culture and educational experience in Meridian. Jesse was a member of the St. John Bowling League, who later became the Monday Nighters, for many years. After his retirement, he spent many hours with other retirees at the Davis Court Pavilion, playing pinochle and dominos. In December 1970, Jesse was united in holy matrimony to the late Mattie L. Puckett Brewster. To this union, one daughter was born: Jessica Y. Brewster. Jesse was preceded in death by his father Jesse, mother Minnie, and his brother David. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter: Jessica Y. Brewster-Johnson, son-in-law: Willie H. Johnson II, his granddaughter: Nyah J. Johnson, his siblings: Mary A.B. Perry (William, Sr.), Callie L. Cole, Norman H. Brewster, Sr., James H. Brewster, Sr. (Mae), and Emma Ruth Barfield (Robert, Sr.), his nieces: Tanya V. Hudson (Gene), Theresa Gathrite (Thomas), Angela S. Dupree (Neal), Rachel L. McThomas, Daveen E. Brewster, Minnie L. Gamble, Mable L. Moore, Akisha J. Sherrod (Curtis), Maretta S. Brewster, Betty J. Perry, his nephews: E. Alex Cole, William Perry, Jr. (Laverne), Derrick D. Smith, Bradford L. Perry, Norman H. Brewster, Jr. (Carolyn), James H. Brewster, Jr., Robert L. Barfield, Jr. (Candie), and Frank L. Cole, Jr. (Vanessa), and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mr. Jesse J. Brewster, Jr.

June 27, 1939 - May 28, 2019