Jessie Brumfield

Jessie Bell Brumfield, 91, (lovingly known as “Bay”) transitioned from this life on Thursday, February 13, 2020. Jessie was born on April 10, 1928 in Louise, MS to JoAnna Watkins and Joe Nathan Brumfield. When Jessie turned one, her mother married Albert Watkins and he raised her as his own.

At the age of 18, Jessie moved from Mississippi to Chicago, IL. She had always loved music and traveled with the late Muddy Waters and Little Walter. Jessie later met and was united with Willie Lee Reaves. From that union they conceived four children.

Jessie was employed at Crane Packing Company until she retired in 1987. She then joined her family in South Bend, IN. After moving to South Bend, Jessie joined Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Rickardo Taylor, where she served on the Mothers Board. When Jessie became ill, she moved with her sister and joined Bethlehem Baptist Church, where she remained until her transition.

Jessie leaves to cherish her memory daughters Marsha Reaves Farmer of Daytona Beach, FL and LaVera Brumfield Gayle of South Bend, IN. Siblings Ruth Reese and Anthony Watkins, both of South Bend; 10 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Jessie was preceded in death by her father, Albert Watkins; mother JoAnna Watkins; husband Willie Lee Reaves; siblings Mace Watkins, Bertha Newell and Leola Farrior; children Robert E. Brumfield, Michael Brumfield and Linda Marie Brumfield.

PS 18:1-2 “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower”.

Prov. 31:30-31 “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her the fruit of her hands: and let her own works praise her in the gates.

"REST IN HEAVEN"  

Services for Ms. Jessie Brumfield will be held on Monday, February 24, 2020 at 12:00 PM at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 24393 Fillmore Rd., South Bend, IN 46619. Friends may call on the family for one hour prior to services at the church. Palmer Funeral Homes – West Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy may be left at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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