On Thursday, January 1, 2026, Jesse Howard Nance peacefully took his final bow on this side of eternity and entered into the presence of the Lord. Born December 26, 1946 in Nashville, Tennessee, to Willie Howard and Mattie Belle Nance. Jesse lived a life marked by faith, love, and music that resonated far beyond the final note.

Jesse had a love for music and was often heard playing throughout North Nashville perfecting his craft. He graduated from Meigs High School (Nashville, TN) in 1964 and attended Tennessee State University where he was also in the band. Aside from the school band, he was part of the Soul Searchers of Nashville. In the early days, he opened for artist James Brown. Always having a passion for people and music, he traveled to Detroit, Michigan with his friend and fellow musician, William Barns, who played for Smokey Robinson. Throughout his career, he performed with several notable musicians and artists. It was in Detroit he played for Caroline Franklin and traveled to Toronto, Canada with her band where he continued his musical career. He then met and played behind Bob Marley, traveling with him to Montreal, Canada. While in Toronto, he attended Ryerson Polytechnic University. When he relocated to Montreal, Canada he studied at Concordia University, continuing his education and feeding his enthusiasm for learning. It was in Montreal of 1979, he met ‘his lady, his pal,’ Charlene Cheryl Couchman and they were united in matrimony in 1989 for thirty-six years. It was here, he made a home away from home.

No stranger to the stage, he was also not a stranger to the screen. Jesse appeared in television series and movies; to name a few: Montreal PQ, the Jackal with Sidney Poitier, Eddie Lives (playing the song Emotional Storm), and Hart to Hart. He recorded and shared the stage with several artists. As a true creative, he also wrote songs and poems, some which were published with SOCAN Canada.

A gifted artist, author, and trumpet player, Jesse had a sound that could both lift a room and quiet a soul. Whether playing in the back yard, a church, a studio, with ensembles, bands, for special occasions, or informal gatherings, his trumpet became an instrument of celebration and comfort to all. Even during seasons of illness, his love for music never faded—it remained a steady refrain of hope and devotion.

Jesse always used music, words, and humor to encourage others and bring joy to those around him. Those who knew him will remember not only the sound of the trumpet, but the strength, humility, and grace with which he faced life’s challenges. Though illness may have quieted the trumpet on earth, Jesse’s song now joins the heavenly chorus – strong, clear, and everlasting. For years, Jesse played at several old age homes on a volunteer basis. When offered money, his big heart would not accept and expressed to them that he did it for the love of bringing music to their hearts.

Jesse is survived by his wife, Charlene Cheryl, who walked alongside him through every movement of his journey. His son Lamont Nance, his daughter Lendozia Hayes; grandchildren Brehanna Edwards and Brittany (Soba Eli) Beech; great-grandchildren Jonah, Brayden, Sevyn, and Skylar; siblings Robert (Janetta), Phyllis Nance, and Jennie Lee; in-laws Robert (Tracey), Ronald (Liz), Michael (Vita) Couchman, Maureen (Stephen) Palmer and Debbi (John) Coney. Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Mattie Nance; siblings, John, Melvin, Alice, James, Samuel, Vernon, and Albert; his Couchman in-laws, Charlie and Irene, Wendy (Mark) and Heather. He also leaves to cherish his memory, his God-daughter Victoria (Kenny) Guettinger, nieces and nephews, family and lifelong friends Alberta Todd, Wesley Johnson, and James Reed; Gail & Dennis Boulerice, The Bergeron Family – Andre, Kathy, Melanie & Cindy, Janet & Frank Romano, Sue Mueller, Joy & Ernie† Findlay, Ed Stevens, and Trish & Ken Fuller, and many other cherished friends and neighbors. 

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