Jessie Mae Bays (born Jessie Mae Miller) was born on July 23, 1933 in Tchula, Mississippi (Holmes County) to the union of Thomas & Limmie Miller whom preceded her in death. She grew up as one of the eldest of her nine siblings whom she helped take care of.  Her brothers are: A.D., W.P. (Junior) & James - whom all preceded her in death. Her sisters are: Bessie, Ida, Linnie & Odessa (whom preceded her in death). She is survived by two sisters: Essie & Shirley.  

Jessie Mae learned the value of hard work early on by working on plantations & immersing herself in agriculture & farmlife of the Mississippi Delta. It was while she was working on the Mannings Plantation in Drew Mississippi where she met & married the love of her life, Billy Oris Bays. Together they produced 14 children. They had nine sons: Billy Jr., Donny (both preceded her in death) Tony, Leslie, Charles, Harvey, Victor, Lawrence & Bryant. They had five daughters: Joyce, Barbara, Garline, Jacqueline & Gwendolyn. They also raised two grandchildren from birth: Charles (Chuckie) & Camarian. 

In 2008, her beloved Billy passed away at the age of 77, after over 55 years of marriage. After her husband's death, she was surrounded by her children & continued to live out her legacy of faith in God by serving in her church (Bradley Temple C.O.G.I.C.) as Sunday School Teacher, Head Usher & serving on the Mother's Board. She became affectionately known as "Mother Bays" & dedicated the remainder of her 90 yrs of life to her 3 loves: faith, family & food (Mama was a foodie; she loved to cook & eat 🤗). 

Jessie Mae Bays made her heavenly transition on March 27, 2024. Although her physical presence will forever be missed, her loving nature & sweet spirit will live on in the hearts of her remaining children, family, church family & friends. To know her was to love her. Rest in heaven, Mama. 🙏🕊️😇

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