Jessie Mae Vance

Jessie Mae Wilford was born August 10, 1933 to the late Jesse and Willie Vance in the Pilar Hill Community, West Helena, Arkansas. She transitioned from this earthly life to receive her heavenly reward November 1, 2020 in the comforts of her home, surrounded by her loving family. Jessie accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age. Her spiritual journey led her to unite with Greater Powerhouse Church of God in Christ, West Helena Arkansas under the leadership of Bishop Alex Smith and First Lady Clinton Smith. Mother Wilford remained faithful until her health began to decline. Jessie was united in Holy Matrimony to the late George Wilford. To this union eleven children were born. Jessie was a strong matriarch for her family. She raised her children and helped with bonus children throughout the community. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren; giving them the nurturing they so desired and needed. Her passion for baby dolls kept her in tune with her inner child in which she spent countless hours taking care of them. Some of her favorite pastimes were watching “The Price is Right” followed by “Young and the Restless” while chewing a pack of “Doublemint Gum.” Jessie is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sons; John D. Wilford, Edward Charles Nolen, a daughter; Beatrice Wilford, siblings; LaPatrick, Moses Vance, Annie Hughes, a son-in-law; Jimmy White, Sr. Jessie leaves to cherish her children; Veronica Wright of Little Rock AR, George (Regina) Wilford of Little Rock AR, Phyllis White, Helen Wilford both of West Helena AR, Craig Wilford of Tucker AR, Priscilla Wilford of Little Rock AR, Jesse Wilford of Grady AR, Bruce (Rosalind) of Maumelle AR, special granddaughter/caretaker; Shequina Jones of West Helena, special friend/caretaker; Patricia Bowden of West Helena AR, special grandchildren; Bianca Wilford, Cortashia Shields, Quilton Shields, Jamesha White all of West Helena AR, a special nephew; Minister Alex Vance of Clarksville TN, twenty-two grandchildren, fifty-four great grandchildren, and a host of nephews, nieces, family and friends.