Jessie Merlone

Our momma, Ms. Jessie “Big Momma” Bell Gardner Merlone was born September 5th, 1939 to the late James Leonard Gardner and Eula B. (Watts) Gardner in Barnesville, GA in Lanar County. Jessie was the babygirl of seven children.

Jessie accepted Christ at an early age. She met and married Charlie Hickmon. From this union, three children were born: Michael W. Hickmon, Angela B. Hickmon, and her oldest child Cheryl L. Hickmon Craig, who preceded her in death. Jessie relocated to Cleveland, OH in 1961 and joined Cory United Methodist Church. She was very involved in her church until she became ill, and was a member for over 60 years. She was an usher, a steward with the communion committee, a member of the choir, and worked in the Cory Credit Union amongst many other activities in the church.

Jessie took pride in cooking and sought employment as a baker. She was a very active member of Cleveland Bakers Teamsters [Local# 507]. She was employed at New York Frozen Foods until her retirement. After retiring, she enjoyed gardening and helping others in any way she could. She was a hard worker and she was most proud of her accomplishment of being a homeowner. She was a devoted daughter, mother, Big Momma, sister, aunt, and dear friend. She was a beautiful person, god-fearing, but not shy to speak her mind.

Jessie’s health declined and required her to go into a nursing home for rehabilitation, in which she often expressed her desire to go home. We as a family pulled together and made her wish come true. On Monday, October 23rd, 2023, God put his plan to work and called his child from labor to reward. She was at home, with her family, assisting her with her care.

Leaving to cherish her memories, a devoted family:

2 children, Michael Warren Hickmon and Angela Blondell Hickmon of Cleveland, OH; 8 grandchildren, Ulisa L. Harris (the oldest grandchild) of Atlanta, Ga; Nikeya Cox and LaTanya “Tan” Steele-Johnson of Cleveland, OH; Jovan C. Craig of Flint, MI; Antonio J. E. Hickmon, Terrell E. Hickmon, Michael Hickmon, and Tawan S. E. Hickmon of Cleveland, OH; 18 great-grandchildren, Allante’ J. H. Means and Jovan L. Brown of Atlanta, GA; Antonio (A.J) Hickmon, Arieon (Pretty) Hickmon, Alaya & Raya Hickmon ( the twins), Demaris Lamb, Kyra and Kyli, Tamia (Mimi) Hickmon, Kenzo, Raheem and Arianna, all of Cleveland, OH ; Jahi D. Mills-Craig, Egypt T. Craig, and Brooklynne C. Craig of Flint, MI; and Terrell P. Hickmon of Texas;and 2 siblings, Minnie M. Bradley and Willie J. Gardner, both of Cleveland, OH; a host of nieces and nephews including David Bradley and Deneen King of Cleveland, OH, Barry Gardner, Phyllis Jordan, and Robert Gardner, a Cousin/sister Bobbie Jean Watts Jester all of Georgia; and many other relatives that will miss her dearly.

As she moves on, Jessie will be united with her mother, father, daughter, her siblings, John Robert, Marvin James, Jeanette, and Linwood Gardner and her nephew Olen L. Bradley.

“I am the resurrection and the life, he who exercises faith in me, even though he dies, he will come to life.” (John 11:25)

The family would like to express a special thanks to Cummings & Davis Funeral Home, Rev. Gregory Kindred and Cory United Methodist Church, Jason Bowdry, KoKo and all her friends not mentioned.

A visitation for Jessie will be held Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Cummings & Davis Funeral Home, 13201 Euclid Avenue, East Cleveland, Ohio 44112. A wake will occur Friday, November 3, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Cory United Methodist, 1117 E. 105th Street, Cleveland, OH 44108. A homegoing service will occur Friday, November 3, 2023 at 11:30 AM at Cory United Methodist, 1117 E. 105th Street, Cleveland, OH 44108. An interment will occur Friday, November 3, 2023 at 1:30 PM at Cleveland Memorial Gardens, 4324 Green Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44121.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cummingsanddavisfh.com for the Merlone family.