Jessica Elizabeth Sanders (Rountree)

Jesse Elizabeth Sanders (Rountree) was born in Kansas City, Kansas, to Shirley Dumas (née Paul) of Blue Springs, Missouri, and Billy Rountree Sr. of Kansas City, Missouri. She was raised in Kansas City, Missouri, and graduated from Central High School.

Jesse was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Cricket Markita Denise Caldwell of Independence, Missouri, and her brothers Brian Rountree of Chicago and Stanley Rountree of Kansas City, Missouri.

Jesse dedicated her life to caring for others. She worked for many years as a Certified Nursing Assistant and was one of the pioneering staff members who helped open HIV/AIDS care units in the region. She later became a supervisor at South Oak Nursing Home and served as a counselor assistant, supporting teenagers in addiction recovery. Jesse was part of a unique unit that cared for young men living with HIV/AIDS—often staying with them after hours and walking with them through the final stages of life.

Her compassion extended beyond her work. She never stopped striving to be a better person while strengthening her bonds with her children, family and friends. When in need, and if she could help you, there would be no hesitation, deeply rooted in hospitality and the service of God's people.

Jesse accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior, was baptized, and joined her church family. She was a member of NAACP, participated in nursing care outreach, and often witnessed to others about the Lord. She regularly gave to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and sent scripture books to her daughters, nurturing their faith.

Jesse leaves to cherish her memory:

- Her daughter Teresa (Remo) Williams

- Her sons Stephon Marcie (xx) Rountree and Phines (Leota) Sanders Jr

- Her sisters Billie K. Baird, Debra (Curtis) Walton, Charita Rountree, Benita Rountree, and Patrice W. Veraguth

- Her brothers Billy Rountree Jr. and Paul Dumas

- Seven grandchildren and Seven great-grandchildren

- A host of nieces, nephews, life sisters, friends, and loved ones

Her legacy lives on in every life she touched—with kindness, strength, and unwavering faith.

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💐 A Note from the Family

We, the family of Jesse Elizabeth Sanders (Rountree), would like to express our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers during this time of remembrance. Your presence, kind words, and thoughtful gestures have brought comfort to our hearts and reminded us of the many lives Jesse touched with her compassion, strength, and unwavering faith.

Jesse lived her life in service to others, and it brings us peace to know that her legacy continues through each of you. Whether you shared a moment, a memory, or a prayer with her, you were part of the joy she carried and the love she gave so freely.

Thank you for walking with us as we celebrate her life and honor her spirit. May God bless you and keep you, just as Jesse would have wished.

With love,

The Sanders and Rountree Families