Jessaka Mae-Beth Dukes

On June 20, 1973, at 4:34 a.m., Jessaka made her earthly debut at Children’s Hospital in San Francisco, Calif. She spent her elementary and junior high years in Oceanside, Calif. An inquisitive child, Jessaka made an impact on students and teachers in each school she attended. High school years were split between two schools where she participated in the marching band, track and field, short flags, and several groups focused on cultural diversity. Jessaka proudly received her diploma in 1991 from Newark High School.

After high school she attended Emerson College (Boston) and, in 1995, earned her B.A. in Mass Communications, Television Production and Film. Jessaka was a vibrant member of multiple multicultural organizations and was especially thrilled to be a part of Asabiyah Psi, a newly established sisterhood primarily based on ethnicity and cultural diversity.

Her career path led her back to California where she began her profession in television production in Los Angeles. Jessaka was an invaluable employee at companies including Studio City, Carsey-Werner, Technicolor, Warner Brothers, Deluxe and Disney. Although she worked behind the scenes, she appeared on camera multiple times in popular shows such as “Seinfeld” and “ER”.

Jessaka's passions included dancing, music, movies and Star Trek. She had exceptional organizational skills so it was no surprise when she took a brief hiatus from the television industry and tested the waters working as a professional organizer.

As soon as Jessaka learned to read, the challenge began. Any place that had an aisle of books drew her in and like the scene in “Home Alone,” Jess was nowhere in sight when it was departure time. But you could always find her in the book aisle — reading a book!

Anyone who knew her knew she enjoyed learning (philosophy and history were tops on the list) and found it a delight when she could teach something to someone else! She admired the studiousness of others and relished intellectual conversation.

Jessaka’s love language was “quality time” so unsurprisingly, she demanded total attention when engaging with family or friends. She wanted quality time from you and gave quality time to you. And some of the best quality time was spent watching her older sister cook her favorite meal of tacos or engaging in intriguing conversations that aided her younger sister through the storms of life. She and her brother would talk for hours about movies – trading ideas about characters, directors, as well as dissecting scenes, dialogue and plots.

And above all, Jessaka kept God at the forefront of her life. She was not boisterous about her faith and made no argument to try to convince anyone that they should “believe the way she did.” She just lived the life!

Jessaka Mae-Beth Dukes, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, friend, and child of God, transitioned to the presence of her Lord on Sunday, January 16, 2022 at her home in Van Nuys, Calif.

Left in this world with cherished memories of Jessaka are her:

Mother: Mildred Spearman-Royster

Sisters: Nacole “Cola” Holmes-Miller (Dennis), and Danyell Royster

Brother: Devearl Royster lll (Tasheena)

Remembering good times with Jessaka will also be shared amongst her BFFs, Godparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and acquaintances.

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In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Jessaka’s name to:

** www.PatSpearman.com (an aunt proudly referred to as "Aunt Senator" - from Nevada. Jessaka strongly believed in, admired and supported her aunt's public service platform in government and commitment to helping others. Promoting her aunt behind the scenes was a very fulfilling and gratifying experience for Jessaka)**

AND/OR

** Keeping Hope Alive (an organization she quietly donated to for years)**

AND/OR

** www.ThistleFarms.org (please choose “honor gifts” and select “please notify the following person of my gift” to: The Family of Jessaka Dukes, 1310 S Jackson Rd., Terry, MS 39170)

AND/OR

A charity of your choice.