Jessie M. Hayes

Jessie Mae Nelson was born March 8, 1940 to Earnest Nelson and Cassie Mae Reid Nelson in Texarkana, Arkansas. She was the only girl of four children. She departed this life on January 26, 2011 at the age of 70.

Jessie Mae was preceded in death by her father Earnest Nelson, brothers Sonny Nelson, JC Nelson, her beloved mother Cassie Mae Austin and her brother JD Nelson.

Jessie Mae and her mother migrated to California when she was 10 years old. They lived with her brother JD in Berkeley, CA for a short time and eventually settled in Merced, CA where she attended Weaver Elementary and Merced High Schools. Jessie Mae was an honor student. She married Jack Slaton Jr. in 1957. From this union came her five children. Jessie Mae worked as a nurse for over 40 years and was known for her bed side manner. She was a dedicated mother and was active in all phases of her children lives. She stressed education to her children and was actively involved with the school systems as the president of Weaver Elementary School Parent Teachers Association. She could also be found in the stand of her children sporting events cheering at high school and college games.

Jessie Mae’s life was committed to service and helping others. She thought big. She was instrumental in getting Jessie Jackson to visit Merced on behalf of Adah Chapter #7 Order of the Eastern Star. She was a stellar member of the Eastern Star serving over 45 years in various positions including Worthy Matron. She was a volunteer income tax preparer for seniors and low income individuals for many years. She loved to plan and attend parties. She loved gardening, baking, decorating cakes, sewing, music, socializing, shopping, and spending time with her family. She had a green thumb and could grow anything. She had no fear of hard work.

The joy of Jessie Mae’s life was her family. She was a devoted daughter, sister, mother and grandmother. All her grandchildren called her “Honey” and she had special nick names for each of them also. She always had positive words and a warm smile to share with everyone. She was as sweet as “Honey”.

Later in life Jessie Mae married Arthur Hayes Jr. in 1985. They raised a grandson together. Side by side they remodeled homes and built one home from scratch. They traveled across the United States, Canada, and Mexico visiting family and friends. They loved to ramble around and find places to stop. Arthur was a very devoted and loving husband until her passing.

Jessie Mae was not afraid to drive. She spent time between homes in Atwater and Farmington. She loved her church and was a founding member of Progressive Community Church in Stockton where Glenn R. Shields is Pastor. She participated in all types of ministries for the church including the welcome committee, bible study, and prayer groups.

Jessie Mae leaves behind to cherish her memory: sons Mark, Kent, Tony and his wife Vicki, and Dion Slaton: daughter LaVonne Slaton-Amey and her husband Kenneth; step children, Janice, Arthur, Tim, Janie, Beverly, and Jeffery Hayes; grandchildren, Marcus, Lanard, Benjamin, Brandie, Denisha, Briana, Brisa, and Dene; step grandchildren, Ambre, Shawn, Yvonne, Clarence, and Nicole; four great grandchildren; nephews, James Nelson Jr. and Michael Nelson; niece, Betty Ann; God daughters, Alita Bryant Taylor and Juliette Robinson. She leaves behind a host of relatives and friends. No one was a stranger for long.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 3, 2011 from 1:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 4, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Apostolic Tabernacle in Merced. Burial will follow at Merced District Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.