Jesse C. Houston Jr.

Visitation will be 5:00-8:00pm, Wednesday, March 4, 2020, and 12:00-1:00pm, Thursday, March 5, 2020, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. Funeral services will follow at 1:00pm on Thursday in the funeral home chapel with interment in Lakewood South Cemetery.

Jesse was born October 11, 1935, at the Jackson Infirmary, Jackson, Mississippi. At the age of 11 he was enrolled in the Cerebral Palsy School where he learned to walk at the age of 14.

Jesse’s innate drive to work and stay “on the go” served him well and as a young man he labored mowing lawns and owned a small store off of Bailey Avenue in Jackson.

In time Jesse began roasting peanuts and selling them at Smith- Wills Stadium for the Jackson Mets games. Thus a career was born and Jesse became a fixture at the Mets games for more than 20 years.

Later Jesse could often be found doling out peanuts and a smile for each customer during shows at the Jackson Trade Mart or in front of the Brandon Kroger. Throughout the years Jesse drove a three wheel bicycle all over the greater Jackson area until he purchased his famous Cushman Scooter.

Jesse accepted Christ while attending Highland Baptist Church in Jackson while Bro. Sam Creel was pastor. Following his salvation Jesse faithfully read his Bible daily.

In his free time Jesse enjoyed sports, particularly baseball, and was an avid Ole Miss fan.

Perhaps Jesse will best be remembered for his sunny disposition, always finding the positive in any situation. Jesse was a rock to many people throughout Mississippi and was the kind of man everyone looked up to. His legacy of faith and determination will resound with his family and friends for years to come.

Survivors include brother, Jimmy R. Houston and wife Bonnie Moore Houston; sister, Jackie Houston Earley and husband Rev. Paul E. Earley; numerous nephews and nieces; and many, many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse C. Houston, Sr. and Jestine Walker Houston; and brother Jerry Dale Houston.

In honor of Jesse’s love for children, memorials may be made to The Baptist Children’s Village of Mississippi at www.bapstistchildrensvillage.com.