Jessie Leniear Jr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a beloved soul, Jessie Leniear, Jr. one of God's greatest soldiers, who has now returned to the arms of the Lord. As the scripture reminds us, "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8). Jessie Leniear, Jr. fought a good fight, and he has finished his course.

A Public Visitation to honor and remember Jessie will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm at First Philippian Grace Church, located at 24801 W. Chicago, Redford, Michigan 48239. Reflections and remarks will be shared from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life service for Jessie will take place on Saturday, March 9, 2024, starting with the Family Hour at 12:00 pm, followed by the Funeral at 1:00 pm at First Philippian Grace Church. Remarks for the family will be offered between 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm.

Those who wish to offer their condolences through flowers may have them delivered to the church on Friday, March 8, 2024, between 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm. If you need a florist please contact Chuck at 248-450-3221.

Jessie Leniear, Jr. was born Tuesday, December 26, 1944 in Fargo, Arkansas to his wonderful and loving parents, the late Rosetta and Jesse Leniear, Sr. He was raised in a very large family which included several children.

He attended Zent Public Schools in a small two room schoolhouse from 1st to 6th grades. He attended Mount Pleasant Junior High in Dark Corner going towards Cotton Plant, Arkansas in the 7th and 8th grades. He attended 9th -12 grades at Marian Anderson Senior High School in Brinkley, Arkansas.

His first job was actually right in his own backyard on the farm in Fargo, Arkansas. From the age of 12-18, he picked cotton, slaughtered hogs, milked cows, fed chickens, grew his own food, and did it all on the Leniear, Home Farm. He even picked cotton in as much as 175-200 pounds a day during cotton picking months which usually ran from September until December.

His Second job where he was actually employed by a company was with the Van Heusen Shirt Factory in Brinkley, Arkansas from 1964-1968. He worked in the sewing factory where he stamped the size and number of shirts on the boxes which were later shipped to various companies. He did not ever sew any of the shirts but he made sure that they were packed properly.

In the early part of 1968, Jessie Jr. moved 850 miles from his childhood home in Fargo, Arkansas to the Motor City, Detroit, Michigan. He rode a Greyhound bus to Detroit where his older sister Atlean resided. He soon found a job at Chrysler where he worked for two weeks. He worked on the line helping put engines together. Soon afterwards he quit that job because he hated working on the line.

His younger brother Robert informed him about a job at General Motors Detroit Diesel Plant and he went to work there immediately after he quit his job at Chrysler. He said that he would never work for Chrysler again but since the General Motors Detroit Diesel Plant sold out a few times to the following companies: Penske then back to General Motors, and during his last five to six years on the job, guess who he ended up working for again? Yes, you guessed it Detroit Diesel became the property of Chrysler. So through not choice of his own, he did work for Chrysler again. He worked at Detroit Diesel for 38 and a 1⁄2 years. During the first 17 years on the job at Detroit Diesel, he worked as a Chip Handler, in other words, he worked on the broom. This job entailed picking up and sweeping up the metal pieces that were left after the other workers completed their jobs. The last 21 and a 1⁄2 years, he worked for Detroit Diesel as a Yard Laborer in Building Services which means he helped keep the plant running smoothly keeping the plant clean.

In the late 1970’s, his younger sister Pearl was very instrumental in helping her big brother Jessie Jr. learn about God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. He was saved around 1978 by believing in the Gospel of the Grace of God according to the Holy Bible which is: “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1st Corinthians 15: 1-4). Jessie has lead so many people to finding salvation through the Lord. He especially loved explaining the Gospel in his work place, and favorite Coney Island Mary’s Grill.

On June 7, 1980, he married the love of his life, his soulmate Gail Frances. Two children were born to this union: Jason Leniear, and Kimberly Leniear. Gail, a woman whose love and devotion knew no bounds. Together, they shared 43 1/2 years of a marriage built on trust, respect, and unconditional love. Gail was not only Jessie's wife but also his rock, his confidante, and his truest companion. Her unwavering support and love sustained him throughout his life, and her presence brought light and joy to his every day. Though Jessie has left this world, the bond they shared remains unbroken, a testament to a love that transcends time and space. Gail's steadfast commitment to Jessie until the end is a beautiful example of true love and devotion. May her strength and love continue to guide her through this difficult time, knowing that the love they shared will forever live on in her heart. Jessie Leniear, Jr. departed this life on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 4:44 p.m. in Dearborn, Michigan.

Jessie was preceded in death by his parents, Rosetta and Jessie Leniear, Sr., his daughter Tangela Deniece Leniear, and his siblings Atlean Jones, Eva Lewis, Rosie Lee "Red" Watson, Roberta Houston, and Ocie Lee Driver.

Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife of 43 years, Gail Frances Leniear. His daughters Helen Lashawn Leniear-Strickland (Jacksonville, Arkansas) and Kimberly Brooke Leniear (Detroit, Michigan). His only son Jason Bernard Leniear (Detroit, Michigan). Five grandchildren: Braelon Leniear, Maija Jones, Carlos Strickland II, Sophia Platt- Leniear, and Jayce Mobley. Two great grandchildren: Dawn Jones and Eden Jones. Two younger brothers: Robert (Eva) Leniear of Detroit, Michigan and Willie Lee “Duck” (Lessie) Leniear of Little Rock, Arkansas. Two older sisters. Betty Leniear of Chicago, Illinois and Jerlean Driver of Little Rock, Arkansas, and three younger sisters: Pearlean (Sylvester) Jennings, Lora Leniear, and Mary “Tip” Leniear-Bates, all of Detroit, Michigan. Sister and Brother in Law: John and Joyce Smith of Baldwyn, Mississippi. Two God Daughters Danielle June, and Carla Hill. Two God sons Elijah and Ethan Howell. Special friend Wallace Miller of Flint Michigan. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.