Jesse Albert Mays was born February 12, 1950, in Bowman, SC. He was the son of the late Anderson and Minnie Garvin Mays. Being the 9th out of 9 children, he was affectionately known as Sweetie B and Cooda by his siblings.
Jesse attended Bethune Memorial High School and graduated in 1969. Sometime after graduation, Jesse enlisted into the United States Army and served for a few years. He was Honorably Discharged and then moved to Bayonne, New Jersey to explore career opportunities.
He began his career as a Machine Operator for Owens Illinois, working there until November 1981. In early 1982, Jesse began working for Smurfit Stone. He worked as a Triplex Machine Operator until the plant closed its doors in December 2006.
Jesse was joined in Holy Matrimony to his former wife, Alice Hall. Jesse and Alice raised their three children in Bayonne, New Jersey. Jesse was blessed to have one more child before retiring and relocating back to Bowman, SC in 2009.
Jesse enjoyed hanging out with his family and close friends. You could always find him working on or detailing his car, shooting billiards, or attending his son’s football games. During his retirement days, Jesse enjoyed mowing his grass, doing light farming with his brothers and great-great nephew Aiyden Mays, watching old Westerns, or hanging out with friends/family members-which included his children and grandchildren.
Jesse is predeceased by his parents, Anderson and Minnie Mays; his sisters Vernell Washington, Hycena Mays-Moody, Elease Robinson; and his oldest son, Donnell Mays.
Jesse leaves behind to cherish his memories his children LaWana Mays, Jesse Mays Jr. and Jessica Soprano; his siblings Nettie C. Brooks, Etta Scott, Clarence Mays, John Mays, and Jimmy Mays; his former wife, Alice Hall; his four grandchildren Airman 1st Class (AC1) Ajene’ Mays, Kwesi Clarke Jr., Korey Beatty Jr., and Akira Beatty; brother in-laws Thomas Hall, Paul Hall, Allen McClary, Bruce Beran, and Shellie Robinson Sr.; sister-in laws Sally Mays, Jetty Mays, Rosa Hall, Justine Hall, Lizzie Hall, Rebecca McClary; an overwhelming host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, cousins, his close circle of friends from Bayonne, NJ and other friends.

The service will proceed as follows:

The viewing will be held on Friday, May 31,2024 at Glover's Funeral Home from 1:00pm until 6:00pm.

The funeral will be held on Saturday, June 1,2024 at Glover’s Funeral Home beginning at 10:00am. All those attending service must wear a mask and adhere to all COVID-19 rules and regulations.