Jessie Lee Dandridge, 1927-2019

Mrs. Dandridge was born Aug. 4, 1927, in Como, Miss., a daughter of William and Evelena Callicut Hardin.

She had been employed and retired from Youngstown City Schools in the custodial department. She was one of the founding members of Mount Gilead Baptist Church where she served in the mission, choir, nursing and Wednesday prayer band ministry. She was also president of both the nurses guild and the children’s choir.

She leaves to cherish her memories and legacy seven children, Lena (Anthony) Jones of Youngstown, Josephine (Samuel) Robinson of Hubbard, Cowillie (Cleveland) Wilder, John Willie (Karen) Dandridge, Mack Henry Dandridge, Phillis Ann Dandridge, with whom she made her home, and Claudy Edward Dandridge, all of Youngstown; three sisters, Eddie Mae Reed of Springfield, Christine Jackson of Topeka, Kan. and Mattie V. Davis of Chicago, Ill.; a brother, Ralph Hardin of Lowellville; 85 grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren; and Jessie Hardin, who was like a son to her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband John Henry Dandridge; a son who died at birth; a daughter, Eveline Ballard; two sisters, Joada Clay and Martha Eldridge; four brothers, Bennie, William, Roosevelt and Ethel Hardin; two grandchildren, Cedric Robinson and Mack Dandridge; and a great-grandchild who died at birth.

Services will be 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22, 2019, at Mount Gilead Baptist Church.

Friends may call one hour prior to the services, 10 to 11 a.m., at the church.

Arrangements where entrusted to L.E. Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home.

(special notice)