Jessie Mae Turner-Goodrum was born on April 15, 1947, to the late Lee Mack and Mae Belle Williams. She received her early childhood education from Lee County Public Schools. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the prestigious Historically Black University, Morris College with a degree in Education. Jessie Mae will be welcomed in heaven by her loving parents, Lee Mack and Mae Belle Williams; her husband, Harold Goodrum; her brother, Russell Cook; her sisters, Anna Lesane, Margaret Williams, Beatrice Jefferson, and Geneva Williams. Also welcoming her with open arms will be her grand-daughter, LaToya Eggerson. She leaves to carry on her legacy of love: her children, Wanda Commander (Gary), Tracy Turner Sr. (Tonjia), LaTanya Bennett, and Nichole Parks (Wilbert); fifteen grandchildren whom she adored, KiOwana Phillips (Michael), Khayla Woods (TonDray), Terrance Turner, Donje Turner, Terrell Turner, Tayshaun Turner, Tevin Turner, LaTisha Turner, Gharrye Commander, Jamia Bennett, Tamia Bennett, Toni Eggerson, and Tracy Turner Jr.; and eighteen great grandchildren. Treasuring her memory are her beautiful sisters, Wilhelmina Titus, Ula Mae Cooper, Annie Lee Williams, and Willie Mae Smith. She was well loved by a wealth of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends. Jessie Mae was passionate about serving others, especially those affected by homelessness. She spent countless years ensuring they had access to benefits, organizing warming centers during the Winter and cooling centers during the Summer. She cooked meals for them from her own kitchen and served them with a smile in sunshine, sleet, or rain. She wasn’t above recruiting others to help her carry out her mission, including her children. Every life she has touched has been impacted by her kindness. In accordance with the COVID-19 guidelines, the family is requesting that face masks and social distancing be observed by relatives and friends during visitations at the home, 1956 Forest Drive, Sumter. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a. m., Friday, March 3, 2023 at Ebenezer A. M. E. Church, 119 East Sumter Street, Mayesville, with the Rev. Leo Chapman, Jr., Pastor, Eulogist. The Remains will be placed in the church at 10:00 a. m. for viewing until time of services. The procession will leave the home at 10:15 a. m. Burial will be in the Mayesville Community Cemetery, Mayesville.
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