Jessie Mae Blackmon, 86 was born in Montgomery Alabama, January 25, 1934 to Sypher Smith Jr. and Rebecca Barnett.  Jessie took her flight to her eternal home, gaining her “Heavenly Wings” on Tuesday, February 25, 2020.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Blackmon; father, Sypher Smith; mother, Rebecca Barnett; stepmother, Carrie Lee Smith; brothers, Joseph  and Willie Smith; son, Kenneth Blackmon; and grandsons, Jeffere Blackmon and Edward Duck III.

Jessie was a longtime and faithful member of United Baptist Church of Akron Ohio until failing health would not allow her to attend services.

Jessie retired after thirty years of service with Kent State University and North Coast Behavior Centers, collectively.

Jessie Mae, affectionately known as “Jabo”, to family and close friends, was a strong, caring, loving, loyal, God fearing woman. Jessie Mae was a mother to many. She was honored with a Humanitarian Award for her giving spirit and loving heart.  Jessie was known among her family and friends for her barbequed ribs, which were mouthwatering. Her “Famous Special Sauce” ingredients were sought after by everyone who was lucky enough to have tasted her barbequed ribs.

Jessie Mae loved taking short bus trips to different events with her friends and spending time with her family. She was loved and respected by them all.

Jessie is survived by son, Ronald Smith of Akron, Ohio; daughters, Theresa (Thomas) Parker of Elmore, Alabama; Merilyn Blackmon, and Angela Duck of Akron, Ohio; brother, Samuel (Barbara) Smith of Pensacola, Florida; sisters, Mary (Ceasar) Jones, Marie Roper, Shirley (J.T.) Coleman, Virginia (Billie) Patterson, all of Montgomery, Alabama; Special cousin, Frank Barnett of Akron Ohio; and a host of grandchildren,  great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.