Remembering Pastor Jessie Mae White Grand Rapids Godmother Of Female Clergy
On August 23, 1931, Mr. Isaac and Ruth Nathan gave birth to a precious baby girl in Houlka, Mississippi. They named her Jessie Mae Nathan. Jessie Mae chronologically fell in the middle of her siblings: Isaac, Alice, Ruth, and William. She came through the turbulence of being a field worker in Mississippi alongside her parents and siblings chopping cotton. After the untimely death of her father, Jessie's mother married Mr. Robert Crawford.
As a child, Jessie Mae was rarely able to attend church due to the nature of that day and age and the mandate of tending the fields. Whenever the opportunity presented itself, she and the family would attend revivals.
On February 1, 1947 (70 years ago), Jessie married Neuben White. Two years later the determined young couple, seeking to find a better life, moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Their first home was a rented apartment on Grant Street.
Soon after, Jessie Mae found employment at Woolworth as a dishwasher. She was a good employee, fast learner and eventually became Head Cook. After 25 years of diligent service, Woolworth closed its doors leading Jessie Mae to seek employment at Lakos' Restaurant on 28th Street (Harvey Cadillac site today).
Jessie diligently worked there in all mechanisms of the business until her retirement.
Realizing the need for true guidance and a stationery foundation in her life and marriage, the couple became visiting local churches. Neuben and Jessie were introduced to Mother Roberta Hunter who was the pastor of Saint Mary's Temple of Peace. In 1955 they became members. Jessie worked very closely with Mother Hunter.
She was dependable and possessed a heart and love for God and the people of God. She tried to ignore the voice of the Lord calling her into a great work but the Holy Spirit wouldn't leave her alone.
On numerous occasions Mother Hunter professed to Jessie " The Lord wants to use you child, but you just won't let him." Jessie continued singing in the choir, playing the organ, working in the Women's Department, serving as State Supervisor, and many other electives being a diligent worker in the vineyard of Christ. Eventually, she obtained ministerial licensing through Metropolitan Spiritual Churches of Christ Inc.
Rev White was assigned to eulogize her mentor and pastor, Mother Roberta Hunter. It wasn't until Mother Hunter's death that Jessie would fully utilize her call and opportunities afforded by being a licensed minister.
On September 25, 1974, Rev White was installed as Pastor of Saint Mary's Temple of Peace Church. At that time, the church was located at 1107 Sheldon and was the official Grand Rapids Quartet Headquarters, the welcoming venue to many "britches slappers" concerts and various meetings in this community. This grand gesture of hospitality extends yet today.
After a visit to the Mother church in Kansas City, Missouri (Metropolitan Spiritual Churches of Christ) Pastor White told her husband how she loved the architectural structure of the church and the dream of Saint Mary's having a similar worship structure.
Her husband replied "We can have a church just like that". Though they were few in numbers they were mighty in faith and geared up to make Pastor White's dream a reality.
Once the members had unanimously accepted the design, they sought to begin the process of building. Almost immediately, obstacles upon obstacles confronted them and caused frustration and discouragement. The bank initially denied them a loan and their existing worship building was struck by vandalism on several different occasions. Determined not to accept defeat, the church members bonded together and had fundraisers and even gave their own resources to make that dream come to pass.
Pastor White was a devoted wife and supportive Christian woman with an indomitable spirit and strong work ethic.
We've always known her to work outside the home spanning 60+ years of employment.
Pastor White was a tall stately woman who had a smile that made everyone, including strangers, comfortable. She didn't need to demand respect as it was something others freely offered her due to her gracious spirit and warm heart.
She was incredibly supportive and helped many family members on the road of life to have a second chance, inspiring them to be "better" because just being good is not good enough.
She courageously faced every chapter in life's journey with confidence and reliance upon the Lord. She loved her church; St Mary's Temple of Peace and was especially connected with the Presiding Bishop James Tindall. The church body, City of Grand Rapids celebrate and honor her as the eldest living female pastor in the city, County and State. She held this position until January 2023.
Pastor While was not one to lie, gossip, use profane language or speak the Lord's name in vain. She was brilliant, wise, humble, honest, and patient.
She chose to do what was right and was constantly helping others. She could always find the positive in any situation and the time to uplift someone else. She was one who never smoked, drank, or gambled.
She had a "no-nonsense attitude" and had no problem letting you know when you had crossed the line.
For many decades our Right Rev Jessie White, fulfilled the role of Pastor. With Great Commission obedience, she modeled scriptural love and influenced many lives. Pastor Jessie Mae White was a perfect usher for the bringing in of God's Kingdom on Earth.
The Grand Rapids Women in Ministry Fellowship, (an organization manifested through her and Dr. Linda Hollies' vision and discipleship) take this moment in time to publicly honor and celebrate her life.
She definitely gave women in clergy a blueprint to the path of servitude for the people of God. We are striving to be a reflection of that mission.
On Saturday morning, January 21, 2023, having lived a full and blessed life of 91 years, Pastor Jessie White transitioned peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior, whom she loved so dearly. She has landed at her ultimate destination. She is "present with the Lord."
Our beloved Godmother of Female Clergy, by the anointing of God, soared to great heights during her lifetime and assignment on the earth.
On Friday, February 3, 2023 people came from across the country to celebrate the life of Pastor Jessie Mae White. Yes they came…..once children but now grown adults. A reunion choir was formed to sing the songs of the time. Others came to behold the memory of their spiritual birth.
The Bishop James E Curry Jr, , Co-adjutor of Metropolitan Spiritual Churches of Christ Inc delivered the eulogy. Bishop James D Tindall, International Presiding Prelate, Metropolitan Spiritual Churches of Christ Inc., officiated.
There is a garden that encompasses the true meaning of a "Good Shepard". We recognize and know her as Grand Rapids beloved Pastor Jessie Mae White.
Grand Rapids Women in Ministry Fellowship
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