Jessie Gay "Jake" Stewart Shorter received her eternal reward on Friday, March 20, 2026. Mrs. Jessie passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 22, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at New Zion Baptist Church in Braxton. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 23, at 2:00 P.M. at New Zion Baptist Church. Bro. Jimmy Errington and Bro. John Gordan will officiate the ceremony. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Mendenhall is coordinating arrangements. (601) 847-4401

Jessie was born on August 27, 1934, in Smith County to Barney Eaton Stewart and Cordy Tuggle Stewart. Graduate of Magee High School, Jessie went onto spend a career in administration, bulk of which was spent at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, where she eventually retired.

Jessie met and married her husband of 61 years, G.W. Shorter on May 30, 1959, and they settled on Shorter family land in the New Zion Community, where they raised their three daughters. A member of New Zion Baptist Church, Jessie became a pillar of the community through her service and love of music. Her signature alto voice could be heard throughout the church during song services and was often requested for specials. She remained devoted to her faith and was often found studying her Bible, even during her final months.

Surrounded by friends throughout their lives, Jessie and G.W. were founding members of the "Creeper Crawlers" and often traveled together, played card games together, and truly did life together.

Jessie is preceded in death by her husband, G.W. Shorter; mother, Cordy Tuggle Stewart; father, Barney Eaton Stewart; brother, Grady Harold Stewart; sisters, Jewel Roberts Ward, Joy Catherine Stewart, Shirley Mae Thames; sister-in-law, Glendola Shorter Kennedy; and grandson, Zachary Neal Martin.

Survivors include her daughter, Suzan (Neal) Martin; daughter, Denise (Tim) Shows; daughter, Patti (Chris) Patton; grandchildren, Jessica (Tyler) Ordway, Elizabeth (Garrett) Brandon, Matthew (Lindsey) Shows, and Jennifer Shows; 6 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Jessie Shorter will be laid to eternal rest in the family cemetery at New Zion Baptist Church in Braxton, Mississippi.

Online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelmageemendenhall.com