Jessie Mae Rhymes

Obituary of Jessie Mae Rhymes
Jessie Mae was born on Tuesday, June 23, 1953, to her parents, Jessie and Mary Gilbert in Demopolis, Alabama, the fourth of six children. They had hoped for a boy, but God blessed them with a beautiful daughter named after both of them. She accepted Christ and was baptized at nine years old.
Jessie was raised in Chicago and graduated from Lindblom Technical High School in 1971. She was a gifted athlete with a passion for roller skating, swimming, and especially cheerleading. Her dedication and spirit led her to become captain of the cheerleading team, a role she cherished. It was through cheerleading that she caught the attention of football player, Gary Rhymes, beginning a meaningful connection that would shape her life. Her athletic skills and love for music and dancing earned her a spot on the "Soul Train" television show! On December 23,1974, Jessie and Gary were married and became parents to four children, Brian Keith, Gary Gene, Jr., Jessie Maurice, and Ebony Joy. Jessie enjoyed traveling with her military husband while raising their young family. She was an excellent cook and became known for her famous Macaroni and Cheese.
Once all her children neared adulthood, Jessie furthered her education at Joliet Junior College, sometimes studying alongside her kids. Jessie proudly earned her associate's degree in 1997. She then gained employment at Commonwealth Edison in the Customer Service Department until she retired in 2013. After her retirement, she enjoyed spending time with family, including her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She earned the title as the "fun auntie." Jessie was feisty and spoke her mind! She resumed traveling the world with her sisters and her "Momma G", embracing adventure wherever she went.
Later, Jessie joined her siblings as a tender caregiver for their mother until she began to experience health challenges in 2023. After a valiant battle, she rallied but recently faced more health issues. On Thursday May 8, 2025, Jessie recommitted her life to the Lord.
On Saturday, May 24, 2025, Jessie Mae transitioned and went home to be with the Lord, with her family at her bedside.
Preceding her in death were her father, Jessie Gilbert; her husband, Gary Gene Rhymes, Sr.; and her grandson, Reggie Meadows.
Cherishing her memory are her children, Brian Rhymes, Gary Rhymes Jr., Jessie Rhymes Sr. (Sabrina), Ebony Williams (Jovonte); eight grandchildren, Darren Meadows, Jessie Rhymes, Jr., Cameron Rhymes, Taylor Williams, Briana Rhymes, Michayla Rhymes, Austin Williams, and Joseph Williams; her mother, Mary Gilbert; five siblings, Brenda Gilbert, Jewelene Horton (the late Anthony), Wilbur Gilbert (Tracy), Linda Matthews (Earl), and Lisa Gilbert; sister in law, Rena Jordan; brother in law, Lanta Rhymes, Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation for Jessie Mae Rhymes will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. An additional visitation will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m.
Friends and family are welcome to meet at the funeral home on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 12:45 p.m. to process to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL for a 2:00 p.m. committal service.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.