Jezabell Barclay

With deep sorrow and loving remembrance, we announce the passing of Jezabell "Jessie" Barclay on September 17, 2025, at the age of 84. Jessie was a woman of warmth, strength, and generosity - someone who gave from the heart and always showed up when you needed her most.

Jessie was born in Talladega, Alabama on December 21, 1940, to parents Ullman and Roseanna Barclay. She was 1 of 14 children born into a close and loving family. Jessie attended Cobb High School in Anniston, AL. Her faith was rooted early in life; she was baptized at Africa Church in Talladega, AL, a spiritual foundation that guided her throughout her life.

In the 1960s, she relocated to New Jersey, where she built a new life filled with love, laughter, and purpose. It was there she met her lifelong partner, William "Bill" Nolen. Together, they shared decades of love and partnership while raising seven children, with love, patience, and unwavering support.

Jessie briefly worked at the welfare office in Newark, New Jersey, where she proudly served her community for five years. The majority of her working career was spent as a domestic worker, which she did for twenty years. Her true work, her calling, was in the home and in the hearts of those around her. She was a caregiver by nature, always doing what she could to support friends, family, and even strangers.

She had a love for cooking and was happiest in the kitchen, preparing meals that brought everyone together. She also enjoyed spending time at the casino, where she found joy, excitement, and the occasional lucky streak.

A devoted fan of her soap operas - General Hospital, The Young and the Restless, and The Bold and the Beautiful - Jessie didn't just watch TV; she followed the stories like they were family. When it came to sports, she was as loyal and passionate as they come. She cheered for the New York Giants, Golden State Warriors, and New York Yankees, however her heart held a special place for the Philadelphia Eagles - especially her favorite player, Jalen Hurts.

Jessie's home was always open, her table always full, and her heart always ready to love. She had a way of making people feel safe, heard, and cherished. Her presence was powerful, and her absence will be deeply felt.

She is survived by her beloved partner William "Bill" Nolen, her five children, Cornell Barclay, Cheryl Jackson, Renee Barclay, Angelique Barclay, and Rodney Barclay; grandchildren, Antoine Barclay, Ciara Jackson, Tiffany Barclay, Terrell Barclay, Aaron Jackson, Raquel Paris, Antonio Harris, Kyle Jackson, Tiana Layne, Trevon Barclay, Asia Barclay, and Yakez Barclay; siblings, Hattie Neomie Barclay and Ullman Barclay Jr; great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and numerous extended family members and friends who will carry her memory.

She is preceded in death by her parents Ullman and Roseanna Barclay, eleven of her siblings, and her beloved sons Antonio Barclay and Andre Barclay, who she now joins in eternal peace.

A celebration of Jessie's life will be held on September 26, 2025 at 10am at Woody Home for Services located at 163 Oakwood Avenue, Orange, NJ. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend and honor the remarkable life she lived.

Though she has departed this world, Jessie's spirit, her strength, her laughter, and her love will live on in all of us.