Jesse Lee Harris was born in Winstonville, Mississippi, on August 24, 1944 to the late Lelia Mae Harris Triplett and A.G. Latham. He was the first of six children born to Lelia Mae Harris Triplett. In his youth he expressed his faith in Jesus Christ, was baptized and united with the Mt. Moriah M.B. Church family in Winstonville, MS which was pastored by Reverend O.S. Stevenson. He later joined the Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Andrew Hawkins in Mound Bayou, MS. Jesse developed a love for his Mount Olive church family and his pastor. He especially enjoyed his New Member Orientation sessions and he yearned to read the world of God or to have it read to him when he was unable to do so. Seeking a closer walk with God, he attended worship services on a regular basis until his health failed. Jesse received his early education in the Winstonville area schools. He continued his education in the Mound Bayou Public School District and graduated from Mound Bayou High School in May 1964. Jesse enjoyed the game of baseball and was a star left-handed pitcher on the Hornet baseball team. Because of his skill at the pitcher's mound, he was awarded an athletic scholarship by Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas, where he enrolled in the fall of 1964. On May 4, 1967 he was united in holy matrimony to Emily Campbell. Three children were born to this union - Jesse V, Kwame, and Nia. He also was the father of Jangre, Velina, and John. Although, once employed by Douglass and Lomason of Cleveland, MS, Taborian Hospital, and the Chicago Transit Authority, Jesse's ultimate desire was to own and operate a business. That desire was fulfilled when he was blessed to open a laundry and dry cleaning business in Mound Bayou. Those who knew him recognize that he was a people person and one who never met a stranger. He could conversate with anyone. He had an infectious laugh and a dazzling smile. Jesse loved his family and his grandchildren were his pride and joy. Jesse lifted his eyes toward heaven and at 12:53 a.m. God called his soul to rest at his residence surrounded by his beloved family.