Obituary for Mother Jessie Mae Pratt
Mother Jessie M. Pratt transitioned from earth to glory on Sunday June 28, 2020 peacefully at her home in Rochester, NY. She was born in Arlington, Mississippi on September 1, 1933 the third child of 14 children, (5) five to the union of the late Ester and Ernestine Cutrer then remarried to Robert Williams and (9) nine from that union. She gave her life to Christ at an early age and was the first in her family to become Saved and filled with the Holy Ghost. Through her love for Christ and commitment she led many of her family and friends to the Lord.
Mother Pratt relocated to Illinois and married the late Minister James Adell Sr., and out of this union 11 children were born. She and Minister Adell were entrepreneurs, owning several successful businesses together. Also, in 1972 she was ordained as a minister by Bishop Kirby J. Hensley of the Universal Life Church, Inc.
In 1974 Mother Pratt met the love of her life and was united in matrimony to Linwood Pratt Jr. and relocated to Rochester, New York. She continued in the entrepreneur spirit, and they owned a Real Estate business, managing numerous properties. In 1976, she was elevated to Pastor of Christ Deliverance Church until 1982.
In 1983, she founded Genesee Riverside Neighborhood Preservation, Inc., and served as Director, advocating for low income residents and against corporate housing rental increases. In recognition of her lifelong passion for civic engagement, she was awarded a certificate of appreciation by Action for a Better Community, Inc., a nationally recognized Community Action Agencies.
In 2000, Mother Pratt received her Evangelist license through the Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the Bishop James Wright Sr., jurisdictional Prelate Bishop, and continued to serve the Lord and her community. She worked for Rochester City School District (RCSD) where she retired in 2001 after years of dedicated service.
Preceding her in death: her eldest son James Adell Jr., daughter Carolyn Adell-Amons, (2) two grandsons, (2) two granddaughters, (1) one great grandson, (12) twelve sisters, and (12) twelve brothers.
She leaves to cherish her memory: (6) six daughters: Donna (Kenneth L. Sr.) Hawkins, Patricia Beauchamp, Shirley Adell, Rebecca Adell, Lauretta (Carl Sr.) Conde, Emma (Clifford L.) Lovett; (3) three sons: Valdez Adell, Elder Jeremiah Sr. (Pamela) Adell, Elder Paul Sr. (Twanya) Adell; (5) five sisters: Elmeader Williams, Darphine Williams, Ida Mae Sparkman, Mary (Alfred) Jackson, Lucy C James; (5) five brothers: Larry Cutrer, Willie J. (Frances) Williams, Arthur J. Williams, Johnnie L. (Mary) Williams, A.D. (Jacqueline) Williams; (38) thirty-eight grandchildren, (73) seventy-three great grandchildren, and (4) four great-great grandchildren.
Mother Pratt relocated to Illinois and married the late Minister James Adell Sr., and out of this union 11 children were born. She and Minister Adell were entrepreneurs, owning several successful businesses together. Also, in 1972 she was ordained as a minister by Bishop Kirby J. Hensley of the Universal Life Church, Inc.
In 1974 Mother Pratt met the love of her life and was united in matrimony to Linwood Pratt Jr. and relocated to Rochester, New York. She continued in the entrepreneur spirit, and they owned a Real Estate business, managing numerous properties. In 1976, she was elevated to Pastor of Christ Deliverance Church until 1982.
In 1983, she founded Genesee Riverside Neighborhood Preservation, Inc., and served as Director, advocating for low income residents and against corporate housing rental increases. In recognition of her lifelong passion for civic engagement, she was awarded a certificate of appreciation by Action for a Better Community, Inc., a nationally recognized Community Action Agencies.
In 2000, Mother Pratt received her Evangelist license through the Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the Bishop James Wright Sr., jurisdictional Prelate Bishop, and continued to serve the Lord and her community. She worked for Rochester City School District (RCSD) where she retired in 2001 after years of dedicated service.
Preceding her in death: her eldest son James Adell Jr., daughter Carolyn Adell-Amons, (2) two grandsons, (2) two granddaughters, (1) one great grandson, (12) twelve sisters, and (12) twelve brothers.
She leaves to cherish her memory: (6) six daughters: Donna (Kenneth L. Sr.) Hawkins, Patricia Beauchamp, Shirley Adell, Rebecca Adell, Lauretta (Carl Sr.) Conde, Emma (Clifford L.) Lovett; (3) three sons: Valdez Adell, Elder Jeremiah Sr. (Pamela) Adell, Elder Paul Sr. (Twanya) Adell; (5) five sisters: Elmeader Williams, Darphine Williams, Ida Mae Sparkman, Mary (Alfred) Jackson, Lucy C James; (5) five brothers: Larry Cutrer, Willie J. (Frances) Williams, Arthur J. Williams, Johnnie L. (Mary) Williams, A.D. (Jacqueline) Williams; (38) thirty-eight grandchildren, (73) seventy-three great grandchildren, and (4) four great-great grandchildren.