March 21, 1948- May 4, 2020
Jessie Lewis Ealy, age 72 of Somerset, MA, passed away, Monday, May 4, 2020 at his residence after a courageous battle with long-term illness. He was surrounded by his loving wife and college sweetheart, Libby V. (Hogan) Ealy with whom he shared nearly 50 years, and his children.
Born in Hillsboro, Mississippi, the son of Mary Lois (Lemon) Spivey and the late J.L. Ealy;
Jessie attended Arsenal Technical High School, Indianapolis IN, where he was a member of the honor society, Tech Legion and an all-star half -back for the Titans.
He went on to have a successful college football career as a running back for Indiana State University, earning the title of Most Valuable Player in his senior year. During that time, he also became a charter member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity.
Upon graduation in 1971, Jessie was invited to join the Chicago Bears and the Dallas Cowboys as a walk-on; although he loved football he chose to pursue a career utilizing his degree in business.
Throughout his career, Jessie held various positions most notable as a manager for Osco Drug in Dorchester, MA and Chief Executive Officer for New Directions, in New Bedford, MA.
Anyone that knew, Jessie, knew that he was an avid sports fan and the Pittsburgh Steelers were his team. Over the years, he enjoyed recreational basketball, fishing, and drawing.
He loved to dance, whether it was discoing with his wife back in the day or showing off his James Brown moves at any function.
Most of all, Jessie enjoyed spending time with his family, sharing jokes, debating issues, and teaching his grandchildren traditional games like Monopoly but also the family games like “slap-it” and “ the claw”.
Jessie was a devout Christian. Throughout his walk with Christ, he was privileged to be an elder and was passionate about the youth and providing overall support to the community, by participating in the Mid-City and Inner City Youth ministries.
He was a beloved member and respected leader at Christ Community Church, in Taunton MA where he served on the transition team, missions board, and several leadership teams over the years and had the opportunity to be a short-term missionary.
Jessie was preceded in death by his father J.L.Ealy, his siblings Chester and Mary Francis Ealy, and his daughter Andrea Ealy.
In addition to his wife Libby, Jessie is survived by 4 children: Derek C. Ealy of Somerset; Erin E. Poyant (Matthew Poyant) of Fairhaven; Bethany R. Ealy of Somerset; and Rachel E. Cohenno (Andrew Cohenno) of Stoughton. 2 grandchildren: Margaux Elise Poyant and Taran Jessie Poyant.
His mother, Mary Lois Spivey of Indianapolis, IN. siblings: John Ealy; Bonnie Williams; Arletha Ealy Newton; James Ealy Eliot; Mary Helen Ealy; Constance Spivey Williams; John Henry Spivey Jr.; Charles Spivey; Brenda Spivey, and David Spivey: and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Jessie was greatly loved by many and will be sorely missed.
Due to current restrictions, his burial will be private for immediate family. A public memorial will take place at Christ Community Church at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to further research related to hATTR Amyloidosis.
Amyloid Research Fund
Boston University School of Medicine Amyloidosis Center
72 East Concord St., K-503
Boston, MA 02118
www.bu.edu/amyloid/donate