Obituary of Jessie Mae Woolfolk

Jessie Mae Woolfolk loved the Lord, cherished her family and friends, and lived the creed “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16. The life of Jessie Mae Woolfolk began when she was born on December 7th, 1930 in San Antonio, Texas, to her parents, Jesse Hamilton and Lydia Harper. Raised an only child, Jessie attended San Antonio, Texas public schools graduated from Phyllis Wheatley High School and completed one year at St. Phillips College. Accepting Christ as her Savior and baptized at the age of 5, she became a member of Shiloh Baptist Church, sang in choirs, served on the Young Adult Usher Board and Junior Mission. As a child, she was known for reciting the poem by James Weldon Johnson entitled “The Creation” to the African-American churches in the surrounding area. Jessie met and fell in love with Andrew Paul Woolfolk, Sr. at the USO in San Antonio, Texas. The couple exchanged their vows on September 3rd, 1949 at Shiloh Baptist Church in San Antonio by her pastor, the late Rev. S.E. Stewart. Jessie lived in Europe during two of her husband’s military assignments, four years in Germany and three years in France. Her travel highlights include visiting the World’s Fair in Brussels, Belgium, traveling to Paris, France, Florence, Italy, 50th Anniversary trip to Hawaii and returning to her hometown of San Antonio, Texas, visiting close friends and family. She was married to her husband, the love of her life, for 65 wonderful years. The way they cared for each other clearly demonstrated to others what true love is. To this union were born five children: Robert Earl, Andrew Paul II, Dana Rochelle, Darryl Hamilton and Kimberly Lynette. Legacy of Her Husband’s Love Andrew’s love for Jessie continued to manifest through the words our father wrote about his beloved Jessie. “When I was inducted into the Army at Ft. Sheridan, Illinois, my choice of assignment was California. When my orders came in, I had been assigned to Texas and was really disappointed. Little did I know what was in the Master’s plan, nor did I know that I was going to meet Jessie. I have been thanking God ever since for that assignment. I knew she was very special, but I didn’t realize what a complete package she was – she is lovely, a wonderful wife, great mother and my friend. She is giving – to know her is to love her. She is definitely the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I love her more today than when we first married, and I never dreamed that could ever be possible.” Her most important and fulfilling job has been wife and mother. She was exceedingly proud that all her children have accepted Jesus as their personal Savior, respect others, know the importance of education and are productive citizens. Legacy of Her Children’s Love As her adult children, it was a blessing to watch as our parents grew deeper in love and the commitment they had for each other and the family. Our mother taught us the importance and value of laughter, friendship, love, family, and God which has sustained the closeness of our family throughout the years. She also demonstrated how having a great sense of humor can get you through difficult times. She was the strongest woman we knew. Despite blindness and health problems, she kept persevering and enjoyed life. We understand why so many of our friends called her “Mom”. She genuinely cared about others. People sought out her wisdom, she was insightful and gave solid advice without being judgmental and truly listened. She modeled what it looked like to not only be a good wife and mother but a virtuous woman. Mom, we thank you for sacrificing so much of yourself for your children, teaching us how to be loving to all, right from wrong and being fair, knowing God and loving Him, and being independent while understanding the importance of family. We love you and appreciate you more than you could ever know, and we are so proud that God chose you to be our mother. You will always be our favorite little Grandtoddler. Her grandchildren fondly called her Grandma or Grandma Jessie. They remember her love, compassion and positive attitude. She would say phrases as” Gimme some sugar” and the advice of “You gotta laugh to keep from crying” which warms their heart when they reminisce on their memories of her. Grandma Jessie was their hero, and her courage was something to experience. They were so blessed to have had her in our lives. Jessie was a hat model for Les Elegantes Social Club, served as Vice President of the Protestant Women’s Chapel, Vice President and Secretary of the NCO Wives’ Club, Facilitator for the Southeast Denver Blind Support Group. Jessie and her husband competed and won 1st place in the Braille Rallye, a 60-mile race through the Denver metro area in which the sighted driver received navigation from a vision impaired passenger. She was always willing and able to give correct directions anywhere, although see could not see. She was also Co-Founder and President of Girlfriend’s International Club of Denver, organized in 1989. Jessie enjoyed cultivating long lasting relationships which is shown by the many people she has befriended over the years. This includes one of her most loving and dearest friendships with Mrs. Joan Lewis for over 50 years. Her friends have expressed that they will most remember her beautiful smile and finding joy in everything. She was a true example of perseverance and a role model of how to be a survivor. It was a blessing having her in their lives and she will truly be missed. She loved music from the Swing Era to Gospel, being a social butterfly, laughing and spending time with friends and family. She also enjoyed talking on the phone with her friends that are too many to list, but she valued each and every friendship. And to those who knew Jessie, knew she loved to talk! She was an active member of Macedonia Baptist Church for over 50 years serving as President of Lydia Circle and enjoyed praying weekly with Jo Ann Lee and Shirley Shockley as part of the church’s Prayer Trilogy group. She also enjoyed supporting and participating in any other church’s activities. Jessie Mae Woolfolk departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on April 13, 2021. She is preceded in death by her parents, her devoted husband, Andrew P. Woolfolk, Sr, and grandchildren, Warren John Woolfolk and Turiya LoveJoy Johnson. Those left to cherish her memory, include sons, Robert Earl (Eddie Mae) Woolfolk, Andrew Paul Woolfolk, II, Darryl Hamilton Woolfolk, all of Denver, CO; daughters, Dana Rochelle Woolfolk and Kimberly Lynette (Larry) Woolfolk-King both from Denver, CO; grandchildren, Elias Renee Woolfolk, Roberta Elaine (James) Lamas, Robert Earl (Adeyanju) Woolfolk II, Shawn Paul Woolfolk, Shavon Christine Woolfolk, Teri Lynn Woolfolk, Daryl Anntoinette (Marquis) Rodgers, Myles Quentin King, Cory Patrik King, Rodney (Malvia) Brown and Angela Brown. 29 great grandchildren, 22 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. "Amazing Grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost but now I’m found, was blind but now I see…"