Jessie Smith Lucas was born to Israel and Georgia Smith on November 28, 1941, in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Little did they know--they were rearing an icon. The family later relocated to Alton where she attended Alton schools. As a child, Jessie began singing gospel music at home and at her local church, Belle Street Temple Church of God In Christ. The late Superintendent Ralph J. Monroe was her pastor. Jessie was a gifted soloist, and she knew that she was destined to do great things because of her God-given talents. Many artists influenced Jessie, including her Alton High School classmate, Luther Ingram/Ingram Brothers of The Alton Crusaders. As a youth, Jessie sang in the Sunshine Band at her church and was an original, teen member of the Monroe-Ettes, an all-girl gospel group from the fifties.
At the age of 16, Jessie Smith entered a talent show, accompanied by her sister, Shirley, at the Red Top Night Club in East St. Louis. She won that one and several others. She did background vocals for groups such as Albert King/Leo's Five, Ike Turner's Kings of Rhythm, and Sam Rhodes & The Good Timers.
The year was 1961, Jessie was a beautiful, talented, 19-year-old. She had achieved rave reviews and sang lead and back up with several top-rated groups in the area. During this time, she gained notoriety and was recruited by Benny Sharp's Zorros of Rhythm. Her hit song, "My Baby has Gone" with Sharp, is described as being "…As good as it gets in St. Louis." At the same time, she was moonlighting in the original incarnation of the Ikettes. Smith soon became a part of the vocal group's classic lineup and can be heard on several of the early Ike and Tina hits and most of The Ikettes biggest numbers - including her lead on the famous "Peaches 'N' Cream".
Jessie was recruited, full time, by Ike Turner in 1962. It is prominent, that she asked and was given permission by her Pastor, Elder R.J. Monroe, to tour with the group. Her desire was to earn a living to support her family. She went on the road with one of the hottest, most durable, and potentially most explosive of all R&B ensembles, The Ike and Tina Turner Revue. She, along with Robbie Montgomery and Venetta Fields, were the original "Ikettes". Jessie's career took her around the world. She toured with several renowned artists, including Gladys Knight and the Pips, Patti Labelle, and Dr. John (In the Right Place). Two of the Ikettes' biggest hits were released in 1965: Peaches 'N' Cream and I'm So Thankful.
In 1966, Jessie and Robbie Montgomery left the Revue and formed The Mirettes. They released singles, including, In The Midnight Hour, I'm Blue, Now that I Found You, Stand by Your Man, and He's All Right with Me. After the Mirettes disbanded, Jessie continued to do background vocals with many artists including Al Kooper, Bryan Ferry, Raymond Hill, Mike Bloomfield, Gloria Jones, Badger, Jose Feliciano, Paul Williams, Johnny Bristol, and Leon Ware. Jessie was featured on many Ikette/Mirette albums.
After years of touring, Jessie settled down in California, where she married and reared her family. At the end of a successful R&B career, in 1990, Jessie returned to her gospel roots and her hometown of Alton, Illinois. She reconnected with her home church, renamed Monroe Memorial, under the leadership of Bishop Samuel E. White. She recommitted her life to Christ and rededicated her lifelong love of singing to God. In 2002, Jessie Smith Lucas, accepted her calling as Missionary. Later she was anointed as Evangelist Missionary and was eventually elevated to Mother Jessie Lucas. She was faithful to God, her church, and her Pastor. She served many years as Pastor's Aid Leader, continuing the Smith Family ministry.
Mother Lucas' gift and passion for singing brought her great notoriety in the church community. She often testified, "I am still singing. But I'm singing for the Lord now!" She sang solos, as well as background, with her local and jurisdictional choirs. Her unique sound, and soulful anointing, could be heard on Sunday mornings/nights, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and special programs, singing such songs as No Tears In Heaven, Jesus Is Mine, Just Another Day that the LORD has Kept Me, Walk with Me Lord, and Monroe Memorial's original, Sincere Praise. In addition, she would sing, Give Me My Flowers, in the Pastoral Anniversary services. In the 2019 anniversary, Mother Jessie was celebrated for her untiring and faithful leadership as the Pastor's Anniversary Chairperson, Mother, Pastor's Aid Leader, and faithful member.
Jessie Smith leaves to cherish her memory: her loving children--Jesse (Ruby) Smith, Howard Smith, Robbie Rhodes, Soweta Jones, Erick Lucas, Raphael Lucas, Douglas Lucas, and Angie Lucas; her siblings Eugene Smith and Shirley Pittman; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, and friends; her Pastor—Bishop Samuel White and the Monroe Memorial Church Family; her honorary children: The Enoch and Sarah Ellison Family; Eddie and Linda North; and Travis and Lakia Young; special friends: Laverne White, Delores Kaiser and Lena Hartstock; a special longtime friend--Jesse Ruff; and Robbie Montgomery—her longtime friend and sister.
On Thursday, February 4, 2021, after a lifetime of honorable and dedicated service, Jessie Smith Lucas, transitioned from this life, to forever be with the Lord. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Lucas; her parents, Israel and Georgia Smith; her siblings: Robert Smith; Charlie Brown, Jr.; Pearline Jones; Arlean Brown; Georgia Musgray; Willella Smack; Henry Smith; Richard Smith and her granddaughter: Monica Smith.
The Children, Siblings, and Entire Family of Mother Jessie Smith Lucas, express our thanks to Bishop Samuel E. White and the Monroe Memorial Church United Fellowship International Ministries, Inc. Family. Thank you to everyone who shared in our loss.
Every expression of sympathy, from home and from afar, is greatly appreciated.
A Walk through visitation will be held Friday February 12, 2021 at Monroe Memorial Church 1901 Belle Street Alton, IL 62002 from 10:00 a.m. until private family service at 11:00 a m. Covid-19 restrictions still apply.
Burial to follow at Upper Alton Cemetery
At the age of 16, Jessie Smith entered a talent show, accompanied by her sister, Shirley, at the Red Top Night Club in East St. Louis. She won that one and several others. She did background vocals for groups such as Albert King/Leo's Five, Ike Turner's Kings of Rhythm, and Sam Rhodes & The Good Timers.
The year was 1961, Jessie was a beautiful, talented, 19-year-old. She had achieved rave reviews and sang lead and back up with several top-rated groups in the area. During this time, she gained notoriety and was recruited by Benny Sharp's Zorros of Rhythm. Her hit song, "My Baby has Gone" with Sharp, is described as being "…As good as it gets in St. Louis." At the same time, she was moonlighting in the original incarnation of the Ikettes. Smith soon became a part of the vocal group's classic lineup and can be heard on several of the early Ike and Tina hits and most of The Ikettes biggest numbers - including her lead on the famous "Peaches 'N' Cream".
Jessie was recruited, full time, by Ike Turner in 1962. It is prominent, that she asked and was given permission by her Pastor, Elder R.J. Monroe, to tour with the group. Her desire was to earn a living to support her family. She went on the road with one of the hottest, most durable, and potentially most explosive of all R&B ensembles, The Ike and Tina Turner Revue. She, along with Robbie Montgomery and Venetta Fields, were the original "Ikettes". Jessie's career took her around the world. She toured with several renowned artists, including Gladys Knight and the Pips, Patti Labelle, and Dr. John (In the Right Place). Two of the Ikettes' biggest hits were released in 1965: Peaches 'N' Cream and I'm So Thankful.
In 1966, Jessie and Robbie Montgomery left the Revue and formed The Mirettes. They released singles, including, In The Midnight Hour, I'm Blue, Now that I Found You, Stand by Your Man, and He's All Right with Me. After the Mirettes disbanded, Jessie continued to do background vocals with many artists including Al Kooper, Bryan Ferry, Raymond Hill, Mike Bloomfield, Gloria Jones, Badger, Jose Feliciano, Paul Williams, Johnny Bristol, and Leon Ware. Jessie was featured on many Ikette/Mirette albums.
After years of touring, Jessie settled down in California, where she married and reared her family. At the end of a successful R&B career, in 1990, Jessie returned to her gospel roots and her hometown of Alton, Illinois. She reconnected with her home church, renamed Monroe Memorial, under the leadership of Bishop Samuel E. White. She recommitted her life to Christ and rededicated her lifelong love of singing to God. In 2002, Jessie Smith Lucas, accepted her calling as Missionary. Later she was anointed as Evangelist Missionary and was eventually elevated to Mother Jessie Lucas. She was faithful to God, her church, and her Pastor. She served many years as Pastor's Aid Leader, continuing the Smith Family ministry.
Mother Lucas' gift and passion for singing brought her great notoriety in the church community. She often testified, "I am still singing. But I'm singing for the Lord now!" She sang solos, as well as background, with her local and jurisdictional choirs. Her unique sound, and soulful anointing, could be heard on Sunday mornings/nights, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and special programs, singing such songs as No Tears In Heaven, Jesus Is Mine, Just Another Day that the LORD has Kept Me, Walk with Me Lord, and Monroe Memorial's original, Sincere Praise. In addition, she would sing, Give Me My Flowers, in the Pastoral Anniversary services. In the 2019 anniversary, Mother Jessie was celebrated for her untiring and faithful leadership as the Pastor's Anniversary Chairperson, Mother, Pastor's Aid Leader, and faithful member.
Jessie Smith leaves to cherish her memory: her loving children--Jesse (Ruby) Smith, Howard Smith, Robbie Rhodes, Soweta Jones, Erick Lucas, Raphael Lucas, Douglas Lucas, and Angie Lucas; her siblings Eugene Smith and Shirley Pittman; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, and friends; her Pastor—Bishop Samuel White and the Monroe Memorial Church Family; her honorary children: The Enoch and Sarah Ellison Family; Eddie and Linda North; and Travis and Lakia Young; special friends: Laverne White, Delores Kaiser and Lena Hartstock; a special longtime friend--Jesse Ruff; and Robbie Montgomery—her longtime friend and sister.
On Thursday, February 4, 2021, after a lifetime of honorable and dedicated service, Jessie Smith Lucas, transitioned from this life, to forever be with the Lord. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Lucas; her parents, Israel and Georgia Smith; her siblings: Robert Smith; Charlie Brown, Jr.; Pearline Jones; Arlean Brown; Georgia Musgray; Willella Smack; Henry Smith; Richard Smith and her granddaughter: Monica Smith.
The Children, Siblings, and Entire Family of Mother Jessie Smith Lucas, express our thanks to Bishop Samuel E. White and the Monroe Memorial Church United Fellowship International Ministries, Inc. Family. Thank you to everyone who shared in our loss.
Every expression of sympathy, from home and from afar, is greatly appreciated.
A Walk through visitation will be held Friday February 12, 2021 at Monroe Memorial Church 1901 Belle Street Alton, IL 62002 from 10:00 a.m. until private family service at 11:00 a m. Covid-19 restrictions still apply.
Burial to follow at Upper Alton Cemetery
Jessie Smith Lucas was born to Israel and Georgia Smith on November 28, 1941, in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Little did they know--they were rearing an icon. The family later relocated to Alton where she attended Alton schools. As a child, Jessie began singing gospel music at home and at her local church, Belle Street Temple Church of God In Christ. The late Superintendent Ralph J. Monroe was her pastor. Jessie was a gifted soloist, and she knew that she was destined to do great things because of her God-given talents. Many artists influenced Jessie, including her Alton High School classmate, Luther Ingram/Ingram Brothers of The Alton Crusaders. As a youth, Jessie sang in the Sunshine Band at her church and was an original, teen member of the Monroe-Ettes, an all-girl gospel group from the fifties.
At the age of 16, Jessie Smith entered a talent show, accompanied by her sister, Shirley, at the Red Top Night Club in East St. Louis. She won that one and several others. She did background vocals for groups such as Albert King/Leo's Five, Ike Turner's Kings of Rhythm, and Sam Rhodes & The Good Timers.
The year was 1961, Jessie was a beautiful, talented, 19-year-old. She had achieved rave reviews and sang lead and back up with several top-rated groups in the area. During this time, she gained notoriety and was recruited by Benny Sharp's Zorros of Rhythm. Her hit song, "My Baby has Gone" with Sharp, is described as being "…As good as it gets in St. Louis." At the same time, she was moonlighting in the original incarnation of the Ikettes. Smith soon became a part of the vocal group's classic lineup and can be heard on several of the early Ike and Tina hits and most of The Ikettes biggest numbers - including her lead on the famous "Peaches 'N' Cream".
Jessie was recruited, full time, by Ike Turner in 1962. It is prominent, that she asked and was given permission by her Pastor, Elder R.J. Monroe, to tour with the group. Her desire was to earn a living to support her family. She went on the road with one of the hottest, most durable, and potentially most explosive of all R&B ensembles, The Ike and Tina Turner Revue. She, along with Robbie Montgomery and Venetta Fields, were the original "Ikettes". Jessie's career took her around the world. She toured with several renowned artists, including Gladys Knight and the Pips, Patti Labelle, and Dr. John (In the Right Place). Two of the Ikettes' biggest hits were released in 1965: Peaches 'N' Cream and I'm So Thankful.
In 1966, Jessie and Robbie Montgomery left the Revue and formed The Mirettes. They released singles, including, In The Midnight Hour, I'm Blue, Now that I Found You, Stand by Your Man, and He's All Right with Me. After the Mirettes disbanded, Jessie continued to do background vocals with many artists including Al Kooper, Bryan Ferry, Raymond Hill, Mike Bloomfield, Gloria Jones, Badger, Jose Feliciano, Paul Williams, Johnny Bristol, and Leon Ware. Jessie was featured on many Ikette/Mirette albums.
After years of touring, Jessie settled down in California, where she married and reared her family. At the end of a successful R&B career, in 1990, Jessie returned to her gospel roots and her hometown of Alton, Illinois. She reconnected with her home church, renamed Monroe Memorial, under the leadership of Bishop Samuel E. White. She recommitted her life to Christ and rededicated her lifelong love of singing to God. In 2002, Jessie Smith Lucas, accepted her calling as Missionary. Later she was anointed as Evangelist Missionary and was eventually elevated to Mother Jessie Lucas. She was faithful to God, her church, and her Pastor. She served many years as Pastor's Aid Leader, continuing the Smith Family ministry.
Mother Lucas' gift and passion for singing brought her great notoriety in the church community. She often testified, "I am still singing. But I'm singing for the Lord now!" She sang solos, as well as background, with her local and jurisdictional choirs. Her unique sound, and soulful anointing, could be heard on Sunday mornings/nights, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and special programs, singing such songs as No Tears In Heaven, Jesus Is Mine, Just Another Day that the LORD has Kept Me, Walk with Me Lord, and Monroe Memorial's original, Sincere Praise. In addition, she would sing, Give Me My Flowers, in the Pastoral Anniversary services. In the 2019 anniversary, Mother Jessie was celebrated for her untiring and faithful leadership as the Pastor's Anniversary Chairperson, Mother, Pastor's Aid Leader, and faithful member.
Jessie Smith leaves to cherish her memory: her loving children--Jesse (Ruby) Smith, Howard Smith, Robbie Rhodes, Soweta Jones, Erick Lucas, Raphael Lucas, Douglas Lucas, and Angie Lucas; her siblings Eugene Smith and Shirley Pittman; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, and friends; her Pastor—Bishop Samuel White and the Monroe Memorial Church Family; her honorary children: The Enoch and Sarah Ellison Family; Eddie and Linda North; and Travis and Lakia Young; special friends: Laverne White, Delores Kaiser and Lena Hartstock; a special longtime friend--Jesse Ruff; and Robbie Montgomery—her longtime friend and sister.
On Thursday, February 4, 2021, after a lifetime of honorable and dedicated service, Jessie Smith Lucas, transitioned from this life, to forever be with the Lord. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Lucas; her parents, Israel and Georgia Smith; her siblings: Robert Smith; Charlie Brown, Jr.; Pearline Jones; Arlean Brown; Georgia Musgray; Willella Smack; Henry Smith; Richard Smith and her granddaughter: Monica Smith.
The Children, Siblings, and Entire Family of Mother Jessie Smith Lucas, express our thanks to Bishop Samuel E. White and the Monroe Memorial Church United Fellowship International Ministries, Inc. Family. Thank you to everyone who shared in our loss.
Every expression of sympathy, from home and from afar, is greatly appreciated.
A Walk through visitation will be held Friday February 12, 2021 at Monroe Memorial Church 1901 Belle Street Alton, IL 62002 from 10:00 a.m. until private family service at 11:00 a m. Covid-19 restrictions still apply.
Burial to follow at Upper Alton Cemetery
At the age of 16, Jessie Smith entered a talent show, accompanied by her sister, Shirley, at the Red Top Night Club in East St. Louis. She won that one and several others. She did background vocals for groups such as Albert King/Leo's Five, Ike Turner's Kings of Rhythm, and Sam Rhodes & The Good Timers.
The year was 1961, Jessie was a beautiful, talented, 19-year-old. She had achieved rave reviews and sang lead and back up with several top-rated groups in the area. During this time, she gained notoriety and was recruited by Benny Sharp's Zorros of Rhythm. Her hit song, "My Baby has Gone" with Sharp, is described as being "…As good as it gets in St. Louis." At the same time, she was moonlighting in the original incarnation of the Ikettes. Smith soon became a part of the vocal group's classic lineup and can be heard on several of the early Ike and Tina hits and most of The Ikettes biggest numbers - including her lead on the famous "Peaches 'N' Cream".
Jessie was recruited, full time, by Ike Turner in 1962. It is prominent, that she asked and was given permission by her Pastor, Elder R.J. Monroe, to tour with the group. Her desire was to earn a living to support her family. She went on the road with one of the hottest, most durable, and potentially most explosive of all R&B ensembles, The Ike and Tina Turner Revue. She, along with Robbie Montgomery and Venetta Fields, were the original "Ikettes". Jessie's career took her around the world. She toured with several renowned artists, including Gladys Knight and the Pips, Patti Labelle, and Dr. John (In the Right Place). Two of the Ikettes' biggest hits were released in 1965: Peaches 'N' Cream and I'm So Thankful.
In 1966, Jessie and Robbie Montgomery left the Revue and formed The Mirettes. They released singles, including, In The Midnight Hour, I'm Blue, Now that I Found You, Stand by Your Man, and He's All Right with Me. After the Mirettes disbanded, Jessie continued to do background vocals with many artists including Al Kooper, Bryan Ferry, Raymond Hill, Mike Bloomfield, Gloria Jones, Badger, Jose Feliciano, Paul Williams, Johnny Bristol, and Leon Ware. Jessie was featured on many Ikette/Mirette albums.
After years of touring, Jessie settled down in California, where she married and reared her family. At the end of a successful R&B career, in 1990, Jessie returned to her gospel roots and her hometown of Alton, Illinois. She reconnected with her home church, renamed Monroe Memorial, under the leadership of Bishop Samuel E. White. She recommitted her life to Christ and rededicated her lifelong love of singing to God. In 2002, Jessie Smith Lucas, accepted her calling as Missionary. Later she was anointed as Evangelist Missionary and was eventually elevated to Mother Jessie Lucas. She was faithful to God, her church, and her Pastor. She served many years as Pastor's Aid Leader, continuing the Smith Family ministry.
Mother Lucas' gift and passion for singing brought her great notoriety in the church community. She often testified, "I am still singing. But I'm singing for the Lord now!" She sang solos, as well as background, with her local and jurisdictional choirs. Her unique sound, and soulful anointing, could be heard on Sunday mornings/nights, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and special programs, singing such songs as No Tears In Heaven, Jesus Is Mine, Just Another Day that the LORD has Kept Me, Walk with Me Lord, and Monroe Memorial's original, Sincere Praise. In addition, she would sing, Give Me My Flowers, in the Pastoral Anniversary services. In the 2019 anniversary, Mother Jessie was celebrated for her untiring and faithful leadership as the Pastor's Anniversary Chairperson, Mother, Pastor's Aid Leader, and faithful member.
Jessie Smith leaves to cherish her memory: her loving children--Jesse (Ruby) Smith, Howard Smith, Robbie Rhodes, Soweta Jones, Erick Lucas, Raphael Lucas, Douglas Lucas, and Angie Lucas; her siblings Eugene Smith and Shirley Pittman; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, and friends; her Pastor—Bishop Samuel White and the Monroe Memorial Church Family; her honorary children: The Enoch and Sarah Ellison Family; Eddie and Linda North; and Travis and Lakia Young; special friends: Laverne White, Delores Kaiser and Lena Hartstock; a special longtime friend--Jesse Ruff; and Robbie Montgomery—her longtime friend and sister.
On Thursday, February 4, 2021, after a lifetime of honorable and dedicated service, Jessie Smith Lucas, transitioned from this life, to forever be with the Lord. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Lucas; her parents, Israel and Georgia Smith; her siblings: Robert Smith; Charlie Brown, Jr.; Pearline Jones; Arlean Brown; Georgia Musgray; Willella Smack; Henry Smith; Richard Smith and her granddaughter: Monica Smith.
The Children, Siblings, and Entire Family of Mother Jessie Smith Lucas, express our thanks to Bishop Samuel E. White and the Monroe Memorial Church United Fellowship International Ministries, Inc. Family. Thank you to everyone who shared in our loss.
Every expression of sympathy, from home and from afar, is greatly appreciated.
A Walk through visitation will be held Friday February 12, 2021 at Monroe Memorial Church 1901 Belle Street Alton, IL 62002 from 10:00 a.m. until private family service at 11:00 a m. Covid-19 restrictions still apply.
Burial to follow at Upper Alton Cemetery
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