Jess Willard Beazer

Jess Willard Beazer was born on October 12, 1951 in Codrington Village, Barbuda W.I. to Thelma and Burnstell. Jess’ childhood in Barbuda was filled with activities. He was an Alter boy, a Sexton, and a Drill Master for the Boys Brigade. As a member of the Boys Brigade, Jess traveled to Jamaica and Dominica. Jess was known to be stern the other boys, which birthed his nickname Corporal Dool Dool. He was known for telling the young boys, “Lift your duckettes, the government can afford it!” Another one of his childhood nicknames was “Powell” to which we have not been able to trace the origin. Jess was an avid swimmer it was often said the he was one of Barbuda’s best swimmers if not the best among boys his age. In his later years on the island Jess worked for the Post Office, delivering mail to the different villagers. Though Jess did not become a Pastor as many people thought he would (he used to play Bishop and Baptize the other children) his faith stayed with him and guided his heart throughout his life. Jess moved to the States in February 1972; this was not a planned move but was in fact a medical mission. Family and doctors hoped that he could prolong or even save the life of his older brother, Livingston, but that was not meant to be. The hope that Jess was the bone marrow match his brother needed was never made, and his brother died months later. Jess remained in the States and proceeded to carve out his own path in his new home. His first job in the United States was as a shipping clerk at Accurate Gold Stamping in Manhattan where he worked until the company closed. Jess went onto attend a trade school and find employment at LCS in Manhattan working in computer operations. Jess would visit his sister, Zelda, At Woolworths in the Bronx where she worked. In visiting he met Jennifer “Jenny” Vanterpool and they started dating. Jess continued to work towards bettering himself and positioning himself in the growing computers job market. He took classes in the evening to gain his United States High School Diploma from ICS Newport Pacific High School. He also took additional classes for specific certifications all while continuing to work. Eventually LCS expanded and Jess was transferred to New Jersey where he would commute to work daily. On July 16, 1983 Jess and Jenny wed and within the next five years they had their two daughters, Jillian, and Jessica. With the addition of their two girls, the family moved to Co-op City in the north Bronx. On weekends they would take girls to get sunshine and fresh air as they played Tennis in Cortona Park and to ride ponies in Van Courtland Park. Because of Jess and Jenny’s work schedules, Jess spent evenings and weekends with the girls. During these times he helped them develop a sense of wonder, adventure, and sense of self. This time frequently involved watching movies and television that allowed them each to develop their own eclectic sense of pop culture, outings to places that filled them with a sense of marvel and awe (FAO Schwartz at Christmas time was a big favorite), and attending church to develop their spiritual selves. The family moved to Stone Mountain, Georgia, a suburb outside Atlanta. Jess took a job as a Computer Operator at Equifax, later Pomeroy, in Alpharetta. Not a stranger to a long commute, Jess never let his drive interfere with his outings with his girls. He took his daughters to their extracurricular activities such as Science Olympiad, Soccer practice and games, Saturday school at Georgia State University, Girl Scouts, driving lessons, Braves games, and helped both girls move into their college dorms. No matter how old the girls got, he was there to help them discover who they wanted to be. He also taught them about his native Barbuda and proudly represented his homeland alongside them on a regular basis, namely during the church’s annual International Day celebration for Pentecost. Jess retired from Pomeroy in 2013 which opened new doors for him. He became the house favorite to the family’s cats as he would spoil them by sneaking them pieces of his BBQ chicken and salami whenever possible. He now had time to swim at the YMCA, watch sports and call his siblings and friends to have long talks about all the games he watched throughout the week. He was able to attend graduations of his nephews from High School and College and even went to New York to enjoy the U.S. Open live in 2018. Jess loved his Lord and savior and his church. Retirement gave him a chance to become a more active member at his home church St. Michael’s and All Angels. He had been serving in the Altar Guild and was a directing member for the Acolytes long before his retirement. He now had more time to focus on setting their weekly schedules, training Acolytes, and overseeing the Acolyte ministry. He volunteered with church events and participated in the annual Hunger Walk/Run for as long as he was able. Though he could not attend Hunger Walk 2019 he made sure Jessica took his envelope of donations with her and brought a T-shirt back for him. He remained an active member of Men of Michael, attending their meetings, pancake suppers and outreach activities. Even in passing, we know that Jess’ unshakable faith continued to guide him in his belief that God’s love is eternal. Jess is survived by his daughters, Jillian and Jessica, his siblings Bernice, Eustace, Camella, Ivor, Rose, Zelda, Marival, Velgon, Lilian, Elvin and Joslyn, his former spouse Jenny, many nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, church family, and friends who love and miss him dearly. Jess, thank you for all the memories, laughter, and love. We will continue to carry your spirit with us as you rest peacefully. Until we meet again... Please express your condolences here on our website. Services entrusted to Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, Avondale-Scottdale Chapel. 351 N. Clarendon Ave. Scottdale, GA 30079. (404)294-5500.

Tributes

Jess Willard Beazer

October 12, 1951 - May 25, 2020