Jesse Lee Rowell, Sr., was born on October 7, 1951, in Marion, South Carolina, to the late Marvin B. Rowell and Mabel Wigfall-Rowell. The family relocated to Boston, Massachusetts, in the mid-1960s, where he was raised.

Jesse graduated from Jamaica Plain High School in 1969. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1971 to 1975, with postings in Vietnam, the Philippines, and California. Following his military service, he furthered his education at Newbury College where he graduated with an associate’s degree in Business Management. Jesse went on to build a long and fulfilling carer with The New England Telephone Company, where he was known for his leadership, dedication, strong work ethic, and commitment to excellence.

At the heart of Jesse's life was Linell (Nell) Rowell, his beloved and devoted wife of 50 extraordinary years. Together they built a life filled with love, faith, and cherished memories, and raised two wonderful children, Jesse (Jay) Jr., and Lauren. Jesse’s children were his greatest pride and deepest joy. They shared a uniquely close bond. Jesse always made time to listen, guide, and support them through every season of life.

Jesse wholeheartedly served as the patriarch of his family; he was a source of wisdom, stability, and unconditional love. He had a remarkable gift for making every person feel heard, valued, and loved — and his laugh, infectious and unmistakable, had a way of warming every room he stepped into. Family was, to him, life's greatest blessing, and he never missed an opportunity to be there for them.

Jesse was a devoted and respected Freemason. As Rightful Worshipful Brother Jesse Rowell, he was honored through his service and leadership in numerous Masonic organizations, with affiliations and distinctions that included:

•  -   Past Master and Lifetime Member of Mt. Zion Lodge No. 15
•  -   Member of St. Stephen's Chapter No. 1, Holy Royal Arch
•  -   Member of Holy Sepulchre Consistory No. 17
•  -   Member of Syria Temple No. 31, A.E.A.O.N.M.S.
• -    Past Worthy Patron of Mt. Zion Chapter No. 21, Order of the Eastern Star
• -    Member of African Lodge No. 459
• -    Past Grand Lecturer and Lifetime Member of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, F. & A.M. of Massachusetts
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• Jesse’s decades of service reflected a lifelong commitment to brotherhood, leadership, and the principles of the Craft.

In the early 1980s, under the mentorship of Roy Neblitt, Jesse discovered his passion for preparing taxes. He built that passion into a thriving business and, along the way, turned many of his clients into lifelong friends.

Golf held a special place in Jesse’s heart. It was more than a game-it was a passion that brought him happiness, camaraderie, and treasured moments. He worked at the William J. Devine Golf Course at Franklin Park in Boston. He became a certified golf professional, developed tournaments and programs for kids throughout the city, and offered both group and private lessons. His patience and attentiveness on the course left a lasting mark on everyone who learned from him.

Faith was the foundation of Jesse's life. Family gatherings were never complete without Jesse leading the family in prayer, reminding everyone to give thanks and to keep God at the center of their lives. He was a devoted member of Charles Street A.M.E. Church, and Roxbury Church of Christ. He built cherished relationships with both Reverend Groover and Brother Mark Craigwell.

Jesse leaves behind to mourn and emulate his extraordinary life his devoted wife, Linell Rowell; his children, Jesse (Jay) Jr., and Lauren; siblings, Viola Dorothy McDaniel (Randy); Doris Jean Davis, Christopher C. Rowell, and John H. Rowell. In Laws; Pervis Ryans; Rosa Minus (Harold); Jerilena Settles; Albert Ryans, Brenda Ryans; and Marilyn Rowell. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, bonus children, and friends.

Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin B. Rowell, and Mabel Wigfall-Rowell; his siblings: Marvin Rowell, Jr, Gracie Rowell Woodberry (Jack), and Clarence V. Rowell. In-Laws; Francis Lee Davis and Dorothy Praileau-Rowell.

Jesse leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured in years, but in the countless lives he touched. He was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished uncle, beloved brother, and the heart of his family. His voice, his prayers, his laughter, and unwavering love will echo throughout generations. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and part of him will always live within us.