National Volunteer Month: Jessie's Story

Jessie has dedicated 25 years to Stein Hospice as a volunteer, bringing warmth, kindness, and unwavering commitment. Her journey began in March 2000 when she helped with mailings. After retiring, she joined a friend for what she thought would be a one-time task—stuffing envelopes. But she never left. 

Her role quickly expanded beyond mailings. She began delivering supplies to patients and supporting bereavement groups. On Mondays, she served lunch at “Bunch for Lunch,” offering comfort and companionship. “I really enjoyed that group,” Jessie says. “Just being there for people if they needed it. I even got to reconnect with people I hadn’t seen in years.”

By 2010, Jessie took on another role—helping at Stein’s new resale store, Encore. With a background in retail at Walmart and Pick ‘n Pay, she felt right at home on the floor and behind the register. She loved walking around, chatting with customers, and lending a hand wherever needed. Helping people had always been her favorite part of the job, and at Encore, that passion shined through.

Through the years, Jessie has leaned on Stein Hospice during some of her hardest moments. In 2006, her oldest daughter, Vivian, received care from Stein before passing away. Vivian, like her mother, had a giving spirit, volunteering through Adopt-A-Highway. Between 2020 and 2022, Jessie faced more heartbreaking losses—first her husband, Joe, and then her son, Ulysses. Both passed away with the same love and care that had been given to Vivian. Joe, a dedicated Ford worker for 30 years, and Ulysses, a proud U.S. Army veteran, shared Jessie’s deep love for family. She and Joe married on February 9, 1957, building a life centered on love and togetherness.

This December, Jessie will celebrate her 90th birthday. Every Thursday morning, she arrives at Encore with a smile, ready to get to work. These days, her favorite job is in the backroom, cleaning items until they shine. “I like to make things shiny,” she says with a grin.

Jessie’s kindness and dedication have made her a treasured part of the Stein Hospice family. “Everyone here is just so nice, and I love volunteering,” she says. “I’ll keep showing up on my Thursdays.” And for that, Stein couldn’t be more grateful.