The Life & Obituary of Jessie James Raines Jessie James Raines, fondly known as “Bro” by family and friends was born to Robert and Raines and Lucille Raines in Brooks County, Georgia on January 26, 1944. They both preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by two brothers William Raines and Robert Raines and one sister Onell Dencie King. Jessie was educated at Washington Street High School in Quitman, Georgia. He moved to Miami, Florida in 1961, where he met, courted and later married Earnestine A. J. Heads on May 2, 1963. To this union, six (6) children were born Craig S. Raines, Eric D. Raines, Gregory J. Raines, Edriene P. Raines, Tanzania F. Raines and Shawn L. Raines. He volunteered for years at Lake Lucarne Optimist ASA Football Coach where he truly enjoyed working with the neighborhood youth. He also worked in Dade County Public School system for seventeen years (17). He later worked for Truly Kolex for 12 years where he retired and started his own pest control business. He joined Antioch M.B. Church under the leadership of Pastor John C. Cherry. He sang in the mass choir. In February of 2006, he and his wife Earnestine relocated back to Valdosta, Georgia where he lived until his death. On May 27, 2022 at 3:45 PM at South Georgia Medical Center, God saw fit to call Jessie Home from all his earthly labors, trials, tribulations and troubles of this old world. He put his arms around him and whispered “Come on Home my child and take your rest”. With tearful eyes we watched as you passed away. We couldn’t make you stay. Although we tried, a golden heart stopped beating, God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best. He leaves to mourn and cherish his memories; his wife of 59 years and 25 days Earnestine H. Raines; his children Craig S. Raines (Alvaria Marche’), Eric D. Raines (Stephanie), Gregory J. Raines, Edriene P. Raines, Tanzania F. Raines and Shawn L. Raines (Sandra); one brother Arthur Raines (Betty); one sister Maurice Hugley; one sister-in-law Irma Ruth Head; grandchildren Crishiwda Devora Raines Love (Mike), Kesia Shiquita Miller Tillman (Ahijah), Nache’ Brianna Miller, Crenisha Cache Raines, Eric Donnell Raines, Jr., Bria Nicole Raines (Jerald), Donte Vincent Adderly, Tevin Donnell Adderly, Jestine Trayvon Snow, Keith LaPell Biggins, Alexa Ashanti Alexander; 12 great grandchildren and a host of sorrowing nieces, nephews, cousins and very special friends Sterling Hobbs, Glen and Melanie Langstons, Bryant and Sharon Brazil.

A celebration of life will be Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 11AM at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. George Blunt, eulogist. Burial will follow in North End Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday at the Stevens-McGhee chapel from 2PM-7PM. To access the livestream of the celebration, visit njmbcvaldosta.org or visit New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church Facebook page.

Continue to keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.