Jessie Edward Small, born on October 25, 1951, in Arkansas, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2025, in Rockford, Illinois. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, known for his sweet and gentle spirit. He was previously married to Connie Diestelmeier to whom they shared their two children. Jessie was the cherished father of Shannon Larrabee, married to Donald Larrabee, and Jason Small, married to Jina Small. He took immense pride in his grandchildren, Brenton Davis (married to Kayla Davis), Katelynn James (married to Chad James), Yeojin Park, and Hongjun Park, and was a loving great-grandfather to Savannah Davis, Summer Davis, Leovani James, Kevin Olejniczak, Gianna James, and Audrey James.

Jessie's bluest eyes and warm smile brought joy to everyone around him. He loved nothing more than spending time with his family, who were the center of his world. His favorite TV shows, "Little House on the Prairie" and "The Waltons," reflected his values of family and togetherness. A loyal fan of the Chicago Bears, Jessie enjoyed engaging in spirited discussions about his favorite team.

For over 20 years, Jessie was lovingly cared for by his daughter and son in law , a testament to the strong family bonds he nurtured throughout his life. His ability to make people smile and his unwavering love for his family left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, but his spirit will live on in the memories they hold dear.