Jesse Lee "Black Cat" Gray, of Rockford departed this earthly life June 2, 2025. He was born May 11, 1952 in Lamont, MS the son of Lizzie Gray.  Jesse lived in Rockford since the 1980's coming from Detroit, MI. He married the former Rose Latin June 16, 1984 in Detroit, MI. Jesse was employed as a assembler by Chrysler Corporation almost 31 years before retiring.  He was a member of Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church serving as a Usher.  Jesse attended schools in Mississippi and Detroit MI. He loved to fish, going to bingo, sports, especially the Cubs and any activity involving his family.

Jesse leaves to cherish many loving memories, his devoted wife of 41 years, Rose Gray; daughter, Regina (Michael Harrington) Eiland; and two sons, Quentin Sr. (Rhonda Mayweather) Eiland and Deon Sr. (Camisha Lampley) Eiland; 14 grandchildren including three grandchildren in Detroit, Shaundale Jackson Jr., Qwaun and Tyree Jackson; special grandson who he raised, Frederick Leigh Jr; a host of great grandchildren; six sisters, Helen Kellum, Hazel Porterfield, Sandra (Robert) Yavello, Doretha Franklin and Linda Reed; three brothers, Roger Brown, Otis and Curtis Gray; a host of nieces, nephews cousins other relatives and friends including special friends, Melvin Hurt and Paul Douglas. He was predeceased by his mother, Lizzie Brown; son, Shaundale Jackson Sr; daughter, Delisia Eiland; grandsons, Nicholas Leigh and Deon Eiland Jr; brothers Earl and Johnny Franklin.

Services will be held 12:00 noon Wednesday,  June 11, 2025 at Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church 4615 Auburn Street. Burial in Cedar Bluff Cemetery. Visitation 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Arrangements completed by Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home Inc.