Jessie B. "Lady" Parham, of Rockford departed this earthly life August 21, 2023. She was born March 4, 1936 in Charleston, MS the daughter of George Sr. and Mary Sledge. Jessie lived in Rockford since 1951 coming from Drew, Mississippi. She married O.D. Flint, he preceded her in death, later to marry Lorenzo Parham he also preceded her in death. Jessie was employed as a machine operator by Warner Lambert 22 years before retiring and then became owner and operator of her own home daycare. She was a member of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church where she served on the Mothers Board, and former member of the choir. Jessie attended schools in Mississippi.

Jessie leaves to cherish many loving memories; two daughters, Joyce Russell and Ora "Bay" Flint; four sons, Eugene Flint, Terry Flint, James (Christy) Flint Sr., and Martez Flint; 42 grandchildren; a host of great and great great grandchildren; two brothers, John Sledge and Eddie Sledge; four sisters, Fannie Foote, Crystal Ora Sledge, Barbara (Eli) Moye and Shirley Sledge; many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends, including godson, Alonzo Ponds; and many others who loved her like a mother. She was predeceased by her parents, husbands; three grandchildren, Vanzell,  Martini, Martia; three great grandchildren, Deovanee, Tyrone and Tobias and three great great children, A'lee and Zamarye, Markel; five brothers, Harvey, George, Clarence, Arthur and Robert Sledge.

Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 2, 2023 at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church 2919 19th Street. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Arrangements completed by Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home Inc. 200 N. Johnston Ave.