Obituary of Jesse J. Pullem

Jesse Jerome Pullem, known to most of us as "Ducky", was born in Richmond, Virginia. He received his formal education in the Richmond Public School System and graduated from Armstrong High School where he was very active in sports. In June of 1948, Jesse joined the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged in 1958. After his discharge, he attended the Philadelphia Technical Institute where he received his certification in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning and a Black Seal License for Boilers. Jesse has held many positions, but finally settled in for the long haul at Hoeganes Corporation as a heavy equipment operator for 18 years. Jesse was blessed to marry his beloved Sylvia (nee Thornton). Their family included one daughter, Jessica Williams, two grandsons and six great-grandchildren. Jesse joined the Saint Paul Baptist Church, Cinnaminson, NJ on January 1, 1964, under the pastorate of (the late) Rev. Dr. Alvin A. Jackson. He became a very active member. He served on the Senior Usher Board for many years; worked on the kitchen and dining room committees; co-chaired the Church's 100th Anniversary; was a member of the Constitution and By-Laws committee; the time capsule committee, and the Grounds Beautification Committee, where he was instrumental in getting a landscaper to donate flowers and plants. In the 1990s, Jesse was elected to the Saint Paul Baptist Church Trustee Ministry. He has always taken his duties as a trustee very seriously, helping out whenever and wherever needed. Jesse appointed himself a Committee of One to make sure the church was secured with doors and windows locked and lights out. He would do this after services and then drive by the church at least twice a day to check on things. He not only did these things for the Church, but patrolled the whole East Riverton section of Cinnaminson, checking on things. Very little occurred in East Riverton that Jesse didn't know about. Jesse Jerome Pullem became a neighborhood watch volunteer before it was even in fashion! Along with his dedication and service to God, Jesse was involved in the community as a member of the Civic Club of East Riverton, Riverton and Palmyra; the VFW and the American Legion. He was also Past Master of the Shekinah Lodge #32 Free & Accepted Masons Prince Hall Affiliated and Past Patron of Adeste Fidelis #45 Order of Eastern Stars. In his passing, Jesse leaves cherished memories with his wife and lifelong partner of 70 years, Sylvia (Thornton) Pullem, his daughter, Jessica Williams, grandson Aaron P. Person (Charee); granddaughter-in-Law Melissa; six great-grands Jordan, Davon, Briauna, Ashlee, Jackson and Mason; three sisters-in-law Dorothy, Elouise and Veola; one brother Clayborne Barnes, God-daughter Myra C. Moore (Willie); special cousins Kristine Mines and Juanita Person, special friends Mad Lee and family, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. He was predeceased by his mother Leronia Pullem, son-in-law Lawrence Williams; grandson Jesse Waylon Person, and his sister Helene Johnson. One of Jesse's favorite expressions has been: "To God be the glory for the things He has done in my life."