Jesse Mateen Dawan

Funeral Services begin 10:00 AM Wednesday, December 14 at Watson's Funeral Home 10913 Superior Ave. Cleveland, Ohio 44106 Jesse Mateen Dawan affectionately known as ‘JB' to his family and friends began his life journey in Camp Hill Al. He was the second of nine children born to the late Sanders and Maude Tolbert of which four preceded him in death, James, Luther, Margaret Louise and Catherine Wimberly. His remaining siblings are Slapper Parker Tolbert (Inez), Lorenzo Tolbert and Clara Tolbert. He attended Tallapoosa County Training School where he loved playing basketball. His other past time actives were fishing and working on the farm of which he wasn't especially fond of. Oftentimes he would have to hitch up the mule ‘Cora' or ‘Annie' the horse and gather firewood for cooking and heating the house during the winter. Jesse was employed for approximately twelve years at West Point Peppermill, a cotton mill located in the valley outside GA where he worked during the week and came home on weekends. During the early 1950's he headed north to Cleveland, OH where he began working at Ford Motor Co in1953 and retired 35 years later in 1988. During this time in his life; he continued his quest to learn more about the nation of Islam and the Muslim religion and became a dedicated and loyal member. He legally changed his name in January 1977 and became united with his new found beliefs. In the 1980's he made Haji, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. He was actively involved in Masjid Bilal and Al Hadid and received numerous recognitions and awards for his work within the community until his health started to decline. He leaves in his passing his nine children, Jessica Tolbert, Melvin L. Tolbert (Mary), Sandra F. Grant (Dennis) Stanley L. Tolbert (Lisa), Joann Tolbert, Eric Tolbert (Liz) Melanie Childs, Kimberly Hicks and Ishmail Dawan. He also leaves eighteen grandchildren. Kenneth Starks, Felicia Adams, Dennis Jr and David Grant, Ta Liah and Trenton Tolbert; Juan, Jason and Jeremey Tolbert; Tinika, Stacie and Nequeeta Tolbert; Siobhan Vales; Gennifer, Greg and Samatha Childs; Arlin Tolbert and Miriam Conner as well as his sisters Inez, Clara and brother Lorenzo, numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, other relatives and the Islamic community. The family of Jesse believes' The Lord blessed the later part of Job's (Jesse's) life even more than the first part. Job 42:12

Funeral Service

Wednesday, December 14, 2016 10:00 AM
Watson's Funeral Home
10913 Superior Ave Cleveland 44106, United States