Jessie Louise Frisby

To God Be the Glory!

On the late evening of August 3rd, 2022, God called our beloved Jessie Louise Frisby home to her eternal resting place amongst the angels. Jessie is affectionately known as Mom Jessie, Miss Jessie, Aunt Lou, Louise, Baby Suede, Mama J, Mom-Mom, Mom, and Mother.

Jessie Louise Frisby was born on December 19th 1936, in Mt. Olive, North Carolina to the late Jessie McCoy and Daisy Mae Wright. Jessie was the 2nd oldest of seven siblings. Jessie and her family relocated to Philadelphia during her early childhood years. She was educated in the Philadelphia School System and attended Landreth Elementary, Barrett Junior High, and Bok Vocational High School. She took courses at Temple University and Community College of Philadelphia. At a very early age, her grandfather recognized her entrepreneurial spirit. As a result, she rose from the bottom to the top. She was an undeniable force to be reckoned with in spite of all the oppositions she incurred. Because of her determination at the age of 33, she was the first and only African-American woman to open Jessie’s Ladies Shoppe (later known as Jessie’s Ladies Boutique) on South Street, Philadelphia, PA. 

She was tremendously proud of her many accomplishments. Jessie received many awards, The Madam C.J. Walker award and The Coretta Scott-King award just to name a few. Before the term was ever heard of, Jessie was quite the Fashionista! She was a Top-Notch Fashion Model! She was always gracious, stylish, and flawless from head to toe. Jessie was one of a kind; she made a statement every time she entered a room!

Jessie wore many hats and served on multiple committees. She was a natural-born leader and a community activist. She served as the President of the South Street West Business Association (SSWBA). Jessie was also an advocate for juveniles for the Center City Residential Association (CCRA) and served as an active member of the South of South Street Neighborhood Association (SOSNA). 

Spirituality was her fuel! She was an active member and advocate for Zion Baptist Church for over 50 years under the leadership of Dr. Leon Sullivan (OIC). With her golden, soprano voice, she sang on the Langston and combined choirs, and was often known for her melodious solos. For many years, Sister Jessie was dedicated to the New Members Ministry, coordinator of Zion’s branch for The Lott-Carey Foreign Missionary Convention and coordinated bus trips to attend The Brooklyn Tabernacle Christmas Concerts annually. During her tenure at Zion, she was a part of The Women Aglow (Philadelphia Chapter) and The Hallelujah Sisters. Through these two organizations, her spiritual journey commenced and she was baptized in the Jordan River. Jessie truly had a spirit of Deborah, Esther, and Lydia. She was undoubtedly a Proverbs 31 Woman!

Jessie headed the 5 am Martha Murray Prayer Service at Lott-Carey, traveling from state to state. Jessie was also a part of Lott-Carey's Women In Service Everywhere (WiSE) and the recipient of many prestigious accolades. Under the leadership of Dr. Willie Robinson, Jessie joined her new church home, Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church with great excitement. As a new member, Jessie attended bible study and church services regularly. At every chance, she testified and sang of God’s goodness. Her final ministry until her last breath was faithfully mentoring God’s word to young women daily at 8pm via telephone. She would end each session with her favorite song, “God Answers Prayers”, introduced by her God-daughter Lee Lee.

Jessie opened her women’s apparel shop "Jessie's Ladies Shoppe" March 15th, 1969, where she specialized in white apparel for women of the church. She purchased her building in 1989, and was the longest Black business owners on the 1500 block of South Street. Her mural along with two other icons was painted on the Royal Theater. Jessie was without a doubt a Fixture on South Street!

During her years as a business owner, she had the foresight to open up a children’s store called Itsy Bitsy Children Clothing and later Jessie’s Herbal Corner. Jessie’s Herbal Corner was broadcasted on WDAS and WURD, where she held monthly herbal seminars for health and wellness. Jessie will be remembered for her phenomenal Fashion Shows throughout the community. After working alongside her dedicated backbones, Lee Lee and Hallie, and her only daughter Nadine, Jessie retired in October 2016, after 45 amazing years. Despite her trailblazing years as an entrepreneur, she can throw down in the kitchen! Her signature dishes were her delicious Sour Cream Cake, Banana Cake, and Glazed Pineapple-Cherry Ham! 

As the last Matriarch, family meant the world to her; so it’s no surprise that she was the Originator of the Wright’s Family Reunion. Jessie is well loved and will be Dearly missed by many. Her legacy is carried on by her devoted daughter Nadine Collins (dedicated son-in-law Milton Collins); two brothers, Deacon Willie Goodley (Roxanne) and Jesse Ellis; one sister Kathryn Porter (Herbert); brother-cousin Monte Wright; three grandchildren: Larry Sherrod Jr., and twins Danita Sherrod and Monica Sherrod; eight great-grandchildren: Najah Sherrod, Dajour Sherrod, Semaj (Monjahnique) Sherrod, Jermiah Crumpler-Sherrod, Destine’e Sherrod, Niamora Crumpler-Sherrod, India Sherrod, McKayla Ham; five nieces: Carolyn “Cookie” Lewis-Brightman (Paul), Melinda Jones, Adrienne Simmons, Paris Goodley and Marquita Goodley; one special nephew James “Junie” Little; God daughters Melissa Lowman and Lillie Coley; special sisters: Brenda Poole and Hallie Slaughter; partner in health Dr. Soyini Ayan; and was blessed with a host of special God-Children, nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. She was preceded by her siblings; three sisters: Daisy “Koote” Jones, Mattie Pearl Simmons, Doris “Dottie” Goodley, and one brother Charles Goodley. 

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