Jessie Mae, as her mom, sisters, and close family members would say, was born to Jesse and Cassie Hooker in Apex, North Carolina on August 21, 1936.

Jessie was raised in Portsmouth, Virginia, where she attended and graduated from I.C. Norcom High School. She attended Norcum night for nursing. She graduated and became a handmaiden of physicians, providing postmortem care.

Jessie met and married the late James William Railey, Sr., while serving in the Navy. They moved to Cincinnati, where Jessie "Mae" continued her family life and worked at Winton Hills Medical Center in the records and billing department. She also worked as a cook for the Cincinnati Public Schools system and retired. For years, the kids called her "Lunchroom Granny". She loved her school kids.

Jessie's first love was giving of her talent to her Heavenly Father. She attended Mother of Christ Catholic Church every Sunday with her children. Later in life, she attended Second Corinthians Baptist Church, where she was the church clerk and sang in the choir. Whenever something was going on in the church, she was always there to lend a helping hand. She worked as a senior companion and belonged to a women's group called Modnalistics, which traveled to various places for a good cause.

Jessie had one sister, Annie Marie, who was also her close friend as they grew older, that was her all; as well as a dear brother-in-law, Walter B. Hill, Sr.

Jessie and James were blessed with nine children: Faith Railey, Pamela Short (William), Donna Railey, James Railey Jr., Darryl Railey (Marlo), David Railey, Marcia Allen, Anthony Johnson, and Cordell Mootrey. She was preceded in death by three of her children: Pamela, Donna, and Darryl.

In her leisure time, Jessie Mae cherished every moment spent with family. She loved cheering for her favorite football team, the Cincinnati Bengals, and enjoyed singing, dancing, traveling by train, attending Gospel conventions hosted by the late Lloyd Butler, shopping, and getting her hair done. Her favorite color was red—a color as vibrant as her spirit.

Jessie Mae never met a stranger. She had a heart full of love for everyone she encountered. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and three generations of her family were deeply loved by her.

To the world, she was a mother. To her family, she was the world.

Visitation is from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm, on  Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Walker Funeral Home - Mt. Healthy, 7272 Hamilton Avenue, Mt. Healthy  (45231).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 3:00 pm. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy she leaves behind.

To share a memory of  Jessie or leave a special message for the Railey family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the Railey family during this difficult time.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.