Jesse Alanis Guerra

Jesse A. Guerra

August 18, 1937 - November 22, 2024

Please join us as we mourn the passing and celebrate the Heavenly Homecoming of Jesse Guerra, who died in Ocean Springs, Mississippi on November 22,2024.

 Jesse was born Jesús Alanis Guerra in San Antonio, Texas. His late parents, Luis and Raquel Guerra, welcomed Jesse as their second born and oldest son. Jesse was one of eleven children. Living siblings include Mary, Rosa, Marcus, Richard, Elizabeth, Abel and Carlos René. Siblings preceding Jesse in death include Ruben, David and Esther.

 While still young, Jesse’s family moved to Shelby, Mississippi. Although those years were marked by poverty, Jesse’s character and determination were being developed. He enjoyed school, participated in Boy Scouts and earned money as a “shoe shine boy.”

The story of Jesse’s life truly began to unfold when his family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana in 1953. He graduated from Fortier High School in 1957, began his apprenticeship as a shoe repairman and attended Mid City Baptist Church. As a young man, Jesse made the most important life decision, submitting himself to the lordship of Jesus Christ and putting his trust in Him as his all in all. In his early twenties, Jesse met and fell in love with Betty Joe Wilson. They were married in 1960 and enjoyed 64 years of marriage.

 In the early years of marriage, Jesse and Betty welcomed three children into their family: Gina Belinda, John Mark and Shasme Raquel. Jesse supported his family as the owner of a shoe repair shop. He was a small business owner for over three decades. Jesse was a sought after and respected craftsman in the greater New Orleans area and was best known for deGuerra’s Shoe Repair and Western Store in Kenner. Working alongside Jesse was a great privilege for Betty and their children.

Though tireless in his work as a small business owner, Jesse’s life was equally committed to Christian service. He and his family worshiped for many years at Williams Boulevard Baptist Church in Kenner, Louisiana. He was passionate about both sharing his faith with people who needed the hope of spiritual redemption and serving his brothers and sisters in Christ.

 Jesse’s children would later marry, and the Guerra family of five expanded greatly to include grandchildren, great grandchildren and a great-great granddaughter. 

 In 1998, when Jesse was 61, he and Betty moved to Vancleave, Mississippi and soon found a new church home at The First Baptist Church of Vancleave. As his entrepreneurial years came to a close, Jesse began employment at The Home of Grace Addiction Recovery Center in Vancleave. It was here that Jesse made a remarkable impact on the lives of those struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. Initially, he was a part time employee, but with his characteristic hard work and determination, Jesse became a certified addictions counselor. For nearly two decades, Jesse positively impacted the lives of those recovering from addiction. He was affectionately known as “Brother Jesse” to his clients and coworkers.

 Sadly, Jesse’s life was marked by two great losses. In 2003, his son John passed away at the age of 40. John is survived by his widow Stephanie of Colorado Springs, Colorado and their children, Jessica, John Mark and James. Jesse’s daughter Gina passed away in 2022 at the age of 61. Gina is survived by her husband Phillip Woods of Vancleave, Mississippi and their four sons, Micah, Daniel, Christopher and Andrew.

 Jesse’s beloved bride Betty and their youngest daughter Shasme Guerra Guarisco of Orlando, Florida are the survivors of this family of five. Shasme’s family includes her husband Rock and their three children, Sicily, Capri and Pietro.

 In his final days, Jesse was supported and cared for by truly compassionate and highly competent people. We owe great thanks to the staff of Vital Caring, especially Taylor Bishop. We are also grateful for the wonderful staff and remarkable residents of Lighthouse Assisted Living in Ocean Springs.

 While these few words cannot entirely sum up the life of a man who lived 87 years, clearly Jesse’s life was defined by love, devotion, faith, beauty, creativity, curiosity and hard work. We hope this is how he is remembered.

 Our family will gather on Saturday morning, November 30 at The First Baptist Church of Vancleave to mourn our loss and affirm our belief that Jesse has indeed passed from life to LIFE. We welcome all that wish to share in this sacred moment. Visitation begins at 10:00, with a funeral service following at 11:00. Interment follows at Vancleave Cemetery.

 The Riemann Family Funeral Home, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd. in West Jackson County is proudly serving the family  Share memories, condolences and photos at www.riemannfamily.com