JEWELL (CALMESE) MCNEESE

Jewell Lee Calmese was born on December 11, 1944 in Grenada, Mississippi, the eldest of eighteen.  She was a steadfast pillar for her family and community throughout her remarkable life.

Jewell's journey in education began in the St. Louis Public School System and continued at Summer High School where she developed a love for softball that she carried throughout her youth.

Jewell spent most of her career in accounting and human resources at Texas Instruments, Hart Schaffer Mars in Chicago, and SPX in Houston, Texas.  Professionally, she was a proud member of the Teamsters Local 688 at the Farmer's Market in St. Louis, Missouri.  She met her soulmate, Marvin Richard McNeese, while working at Soules Farmer's Market. Together, they shaped a legacy of devotion, rarely seen apart during their 52 years of marriage.

As the eldest sibling, she embraced her role as the family's guiding light.  Affectionately called "Sis", she nurtured and disciplined with equal measures of love and resolve, always ready to stand up for those she loved.  She enjoyed special gatherings with family members and would share memories of her youth and younger siblings.  She often told how her sister-in-law, Saundra, taught her to drive by coaching her over the tallest bridge in East St. Louis; one of her first driving lessons.Her spiritual life was a source of strength.

Jewell most recently became a member of Fallbrook Church in Houston, Texas, participating in services both in-person and online.  Gospel music filled her heart, though she also cherished the soulful voice of Aaron Neville. 

Jewell was an avid seamstress who lovingly crafted clothing for her children. Her sense of style was matched only by her unwavering presence-she was simply a snazzy dresser. Her passion for gardening brought vibrant orange, lemon and grapefruit trees to life, along with a flourishing array of house plants.  She learned her famous cooking skills from her mother and many holidays and family gatherings saw family, friends and co-workers gathered around her beautifully decorated and mouth-watering table!  Her legacy of love, strength and generosity will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.  She was truly a mother to many, and a beacon of wisdom, courage and compassion.

On June 13, 2025, Jewell Lee McNeese entered into eternal rest.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, parents (John Wesley Calmese and Thelma Calmese), brothers (John Wesley Calmese, Jr., Robert "Nick" Calmese, J.D. Morris, Trhine Calmese, Joseph Calmese, George Calmese, Sr., Johnny Lee Calmese), sister (Tawanna Berry) and sister-in-law (Anetha Calmese).

Though she has departed from this world, her spirit and the memories she created will live on, cherished by her family and friends.  Among those are her devoted daughter, Ms. Marlene Lee McNeese; son, Dr. Marvin Richard McNeese, Jr. (Dr. Melanie); grandchildren: Henry Ward, Jr., Sierra Ward, Marvin R. McNeese, III, Lydia McNeese, Gabriel McNeese, Isaac McNeese; four brothers: Jaime Calmese (Delores), Willie E. Calmese (Cyntelia), Tryan Calmese (Kim), Khelby Calmese; two sisters: Tina Batts (Terry), Angel Eva Calmese; her chosen daughter-in-love and niece, Mrs. Tawanda Wilkes (Ricardo); four sisters-in-law: Timi Contejean, Rev. Saundra McNeese, Rev. Dr.  Arnetta Bailey-McNeese, Terecia Campbell, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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