Janistene Chesson

 Janistene N. Chesson was born on February 7, 1950, in Oakland, CA, and passed away peacefully in her home in Fayetteville, NC on December 23, 2023. She was a beloved daughter to J.W. Smith and Lee Bertha McDaniel-Smith, who preceded her in death. Jan was the youngest and only girl of three siblings and her brothers Jesse and MacArthur Daniel both preceded her in death. Jan attended Oakland Unified School District where she graduated from Oakland High School in 1968. Jan continued her education at Laney College where she received her AA Degree in Business Administration. Jan accepted Christ at the St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Oakland, CA. She continued to demonstrate her unwavering faith by participating in bible studies, and numerous prayer calls with women from around the world, and later attended an online church. Jan was the prayer warrior of the family always willing to pray for her family, friends, neighbors, and the world.

In 1967, at the age of 17, she met and later married Ernest Williams, a Naval Serviceman. From this union, Zachary Maurion Williams was born. Jan worked in the banking industry for several years and later went to work for Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, CA as a Physicians Benefit Specialist where she retired in 2007. On November 20, 2003, Jan and Otis Chesson were married in Point Bay, CA. She and Otis later moved to Fayetteville, NC where they both reside until death. Jan’s legacy will always be honored as that of a Proverbs 31 Woman of God. In Proverbs 31, God describes the characteristics of a trustworthy, devoted, hardworking, kind, and compassionate woman. A woman of noble character, who was steadfast in her faith, but most importantly, she was saved. She was admired by many whom she had encountered. She truly respected how she cared for her family by being ever ready to help or pray for any one of us. Thank you for showing all of us so much love. You will forever be missed!

Thank you for being a great mother. God saw that it was time for you to rest in His arms, as the word says in 2 Timothy 4:7, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." One day we will all see you again! Rest in peace. She is survived by her only son, Zachary M. Williams of Vallejo, CA; step-daughter, Tiewonna Marizette of Oakland, CA; step-son, Steven Bennett of Roper, NC; ex-daughter-in-law, Gwendolyn Gaines (Anthony); grandchildren, Zykhia, Maalik, Xavier, Trinity, and Kaydon Williams; step-granddaughter, Ashley Gaines. Great-Grandchildren, Naziah Stanley and Chyanne Mozon; a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Janistene Chesson, please visit our floral store.