Herticene Calmese

“The house does not rest upon the ground, but a Mother” Herticene "Herti" Calmese was born on July 30, 1953 to the union of Willie Henry and Willie Mae (nee Nichols) Clay in Bolton, Mississippi. She is the first of five girls, Dorothy Jean, Sadie Mae, Patricia and Vana Ray are her younger sisters. In 1960, Herti along with her mother and sisters moved North following Willie Henry settling in Chicago, Illinois. Herti united in holy matrimony with Mr. Charles Calmese. To their union four children were born, Carmellia, Charles Bernard, Jermaine and Randal Calmese. Herticene studied the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses. She dedicated her life to Jehovah and symbolized her dedication through water baptism. She was a loyal and faithful servant, serving with the Pershing Congregation. Her love of the field ministry led her to become an Auxiliary Pioneer. She was quick to strike up a conversation. To every individual she met, she would be sure to tell them of her God Jehovah and the good news of his kingdom. It was difficult to remain a stranger around Herticene Calmese, she had an inviting and warm presence. Adoring and adored by children it goes without saying she has cared for and touched many generations young and old. Affectionately called “grandma” by many outside her own family. On August 10, 2014 at Mercy Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, Herticene Calmese fell asleep in death, at the age of 61, surrounded by her devoted family and friends. She is proceeded in death by both parents Willie Mae and Willie Henry and one of her younger sisters Patricia, several aunts and uncles. Cherished continuously by her children: Carmellia, Charles Bernard, Jermaine and Randal (Terina) Calmese; grandchildren: Freddie, her joy Candace, Raymond, Randal Lamont, Niya, Nakii, Nichelle, Stephon, Zyaire; great grandson: Byron; siblings: Dorothy Jean, Sadie Mae, Vana Ray, Diana, Willie Fontain and Shaun; nephews and nieces: Rodney, A’donna, Patrina, Shantese, Theresa, Tameka, Crystal, Michael, Jeffrey, Synovia and Aarron; many great nieces and nephews, scores of cousins, aunts and uncles, countless friends, spiritual brothers and sisters.

Tributes

Herticene Calmese

July 30, 1953 - August 10, 2014