Jesse Batton

Jesse Batton, 91, son of the late Henry Batton and Ora Lee Rozier, peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Born on November 4, 1934, in Hawkinsville, Georgia, Jesse was the eldest of five children and carried that leadership role throughout his life. Jesse was a man of vision, determination, and purpose. Raised in Hawkinsville, Georgia, he joined St. Thomas AME Church in 1942 and graduated from Hawkinsville High School in 1952. He later moved to Miami, Florida, before planting roots in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he arrived with a dream and the courage to pursue it. What began as a humble start selling hoagies and opening Batton's Variety Store, soon became the foundation of something far greater. His first store was only the beginning. Through hard work, wisdom, and perseverance, Jesse expanded into multiple grocery businesses and real estate investments, creating opportunities not only for himself but for many others. Jesse's greatest success was never measured by what he owned, but by how he gave. His impact on the community reached far beyond storefronts and buildings. He extended kind-ness to those facing hard times and believed in people, often before they believed in them-selves.Jesse did not lead with pride or showmanship. He led with compassion, generosity, and quiet strength. He understood that true wealth was found in opening doors and helping others dreams come true, especially for those willing to work hard and strive for more.Jesse was more than a businessman. He was a mentor, provider, and a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and source of strength. To his relatives and friends, he was loyal, wise, dependable, and a man of his word.He was preceded in death by his brother, William Taylor; sister, Dorothy Bazzey; brother-in-law, James Colson; and his wife and business partner, Esther Browne-Batton.Jesse leaves behind to cherish and honor his memory: his three children, son, Jesse Batton Jr. (Osary Batton), his two daughters, Letitia Batton-Steed (Frank Steed) and Tiara Batton; siblings, Mary Colson (Georgia) and James Batton (Florida); sister-in-law, Charlene Taylor; four grandchildren, Jermaine, Jesseca, Leonique, and Jaylen; a special friend, Beverly Hinson, and a host of extended family, lifelong friends, and countless others whose lives were forever changed by knowing him. His life stands as a testament to what faith, hard work, resilience, and love for others can build. His legacy lives in the family he cherished, the community he strengthened, and the many lives he touched along the way. Jesse Batton was a great man who will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always honored with love.