Pastor Jesse Leo Wesley Sr.

Pastor Jesse Leo Wesley was born August 4, 1928, in Stamps, Arkansas to William Henry Wesley and Susanna Wesley, who both preceded him in death. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Cleveland Spring Baptist Church in 1940 in Falcon Arkansas. He attended elementary school and graduated from Central High School in Lake Village, Arkansas and attended and completed Tyler Barber College in 1948. He became a Skill Laborer working full-time for the Department of the Navy in Memphis, Tennessee from 1948-1950. Pastor Wesley, his brothers and father formed a quartet, singing gospel songs from state to state. He became a full-time heavy-duty operator for Young and Smith Construction from 1951-52 following his moved to Las Vegas, he joined the Bethel Baptist Church in 1951, here he served in the choir, was choir treasurer and was a Junior Deacon. Pastor Wesley’s first job as a barber was at Crockett Barber Shop, from 1953-1959; opening his own barbershop in 1960, where he continued to work until his health failed. Pastor Wesley’s call to the ministry took him from the early fifties when he was known on the Black side of town as “Wild Bill Hickock or Paladin, have gun will travel”, unchallenged by the police, he wore his .38 pistol to ensure justice for all on the Westside of town, but that soon changed. When the Lord called Pastor Wesley to the ministry, his gun became the Holy Bible. He started shooting holes in Satan’s plan by the calm way He and God handled problems. There was nothing more Pastor Wesley enjoyed than preaching God’s Word to all of God’s people. Pastor Wesley was licensed as a minister in 1963 and ordained as Pastor in 1964. He served as pastor of the St. James Baptist Church in Needles, California from 1964-1973. In 1974, Pastor Wesley was installed as Pastor of the Bethel Baptist Church, (now known as New Bethel Baptist Church) and served this congregation for twenty-nine years. In October of 2003, Pastor Wesley founded the EL Bethel MB Church where he served as Pastor until his passing. Pastor Wesley received many awards and recognition to include; the Humanitarian Community Award, Nevada Constable Association Meritorious Award, Certificate of Appreciation from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the Distinguished Service Award from the City of Las Vegas. Pastor Wesley was a lifetime member of the NAACP and has received other honors and served on several boards of various organizations of the city. He was married to the late Mazie Heath Wesley for 66 years and to this union were born two children; Joanna Wesley-Winn and Jesse L. Wesley, Jr., both preceded him in death. He leaves to cherish his memory: two sisters; Doris Harris (Robert) and Betty Sue Ridley. One stepsister; Betty Louise Porter. Godson; Dr. Walter Malone, Goddaughter; Rev. Dr. Saundra Bullock-Hunter,other children,grandchildren great grandchildren, nieces, nephews,members of EL Bethel Baptist Church, friends and loved ones. “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight. I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4-7

Pastor Jesse Leo Wesley Sr.

August 4, 1928 - March 10, 2024