Our Staff

Jesse V. Pettway is the dedicated founder and licensed Funeral Director-In-Charge of Pettway Funeral Service. With a lifelong commitment to serving others, Jesse brings both compassion and excellence to every family he assists.

A proud Chicago native, Jesse has served the city as a professional firefighter for over 20 years. His experience in emergency response has shaped his calm presence, strong leadership, and deep empathy for people in crisis. This unique background allows him to approach funeral service with an unmatched level of care, dignity, and professionalism.

Jesse’s calling to the funeral profession grew from a deep respect for honoring life and a desire to support families through their most difficult moments. He founded Pettway Funeral Service with a vision to create a space where every family feels seen, supported, and served with excellence.

Under Jesse’s leadership, Pettway Funeral Service believes in combining tradition with innovation. Through modern tools like personalized memorial websites, online obituaries, and grief support resources, families are given space to reflect, remember, and begin healing—wherever they are. These online memorials offer a lasting tribute and a meaningful way for loved ones to connect and grieve, even from a distance.

In addition to his roles as a funeral director and firefighter, Jesse is also an educator and mentor in the funeral industry. He’s passionate about training the next generation of professionals and expanding access to quality, compassionate care.

When he’s not in the funeral home or on duty as a firefighter, Jesse enjoys community outreach, faith-based service, and spending time with family.

At Pettway Funeral Service, Jesse leads with heart, honor, and a servant’s spirit—ensuring every life is remembered with dignity and every family is supported with love.

Leandra Lee is a certified Pre-Arrangement Counselor and a licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer Apprentice, dedicated to serving families with compassion, dignity, and respect. With a deep commitment to supporting her community during life’s most sensitive moments, Leandra brings both professionalism and empathy to her work.

When she’s not serving families, Leandra enjoys spending quality time with her daughter, exploring the vibrant city of Chicago and discovering new stories through reading.

Jaleesa Clark is a talented Master Stylist and dedicated Funeral Apprentice at Pettway Funeral Service. With an expert eye for detail and a heart for service, Jaleesa ensures that every loved one is treated with dignity, grace, and flawless care—from perfectly styled hair to peaceful presentation. Her passion lies in honoring life beautifully, one final touch at a time.

Karron Williams is a gifted musician and soulful soloist who brings comfort and inspiration through music at Pettway Funeral Services. With his heartfelt vocals, skilled piano playing, and powerful drum rhythms, Karron sets the tone for meaningful farewells—offering peace, healing, and celebration through every note.

Elder D’Angelo A. Person Sr. is a licensed and ordained Elder and a dedicated preacher of the gospel. His journey in ministry began at the remarkably young age of five, when he first started preaching and singing. By the age of thirteen, he was officially licensed as a minister and began passionately spreading the Word across pulpits and communities.

Born with a heart for service, Elder Person also developed a deep connection to the funeral profession early in life. As the only minister in his family, he was often called upon to eulogize loved ones—an experience that shaped his calling to provide both spiritual and emotional care during life’s most difficult moments.

Ordained as an Elder on January 24, 2024, Elder Person continues to serve with distinction. Now at age 28, his youthful energy, compassion, and unwavering commitment are evident in every aspect of his ministry and professional work. Whether in the sanctuary or at the funeral home, he brings dignity, faith, and heartfelt service to every family he encounters.