Jesse William Eiland

Jesse William Eiland, 87, of Southfield, MI., passed away peacefully on November 22, 2024, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. He was born on September 5, 1937, in Louisville, Mississippi, to Nimrod and Shellie Eiland.

Funeral Service will be Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 11 a.m., from Beck Funeral Home, 226 North St., Louisville, Mississippi. Burial will be in the Louisville Memorial Cemetery, Louisville, MS. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville is in charge of arrangements.

From a young age, Jesse displayed an inquisitive nature and mechanical aptitude. He often tinkered with gadgets and explored their inner workings. His mother, Shellie, recognized his talent and reassured his sisters, Ivy and Eleanor, whenever they found their appliances disassembled, saying, "Don't worry, Jesse William will put it back together."  And he always did. This innate curiosity and problem-solving ability led him to pursue a career in engineering.

Jesse studied at Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College and earned his engineering degree from Lawrence Technological University. He later furthered his studies at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. He enjoyed a distinguished career spanning over 40 years as a mechanical and electrical engineer at Ford Motor Company. Notably, he was one of the first Black engineers to contribute to the design and safety of Ford automobiles, leaving a lasting legacy in the automotive industry.

Jesse loved God and was a member of Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit. He spent his free time with his family, reading from his extensive library, listening to jazz, researching history and genealogy, building computers, taking photographs, working on houses and cars, cooking and volunteering.

Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, Nimrod and Shellie and his sister, Pecola Ivy Eiland Fulwiley.

A devoted father, Jesse is survived by his loving children, Xina P. Eiland, Hasani N. Eiland (April) and Jessica Joi Eiland Anders (Derek) and his cherished grandsons, Blake and Hunter Eiland. He is also remembered by his sister, Eleanor Eiland Stewart and her children, Monroe Stewart III and Shelley DeEtte Stewart Bogan (Al).