Our Founder
The Heart of Jesse Foundation, Inc (HJF) was founded by Voncile Adams who was inspired by her son Jesse and his battle with heart disease. Her hope is that together we can help combat heart disease by saving one life at a time. She shares Jesse’s life and legacy below.
My Miracle Baby
Jesse Hannor was born on March 31, 1990, as a premature baby. The story of Jesse all began with my sister, Rosa Marie, Jesse’s biological mother who died of congestive heart failure when Jesse was three weeks old. Rosa Marie’s heart condition made carrying a baby to term not only challenging but also fatal. Her doctor advised her to have an abortion, but she refused and wanted Jesse to live even if she did not. When Jesse was born, I was mourning the death of my 3-week-old baby son who died three months prior. My sister’s strong conviction, courage, and selflessness gave me another son, my miracle baby. After seeing how much I loved and cared for Jesse, Jesse’s biological father allowed my husband Thomas Jefferson and I to adopt him as our son. It was God’s plan for Jesse to live.
As a child, life was not easy for Jesse. Unexpectedly, Jesse’s biological dad (whose name is also Jesse) died. Jesse also experienced many health challenges including an enlarged heart, asthma, and other respiratory issues. In his early 20’s, Jesse’s older biological brother Joseph like their mother died of congestive heart failure. Jesse was diagnosed with congestive heart failure as well, and at age 24, he received a pacemaker in his heart. Jesse endured many medical complications over the next few years, but he never complained. At age 33, Jesse died on Christmas evening (December 25, 2023) in Dallas, Texas, just a month before preparing for a heart transplant.
I cannot imagine what it was like to live in Jesse’s body, especially as a young man. He inspired me and gave me so much joy. I will always remember the smile on his face and laughter in his heart. He was soft spoken, courageous, full of wisdom, and a gentle giant who cared deeply for children (although he never had his own) and the elderly. He brought so much joy, laughter, and love to our family, his friends, church family, and community.
In his 33 years of life, Jesse had many ups and downs. Yet, God blessed Jesse to graduate high school and serve 14 years with the same company until he was placed on disability in 2022. His life was a true miracle. When asked how he remained resilient, hopeful, and peaceful, he would reply, “Jesus is my friend.” Jesse put his life in God’s hand and completely trusted God, which over the years inspired me to grow in my faith. Jesse might have had heart trouble, but he did not have a troubled heart.
While Jesse did not receive his healing on earth, I am grateful he is now healed in heaven. It has been my honor to serve as his mother for 33 years. His life’s legacy was and will always be …His love. He genuinely loved everyone! I am excited that I will see my miracle baby again. I thank God for trusting me to care and love him!
Jesse, we all miss you… until we meet again!
Love,
Momma
The Heart of Jesse
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