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AULANDER – Jesse Arnold Shores, age 88, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2023. He was born on August 15, 1935, in Hertford County, to the late Garland Elwood Shores and Katie Wallace Lassiter Shores.

Jesse led a fulfilling life as a skilled carpenter, dedicating his talents to constructing homes and also worked with Majette Welding and Perdue Farms Inc. Despite having only an eighth-grade education, Jesse possessed an innate ability to envision and create anything he set his mind to. Some even said he had the skills to teach high school construction classes.

Growing up on the Mitchell Farm, Jesse developed a passion for hunting that lasted throughout his life. He enjoyed pursuing raccoons, rabbits, deer, and even bears. He eagerly passed down his knowledge and love for hunting and fishing to his nephews, instilling in them a lifelong appreciation for the great outdoors. Fishing was another pastime that brought him joy, from his early years spent fishing in local ponds to the recent moments he shared with his grandchildren, Wiley James and Parker, who will forever cherish the memories of their fishing trips together.

In addition to his hobbies, Jesse had a collection of knives, with a trusty Swiss Army Knife always tucked away in his pocket. He also had a heart full of compassion and a willingness to lend a helping hand to those who were down on their luck. Jesse’s generosity knew no bounds.

Jesse was a man of faith and attended Millennium and later Oak Grove Baptist Church with his son, Arnold. More recently, he found solace in attending Conway Baptist Church with his significant other.

Jesse is preceded in death by his father, Garland Elwood Shores; mother, Katie Wallace Lassiter Shores; spouse, Nettie Jane Shores; son, William Arnold Shores; brothers, Irvin, Elwood, Melvin, Haywood, and Bobby Shores; and sisters, Anette Shores Blowe and Peggy Shores.

He leaves behind cherished memories with his daughter, Pat Shores of Greenville; three granddaughters, Ashley (Dale) Jernigan of Aulander, Megan (Brad) Duckworth of Elm City, and Melissa (Wiley) Haithcock of Greenville; four great-grandsons, Julian Jernigan, Darin Jernigan, Wiley James Haithcock, and Parker Mitchell Haithcock; a sister, Becky (Harvey) Blowe of Aulander; and his significant other, Hilda Beasley of Conway. Jesse will also be greatly missed by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel in Ahoskie, North Carolina. Funeral services will take place on Friday, October 20, 2023 at 2 p.m. at the Millennium Pentecostal Holiness Church in Aulander, North Carolina, with Rev. Bob Skeens officiating, with burial following at Job Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Roanoke Chowan Wildlife Club, PO Box 82, Winton, NC 27986 or online by visiting tmcfunding.com / search fund, type- Jesse Shores

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is honored to be assisting the Shores family during this difficult time. Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.garrettsykesfs.com.