Jessie was Embraced by William because of a promise he made to his dying Blood Doll. He never knew who Jessie was, and assumed Jessie to be male. He was shell-shocked at the Meat Market. Everyone knew who wanted to embrace Jessie Woodson, so no one made any moves to interview her. But, to William, a promise made was a promise kept. He spoke briefly to the girl about her mother and the sickness and the good memories. When the time came, Jessie tried to choose anyone other than him. Any person other than the only person she had any kinship to, and William respected it at first - until she started crying and then the cat got out of the bag. William told her how he had promised her mother, and how it had to be him. That was when everyone found out about Jessie's temper.

Jessie really grew into her own after she died. Even though her Embrace was eventful, Jessie took to being a Haunt with a delirious glee, and reveled in the War for Chicago. She sees William as more than a Sire, rather as the father she never knew. She still mourns him every November.