Jacquelyn M Jackson

Death is a gateway we all must pass through

To reach that fair land where the soul is born anew

This gate opened to Jacquelyn Bernice Martin Jackson

On Monday, February 15, 2021 surrounded by family and friends at her home

In Philadelphia Pennsylvania at 7:38 P.M.

Jacquelyn Bernice Martin Jackson (Jackie) is the first child born to the late Bartholomew Martin and the late Bernice Florenza Martin on August 24, 1939 in Madison, North Carolina. At the age of four, her family relocated to Baltimore Maryland.  She was baptized at Wayland Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland at the age of 15 along with her younger sister, Mary Ann.  She attended Benjamin Banneker Elementary School, Harvey Johnson Junior High School and graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in 1957.  She graduated from Morgan State University, in 1961 receiving the Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education.  She began her teaching career at Frederick Douglass High School in February 1962, having worked for Manning-Shaw and attending Morgan in the evening to receive her teaching certificate.  She was transferred to Harlem Park Junior High School and taught from September, 1962 to June, 1966.  In 1965, she married her college sweetheart Melvin Langston Jackson.  From this union, they were blessed twins in 1974, Melvin, II and Melanie Lynn.  

She relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1966 and taught Business Education at Simon Gratz High School, Martin Luther King, Jr. High School, Girls High School and Olney High School retiring in 1993.  She attended Temple University and received the Master of Education Degree in Business Education in 1970 and received plus 30 credits 1972-1985 and completed computer courses at Philadelphia College of Textile and Science, (now Philadelphia University) in 1985.  She became a member of Zion Baptist Church shortly after arriving in Philadelphia in 1968.

Jackie was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter in 1989.    One of her proudest moments was when her daughter, Melanie Lynn was initiated into the Alpha Gamma Chapter at her alma mater, Morgan State University.

Jackie was a Diamond Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and served on the Sisterly Connection Committee from 1994-2000, and was an initial member of the Legacy of Love Foundation, Souvenir Journal Co-Chair for Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter’s 75th Anniversary and Souvenir Journal Co-Chair for 2006 National Convention in Philadelphia, PA, Morgan State University National Alumni Association, serving as National Secretary from 1985-1989 and 1990-1992 and Corresponding Secretary of the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter from 1994-1998, Temple University Alumni Association.  She was a Past Corresponding Secretary of Chi Wives, a member of West Mt. Airy Neighbors, Upper Wissahickon Civic Association, Philadelphia Kappa Silhouettes serving as NE Province Secretary from 1985-1987, Southern Area Coordinator from 1987-1992, Corresponding Secretary from 1973-1974, 1985-1987 and 1997-1999, Chairperson of Directory Committee from 1985 to the present, Journalist from 1990-1992, Financial Secretary from 1988-1990, Co-Chairperson of Registration Committee for August, 1995 Grand Kappa Conclave, National Journalist from 1998-2005.  She was a charter member of the Philadelphia Epicureans, serving as Recording Secretary from 1983-1989 and chairperson of Publicity/Printing Committee for June 1995 Conclave in Philadelphia, PA and Chairperson of the Directory Committee from 1989 to the present.  

Jackie leaves to celebrate her life and legacy:  her twins, Melvin Langston Jackson, II (Arica) of Tampa, Florida and Melanie Lynn Jackson, M.D. (Tony) of Bowie, Maryland; four grandchildren, Sasha Alexandria Wells, Skylar Lynn Wells, Melvin Langston Jackson, III and Quinn Adean Jackson, two sisters, Mattie Martin and Linda Hollis (Doug) of Baltimore and Pikesville, Maryland, respectively, one brother, Bartholomew Martin, Jr. (June) of Staatsburg, NY, three aunts, Eudoxia Dalton and Dorothy James of Madison, NC, and Lois Fears, Ed.D. (Freddie) from Tampa, FL.  A dedicated cousin and caregiver, Michelle Clark, and devoted friends Sandie Jordon-Gordan and Maxine Johnson.  She will be missed by nieces, nephews, many cousins, extended family members, sorority sisters and life-long friends.

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