Sister Jacqueline “Jacque” Williams-Elder, a beloved educator, mentor, friend and so much more, passed away on October 27,2024, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, faith, and dedication. Jacque was born on October 25, 1963, to Barbara Jean Williams-Long and Willie Freeman-Long. She graduated from Collinwood Highschool in 1981 and pursued a life-long journey of education and service.

On June 13, 1998, Jacque married the love of her life, Anthony Elder. Together, they shared a deep and enduring bond, marked by shared joy, love, their faith and worship of God, and many cherished memories. They especially loved traveling together, often finding peace and joy in the Amish Country and road trips south.

Jacque briefly attended Harvard University but returned home, ultimately earning a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education from Cleveland State University and a Master’s degree in Mathematics from John Carroll University. Jacque furthered her studies through additional courses taken at Miami University and Notre Dame University, embodying her commitment to learning and growth.

Throughout her life, Jacque was a resolute servant to her faith in God. She was a devoted member of The Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church, serving in the Progressive Baptist District under various presidents and acting as a devoted trustee as well as serving on the Usher board and singing in the choir. A proud member of the Phi Delta Kappa Sorority (Alpha Xi chapter), Jacque was also deeply engaged in her community and church, where she was known for her warm spirit, uplifting praise dance, and love for line dancing.

Jacque loved teaching and inspiring others, as she served as a Special Education Teacher for the Cleveland Municipal School District for more than 30 years teaching at both Franklin D. Roosevelt Middle School and East Clark School. Jacque shared her wisdom gracefully and with humility. She taught children, guided young adults, and even supported the court system in helping others improve their lives. Though highly accomplished, Jacque never flaunted her numerous certifications and degrees, choosing instead to shine her light quietly, yet brightly.

As a young woman, Jacque traveled to France as an exchange student, a trip that enriched her life and left her with a lifelong appreciation for French culture. She continued to surprise friends and family with her love for languages, people, travel, and the arts. Jacque’s passion for plays, movies and new experiences made her a joy to be around and an inspiration to all.

Jacque is preceded in death by her beloved mother Barbara “Jean” Williams-Long, her father Willie Freeman Long, her grandparents, Robert “Willie” L. Williams, and Aldora Dorothy Williams-Green, and her step-grandmother Lugenia Williams, as well as several aunts and uncles on both her maternal and paternal sides.

She leaves to cherish her loving husband of over 26 years, Anthony Elder; her siblings, Felita Victoria Williams, Jeffrey Freeman Williams, and Avonnie Yvette Allen; her beloved aunts Dorothy Ann Harps and Erlene Green-Harris; and her cherished nieces and nephews Briaune Nichole Glass (Mario), Jason A Wiggins, Malik T Woods-Williams and Jacqueline L. Allen, all of whom she loved deeply.

Jacques’s impact on her family, students, friends, colleagues, and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her will remain in our hearts forever. Her light, faith, and warmth will be greatly missed.