Jacqueline Dickerson Turner journey began in Cleveland, Ohio on February 15, 1949, when she entered this world as the first-born child to George, Sr., and Lila Mae Dickerson, and the only sister to her two brothers, Ronald (Ronnie), and George (Dickie) Dickerson, Jr. all of whom preceded her in death.
Jackie was always a student who excelled in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District having gone to Stephen E. Howe Elementary School, Stephanie Tubbs-Jones School (formally Patrick Henry Junior High). and was a proud graduate of Glenville High School, Class of 1967. She continued her education at Cuyahoga Community College and received certification as a Respiratory Therapist, which lead her to become a C.R.I/Cardio-Vascular Technician.
Jackie met and married Leon Turner and to this union, one bright and handsome son, Tracy was born. Tracy was the love of Jackie’s
life, and she made sure he would receive the best of everything.
Jackie and her family became members of Bethany Baptist Church under the pastorship of Rev. Caver. As the story goes, one Sunday Jackie saw Mrs. Caver, and headed down the aisle to be with her. Mama Dickerson went after her daughter to bring her back to her seat. Well, the congregation took it as Mama was coming down front to join church. They began clapping, music started playing, and Bethany had new members! The rest, as they say, is history. The scripture, “Isaiah 11:6, And a child shall lead them”, had never been more fitting. Jackie loved the Lord, her church, her church family, the late Pastor, Rev. Dr. A.T. Rowan, and her current Pastor, Rev, Dr. Stephen Rowan. A devoted and diligent worker in BBC, she relished being a member of the Lela Lewis General Missionary Circle, Sunday School, WIMODAUSIS (Wives, Mothers, Daughters, Sisters), the Health Care Ministry, past President of the Greeters Ministry, and cherished working for her church’s Food Bank.
Jackie loved beautifying her yard of the home she built. which was always in pristine condition. She thrived while working with the earth and watching things grow, so much so, that she took several horticulture classes to gain more knowledge about plants. Her fabulous Christmas decorations were standouts and the talk of her cul-de-sac and friends. The neighbors were a close net group and felt like family to her. You could count on her unique voice tone giving her opinion at the Homeowner’s Association meetings and was respected for doing so. Jackie was once mother to her two cats, Precious and Calli. Her most recent being daughter/dog was Pottie.
She NEVER met a stranger; always gave you eye to eye contact and nourished in good conversation and laughter. She loved to laugh almost as much as those around her loved to hear her hardly laugh. If you had Jack as a friend, you had something. Her generous and loving innate nature was refreshing and much appreciated by all concerned. Jack loved to have a good time and did so with countless friends and family…often!
Jackie was also extremely elated with the educational prowess many of her family members held. She would literally beam as she relayed her love for them and the many accomplishments, they have made in their respective communities.
Pride and dignity were constants in Jackie’s life, but never as much as in her profession. Huron Road Hospital, and Cleveland Clinic/Hillcrest. would be benefactors of her attention to detail in the operating room as a C.R.I/Cardio-Vascular Technician for 30 plus years. After retiring. Miss. Jackie embraced employment with McGregor Gardens on every other weekend basis as a receptionist.
She treasured this job and could be seen laughing and engaging in conversations with her newfound friends. Going above and beyond the call of duty in everything she took interest in was a given. She was always timely, neat, pleasant, and a Diva in her own right!
Taking us all by surprise, Jackie departed her earthly life for a brand-new/life on Tuesday, October 18, 2022. We trust God’s word and look forward to one day rejoicing with her on the other side Our loss is Heaven’s gain! The ancestors are rejoicing!
Grateful for a myriad of wonderous memories of a life well lived and enjoyed are Jackie’s son Tracy, grandson Darcellus, granddaughter Yasmine, nieces, Kelly Shelton (Michael, Sr.), Syretta Mauldin, nephews, Kevin (Vonique), and Brandon, an aunt, Rev. Doris Young, cousin/sister, Toria Young, both of Springfield, Tennessee, Goddaughter Tanya, bestie, Teara “Nae Nae” Brewer and a host of other relatives and friends.