Obituary

Jacqueline Virginia Collins Venable, affectionately known as “Jackie” and lovingly called “Jackson” by those closest to her, was born on June 16, 1958, in Woodbury, New Jersey, to the late Alvin B. Collins and Erma Taylor Collins.

Jackie was raised in Woodbury, NJ and attended the Woodbury school system, graduating from Woodbury High School in 1976. During her high school years, she developed a love for cooking and was known as “Miss Home Economics,” which she received a certificate for and was honored in the Gloucester County Times, a title that perfectly reflected the gift that would later become one of her greatest joys—sharing food and love with others. After graduation, Jackie entered the workforce and began a long career with Prudential Insurance. After many dedicated years of service, she retired from Prudential. Never one to stop learning, she later attended various trade schools where she studied computer technology and culinary arts. She continued her service to the community later in life by working for the Public Works Department in Woodbury, New Jersey.

Jackie accepted Christ at an early age at Mt. Zion Wesley Church in Wenonah, NJ where she was a longtime member. After marriage, she became a member of Evangelism Today Christian Center in Camden, NJ where she continued her journey with Christ, followed by attending St. John’s United Methodist Church in Berlin NJ and finally in 1998 serving alongside family at Spoken Word Evangelistic Church in Woodbury Heights, NNJ underthe leadership of her brother Alvin L Collins. She became the Worship Leader and Church Administrator for many years.

Jackie met the love of her life, Kevin M. Venable of Berlin, New Jersey while singing at church. After two years of courtship, the two were united in marriage on June 15, 1986. Together they made their home in Berlin Township, New Jersey. Their early years together were humble, beginning in a small home where they worked side by side to build a life filled with love, faith, and perseverance. Over nearly four decades of marriage, their home became a place of warmth, laughter, and fellowship.

From their union came three beloved children: Leah Comegys, Kevonna Rose, and Kevin Collin Jr., who became the pride and joy of her life.

Jackie had many passions that brought joy not only to herself but to everyone around her. She loved to cook and was widely known for her incredible meals, delicious cakes, cookie trays, cheesecakes, and countless other treats that blessed family gatherings and celebrations. Her kitchen was a place where love was served in every dish.

She also loved music. As a teenager, she was a member of the band with her siblings and neighborhood friends and carried her love of singing throughout her life. Jackie and her husband Kevin even shared their voices together, singing at weddings under the name “BrightStar,” blessing others with their harmony and love.

Jackie had a giving heart and was known for her generosity—she would truly give you the shirt off her back. She loved spending time tending to her garden and growing vegetables, enjoying the beauty and peace that came from nurturing the earth. In her quieter moments, Jackie enjoyed watching the Food Network, especially Beat Bobby Flay and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with Guy Fieri. She also loved watching Hallmark movies and faithfully kept up with General Hospital. Many family members will forever remember her relaxing on her sofa in her beloved furry pink robe. Her favorite movies were: It’s A Wonderful Life, Home Alone, Sound of Music, Beauty and the Beast, and My Big Fat Greek Wedding, to name a few.

Her grandchildren brought immense joy to her life. She adored spending time with her grandsons—Benjamin, Danilo, and Maximilian—and treasured every moment spent with them.

In the last ten years of her life, Jackie endured many health challenges. She faced them with remarkable strength, faith, and grace. For the past three years she courageously endured dialysis, demonstrating resilience and an unwavering spirit that inspired all who knew her.

Jackie was preceded in death by her father, Alvin B. Collins; her sisters, Vera Collins Cooper, Grace Collins, and Michell Olgetree.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. She is lovingly survived by her mother, Erma Collins; her brother, Alvin Collins; and her sister, Rose Jones (Terrell).

She leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted husband of nearly forty years, Kevin M. Venable, Sr.; Her loving children Leah Cole (Herbert), Kevonna Venable, Kevin Venable Jr. (Marina) and bonus daughter Hope Venable Smith. Her beloved grandchildren: Benjamin Rodriguez, Danilo Rodriguez, Maximilian Venable, Janeka Marriot, Jocelyn Venable, Sunjata Smith and 4 Great Grand Children.

She is also lovingly remembered by her sisters-in-love Constance Carpenter (Joe) and Joane Lowe; brothers-in-love Lemuel Venable Jr. and Larry Venable, and the late Leslie Venable; special cousins/brothers George Taylor and Richard Lee; her nephews Terrell Jones (Dorothy), Jovan Lowe, Lemuel Venable III, Lance Venable, Keenan & Kyle Ogletree; and her nieces Lesley Ann Dennis (Duane), Latoya Lewis(Ryan), Carmen Bowen (Steve), Brittany Jones (Terrence), Tiandra Jones, Krista Morales (Luis), Ariel Cooper (Josh), Ciara Cooper, Jordyn Cooper, and Ceres Ogletree.

She also leaves behind special “sons” Jose Rodriguez, Stephen Terrell (Shana), Travelle Anderson, Greg Pressley (Anna), Martin Quick Jr, Larnelle Joseph and Justice Norwood; special “daughters” Asya Rainey and Marchada Artis along with a host of extended family members, friends, and loved ones whose lives were deeply touched by her kindness, faith, and love.

“Special Shoutout to her favorite produce market The Stellato Boys, Rick, Pelle, and Joe.”

Jackie’s life was a testament to perseverance, generosity, faith, and love for family. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit, her songs, her laughter, and the love she poured into others will live on in every life she touched.