Obituary of Jacqueline May-Holness

Jacqueline Yvonne May Holness was born on March 16, 1954 in Wilmington, DE to the late LeRoy and Gwendolyn Unthank May. She was educated in the Philadelphia public school system and graduated from Overbook High School in 1972. She later received her certificate as a Nursing Assistant and went on to a successful career first at Bryn Mawr Terrace and later at Beaumont at Bryn Mawr, where she retired after 32 years of dedicated service in May of 2020. Jacqueline was affectionately known by her family and friends as “Jackie.” She was introduced to Donald Holness by a friend in 1980 and the couple were married in 1982. Jackie gained a loving daughter, Midell, and in 1987 gave birth to daughter Patrice Nicole (“Peanut”). Jackie was full of life and had an abundance of love for every person she encountered. She was the type of person who would give the shirt off of her back to someone in need. She was a warm and nurturing person. She had a knack for always being able to find the right words of comfort for others in their time of need. Because of her large heart, she was beloved by many.  Jackie and Peanut were very close. These two were inseparable. If you saw Jackie, Peanut wasn’t far behind. Jackie’s family was her love.  A compassionate mother and grandmother, a loving sister, a doting aunt, and a loyal friend, Jackie took care of a community that appreciated and celebrated her. She had a wicked sense of humor, boundless wisdom, and a sharp fashion sense.  Jackie is survived by many who cherished her: daughters Midell Marsh and Patrice Holness, grandsons Aidan, Ashton, Amory, Jaden, and Kamar. Sisters Cheryl (Pat), Deirdre, Adrienne May, Carletta (Lolly) Simpson, and Yvonne Nichols. Brother Todd Unthank May, an aunt Althea Harmon, son-in-law Karl Marsh, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, co-workers, and dear friends. Jackie was the life of the party and has left a void that can never be filled.