Obituary of Jacquelyn McPherson

Jacquelyn McPherson, “Jackie” was the daughter of the late Bryant and Aileen Brayboy. Jacquelyn was born on January 1, 1941, in Hartsville, South Carolina. She was one of eleven children. She graduated from Butler High School in Hartsville, South Carolina. After graduation Jackie moved to Philadelphia, PA, where she resided with her relatives, Uncle Haywood, and Aunt Lena. In 1961, Jacquelyn met and married William Gilbert McPherson. This union of 60 years formed a bond of Love. This union also blessed them with two loving sons, William Jr., (Gilbert) and Brian Sr. (Keith). Jackie loved teaching children especially her African American kids. She was a strong advocate for education and had a rewarding career as a teacher and counselor in the Philadelphia School District. She was loved and respected by the staff, students, and parents with whom she interacted. Jackie’s educational journey started with Philadelphia Community College and continued to Cheyney University where she received her bachelor’s degree. She continued her education and obtained her master’s degree from Antioch University in Counseling. She also obtained plus 30 advance credits in Administrative Studies. Jackie was very active in the Philadelphia community, where she served as a Block Captain, and as a Special Administrator of North Penn Civic Association. After years of living in Philadelphia, the family moved to Willingboro, NJ where we still currently reside. She continued her community involvement by becoming a member of the NAACP Willingboro Chapter. In her later years, she reaffirmed her faith at Grace Baptist Church in Westampton, NJ. Jackie loved to entertain family and friends. This was reflected at the family cookouts she would hold in the backyard of her house. She enjoyed spending time cooking and had a passion for BBQ. All the family could not wait for Jackie’s Backyard BBQ, which included her family favorite “RIBS”… cinnamon beans and don’t forget the banana pudding that was always hidden in the refrigerator. My wife had a great personality that would draw people to her. She loved to laugh, joke, and have fun at gatherings with family and friends. Those who had the pleasure of meeting her surely would remember her sense of humor and her friendliness. She had a special way of making you feel at home and comfortable. Jackie was preceded in death by her five brothers and three sisters: Bryant Jr., Leslie, Anthony, Larry, Otis, Rosa, Thomasena and Elsie. My wife’s life will forever be cherished by her family, (husband) William Sr., (sons) William Jr., Brian Sr., Michael, (daughters) Mildred, Sherri, (grandchildren), Brian Jr., Nicole, Danielle, Jordan, (great-grandchildren), Zyir, Jayson, Bre’Lynn, Demare’, Aria, Nyla, Rylee, Amyri, (sisters), Madeline, Francis and a hosts of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.