Mrs. Jacqueline Ann Smith

Jacqueline Ann Franklin was born in Ferndale, Michigan on April 10, 1952 to the union of William Robinson and Alice Mae Robinson. She was the first-born of three children. Being nurtured in a Christian home, Jacqueline accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age. Jacqueline was lovingly called "Jackie." Her early years were filled with curiosity and a love for reading and writing. She attended school in the Ferndale and Detroit Public Schools graduating from McKenzie High School with honors. She furthered her education by attending and graduating from Wayne State University. While matriculating at WSU, she was employed at the local TV station Channel 56. One of the most memorable highlights of her time at WSU was when she was chosen to play the role of the mother in the play, "Raisin in the Sun." One of her goals for later life was to write a novel. Jackie's sharp intellect and love for words were apparent in everything she did. Upon graduating from WSU, Jackie continued to further her education and was employed as a social worker for the State of Michigan Department of Human Services until she retired. A few years following her retirement, she relocated to the Washington, D.C. area. She became an employee at the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. (PNBC, Inc.) Headquarters where she served in many capacities: Administrative Assistant to the General Secretary of PNBC, Inc., Office Manager and Meeting Planner for the Convention during the tenure of several former presidents of PNBC, Inc., as well as the current president, Rev. Dr. David R. Peoples. It was during her employment at PNBC, Inc. Headquarters that she met Howard Anthony Franklin. A loving, caring relationship developed over the years resulting in Holy Matrimony on July 15, 2023 in White Plains, Maryland. Spiritually, Jackie's faith was very important to her as evidenced by her work in the Church. She received a strong, spiritual foundation that followed her throughout the rest of her life after being baptized at New True Vine Baptist Church by Rev. James Jennings, Sr., Pastor. It was there that she served as Youth Department leader and was a faithful member of the choir. She is fondly remembered by the Jennings family for her dedicated work in the church, her love for music, and her beautiful soprano voice. Her dedicated service to the Lord continued when the family relocated to a new neighborhood and became members of Greater Southern Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. Thomas L. Saulsberry in 1978. Jackie soon became the director of the Celestial Choir because of her deep love and devotion to the choir. Jackie encouraged the spirit of unity during concert preparation and performance which led Pastor Saulsberry to appoint her as the first Director of the Greater Southern Music Department. One of Jackie's greatest influences was supporting the development of the teenage choir, "Inspirational Voices." They were referred to as "her babies", who grew to be spirit-filled worshippers. In addition, Jackie always supported education, growth, and forward movement. She hosted workshops to teach lessons on 'not getting stuck' and 'getting out of your comfort zone'. She was an active member of the "Sisterhood" that was formed at Greater Southern. The mission of the Sisterhood was to provide for all women of the church a scriptural based forum for women to be uplifted, refilled, strengthened, and supported. Jackie's service extended to the Michigan Progressive Baptist Convention, Inc. where she was an active member of the Young Matrons during the tenure of the late Grace Powell Wathel. She also served as Recording Secretary of the Women's Work and President of the Women's Work. Jackie was a faithful member of Greater Southern until relocating to the Washington, D.C./Maryland/Virginia area. Jackie accomplished many of her life's goals which included being an avid traveler and owning beautiful, luxurious cars. She was devoted to family. She took on the role of caretaker and companion to her mother. They were INSEPARABLE. She looked forward to the yearly family trips, spending time with her nieces and nephews whom she deeply adored and was actively involved in their lives. On Friday, December 27, 2024, Jacqueline peacefully departed this life. She now rests in the arms of Christ with her parents and niece, Deshawnda Robinson who preceded her in death. Jacqueline's fruitful life will forever be remembered and cherished in the hearts of those she now leaves in God's care. Mourning her departure and cherishing her beautiful memories include her devoted husband, Howard, her brothers: William Robinson, Jr.(Rosalind Thurmond) and Chester Duane Robinson (Krystelle Goodman): her spiritual sister, Arlene Tyler; nieces and nephews: William Robinson III, Sheronda Robinson, Shay-Lynn, Duane D' Adrian Robinson, Taylor Chantel Drayton (Quann); great and great-great nieces and nephews: Cornesia Washington, Torrell Robinson, Marissa Robinson, Husie Jeremy Williams, Harley Madison Drayton, Dakota Milan Drayton, Quann D. Drayton, Jr., Aiden Jones, Messiah Kior LeShaun Wilson, Zylo Joao Robinson; her aunts: Aster Lee Wade, Ernestine Pitts; and a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends. "May the work she has done, life she has lived, and service she has given speak for her." Well done, good and faithful servant, you have been faithful over a few things, 1 will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord. Matt. 25:23

Mrs. Jacqueline Ann Smith

April 10, 1952 - December 27, 2024