Evangeline Reba Jackson

Evangeline R. Jackson (nee Jennings), born April 9, 1940, in Chester, PA peacefully transitioned from labor to rest at her home on May 21, 2021. Evangeline, affectionately known by her family and friends as Vangie, was born to the late Richard L. and Willetta T. Jennings. She was educated in the Chester Upland School District and graduated from Chester High School in 1958. She then completed a two-year program in Business Administration at the former Keystone Business School in Swarthmore, PA, and a one-year program at the former Palmer Business School in Center City Philadelphia. On June 6, 1964, Vangie was joined in holy matrimony to Aaron Jackson Sr. and into this union, three children were born, Velinda A., Ericka L., and Aaron Jackson Jr. At the age of 13, Vangie accepted Christ as her personal Savior and became a member of the First Pentecostal Holy Church under the pastorate of the late Bishop W.N. Strobhar and then Bishop Samuel W. Ellis. Throughout her years at First Pentecostal, she diligently served in various capacities: secretary, pianist, and intermediate class teacher of the Bible Church School (Sunday School); secretary of the Young Peoples Holiness Association; assistant secretary of the church and for the Board of Directors; pianist for the male chorus and Nathaniel Gospel chorus; and member of the youth chorus, finance committee, junior and senior usher boards, senior choir, and mass choir. Vangie had a deep and lasting love for prayer and studying the Word of God. This passion propelled her to complete a one-year study of Biblical Counseling at the Stronghold Baptist Church, Philadelphia, and then a two-year study of Spiritual Warfare at the Abounding Grace School of the Warrior, Media, PA. After graduating from the School of the Warrior, God directed a transitional move in her life. In obedience to the word that she received, Vangie joined New Life Ministries International in 2003, under the leadership of Apostle Dr. Joyce E. Scott, where she served in the music ministry, as an altar worker, and was ordained as a minister in 2006. In 1982, Vangie was employed as an Executive Secretary for the Executive Director of Children’s Choice, Inc. where she served for seven years before becoming the Administrative Assistant for the Vice President for Student Development at Eastern University. She served in this capacity for eight years before being promoted to Office Manager for the Graduate Counseling Department and then Assistant for Academic and Student Services at Eastern University’s Campolo College of Graduate and Professional Studies. She held this position until she retired in 2010, serving the Eastern community for a total of 21 years. Vangie was predeceased by her parents, Richard and Willetta Jennings, her brothers, Nathaniel and Richard Jennings Jr., and her husband, Aaron Jackson Sr. Although Evangeline’s life journey has ended, her spirit lives on. Left to cherish her memories are her loving children Velinda Melendez (Carlos) of Swedesboro, NJ, Ericka Washington of Glen Mills, PA and Aaron Jackson Jr. of Collingdale, PA; eight grandchildren, Brandon, Tifani, Carlos Jr., Breona, Kiana, Kayla, Aaron III, and Zion; one loving and devoted brother, Phillip Murray (Christine) of Bear, DE; three sisters-in-law, Gloria Daniels of Chester, PA, Alice Jennings of Linden, NJ, and Annette Friend of Chester, PA; three brothers in law, Ralph Jackson (Lulu) of Hallandale, FL, Robert and Thomas Jackson (Diane) both of Chester, PA, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” Proverbs 31:30-31 ***All services are private***

Evangeline Reba Jackson

April 9, 1940 - May 21, 2021