Jacqueline Millie Phillips-Martinez

Rev. Jacqueline Millie Phillips-Martinez September 20, 1951 – April 11, 2025 Rev. Jacqueline Millie Phillips-Martinez, affectionately known as “Jacquie,” was a woman of unwavering strength, boundless love, and profound faith. Born on September 20, 1951, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she was the cherished youngest child of Solomon Johnson and Grace Phillips. Raised alongside her beloved siblings Elisabeth Portez, Helen Holly, Charles Phillips, Matthew Phillips, and Richard Phillips, Jacquie shared a strong familial bond. Of her siblings, only her older brother Charles survives her. Jacquie leaves behind her loving son, Anton Johnson. Though she only birthed one child, she raised her granddaughter by marriage, Ashanti Martinez, as her own daughter, embodying a love and care that knew no bounds Her life changed beautifully in 1991 when she met her soulmate, Juan Martinez, at the Point Freedom Meeting Hall in Harrisburg, PA. From that moment on, they were inseparable—Juan lovingly ensuring she never left his sight. Their deep bond led to marriage in 1996, and such was their devotion that they reaffirmed their vows in a heartfelt renewal ceremony in 2001. Their love was so strong, they chose to marry twice. Together, they built a blended and devoted family of five children: Anton Johnson, Richard A. Martinez, Juan Carlos Martinez, Seneca Martinez, and Ashanti Martinez. A lifelong lover of the arts, Jacquie’s passion began early as a student at the prestigious Alvin Ailey Dance Academy. Through dance and song, she expressed her vibrant spirit and joyful soul. Her intelligence and determination shone early on; she thrived in the Philadelphia public school system, graduating with honors. Thanks to her older sister Elisabeth “Lizzy” Portez’s mentorship, Jacquie learned essential life skills—among them typing an impressive 80 words per minute. Jacquie furthered her education at the Proctor School of Ministry in Harrisburg, PA, where she studied for four years before earning her Master of Divinity from Virginia Union University in Richmond, VA. Proudly serving her country, Jacquie was a veteran of the United States Army and the Army Reserves. Her career path also included roles with the Philadelphia Police Department and the United States Postal Service. Later, she served as a fiduciary counselor for the Pennsylvania State Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS), from which she eventually retired. A devoted servant of God, Jacquie gave her heart and soul to ministry. She served as an associate pastor at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Twin Oaks, PA, where she taught adult Sunday School and contributed to various ministries, including the senior, dance, veterans’, and community outreach ministries. Her pastoral calling led her to shepherd several congregations in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, including Mount Pisgah AMEZ in Shippensburg, PA; Adams Street AMEZ in Harrisburg, PA; and Saint Paul AMEZ in Media, PA—a journey that brought her to the Delaware County community she served so faithfully. Beyond the church, Jacquie committed herself to nurturing youth and families. She worked as the Director of Before and After School Programs for the Rose Tree Media School District and mentored individuals in the community through her work in recidivism prevention with Sound Community Solutions. Jacquie’s life was a testament to love, faith, and fearless leadership. She is remembered with deep affection by her nieces and nephews: Yvette Phillips, Erica Holly, Samantha Portez & husband Shaun Walters, Craig Holly, Kevin Phillips, Anthony Phillips, Derrick Mosby, Miriam Phillips, Rachael Phillips, Charles Phillips Jr., Yolanda Phillips, and Kenneth Phillips. She is also survived by her cousin Venda Trible and many others, as well as great-nieces, great-nephews, and a host of beloved family members and friends. Jacquie lived fully, loved deeply, and led with grace and courage. Her presence touched countless lives, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Jacqueline Millie Phillips-Martinez

September 20, 1951 - April 11, 2025