Jacqueline Pinson

First Quarter: Tip-Off Jacqueline Ann Walker-Pinson, affectionally known as “Jackie,” entered the game of life on October 1, 1966, in Chicago, Illinois. Born to Ellar and Clarence Walker, Jackie’s father preceded her in death. Jackie was raised by her mother, who played the dual role of both parent and mentor, instilling in Jackie the values of hard work, kindness, and resilience. Her mother’s strength and dedication were the guiding forces of Jackie’s life. When her mother later married Thomas Hargrow, Jackie was blessed with a devoted stepfather who stepped in to guide her with a gentle hand and a heart full of love. Jackie cherished her relationship with Thomas, who treated her as his own, and their bond grew strong over the years. Thomas Hargrow preceded Jackie in death, leaving behind a legacy of strength and family unity that Jackie carried forward throughout her life. Growing up in the vibrant city of Chicago, Jackie was surrounded by the rich culture and history of her hometown. She was known for her bright smile, competitive spirit, and the way she could light up any room she entered. Jackie’s early years were filled with memories of playing street games with her siblings and building lifelong friendships in her close-knit neighborhood. These formative experiences shaped her into the resilient and loving woman she would become, ready to take on any challenge that life presented her with. As the fourth of five children and the only girl on her family’s team, Jackie stood out with her strong, determined spirit. Surrounded by her brothers, Jackie quickly learned how to hold her own, developing a blend of resilience and grace that would define her throughout life. Her role as the only girl in the family made her both cherished and fiercely protective, and she was often seen as the glue that held her siblings together, especially during challenging times. Jackie began her education in May Elementary School, where she first showcased her love for learning and her ability to connect with others. Her teachers and classmates were drawn to her vibrant personality and natural leadership qualities. Whether on the playground or in the classroom, Jackie was always at the center of activities, organizing games and helping others. After her family moved, Jackie transferred to John Hay Elementary School, where she continued to excel. It was here that she began to develop a passion for music and sports, participating in local youth leagues. Her competitive spirit shone brightly in these formative years, and she earned the respect of her peers through her dedication and perseverance. Jackie completed her academic journey at Austin College & Career Academy High School, graduating with the class of 1984. During her time in high school, Jackie was an active member of various clubs and extracurricular activities. She was known for her unwavering determination, whet her it was academic, athletics, or leading a helping hand to classmates. Jackie’s high school years were marked by her drive to succeed and her ability to bring people together, qualities that would continue to serve her well throughout her life. Second Quarter: A Life of Faith and Music Jackie accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age at New St. Matthew M. B. Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Gilbert Treadwell. Her faith became the cornerstone of her life, guiding her decision and shaping the compassionate, loving woman she became. Jackie’s involvement in the church was more than just attending services; it was the central part of her identity. From a young age, she found joy and purpose in her church, where she began her journey in the Junior Choir. In the Junior Choir, Jackie’s talent for music quickly became apparent. Her voice, a blend of strength and emotion, touched the hearts of those who heard her sing. But it wasn’t just her voice that stood out, Jackie had a natural gift of leadership. She was the kind of person who could inspire others, encouraging her fellow choir members to give their best and to sing with both their voices and their heart. This passion led her to take on more responsibilities within the choir, and in time, she became one of the choir directors. As Jackie grew older, her commitment to her faith deepened. She transitioned to the Young Adult Choir, where she continued to lead and inspire through her music. Jacke’s love for gospel music was more than just a hobby; it was a way for her to express her deep connection to her faith and to spread that same feeling of love and hope to others. Eventually, Jackie joined the Adult Choir where her role in the church community became even more significant. She was not only a singer but also a pillar of strength and a beacon of faith for others. Jackie’s legacy in the church was not just in her voice or her leadership but in the way she lived her faith every day. Her deep spirituality and her love for music created a lasting impact on her church, inspiring others to find their own paths to God through song and service. Third Quarter: Family, Love and the Game Jackie met the love of her life, Lamont Pinson, and on February 17, 2000, they united in holy matrimony. Their union was a celebration of love, partnership, and mutual respect. Together, they built a strong, close-knit family which became their greatest source of pride and joy. Their team was complete with the arrival of four children, Jack’ee, Vashun, Jovon, and Xavier. Like her mother before her, Jack’ee stood out as the only girl on the team, a role she embraced with the same strength and determination Jackie had shown through her life.

Jackie’s love for her family was unmatched; she poured her heart into raising her children, instilling in them the values of faith, hard work, and love that she held dear. Her nurturing spirit was not limited to her immediate family, it extended to everyone she encountered. Jackie became an honorary mother to many in her community. Her home was always open, a warm and welcoming place where friends and family gathered to share meals, stories, and laughter. Known for her signature dish, Pinto Beans and Buttermilk Cornbread, Jackie’s kitchen was the heart of the home. It was here that she shared not just food, but also love and wisdom with those around her. Her cooking was more than just a meal; it was a way to bring people together, to create memories, and to show her love in a tangible way. Jackie’s kitchen was always bustling with activity, filled with the sounds of family, friends, and the warmth that only she could provide. Throughout her career, Jackie worked in various roles, including approving residents for the CEDA Program at PLCCA and serving as a Loan Closer at Fidelity Mortgage. In each of these roles, Jackie brought the same dedication and passion that she applied to every aspect of her life. However, her true passion was sports, a love that began in her youth when she played softball, eventually earning a position on the Baseball Babies from 1980 to 1985. And for those who knew her, it was no secret that her dad, “Shug,” had always envisioned a little girl in ruffle dresses and frilly socks, but Jackie was anything but. Jackie’s competitive spirit was evident from an early age, whether she was beating her brothers in a pickup game of basketball or passionately cheering on her favorite teams. Though she never played on a basketball team herself, Jackie’s love for the game was unparalleled. She was a die-hard fan of the Chicago Bulls and followed the careers of LeBron James and Kobe Bryant with enthusiasm. But Jackie’s greatest joy came from watching her son Xavier’s basketball journey. She was his biggest fan, always cheering him on from the sidelines as he pursued his dreams, first at the University of Missouri and later at Louisiana State University (LSU). Jackie’s support for her children was unwavering, and she took immense pride in their accomplishments, whether on the court or in life. In addition to her family and sports, Jackie was a pillar in her community. She played a key role in organizing neighborhood block club events, working closely with her cousin, Tenika Robinson, to bring joy and unity to their block. Whether it was planning a summer barbeque, a block party, or a holiday celebration, Jackie’s presence ensured that every event was a success. Her commitment to her community was a reflection of the love and care she extended to everyone around her, making her a beloved figure in the neighborhood and a source of inspiration to all who knew her. Fourth Quarter: A Final Victory Jackie bravely battled illness for a short while, demonstrating the same strength, grace, and determination that she had shown throughout her life. Despite the challenges that came with her illness, Jackie remained a source of inspiration to those around her, always facing each day with a smile and unwavering faith. Her resilience in the face of adversity was a testament to her indomitable spirit and deep-rooted faith in God. During this time, Jackie was surrounded by the love and care of her children, who became her greatest supporters and source of strength. Her grandchildren, lovingly known as “Nana’s babies,” were a constant presence, bringing her joy and comfort with their laughter and hugs. Jackies mother, siblings, and extended family were also by her side, offering their support and ensuring that she was never alone in her journey. Family and friends visited frequently, filling her home with warmth, prayers, and shared memories. Jackie’s home became a sanctuary of love, where the bonds of family were strengthened and every moment was cherished. Each visit was a reminder of the impact Jackie had on the lives of those who knew her—her generosity, kindness, and unwavering faith were ever present, even in her most challenging moments. On Sunday, August 4, 2024, in the familiar and comforting surroundings of her home, Jackie was called from labor to eternal rest. Her passing marked the end of her earthly journey but the beginning of her eternal life. Surrounded by the presence of her loved ones, Jackie’s final moments were filled with peace and grace, a reflection of the life she had lived. She left this world knowing that she had fought her battle with courage and her legacy of love, faith, and family would continue to live on through those who were fortunate enough to have been touched by her life. Jackie leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and resilience. She is survived by her mother, Ella Hargrow; husband, Lamont Pinson; children, Jack’ee, Vashun, Jovon, and Xavier Pinson; six beloved grandchildren, Nana #1 Damaria, Nana #2 Damaya, Nana #3 Michael, Nana #4 Matthew, Nana #5 Nemiah, and Nana #6 Xi’ani; siblings, the rest of the team, Kelvin, Melvin, Clarence, and Vashun (Shenequa) Walker; godmother, Addie Joyce Robinson; goddaughter, Erica Crane; sisters-in-law, Lynda, MarKisha, LaTonya Pinson, Linda Newson, Tangray (Terrance) Davis, and Paulette (Cornell) Dilworth; brothers-in-law, Terry (Lynn) Pinson, Wayne Pinson, and Fredrick (Jessie) Pinson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Jackie’s departure was not a defeat but a final victory—a triumphant return to her heavenly home where she would reunite with those who had gone before her, maternal and paternal grandparents, aunts, uncles, her mother and father-in-law, and her beloved brotherin-law and sister-in-law. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who loved her, a beacon of hope, strength, and unwavering faith.

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