Jacqueline M Gresham

On July 4, 1946, Jacqueline Mary Gresham was born to the late Lester and Elizabeth Gresham in Baltimore, Maryland. Jackie, as she was affectionately known, was the third oldest of twelve children born to her parents.   Although she was born on July 4th, she experienced her greatest freedom on July 29, 2021 when God called her home to experience the ultimate reward.

As the oldest girl, Jackie was a natural caregiver and nurturer. She learned at an early age that life wasn’t about “self”. Having a life of happiness started with the giving of herself. Jackie had a kind spirit a giving heart. As a young girl, her instinct to nurture and care for others was evident. At the age of 12, her father brought her very first sewing machine which helped her cultivate creativity and a natural gift. She was first employed at the tender age of15. Cole’s Grocery Store in Baltimore, MD was that place of employment that started Jackie on the road to success. Because she was earning her own money she happily helped make sure her siblings didn’t have to go without.

Jackie matriculated through the Baltimore City Public School and was a proud graduate of Eastern High School, class of 1964. Jackie would often flash her school ring just to start a conversation about her Alma mater after high school, Jackie would pursue a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant and caretaker for individuals with developmental disabilities. She always had a special place in her heart for children, which led her to become a licensed day care provider, receiving a certification in specialized childcare. Later, Jackie continued her educational pursuits and obtained an Associates of Arts degree in Building Maintenance from North American Trade School.

In 1967 Jackie would experience her greatest accomplishment when she gave birth to her one and only daughter, Lisa. Jackie and Lisa shared a special and unique bond that was sometimes hard for others to understand. She imparted her love for knowledge and entrepreneur spirit to Lisa, which we see manifested today. Although raising Lisa gave her immense joy, nothing could compare to the love that she had for her grandchildren Shay and Ke’Shaun, her great grands Travis and Troix, her bonus grandsons, Jordan (Serenity), Daquan (Harley) & Joshua. She would often refer to the love she had for her grands as “a different kind of love.” She extended herself to share a special relationship with Lisa’s siblings Pastor Michele Leigh (Taufiki), Bishme, godsons Rev. J. Maurice White and her blessings Mia & Miah, Aaron and Lauren.

Jackie received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour at an early age. From a child and throughout her adulthood, Jackie remained a faithful and dedicated member of Mt Nebo Holiness Church under the leadership of Bishop Larry E. Williams.

Jacqueline was proceeded in death by her parents Lester & Elizabeth Gresham, her brothers William & Clarence Gresham and her sister Charlotte Gresham. Jackie leaves to cherish her precious memory her brothers the twins Lawrence (Loretta) & Leonard (Carolyn), James, Donald and Eugene. Her sisters Mary, Margaret (Clinton Sr) and Thomasine, her one and only daughter Dr. Lisa Gresham-Wilson (Larry), her grand-children Shayiona (Travis), Ke’Shaun, three grandsons, four great grand-children, her adoring nieces, 2 nephews and her host of relatives and friends. Jackie had a special affinity for all family coast to coast.  She enjoyed vacationing and living life to its fullest while maintaining a godly relationship.