Reverend Jacqueline “Jackie” Fentress, born on January 30, 1948 in Oakland California, was the daughter of Erie Lee Busby and James Mitchell. She is affectionately called “Twinkle” by family, referring to the special twinkle in her eyes that she displayed from an early age. Jackie spent her primary years in the small town of Kountze, Texas. Her mother Erie Lee, and grandmother, Versie Fears Johnson, had pivotal roles in instilling a strong foundation in the Christian faith and active participation within the church community. Jackie spent her secondary years in Connecticut, where she graduated from New London High School.

Jackie met Larry Fentress while in Connecticut and married in April of 1969. Since Larry was completing his education at Princeton University at the time, they decided to relocate to New Jersey. Their son Eric was born in 1972 and daughter Erie was born in 1975. The family settled in Willingboro, New Jersey.

With children in tow, Jackie decided to pursue her undergraduate degree in Education and graduated from Glassboro College (now Rowan University) in 1981. Upon obtaining her degree, she began a long career in Education, working as a Special Education teacher within the Trenton Public Schools. She was a popular and well-loved teacher at Joseph Stokes Elementary School in Trenton, New Jersey for over 25 years. During her time at Stokes in addition to teaching, she cooked annual Thanksgiving dinners for the entire school. Jackie’s great talents for teaching, singing, and cooking enabled her to support others’ physical and spiritual development while spreading the love of Jesus Christ. Her desire for continued service and love of the Christian faith led to further study, obtaining additional education and training at Manna Bible Institute in Mt. Holly, NJ. She continued her studies and active involvement in Shiloh Baptist Church of Trenton NJ since 1969 where she sang in the Echoes of Shiloh choir and served on the Deaconess board. Jackie answered God’s call on her life to pursue ordination within the Baptist church. After years of preparation, she was ordained as the first female Reverend at Shiloh Baptist Church under S. Howard Woodson Jr in 1988. She served as Associate Minister at Shiloh for 12 years. She continued to minister to many outside of Shiloh, including hosting early morning prayer and devotional programs on WIMG Christian Radio Station, women’s prayer groups, and singing in the Community Fellowship Choir of Trenton. A desire for further study prompted Jackie to obtain a Master’s Degree in Divinity from Eastern Theological Seminary, from where she graduated in 1996. In 2000, Jackie and supporting founding members (Larry Fentress, Mary Smith, Norma Faye Jones, and Rose Caldwell) established the Time of Refreshing Church in Croydon, Pennsylvania. The church served the surrounding community through its services and outreach programs for nearly 20 years.

Declining health required that Jackie receive more medical assistance, and she spent the last few years under the care of the excellent nursing staff at Paramount Senior Living in Fredericksburg, Virginia. She was greatly loved and admired by residents and staff. Jackie peacefully went to be with the Lord on Friday, October 18, 2024.

Jackie is survived by: her husband, Larry Fentress, son Eric Fentress and daughter-in-law Sherri Fentress of Stafford VA, daughter Erie Louison and son-in-law Christopher Louison of Vail AZ. Two grandsons, Elijah Fentress and Josiah Fentress. Brother-in-law Al Seals of Prichard, AL. Brother James Mitchell and wife Marguerite Mitchell of Mystic CT, Brother Vernon Mitchell and partner Princess of Preston CT, and sister Eula Scott and husband Rev. Benjamin Scott of Charleston SC. Cousin-Aunt Elsie Johnson of Mobile, AL. Four nieces, two nephews, and many cousins. Her friend of over 40 years, Mary Smith of Trenton NJ, and many extended family members.  

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