It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Jacquelyn Pemberton Barnes.

Jacquelyn Inez Pemberton Barnes was born in Tallahassee, Florida on November 5, 1948, the seventh child of Mose and Mary Porter Pemberton. She grew up in the historic communities of Springfield and Griffin Heights. In 1966, she graduated from the Original Lincoln High School with honors.She demonstrated leadership serving on the Student Council, Secretary for the Band, and Treasurer for her Senior Class. She enrolled at Florida A&M University (FAMU) where she received the BS in Psychology. She worked as an Unemployment Compensation Examiner with the Florida Department of Labor, and at FAMU Trio Student Support Services as Senior Office Manager from which she retired. Many students, including godson, Monique Shepherd, benefited from her guidance and continue to speak fondly of “Ms. Jackie”.

Jacquelyn became a member of Philadelphia Primitive Baptist Church, her family’s home church, and served faithfully. She was a true pillar of the Church, and according to her Pastor and fellow worshippers served as President of the Charitable Committee for numerous years, with unmatched grace, perseverance, and love. Her leadership was not just a position; it was a calling she answered daily with unwavering faith and deep compassion. She organized workshops, made numerous phone calls, and sent cards for all occasions. Her service extended well beyond the walls of the church, offering valuable resources for those in need, giving her time and personal resources without hesitation. Her civic commitments included: Membership in the NAACP, the John G. Riley Museum, a devoted FAMU Booster and avid Rattler fan.

On June 1, 2025, Jacquelyn passed peacefully at the Mustian Center surrounded by her Pastor Elder Terry Price, Deacon Lorenzo Alexander, church members, Phyllis Dantzler and Kimberly Douglas, Deacon Jeffery Rollins, who took care of many of her special needs when she became unable to do so, her sister, Althemese Pemberton Barnes, neighbor Cortez Chaires, classmate Gwendoyn J. Spencer, her friend and devoted nurse and caregiver, Natoshia Dickey, and her loved and devoted Godson, Montique Shepherd II, who she cared for as her own.
Departing this life she leaves to cherish her memories godson, Montique Shepherd II; goddaughter, Monea Shepherd; both of Atlanta, Georgia; devoted friend and caregiver, Latoshia Dickey; one brother, Alphonso Pemberton; four sisters, Mary Lucille Pemberton Hadley and Althemese Pemberton Barnes of Tallahassee, Florida, Evelyn Pemberton Hackney (William) and Beverly Pemberton Lee (Daryl) of Aubrey, Texas. She leaves also many grieving classmates and neighbors, and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and cousins in the Austin, Banks, Davis, Dennis, Donaldson, Fisher, Gainous, Givens, Hill, Nesbitt, Pemberton, Peterson, Porter, Vaughn, and Young families. She was predeceased in death by her parents, brothers: Freddie, Moses Jr,. Willie James, and sister, Acquilina Doretha Pemberton.

Funeral service will be 11:00 am, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Philadelphia P.B. Church with burial at Greenwood Cemetery. Public viewing is Tuesday, June 10, 2025 from 12 (Noon) to 6:00 pm at Strong & Jones Chapel. Those wishing to honor Jacquelyn’s life and service in perpetuity are asked to donate to the Jacquelyn Pemberton Barnes Heart of Service Student Scholarship Fund, Florida A&M University Trio Program. Service may viewed Via/Youtube.

On behalf of the staff and management of Strong & Jones Funeral Home, Inc., we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Mrs. Jacquelyn Pemberton Barnes.