Jacqueline “Jackie” Jeffries Kpeglo was born on October 31, 1946, in Greensboro, North Carolina, to Rev. Vernon F. Jeffries and Ruby Jeffries. During her youth, she was active in the Girl Scouts and later chose to help integrate Walter Hines Page Senior High School when the school system requested volunteers. Jackie graduated from Page in 1965 and then earned a Bachelor of Science in Education at West Virginia State College in 1969. During her time in West Virgina, she joined the Nu Chapter of
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and studied abroad in Accra at the University of Ghana at Legon, sparking her lifelong passion for West African history and culture.

After graduating, Jackie moved to Cleveland, Ohio, and began teaching at George Washington Carver Junior High School, where she also led a Girl Scout Troop with her best friend, Arlene Dunbar. She eventually returned to Greensboro to teach at Allen Middle School and earned a Master of Science in Education-Guidance from NorthCarolina A&T State University in May 1976. One month later, she married Maurice Kobla Kpeglo, and together they raised two daughters.

Jackie's most significant contributions came during her time at James B. Dudley High School. There, she introduced the African-American History curriculum to Guilford County and played a key leadership role in having the school listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. After dedicating 31 years to the Guilford County Schools, she retired to focus on winning her battle with lung cancer. She later credited her survival to her strong faith in God, positive thinking, and the power of prayer.

Jackie especially loved the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer where she taught Sunday School and worked as a youth leader for the Episcopal Youth Community (EYC). She also tremendously enjoyed her bible study group.

Her civic involvement included membership in the Beta Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in Greensboro and the Greensboro Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., where she served as President. Jackie was also proud of her heritage as a member of the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi nation.

She was preceded in death by her husband Kobla after celebrating 46 years of marriage. Her beloved sister, Yvonne Johnson, and brother-in-law, Walter T. Johnson, Jr., also predeceased her, along with her sister-in-law, Stephanie Kpeglo. She is survived by her two daughters, Enyonam Kpeglo Williams (Daniel) and Senadzi Kafui Kpeglo-Halley (Evan). She will also be remembered by three grandchildren who called her “Nana”: Jacqueline Halley, 10, Daniel Williams, Jr., 8, and Leah Halley, 7, as well as her sisters-in-law and brother-in-law: Beryl Esi Agbley (Kofi), Doris Esi Kpeglo, and David Kofi Kpeglo.

Jackie will also be missed by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews including Janice Jeffries, Walter T. Johnson, III (Samara), Vernon Johnson (Tina), Lisa Johnson-Tonkins (Elbert), Shannon Johnson-Lackey (Tarji), Mawuli Aba Kpeglo, Senadzi Adjoa Kpeglo, Vernon “Kenji” Johnson, II, Jalen Tonkins (Amaria), Teara Johnson, Devin Tonkins, Sequoyah Johnson, Sanai Johnson, MayaGrace Johnson, and Malik Tonkins.

Jackie will be remembered as a dedicated educator and a loving family member whose life was defined by quiet courage and steadfast faith. She possessed a gentle spirit that never stopped teaching, never stopped praying, and never stopped loving. Her legacy is reflected in the countless students she inspired and the family and friends who will cherish her memory.

The funeral service for Jackie Kpeglo will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026 at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 901 E. Friendly Avenue, Greensboro, North Carolina. Family visitation will be held at 11:30 a.m. and the funeral will begin at noon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Jackie Kpeglo to the United Negro College Fund at: https://give.uncf.org/site/Donation2?12702.donation=form1&df_id=12702.