Jacqueline L. Gladden

Jacqueline Louise Jones, affectionately known as “Jackie” was born to Nathaniel and Ella Burch in Richmond, VA on January 16, 1952. She was the middle sister of Carolyn Burch and Betty Morton.

The family moved to the Washington DC area where a large majority of the family resided. The family joined Canaan Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. M. Cecil Mills. Jackie was baptized as a child and remained a faithful church member until she took sick in 2022.

As a young child, Jackie was impaired with scoliosis. Her parents enrolled her at Melvin C. Sharp Health School. Although, she was challenged with having to wear braces on both legs, use crutches and a wheelchair, that didn’t stop her from helping other disabled children.

Jackie went on to attend Washington DC public schools and graduated from Calvin Coolidge Senior High School. She enrolled and graduated from Strayer Business College. After graduating, she went to work for the National Institute of Health and Howard University Hospital.

After retiring, she worked as a self-employed child care provider. Doing her time in caring for children, she showed love and compassion. Jackie was kind and free spirited. Always trying to bring laughter, joy and assistance to everyone she met. Jackie was one who never decorated her thoughts or feelings. If she said it, she meant it! She was real. She will be deeply missed. Her presence will forever be cherished and will live on forever.

She leaves to cherish her memory, husband John Jones, son Aarron Gladden, daughter Taquia Gladden, brother-in-law Harold Morton, nephews Jason (Tashia) and Harold Morton Jr (Christine), grandson Terence Avery, granddaughters Christine Hayes, Kimberly Turner, great niece Jayla Morton, great nephews Ravi and Ramon and a host of relatives and friends.

FAITH OF A MUSTARD SEED ….. (THE MIRACLE)
Jackie was impaired with scoliosis as a young child. She always believed she would walk one day. Doing one Wednesday night service at the old Canaan Baptist Church, there was a revival. The guest preacher extended an invitation for anyone who needed prayer to come to the altar. Jackie made her way to the altar with assistance. The preacher asked her did she believe that she could walk and without hesitation, she said yes! The braces and crutches were removed. The preacher prayed and laid hands on her. He then told her to walk around the church. She began to walk and the more she walked, her pace got faster and faster. She didn’t stop. The preacher had to yell for her to come back! The church had a spiritual awakening; Jackie had a spiritual healing. Oh, the faith of the size of a mustard seed. Jackie knew she was healed. She went on to experience many more of God’s miracles in her life‘s journey.

Jackie’s favorite scripture:
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Cor 5:7 KJV