Jacquelyn O. Manhertz

July 15, 1938 ~ May 18, 2024

Jacquelyn O'henia Willis Manhertz (Mom) was born to Cecila Elizabeth Curtis on July 15, 1938, in St. Andrew, Jamaica WI. She lived with her mother and enjoyed country life as a free-spirited young girl. Around age 13 she moved with her mother to Greenhill District in Portland, a nearby parish where she went to School and later met and fell in love with Hector Manhertz. As a couple, they both loved life and lived productively making use of their time and often opened our home to all who were in need, and we witnessed them caring for and meeting the needs of many in the district and offering a bed or meal to strangers in our house; especially to those who were stranded and needed help. Jacquelyn worked together with Hector as community advocates with strong political convictions. They were active in the Quaker (Friends) Church where they were members. Mom was the family disciplinarian, and we all dislike the words – "wait 'till your father come home". She was ambitious and sophisticated and saw value in education, courtesy, and appropriate attire. She loved her children and would do just about anything to help them to be more accomplished than herself. Like her mother, Mom would share meals with the neighbors who were less fortunate, and whatever she had, she shared and gave her best to serve and help others.

Mom was a stay-at-home mother until her youngest child was four years old then she returned to night classes in 1969 and was successful in obtaining all the required local examination certificates. She always had a progressive mind and good business sense. Mom was hired by the Jamaica Postal Services and quickly moved up the rank to become Postal Master of various post offices in the parishes of Portland and St. Mary. Mom was labeled PM by the communities she worked in, and many looked to her for counsel and guidance.

Mom, Jacquelyn migrated to the USA in 1983 with her younger children. She worked as a Nurse's Aide through a local agency and a Medical Assistant at HIP Medical Center in Manhattan until she completed her degree in Human Services. She then became a group home case coordinator and supervisor at Children's Village and Abott House until her retirement.

Mom accepted Christ at a crusade in 1986 and later declared her love and commitment to God by public water baptism. She worshiped and was an active member at Wake Eden Baptist Church, Bronx, NY; Hiawassa Bible Chapel, Orlando, FL; and now at Moulton Baptist Church in Newburgh, NY.

Mom is loved and will be greatly missed. She leaves behind to mourn her children: Oliver, Murdell, Mercella, Elouise, and Wayne; grandchildren and great grandchildren, her loving aides Kim and Shanna-Kay, Pastor Irons and her church family, friends and other relatives. Gone before are: her mother Cecila, our dad Hector, son-in-law Bob, grandson Denzel, cousins, and other dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent in Jacquelyn's honor to the American Kidney Foundation, American Heart Association or Moulton Baptist Memorial Church, Annual Community Outreach Program.

Calling Hours and Funeral service is on May 24 at 10:00a.m. to 12:00 noon at Moulton Memorial Baptist Church, 54 Old Little Britain Road, Newburg, NY 12550; followed by her burial at Rose Hills Memorial Park, Putnam Valley; followed by a Repass at Moulton Memorial Baptist church.