Jacqueline Bryant Caleb

What can we say about Jacqueline Bryant Caleb? She was truly one of a kind.
Jackie, as she was known, was born June 25, 1950 in East Arcadia, North Carolina to Osten Durant Bryant and Letha Mae Keaton Bryant.
Her formative years were spent in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where her parents migrated shortly after Jackie's birth.
Jackie graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor in Business Administration with dual majors of Marketing and Management.
While working at Household Finance, she met her husband, Solomon James Caleb. They were married for 25 years, though he preceded her in death. They had one daughter, Leidda Jacqueline Caleb, who died at 19 years old in 2001.
Jackie's grief at losing her only child, led her to a group for bereaved parents called The Compassionate Friends, where she became a leader, helping guide other parents on their journey toward healing. Channeling her energy into helping others was one way Jackie gave back to the world and impacted so many lives. Jackie was very civic minded – she was incredibly active with the OxGrove Dems as a committeeperson, and knocked on many doors in the community, held voter registration drives with the Lincoln University PA College Dems (we'll get to her beloved students in a bit!), worked the election polls even in the snow and rain and loved every second of it.
Even before that, when she was the Manager of the University of Delaware Cashier's Office, Jackie was involved in making the campus better– from being on the Parking Appeals Board, a member of the UDAfrican American Coalition, a member of the Residency Appeals Board, an honorary member of the Golden Key National Honor Society for mentoring and part of the Educational Accounts Receivable Management Association (EMEA)... She liked to stay busy!
When her daughter, Leidda, was in school, Jackie worked full time and still was a Girl Scouts Assistant Troop Leader and part of the Oxford Area High School Band Parents Association.
Jackie and Sol moved to Lincoln University after marriage in the 1970s and firmly planted roots. They were both active members of the community and Jackie found her spiritual home at Oxford Presbyterian Church where she was an elder who served on the Social Justice and Peacemaking Committee, was a Mission Coordinator for OPC Presbyterian Women, a member of the Shalom Circle and sat on Session many times. If anyone has been to the Crop Walk, the 10,000 Villages Holiday Shop or Apple Festival, you probably saw her there organizing things too!
Over the past few years, Jackie became a mentor with the Lincoln University PA College Dems, helping young people learn the value and importance of voting and encouraging their counterparts to exercise their civic duty. Jackie loved her students and they loved her. She was as proud of their achievements as their parents. Many of them would show up at her door just to talk, vent, cry, share joy and a meal. They were always welcomed and always got the advice they needed.
It wasn't just the students who recognized her amazing service, but the Governor of Pennsylvania! Her students nominated Jackie as a Hometown Hero ahead of the governor's inauguration and she won! Jackie attended the inauguration ceremony as an honored guest.
Jackie loved to travel! From Hawaii, to Tahiti, from Belize to Alaska and all points in between. She was so excited to see some of the 7 Wonders of the World – like the Great Wall of China and the Colosseum.
Jackie was a big kid! So full of curiosity and excitement and always up for an adventure. She would always say she was easily amused and it was true. She found the joy in the little things in life and had a ready smile for anyone who crossed her path. Jackie never met a stranger. They were simply a friend she hadn't made yet.
Jackie's legacy will be one of love, friendship, spirituality, and kindness.
Jacqueline Caleb is preceded in death by her husband, Solomon James Caleb and their daughter, Leidda Jacqueline Caleb. She is also preceded in death by her parents, Osten and Letha Bryant, her brother Walter Bryant, and sister, Deborah Bryant. Jackie is survived by her sister, Ella Forbes; nephews Leno Forbes and Akili Bryant; nieces Michelle Darden, Felicia Topsale and Jasmin Bryant; and grandniece, Jasmine Chesbro. Jackie also has a host of grandchildren from her daughter's friends, as well as children she considered nieces and nephews, and hundreds of cherished friends she loved deeply. Jackie firmly believed family can be chosen and not bound by blood and that is proven by every single person reading this obituary today.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Lincoln University (https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jackiecaleb )-College Dems or Oxford Presbyterian Church
Jackie's favorite color was purple, so attendees are invited to wear purple instead of traditional black.