Jacqueline Pickering

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens." - Ecclesiastes 3:1 A Time to Be Born Jacqueline "Jackie" Pickering was born on March 27, 1958, on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, to Arthur and Alden Pickering. She grew up alongside her sister Juliene and brothers Jeffrey, John, and Jerome; embraced by a wide circle of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. A Time to Love Jackie loved with her whole heart. She spoke tenderly of her parents and poured that same steady love into her siblings and extended family. Her home in Baltimore was open, often a haven for relatives and friends who stayed with her over the years. Jackie's kindness was boundless, and her love for family and friends steadfast. For decades, she was woven into the lives of her Baltimore family-always connected, always present-through the good days and the hard ones. Jackie formed loyal friendships with her VI crew, Morganites, Raven buddies, and colleagues; such cherished bonds became part of the fabric of her life. Jackie had a deep love for fashion. For her, style wasn't just about clothes; it was self-expression. Bold, effortless, and elegant, she made everyday outfits feel like works of art. Yet it was the way she carried herself-graceful, confident, and unapologetically authentic-that left the deepest impression. Her love of cooking was just as passionate. Jackie's kitchen was her sanctuary. She had a way of bringing people together over a meal, and those meals were about more than food; it was about connection. She carried joy into kitchens; meals were made from the heart, with warmth and care in every dish. Whether it was a casual get-together or a holiday feast, Jackie brought people together and made everyone feel welcome. If there was one place that truly captured Jackie's heart, it was Tortola, BVI. Those visits were more than just vacations for her; they were moments of peace, where she reconnected with something deeper. The beauty of the island, the warmth of the people, and the way she felt at home there; it was as if Tortola was where Jackie's soul felt free to breathe. A Time to Build Jackie attended Dober Elementary, Lockhart Elementary, Wayne Aspinall Junior High and graduated from Charlotte Amalie High School in June 1976 in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. In 1977, she moved to Baltimore, Maryland, and continued her studies at Morgan State University, earning a B.S. in Elementary/Middle Education in 1982. Jackie later pursued additional coursework in Special Education at Coppin State University, reflecting her commitment to serving students with diverse learning needs. A Time to Labor Jackie fulfilled her mission and became an educator; her calling was the classroom. She taught at six schools: William H. Lemmel Middle School, Renaissance High School Academy (2008–2011), Edmondson-Westside High School (2011–2013), Northwestern High School (2013–2015), Success Academy Alternative School (2015–2016), and most recently Yorkwood Elementary (2016–2025). Jackie devoted her life to her students, embracing them as if they were her own children. Believing in them until they believed in themselves, Jackie's love, kindness, and devotion as a teacher, mentor, and advocate left an indelible impact on countless lives. A Time to Laugh Jackie was a football fanatic, a die-hard Ravens fan, faithful through every season. Her adventurous spirit, contagious laughter, and warmth brightened every gathering. She made each person feel valued and loved, and in return, she was deeply cherished. Growing up with Jackie was an adventure. She had a gift for turning the simplest moments into cherished memories; whether laughing at something silly or sharing quiet company, her presence made everything feel right. Her magnetic presence and warmth made every room brighter. Jackie's sense of humor and teasing were unmatched, but always in jest and love. Those moments-big or small-are now treasured stories that will be told and retold. A Time to Die Jackie was a beacon of light; a sister, niece, cousin, friend, and a compassionate, engaging teacher. She faced her illness with courage and grace, and on September 5, 2025, she went home to rest. Yet her spirit lives on in the daughter she shared, the meals she blessed others with, the elegance of her style, and the imprint she left on countless hearts. She was loved beyond measure and will be deeply missed by family, friends, colleagues, and students whose lives she touched so beautifully. May she rest in perfect peace, reunited with Alden and Arthur; forever loved, forever remembered. Family Left to Cherish Her Memory Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, Alden and Arthur Pickering (2010 & 2024). She is survived by; Sisters, Juliene & Laverne Pickering; Brothers, Jeffrey, John, Jerome & Verne Pickering; Sisters-in-Law, Sandrine Cooper-Pickering, Roslyn Pickering & Cheryl Pickering; Aunts, Annette "Nettie" C. Smith, Lydia Smith-Ells, Alicia Smith-Temlong, Alena; Ann Smith-Rouse, Beverly I. Smith, Daisy, Enid & Elia Pickering; Aunts-in-Law, Marion, Eileen, Paulette Smith & Shelly Schneider-Smith; Uncles, Norbert & Alwon Smith, Eli Nibbs, & Roy Pickering; A host of cousins, nieces, nephews, colleagues, and beloved friends.