Jacquelyn Yvonne Vester

Jacquelyn Yvonne Potts Vester (Jackie) was born on October 25, 1955, in Oklahoma City, to Earnest and Dorothy Potts. She was the fourth of seven children. Both parents, grandparents, and two nephews (D’Angelo and Laroy Potts), preceded her in death.

Jackie attended Dunbar Elementary and Kennedy Jr. High schools. She was a proud member of the Douglass High School “Class of 1973” where she was a member of the National Honor Society, Choir, and the DHS Marching Band. Prior to entering college, she attended Langston University Upward Bound Program.

After graduation, she attended Langston University where she was an Honor Student, an Alpha Angel, member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Langston University Marching Band (Dancer). She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. She later earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and a Master of Science Degree in Educational Leadership.

Jackie worked for Crawford & Company, Southwestern Bell and then pursued her educational interests. She taught in the Pawnee, Perry and in the Oklahoma City School System with schools including Marcus Garvey, Edwards Elementary, Capitol Hill, Britton Elementary and Willow Brook Elementary. She earned several educational designations and was once chosen “Teacher of the Month,” by Perry Publishing Company and featured in the Black Chronicle Newspaper. She was enthusiastic about her students when it came to learning and it has often been said that if a child was unable to read, send that child to Jackie and she would guarantee it would all change. This was evident in that she has taught children to read as young as 3 years old. She enjoyed doing plays/ presentations with her students and would go far beyond the call of duty to help her students who were in need. She enjoyed decorating, hosting, and setting up parties/events.

Jackie loved her family, and her children who were truly the “Apple of her Eye.” She took her friendships very seriously and enjoyed spending time with her childhood friends, and friends

that she gained along the way, together with some of the ladies, organizing “Sistahs of Soul.”

Jackie accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Calvary Baptist Church, OKC, under the pastorage of the late Reverend Dr. M.A. Curry, Sr. When Calvary split, she was one of the original 113 members of the then, newly organized Faith Memorial Baptist Church, under Rev. Dr. M.A. Curry, Sr. where she was a member of the Choir, Youth Fellowship and Youth Usher Board. While living in Perry, Oklahoma, she became a member of New Prospect Baptist Church under Reverend Willie Anderson. Upon relocating to Oklahoma City, she united with Progressive Baptist Church under the pastorage of Reverend Larry Foster, Sr.

Jackie was called from the labors of this life into eternal rest on March 27, 2024, after a year-long battle with health issues. Even during her suffering, she exercised a strong faith in Christ. She loved music and singing and each day, listened to her favorite song, “Nearer my God to Thee” by the late Sam Cooke.

Jackie leaves to cherish her memories, one son, Herbert Polk, Jr; one daughter, Ashley Vester, Tulsa, OK; one cousin/daughter, Brittany Potts, one grandchild, Brooklyn; two brothers, Earnest Potts, Jr., and Anthony (Lorraine) Potts, Richardson, TX; four sisters, Patricia Potts Brooks, Barbara Potts, Carolyn Shelton (Wade), and Lisa Potts; several nieces, nephews and cousins; coworkers that she was blessed to have in her life and a host of devoted and committed friends who were with her throughout this year long sickness. In the words of Dr. Southmayd at Integris Baptist Hospice, Jackie’s room felt like “The Circle of Love.”

Acknowledgement of Appreciation

We are grateful for your prayers and any act of kindness shown during Jackie’s illness and this, our time of bereavement. Thanks to Prospect, Faith Memorial, Dr. Terry Spigner, devoted friends, Dr. Southmayd & Integris Baptist Hospice, “Ms.Trena”, all participants, and to her beloved Pastor & wife, (Rev. Larry & Rozia Foster. God Bless You. “Jackie Potts Vester Family)