Jacquelyn L. Mayhew

Mayhew ~ Jacquelyn Yvonne Lewis Mayhew, lovingly known to family and friends as "Ms. Jackie," was born October 9, 1947, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Willie Lewis and Jean Arnold Lewis.

Jacquelyn was a 1965 graduate of Matthew Gilbert High School, playing on the girls' basketball and softball teams. She furthered her education at Florida Junior College (now Florida State College at Jacksonville), where she received a Certificate in Childcare Development. Before retiring in 1992, Jacquelyn worked as a kindergarten teacher at FAMCO Learning Center. Jacquelyn's greatest joy was being the mother of three daughters, Veronica, Tangerla, and Tanyika, who are all graduates of Florida A&M University; grandmother to her beloved grandson, Julian (a proud 2024 graduate of FAMU); and her cherished granddaughter, Kendall. Beyond them, she 'mothered many, opening her heart and home to countless others.

Jacquelyn's commitment to her faith was unwavering. She was a faithful servant in the house of the Lord, where she served for over twenty years at the First New Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. James B. Sampson, Senior Pastor, and the Rev. James J. Sampson, Assistant Pastor.

Jacquelyn's resilience was a testament to her unwavering faith. After surviving a massive stroke in November of 1992, she lived her life as a living testimony, honoring the Lord God with her life under the mantra, "this stroke was a moment, not the sum total of my life. I have a lot more living to do." And living she did. She lived out loud. With the assistance of a walking cane, she earned the reputation as the "Evangelist" of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, her vineyard being located at Gateway Mall.

It has been jokingly said among family and close friends that Ms. Jackie evangelized more souls riding the bus than most pastors reached from their pulpit. She never allowed "affliction" to her body to hinder her commitment to the kingdom of God. Jacquelyn's favorite scripture was Matthew 25:40. "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." She lived this scripture, often going out of her way to help those in need, whether it was a kind word, a meal, or a prayer.

Jacquelyn's impact on others was profound. She didn't need applause to make a difference. Ms. Jackie helped in quiet ways and showed love by doing. She had a gift for making people feel welcome, seen, and important, and she did it effortlessly. Her faith in God and her strength were amazing. Ms. Jackie carried others through difficult times without asking for anything in return. She didn't seek the spotlight, but she was the steady light in so many lives. Her kindness wasn't loud, but it was powerful and unforgettable.

Jacquelyn was an active participant at the Mary Singleton Center Family from 2006 until August 4, 2024, when her health began to decline. The Mary Singleton Center was a place where she found joy and purpose, and she faithfully served in whatever capacity she was asked. She never missed a Mary Singleton event, the Mayor's Annual Seniors' Christmas Party, or a field trip to sporting events or theme parks.

Jacquelyn's journey was marked by numerous challenges, particularly in her health. Her faith in God was a living reality. She was steadfast and unmovable and assured that the God who created the world would complete the work in her and through her. Jacquelyn once shared with a family member these words: "They say I am disabled and I tell them my God is able."

Jacquelyn Yvonne Lewis Mayhew transitioned peacefully in her sleep on Friday, September 26, 2025. She was preceded in death by her father, Willie Lewis; mother, Jean Arnold Lewis; brothers, Rev. Dr. G. Vincent Lewis, Randolph B. Lewis, Keith G. Lewis; paternal grandmother, Caretha Kitchen, with whom Jacquelyn had a very close bond and a strong legacy of family who welcomed her home to her eternal rest.

Jacquelyn is survived by her three amazing daughters, known by all as "Ms. Jackie's Girls", Veronica D. Mitchell (the late Troy Mitchell), Tangerla Y. Mayhew and Tanyika Mayhew Butler (Richard); her heart and joy ~ grandson, Julian Garrison; granddaughter, Kendall Alexis ~ her precious 'Lady Di"; brother, Willie Gregory Lewis; sisters, Karen J. Lewis, Gladys J. Lewis; sisters-in-law, Gail A. Lewis, Novice Lewis, Janine L. Brown; special cousins, Dr. Lafayette Maxwell, Patricia Riley (Rev. Aaron), Reginald Maxwell, Lillie Mae Butler, Rosemary C. Anderson, Elsa H. Crooks, Lorraine Roberts; special friends, Isabelle Odom and Barbara Leon.

"Her legacy of faith, resilience, and unconditional love will forever live on in her family, her community, and all who proudly call themselves 'Ms. Jackie's Girls."

Celebration of Life service for Mrs. Jacquelyn Yvonne Lewis Mayhew will be 10:00AM Saturday, October 4, 2025, at The Bethel Church, 215 Bethel Baptist Street.  Visitation Friday from 5 – 7:00 PM at First New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 4835 Soutel Drive.  Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Because of the love of her family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Drive, 904-924-9400

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