Early in the morning on Wednesday, June 22, 2016, as the sun waited to brighten the day, Mrs. Jacqueline Novella Reaves Henry was called to brighten the heavens on high. Her pains and agony dissolved away and was replaced with a smile as she looked upon the face of her Heavenly Father. On that day, Mrs. Jacqueline Henry of 2505 Wakefield St, Apt., B. Hopewell, Va. peacefully departed for her eternal rest.

Mrs. Jacqueline Henry graduated from Carter G. Woodson High School in 1965, where she showed a high interest in Business Education. During high school, she sang for the locally renowned female group "The New Supremes." Upon graduation, she followed her career goals and moved to the District of Columbia where she commenced a very successful 43-year career with the United States Government. Mrs. Henry worked for the Anti-trust Division, DC; DGSC, Richmond, and retired from DECA (formerly TSA) in September 2013. Mrs. Henry received several awards and accolades throughout her career to include; SSPA (Superior Sustained Performance Award), SSPAS (Special Service/Special Act Award), and EOM (Employee of the Month).

Mrs. Jacqueline Henry was a member of First Baptist Church, City Point where she served on the Hospitality Committee and was an active member of "Woman of Divine Blessing" Ministry. She particularly "loved" the Male Chorus. Mrs. Henry also showed her love for the community by volunteering to work at the Hopewell Food Pantry. In fact, she helped and showed love for everybody. Earlier in life, Jackie showed an interest in modeling and joined The Rhapsody Modeling Agency. She was also a part of "Top Flight" Models and developed "Ambrosia Models" to train and support the community's youth.

Her very loving and devoted mother, the late Mrs. Luevinia J. Nicholas, and her loving father, the late Mr. Walter A. "Jack" Reaves, Sr. of Chester, Pa, preceded Mrs. Jacqueline Henry in death. In addition to her parents, Jackie was preceded in death by her step-father Clarence L. Nicholas Jr., step-daughter, Angela Graves, and step-sister Helen Bright; aunts Katie Jones, Ruth J. Harris, Irene Matthews, Louise Houston, Inez Taylor; uncles, Daniel Jones, Howard Reaves, and Daniel Reaves.

Mrs. Jacqueline Henry leaves to cherish her many precious memories, a loving, devoted husband of 47 years, Mr. Thomas Lee Henry, a son, Derrick M. Henry (Atlanta, Ga.), a step son-in-law, Gonzalez Graves, and two granddaughters, Zayna Henry, D'Erika Richardson (Atlanta, Ga.), and two step granddaughters, Abrasia Graves and Denashia Graves, and a step grandson, Demetrius Graves (Eboni) in addition to three step great grandchildren, Kylik Jones, DaCori Graves, and Jaydin Graves. Also left with many precious and loving memories are sisters, Phyllis Byrd (Oscar), Regina Hayes (Silver Spring, Md.), Henrietta R. Overton (Charles) of Philadelphia, Pa, sister in-law, Delores Miles, brothers, Clarence Nicholas III (Patricia), Walter A. Reaves Jr. (Arlisa), William A. Reaves Sr. (LaVanna), both of Delaware, and brother-in-law, Howard "Pa" Harrington (Cynthia). Cherishing her memories are her aunts Jean Hawkins, Susie Patterson (James), Hattie Bethune (Dinwiddie) and Juanita Beard; and uncles Thomas H. Reaves (Eva) and Robert E. Reaves (Bernice). Also, a host of nephews, nieces, and Miss Imani Vaughan will always remember and honor Aunt Jackie.

Mrs. Henry will be funeralized on Wednesday, June 29, 2016, at 1 p.m. Service will be held at First Baptist Church City Point (502 Water Street, Hopewell, VA 23860). Rev. Dr. Rudolph Dunbar is pastor. Interment will follow in Mount Sinai Community Cemetery, Prince George.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the staff of Bland and Tucker Funeral Home, 137 Harrison St., Petersburg, Va.

For more information or to leave an online condolence, visit us at blandandtuckerfuneralhomes.com.

Published by The Progress-Index from Jun. 26 to Jun. 27, 2016.
Contributor: Alayna DeMarco (50476267)