Jacquelyn “Jackye” Richardson Parker-Hampton was the blessed and beautiful child of the late Mr. Aaron and Mrs. Oswald Richardson. She made her entrance into this earthly realm on October 26,1948 in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was the third of four children. Jackye was a woman of distinction, poise, grace, talent, strength and abundant love which she generously extended to everyone with whom she came in contact.
Jackye accepted Christ at a young age at Union AME Church. During her years at Union, she participated in several ministries; however, she will be fondly remembered for her guidance as Director of Drama for the Young People’s Department.

Jackye’s graduated from Horace Mann High School in 1966. Her passion and love for learning and education was evident in the years that followed. She pursued her Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Special Education at Philander Smith College. She went on to earn a Master’s of Science in Education Degree from the University of Central Arkansas as well as her Elementary Administration certification from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Jackye had a long and distinguished career in education; first, as a business owner, then as a teacher, principal, and adjunct professor. Prior to beginning her career with the Pulaski County Special School District in 1984, she was the owner and operator of Children’s Place Learning Center. From there, she taught elementary and special education classes at Pine Forest Elementary until 1988. She moved out of the classroom but continued to advocate for students as a K-12 Special Education coordinator from 1988 -1990. In 1990, Jackye became the principal of Viola H. Harris Elementary School. After four years of service at Harris Elementary, she received the honor, in 1994, of being chosen as cherished principal of William Jefferson Clinton Elementary Speech and Technology Inter-District Magnet School where she remained as a pillar of the school and community for twenty-three (23) profound and remarkable years.

Among her many accomplishments at Clinton Elementary, Jackye provided the leadership which enabled the school and staff to receive the coveted and prestigious “Blue Ribbon Award”, a national recognition for Excellence in Education. Jackye was a master teacher and treasured mentor to many people. She was a member of numerous professional organizations including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. As an educational leader, prolific writer and eloquent orator, she was given the opportunity to be the presenter at numerous local, regional and national conferences. In addition to leading one of the
largest elementary schools in PCSSD, she found the time and energy to serve as an adjunct professor at Philander Smith College from 2002 until her retirement in 2018. Although she officially retired in 2018, she continued substituting as a principal for a short period of time.

Jackye departed this life and entered her eternal rest and Heavenly Home on Sunday, February 28, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Larry “Burt” Richardson (Christine). She was a devoted wife to her late husband, Garland Hampton, who entered his eternal rest in 2019.

She leaves to cherish her life on earth her devoted daughter, Ehryn Parker; grandson, Jordan Parker (Loran) and two adorable great grandchildren (Michelle and Elijah); a sister, Yvonne Richardson Watson (Tony); brother, Rollie Richardson (June); three nephews (Jamal Watson, Courtney Richardson, Aaron Richardson); three nieces, (Tiphanie “Shonne“ Richardson, Kia Watson, Angela Richardson); three great nephews (Donovan Hill, Michael Watson, Alexander Watson); a loving uncle, Wendell Smith (Dorothy); brother-in-law, Robert Hampton (Myra) and sister-in-law, Sharon Hampton. Jackye also leaves to mourn a host of relatives, colleagues, mentees and devoted friends.