Jacqueline Elaine Dawson

Life’s Reflection

On December 19, 1955, in Muskogee Oklahoma, a beautiful little girl was born to Gladys and James Grady Craig Sr. Gladys and Grady named their baby girl Jacqueline Elaine and lovingly called her Jackie. Jackie gave her life to the Lord at the age of 7 and was baptized at Macedonia Baptist Church in Muskogee, Oklahoma. At the age of 12, Jackie’s family moved to Kansas City, Kansas. With her family, Jackie attended Guiding Star Missionary Baptist Church. She loved singing and being apart of the Guiding Star choir. Jacqueline graduated at the top of her class in 1973 from Washington High School. She worked various jobs until she her calling in Early Childhood Education where she was employed by Kansas City Missouri School District. She joined the school system as a Paraprofessional to be close to her daughter who attended the same school she started working at. Jackie loved teaching, loving, and helping young minds grow. IN 1999 she was injured on the job while shielding her from a jumbo concrete wall suddenly falling. That incident could have caused great danger to the students but instead it caused serious bodily harm to her. The serious injury caused Jackie to retire early, which was difficult for her to handle. Attending Sunday school and being an Usher at Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church was the highlight of her week. As Jackie’s health began to decline in 2012 which deeply saddened her, she was unable to do the things she loved to do. Jackie enjoyed the holidays and spending time with her children and grandchildren who affectionally called her “Jai/ Grandma Jai”. For full time care and to be closer to her mother she moved to Medical lodge of Kansas City, KS. On November 16, 2021, Jacqueline Elaine Dawson received her call to rest and freedom from pain. Jackie’s mother, Gladys Drummer, father James Grady Craig Sr. and brother James Craig Jr. preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn her passing, Phil Golden of Columbus, Ohio; William (Anisha) Roark of Kansas City, Kansas; MoNae (Don) White of Overland Park, Kansas: two sisters, Linda Harris of Lee’s Summit, MO; Cynthia (John) of Gardner, Kansas; a host of nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, eight grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends who all loved her.

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