Jacqueline Johnson Goldman was born on January 7, 1943 in her home in Detroit, Michigan.  Her father, John Wesley Johnson, was a butcher. He was a strong man, a hard worker and was a great provider.  Her mother, Eddie Estelle Patterson stayed at home to raise her family and make a home. She was the family’s matriarch who enjoyed treating her grandchildren to Hershey’s candy bars and banana splits.

Jacqueline grew up in Detroit in a very large but close-knit family. She had 8 siblings, Roxanna, Carlton, Colevia, Johnnie Etta, Elaine, Denise, Keith and Deirdre. The children were raised during a time when people disciplined each other’s children— knowing it took a whole village to raise a child. In the Johnson home, the older siblings, including Jacqueline, acted as second parents to the younger set of children. They continued to guide their younger brothers and sisters even when they had children of their own. 

As a young girl, Jacqueline won many academic awards. She loved to read, write and study. She was an active member of her church and volunteered for various church functions including shopping for Easter and Thanksgiving baskets. She routinely donated books to the Friends of the West Bloomfield Library and the Vietnam Veterans.

After graduating from Northern High School, Jacqueline continued her education at Highland Park Community College where she earned a degree in Liberal Arts. She then went on to earn a degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Detroit Mercy. She would use her degree in Early Childhood Education as a preschool teacher.

Jacqueline had a defining moment during the riots of 1967, when as a young adult, standing righteously tall at 5 feet and 1/4 inch and not 100 pounds, she told her father that he was not going to work that day. She stood firmly in front of the doorway and would not allow her father who stood over 6 feet to leave their home. She was aware that her father had never missed a day of work, but her concern for his safety took precedence.

While working at Merchandise Mart, Jacqueline met Nemiah. She was reluctant to give him a chance but her co-workers encouraged her and told her they made a cute couple. The two did make a great couple and eventually fell in love.

Jacqueline and Nemiah were married on October 5, 1968 at Holy Cross Church in Detroit, Michigan. They settled into their first home on Dexter and Monterey in the same city. The two welcomed two beautiful girls into their family, Inez Goldman and Danielle Goldman Brown. 

As Jacqueline and the older siblings started their own families, everyone began to spend weekends at their parents’ home. They would gather there to play music and card games. 

Holidays were a magical time spent celebrating together. The 4th of July was particularly special because it was also her father’s birthday. The Christmas holiday started early in December with the celebration of both her mother’s and Johnnie Etta’s birthday. 

Family would continue to be one of Jacqueline’s top priorities throughout her life.  She loved her younger brother and he came to her side when someone attempted to break into her home. Jacqueline and Elaine lived in a two family flat together for many years. Denise lived down the street from her. Colevia and Jacqueline shared a love of reading and often swapped books. Carlton always made Jacqueline fuss because he would kiss the children and bite them on the cheek simultaneously. Roxanna was the first sibling to have children, making Jacqueline an aunt and initiating her love of children. When Deirdre became a parent of her youngest niece, she looked to Jacqueline for advice and watched the two develop a close bond. She also had special relationships with two cousins one of whose daughter was closest in age to her oldest daughter

Jacqueline was blessed with a loving husband and wonderful father in Nemiah.  Sadly he passed when their daughters were still young. Jacqueline then became a single parent long before the term was coined. No matter how difficult, she always made sure her daughters knew how much they were loved.

Jacqueline enjoyed life. She loved to travel and one of her favorite vacations was to the “Big Island” of Hawaii. She was in awe of the volcanic rock and the beauty and serenity of the island. She loved to bake and was always sought out for her famous coconut, German chocolate and strawberry cakes. 

Jacqueline’s greatest joy was reading. She poured through her bible and read books, brochures, magazines, newspapers, pamphlets and even product packaging. She never went anywhere without something to read. Her love for reading was a gift she shared with many throughout her life, encouraging them to read and enjoy the written word.

Many will remember Jacqueline saying, “hold on to God’s unchanging hands”, “did you talk to God about it?”, ”get it in writing” and “write down a list of the pros and cons then pray on it”. She teased, “make sure you have gas in the car, I do not push cars” and “leave Grandma’s precious alone” (referring to her grandchildren).

Jacqueline’s sisters will always remember how strong, intelligent and determined she was. They will remember her strong faith and constant prayers for everyone, including her family. They will remember her willingness to help others. 

Her daughters will remember how she loved them and showed her love through her actions and constant support. They will remember that she remained positive and focused on solutions. They will remember that she encouraged them to pray, always do their best and enjoy life to the fullest. 

Jacqueline was a spiritual and religious woman who had her closest relationship with God from childhood. She would do or give anything to anyone who needed help. Jacqueline was a good listener who believed in treating others the way you want to be treated and not speaking ill of anyone. Her life will not be forgotten.

Jacqueline Johnson Goldman passed away on March 28, 2015. She was 72 years young. Jacqueline was the beloved wife of the late Nemiah, the dearest mother of Inez Goldman, Danielle (Michael, Sr.) Goldman Brown and the proud grandmother of Michael Jr., Matthew, and Micah. Family and friends may visit Friday from 2-8pm at McCabe Funeral Home, Farmington Hills. The funeral service will be celebrated Saturday at 9:30am at Lutheran Church of the Shepherd King, West Bloomfield. Friends may begin visiting at 9am. Burial will follow at Oakland Hills Memorial Gardens in Novi.