Obituary

 

Soror Dr. Juanita Jackson High
 

Dr. Juanita J. High, daughter of Brooks Jackson and Carrie H. Smith, was born on September 25, 1930, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. On January 24, 2024, she peacefully transitioned at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers, Florida where she was a winter resident.

 

She earned a bachelor's degree from Montclair State University, a master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and a doctorate degree from Rutgers University.

 

Dr. High was a consummate educator. She taught high school English at Atlantic City High School where she impacted hundreds of youth during her tenure as a teacher. Juanita served as the second Executive Director of the New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund Program under the Department of Higher Education for the State of New Jersey, Juanita was instrumental in institutionalizing the program throughout colleges and universities in New Jersey for historically educationally and economically disadvantaged students. She was a beacon of light and hope for thousands of New Jersey students, who without the EOF Program and its many services would have never been afforded the opportunity to enter both the halls of higher education institutions. Her expectations were high. Juanita demanded the best from both students and staff with no excuses. She would often say "Excuses are for those who choose the easy way out." Juanita believed that higher education institutions had a responsibility not only to admit and graduate these students, but to provide support during their educational journey and encourage them to seek graduate and professional schools. As a result of her diligence, a significant number of students took the opportunity to earn baccalaureate and higher degrees.

 

Juanita, was a lifelong member of Saint James AME in Atlantic City. At Saint James she was president of the Senior Choir; a member of the Senior Steward Board; chair of the Worship Commission; vice chair of the Finance Committee; and president of Bright's Villa Board of St. James AME Church, which provides housing for more than 100 families in Atlantic City. In addition to other church activities, she served as president of the Atlantic City Lay Organization of AME Churches, a district comprising much of South Jersey.

 

Also, Dr. High was a charter member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated-Theta Kappa Omega Chapter, and an active member of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated-Iota Chapter and held regional and national positions within both organizations, to name a few. She was very active in civic, charitable, church and community groups; served as chair of the Atlantic County Improvement Authority; and as president of the Board of Directors for Atlantic City Tomorrow. Juanita was instrumental in founding this unique regional training program for aspiring area leaders. In addition, she was president elect of the Mainland Rotary Club, and being one of the first African American women to hold this title.

 

Dr. High was Assistant to the President and Director of Affirmative and Human Relations at Millersville State College, now Millersville University. Later she accepted a position as Executive Assistant to the President and Affirmative Action Director at Stockton University. Juanita coordinated the CHEER (Civility, Harmony, Education, Environment, and Respect) program, conducting workshops and other activities that were designed to eliminate prejudice, racism and violence in schools statewide. Though she retired in 1996, she maintained a close relationship with Stockton University. In 2022, she was recognized and received the Trailblazer Award by the Stockton University Black Alumni Association.

 

Juanita's Mural, is one of four women portrayed at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and recognized as Education Trailblazers. Her many other awards, include, but are not limited to: A Star Leadership Award from Black New Jersey Magazine; the National Achievement Award from Phi Delta Kappa, Inc.; and the New Jersey Citizen of the Year Award from the New Jersey Association of Black Social Workers. In addition, she was named as one of the 100 Most Influential People in New Jersey by City News.

 

Dr. Juanita J. High is predeceased by: her mother, Carrie Smith; father, Brooks Howard Jackson, Sr.; sister, Doris High Mayo; brother, Brooks Howard Jackson, Jr.; aunts, Pearl Butler, Maude E. Lucas, Ada C. Hill, Marian Jackson, Margaret Jackson Bond, Louise Jackson, Carolyn W. Jackson; uncles, Bernard J. Hill, Dr. John A. Jackson, Sr., and James Jackson; cousins, Elaine Bessie Myers, Werner R. Hill, Sonia Gray, Dr. John A. Jackson, Jr.; and nephew, Damian Jiggetts.

 

She is survived by: her sister, Miriam Jackson Jiggetts; niece, Karen Peebles (Nathaniel); nephew, Dante Jiggetts; cousins, Joan Lawson, Nancy Henson, Ingrid Hill, and Leana Harrison (Lamont); great nieces, Ashley Peebles, Sasha Peebles, and DaNia Jiggetts; great nephew, Damian Jiggetts; cousins removed, Darren Henson, Tanya Henson, Tamia Murphy, Carl Hurtt, Jr. (Antoinette), VerNeen Hill, Nina Harrison, Werner Hill, Jr., Darryl Lawson (Carol), John A. Jackson, III, and Lucius Wyatt; godson, Michael A. Walker; and other relatives and friends.

 

Funeral services will be Noon, Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Saint James AME Church, New York & Arctic Avenues, Atlantic City, New Jersey, where friends may call from 11AM. Prior to the visitation there will be sorority rites beginning at 10AM. Interment to follow the service is Atlantic City Cemetery, Pleasantville, New Jersey.

 

Arrangements entrusted to Greenidge Funeral Homes, Atlantic City, where condolences and photographs may be shared at www.greenidgefuneralhomes.com.

 

Acknowledgements

 

The family of Dr. Juanita J. High acknowledges with sincere appreciation every thought and act of kindness expressed to us during this time. Your prayers and all expressions of love and support have been a great source of strength. May God's love and care sustain you.