Jacqueline Scott Anwana, age 77, passed away unexpectedly on May 7, 2024, after a long and brave battle with renal illness. Her final days were at Cape Canaveral Hospital in Cocoa Beach, FL.
Jackie, as she was known, was born on April 25th, 1947 in Portsmouth, Virginia. She was a gifted scholar with a photographic mind. She had a deep love of learning and could speak and debate on almost any topic citing all related historical context from memory. An avid Blues music fan, she would listen to it every chance she got. Her lifelong passion was in helping people achieve their highest potential.
Jackie obtained her BS and MS degrees from Norfolk State University. Following a successful summer internship at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, Jackie moved to Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts as a Ford Scholar, where she completed her PhD studies and dissertation in Sociology in 1977. Her doctoral research was groundbreaking and produced many seminal findings about women in the labor force that are still relevant today.
Jackie met Okon Anwana while he was a graduate student at MIT and she was down the road at Harvard in 1977. They were married in Cambridge, Massachusetts in October 1979.
Upon completing her studies at Harvard, Jackie was offered and subsequently declined an appointment to teach at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts in order to join her husband in Rhode Island. At the Women’s Affairs Center in Providence, Rhode Island, Jackie created and led multiple fundraising efforts using films and plays to help women in need. Her efforts were so successful she received commendations from the Rhode Island State Governor.
As a dialysis patient, she shared information on the latest research-based approaches for renal care with other patients and encouraged them to proactively participate in their own care. She also organized seminars where the center doctors and patients met to discuss and enforce the recommended guidelines for renal care. Her focused actions helped prolong and /or save the lives of many people in the dialysis communities in both Dayton, Ohio and Merritt Island, Florida.
Jackie was intensely passionate and vocal about human suffering from local wars and natural disasters. Her last campaign involved protecting civilians in Gaza and effort to save them from famine. Her empathy, fearlessness, compassion and generosity extended to all who knew her. Jackie will be greatly missed by so many that she has left behind.
Jacqueline was preceded by death by her parents, Wilbur Scott, Sr. and Hannah Reid (Davis) of Portsmouth, VA; her sister Mary Bell (Reid) of Portsmouth, VA, and her loving great-grandmother, Mary V. Davis (Parker) and great-grandfather, George Davis who both raised her in Northampton County, NC
She is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 48 years, Okon D. Anwana of Merritt Island, FL; her brother, Wilbur Scott, Jr. and her sisters, Betty Riddick (Reid) and Sandra Bell (Reid) all of Portsmouth, VA and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins in FL, NY, VA and NC and a host of family by marriage in Nigeria.
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Estherine J. Harding says
June 5, 2024 at 1:55 pmDeepest sympathy and prayers to the Scott/Anwama Familt in the passing of your beloved Jacqueline. May God bless and comfort you during this difficult time.
Jacqueline, rest in peace! You finished your task here on earth. Now God has called you to a greater work in the heavens.
Estherine J. Harding, NSU Retiree; 2016 Distinguished Alumna,
Life Member – NSUAA, Chesapeake Chapter
Michelle Lateef says
June 7, 2024 at 1:52 pmMy dear cousin and friend. I miss you and the daily communications we had. You are irreplaceable. But I know to everything there is a season. So I release you to make your journey. Journey well my friend.
Ebony Scott says
June 6, 2024 at 7:03 pmRest in paradise my beautiful Aunt Jackie ❤️ You will be missed dearly! Condolences to both sides of the family! Sensing hugs and kisses ❤️
Wilburt B Scott Jr says
June 6, 2024 at 10:22 pmI am missing our conversation and discussion on worldwide affairs. I know that you are with Jesus and your task here is complete. I will always remember ❤️ you and our times together sister.
Michelle Lateef says
June 7, 2024 at 1:49 pmMy dear cousin and friend. I miss you and the daily communications we had. You are irreplaceable. But I know to everything there is a season. So I release you to make your journey. Journey well my friend.
Esther Anwana Gharoro says
June 8, 2024 at 7:45 amOur dear Aunty Jackie we will all missed you greatly you have impacted a lot of lives through your love, I have tried to ask myself why but God knows why you have to go take this journey now. Rest on big Mummy until we meet to part no more