Lovingly known to many as “Pastor Jackie,” Pastor Jacquelyn Butler was born in Charleroi, Pa., on Dec. 13, 1947, the sixth child of the late Benjamin E. Butler Jr. and Christella Butler. She peacefully departed this life at home on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the age of 78. She graduated from Belle Vernon Area High School in 1966. Pastor Butler earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Hunter College in New York City in 1988. She also received her Bachelor of Religious Education, (BRE) in 1970, and her Bachelor of Theology (THB) in 1973, from the Collegiate Bible Institute — Soul Saving Station in New York City. She accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior in 1966 during the Billy Graham Harlem Crusade. From 1967-78 Bishop Jesse H. Winley, pastor of the Soul Saving Station in New York City, played an instrumental role in mentoring and training her in evangelism, prayer and spiritual warfare. During that time, she faithfully served as both bookkeeper and treasurer for many years. From the moment God called her out of darkness and into his marvelous light, Pastor Jackie devoted her life to ministry through singing, preaching, and sharing the word of God. Her ministry reached prisons, youth homes, mental health facilities, women’s detention centers, shelters, churches and street evangelism efforts throughout the United States. God also blessed her with opportunities to serve on missionary journeys to Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Haiti and Mexico. In 2005, Pastor Jackie returned to Pennsylvania to care for her mother. Under the leadership of Pastor Clifford Carter, she became a licensed minister and associate pastor on Nov. 20, 2011. After earnestly seeking the Lord, she was ordained on Nov. 10, 2019, by Bishop Karl Jackson at Antioch Baptist Church. Continuing her faithful service and commitment to ministry, she was installed as pastor of Antioch Baptist Church on Dec. 4, 2022. In addition to her ministry, Pastor Jackie served in various professional roles throughout her life. In New York City, she worked as a note teller typist at First National City Bank from 196769, she was a clerk typist and executive secretary in the nursing department at Beth Israel Medical Center from 1969-74, she was a secretary stockbroker at Ladenburg Thalmann from 1983-96, she was manager at HR Block from 1999-2000. She later served as a substitute teacher for Brownsville Area School District from 2007-2023. In addition to her parents, Pastor Jackie was preceded in death by her grandmother, Carrie Walker; her sister, Saundra Butler Hewitt; her brother, Glenn Butler; and her nephews, Vaughn E. Hewitt and Glenn Butler Jr. Left to cherish her memory are her siblings, sister, Carla J. Snow of Pittsburgh, her brother, Benjamin W. Butler and his wife Bernice Butler of North Braddock, Pa., her sister, Rozalind Butler Watkins of North Carolina, and her brother, Michael L. Butler of Belle Vernon. She also leaves behind a beloved host of nieces and nephews: Benji, Mayumi, Benjamin, Danielle, Bryce, Brenda, Rob, Jordan, Zachary, Aaron, Aryana, Aja, Aiko, Benjamin, Tres, Zoe, Colette, Idalis, Ace, along with many other relatives and dear friends. Pastor Jackie will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her kindness resilience, unwavering faith and servant’s heart touched countless lives. While we grieve her passing, we also celebrate a life well lived—a life marked by love, strength, compassion, and a lasting legacy of faith and service. She also leaves behind a devoted church family; many special friends from Antioch Baptist Church who lovingly cared and supported her throughout the years; and wonderful neighbors, Pete, Hurkey, Maryann, Paula and Sammy. Family and friends are welcome at Antioch Baptist Church, 945 Henry St., Belle Vernon, from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday for the viewing and funeral from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a repast to follow.
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