Mrs. Jacqueline Wade Day (left) passed away recently. She is pictured here with former Councilperson Carol Wood (middle) and her friend, Christine Johnson (right). TNCPNEWS Photo
EAST LANSING, MI — Mrs. Jacqueline Wade Day ascended to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, August 12, 2024, at the age of 80 years old. She was born on Monday, November 22, 1943. The oldest daughter of Jack and Ethel Wade, she was born in Memphis, Tennessee.
In 1965, Mrs. Day moved to Lansing, Michigan with her daughter, Carolyn and a new chapter of life began. Her family expanded with the birth of her son, Freddie and daughter, Cheryl, and she met the love of her life and married Percy L. Day. Jacqueline was a faithful wife for 55 years. Together with her husband, she traveled the world, attended a variety of conventions, enjoyed spending time on the golf range, directed Percy in her garden and shared its harvest with others. Over the course of their loving union, they enjoyed countless moments of laughter and a deep friendship.
As a loving mother she always made sure that her children had everything they needed. When a babysitter was not available, she still went to work and took them with her. Her children have many stories about finding a corner to sleep in while Mama worked on the switchboard. Mama Jackie was the voice for East Lansing State Bank for many years and provided a way for her children to hear her recorded words even when she had to be away from them. For some, children with special needs may seem to be a burden, but to Mrs. Day her daughter Carolyn was a blessing – and she cared for her all the days of her life. Even as she made her transition, she made sure that Carolyn would be well cared for.
Mrs. Day is described by her Daughter-in-Love as not just a mother, but a friend and confidant. So strong and evident was the bond between the two of them that Tammy was often referred to as “Little Jackie.” There was nothing that she would not do for her family and those connected to them.
The words to describe her grandchildren are “well loved.” She glowed when she talked about her grandchildren and enjoyed spending precious time with them. The beauty of these relationships was evident in the joy and excitement that they experienced when seeing and spending time with their grandmother.
Mrs. Day’s hands were blessed, and it was a treasure to receive one of her precious creations. From personalized accessories, to blinged out dishware she made it all—and she did it with joy and love. Mrs. Day spent countless hours crafting all kinds of things and loved decorating just as much.
Mrs. Day’s life was marked by her unwavering commitment to her faith in God. Her journey of faith began with her conversion and salvation, and she lived every day as a strong witness of the love and gospel of Jesus Christ.
She was a faithful member of New Hope Church of God In Christ, and an honorary member, mother and mentor of assemblies and people all over the country. Through every situation—whether in celebration or sorrow, achievement or trial—she lived her faith, embodying grace, gratitude, and goodness. Those who were blessed to encounter her can attest, without fear of contradiction, that she was the light of the world, and a city set upon a hill, fully embracing holiness and grace.
Mrs. Day, Co-Owner/Founder of D&J Promotions & Management, alongside Mrs. Christine Johnson, Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s mother, was founded to manage Magic’s fan mail. She was a beacon of faith, grace, and inspiration, whose work spanned over three decades and touched countless lives. Jacqueline was a beloved and influential figure in the entertainment industry and community service.
From these humble beginnings, she blossomed into a multi-talented planner, organizer, coordinator, gospel promoter, producer, and manager. Her passion for her community was evident through her tireless efforts to bring numerous gospel concerts to the Capital City, East Lansing area, and other cities in Michigan.
In 1993, Jacqueline was honored with the “Milan NAACP Distinguished Service Award” in recognition of her outreach efforts. She was instrumental in providing indoor/outdoor Gospel Concerts at several prisons, featuring acclaimed artists such as Kirk Franklin, Beverly Crawford, Vicki Winans, and the Rance Allen Group. Her management credits include Stellar Award Star Search Third Place Winner, Brian Hurst, Evangelist Esther Smith, and Reverend T.L. James, among others.
Mrs. Day extended her talents beyond gospel music, working with prominent NBA stars and their families. Her collaborations included projects with Lucille O’Neal, Jolinda Wade, and Elaine Richardson-Cook. She coordinated five basketball camps for Penny Hardaway and organized the Charity Classic Basketball Game, which drew 23,000 attendees and raised funds for various charities. Her work also included coordinating camps for Earvin “Magic” Johnson and a series of camps in the British Virgin Islands featuring numerous NBA stars.
Mrs. Day’s contributions to the entertainment industry earned her a nomination for the Diana Award by General Motors. Her public relations skills and gift of true hospitality allowed her to work closely with Bobby Jones Gospel, where she helped numerous artists present their talent on his Gospel Hour.
One of her notable projects was the kickoff event for the COGIC (Church of God In Christ) Heritage Global Walk-a-Thon for World Missions and Education. She continued her dedication to organizing impactful events with a Walkathon for World Missions.
Mrs. Day was blessed to have called many people friends, but the trust, loyalty and honesty of a few dear friends was priceless. To those special individuals there are not enough words to express her love and appreciation for their genuineness.
Her legacy of memories are cherished by her devoted husband, Percy L. Day; her cherished two daughters, Carolyn Bills, and Cheryl Smith of East Lansing, Michigan; son, Freddie (Tamara) Bills of Lansing, Michigan; bonus children Harry Luckett of Biloxi, Mississippi, Shanton Branson of Chicago, Illinois, and Rhoda King of Atlanta, Georgia; twenty-two grandchildren, many great grandchildren; three sisters, Shirley (John) Crutcher of Lansing, Michigan, Carolyn Henderson of Iowa City, Iowa, and Marilyn (Keith) Yarborough of Bloomingdale, Illinois; two brothers, Randall (Lynn) Wade of Memphis, Tennessee and Curtis Wade of Lansing, Michigan; many nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, church family and friends who will miss her dearly.
While many remain, those who preceded Mrs. Day in death include her brother Ralph Wade, sister Sharon Wade and brother Melvin Wade.
Jacqueline Wade Day’s legacy is one of extraordinary passion, dedication, and a heart of gold. Her life and work brought joy and inspiration to many, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She now rests in the eternal embrace of her Lord, having lived a life of faith and grace.
May her soul rest in peace.
