Henrietta "Jackie" Dandy

Our beloved mother, Henrietta “Jackie” Dandy (Spearman) peacefully passed away on Tuesday October 25, 2022. She was born in Trenton, New Jersey on February 26, 1946. She was the daughter of the late Henrietta (Spearman) & Herbert Johnson. Our beautiful mother and grandmother will forever be known for her strong caring spirit, her warm nurturing qualities, and fiery personality. Jackie was known for her creative and fashionable style. She exudes class and grace. Upon her youth, Jackie was amongst one of the first African-American students to graduate from Woonsocket High School in 1965. Jackie was crowned as “Quiver’s ” Miss Senior Beauty by her peers. At an early age her life passion was to be a licensed cosmetologist in all trades. After high school she succeeded, and became a licensed instructor at The Arthur Angelo’s School of Cosmetology & Hair Design. Her work and talents opened many avenues and her popularity grew, amongst most of her peers and women of the church. Jackie’s career path continued her later work included working at the Rhode Island State psychiatric hospital, which included the Zambarano division and Cranston campus. Years ahead, her compassion and advocacy for children led her to become a paraprofessional in the Woonsocket school district, teaching kindergarten at Savoie & Harris schools. Her maternal heart, and continued devotion for children led her to become a licensed foster care parent for the Department of Children & Families. She was a pivotal mother figure for all children that came through her home, and showed unconditional love. As a woman of faith, she stood by her mother’s side and became a member of St James Baptist Church. Jackie served on various committees such as the senior choir, vacation bible school, and other historian church auxiliaries. Jackie’s hobbies included her love for cooking traditional southern recipes. Her green thumb embraced her love for gardening and plants. She loved watching YouTube videos, and horror movies. She loved playing her casino games on her tablet or phone. Her love for music included anything from Luther Vandross to Chris Brown. Anything to keep her relevant with her grandchildren, she did. Out of all her careers, Jackie’s greatest accomplishment, was no other then her family. She was a dedicated mother and grandmother. She strived the importance of family and her love never went unnoticed. She is survived by her six children, Dana Dandy (Cranston, RI) Reginald Dandy, (Rehoboth,MA) Noel Dandy, Shaunta Owens (Cumberland, RI), Maree Dandy (Cranston, RI) and Deon Dandy (Cranston, RI). Her beloved grandchildren, Cecelia Dandy (Andalusia, AL) Teiara Dandy (Taylor, MI) Stephanie Mulvey (East Providence, RI) Noel Dandy (Woonsocket, RI) Nickolas Dandy (Woonsocket, RI), and Jenesis Owens ( Cumberland, RI). Daughter in law, Liz Simoes ( Rehoboth, MA) Her “former daughter in-laws” Katerina Ortiz(Woonsocket, RI) and Kimberly Dandy (Warren MI). Sister friends, Claudette Harris, Donna Ramos and Alicia Jackson. She is survived by her siblings Silas “Butch” Spearman (Providence, RI) Joseph“JoJo” Spearman( Willingboro, NJ) and Julius “Lee” Spearman (Willingboro, NJ). She was preceded in death by her siblings Pearl Wright, Arnel Spearman, Tom Jones, Herbie Jones,Robert “Popeye” Spearman and Eddie Spearman. Along with many nieces, nephews , and cousins . To our Mother, Ma, Sis, Auntie, Nana Jackie, Nanny, Helen, Catherine, JD-Queen, JAQ Hen-retta, Hannah, Tupac, Great, & Grady. We will miss you beyond measure. NO MATTER THE NAME, YOU WILL FOREVER BE LOVED TO THE MOON AND BACK! A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. in Saint James Baptist Church, 340 South Main Street, Woonsocket, RI.