Jacqueline Cassandra Uthman

August 7, 1936 – February 6, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jacqueline C. Uthman, age 88, who peacefully left this world at home surrounded by her devoted family. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend whose kindness, warmth, and unwavering love will be cherished forever.

Jacqueline was born on August 7, 1936, to Eugene and Janie Wilson, Sr. in Winter Park, Florida as the second youngest of four siblings. She spent her early years in the close-knit community of Winter Park, and as a teen attended Hungerford High School in Eatonville, Florida. Eatonville holds a special place in history as the oldest black-incorporated municipality in the United States, founded in 1887 as the first town successfully established by African American freedmen.

Raised in a hardworking family, Jacqueline was deeply influenced by her parents’ dedication and perseverance. Her father, an entrepreneur, owned a tree trimming business and a mini golf course, while her mother worked as a housekeeper, instilling in her a strong work ethic and a deep sense of family.

In 1954, Jacqueline and her family relocated to Rochester, NY, where she continued building her life. It was there that fate led her to the love of her life, Carl Uthman. They both went on to work for the same company, Xerox Corporation. Carl worked as a mechanical engineer and Jacqueline as a quality control supervisor. Their connection quickly grew into a lifelong partnership. After falling in love, they married on July 20, 1957, and built a beautiful family together, raising three children – two sons (Todd and Keith) and a daughter (Janet) – instilling in them the values of love, resilience, and family.

In 1979, they moved from New York to San Jose, Calif., where Jacqueline worked as a quality control supervisor for National Semiconductor and other tech companies in Silicon Valley. She spent another 20 years creating more memories and building a life alongside her devoted husband, retiring in 1999. She and Carl then relocated, settling in Henderson, Nev., where they joined and attended Second Baptist Church, and enjoyed their golden years together until the passing of Carl in 2022.

In her spare time, she loved to bake. Christmas was her favorite time of year! She would decorate the house and make several varieties of cookies and her famous fruit cake from scratch. Each year she spread joy by sending her baked goods to family and friends across the country.

Jacqueline leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and generosity. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered by her family, friends, and all who were lucky enough to know her. She leaves to mourn her passing her children, Todd Uthman, Keith (Kay Woods) Uthman, and Janet (Malcolm) Uthman-Jackson; grandchildren, Yolanda (Nichole Wilson) Uthman, Taurean (Shanetra) Uthman, Cassandra (Bruce) Reddick, Keith Uthman, Jr., and Monique (Roy) Roberts; best friend of 84 years Annie Burns; great grandchildren, Alfred Padilla, Amir Thomas, Alyssa Thomas, Chanel Uthman, Ruby D. Uthman, Akira Uthman, Shane’ Boulware, Shauna Boulware, Nia Daniels, Anthony Hunt and Anderson Hunt; cousins: Earlene Brady, Silas Braddy and Pauline Murray, Geraldine Davis, Phyllis Johnson, Maryam Laverne Gray, Yvette Roberts and Troy Johnson; uncle: Lewis Johnson; nephews, Gerard Baker, Johnny Anthony, Derek (Sarah) Uthman, Douglas Uthman, Andrew Wilson, Shawn Wilson, Charles (Dion) Becoats, III and Jeffrey Grant; nieces, Gail (Charles) Becoats, Sr., Mavis Lockett, Michele Y. Anthony, Beverly Wilson, Debra Wilson, Willette Wilson, Stephanie Wilson, Eugenia (Bruce) Jones, Tisha Lockett, Michele E. Anthony, Tiffany Anthony, Evette Benitez, Lauren Becoats, Scharyta Lawson and Pam Grant Coffield; sisters-in-law, Rovenia Wilson, Valerie Queen Grant and Delores Christie; a host of other great nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She is predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Carl Uthman; brothers, Eugene Wilson, and Willie Wilson; sisters, Bernice Anthony and Marcia Anthony; daughter in law, Delores Uthman, nephews, Bruce Anthony, Tyler Anthony, Drake Uthman, Charles Becoats, Jr., and Craig Wilson; nieces, Barbara (Ali) Uthman, and Donna Wilson.

Jacqueline’s homegoing will be held at In Christ New Hope Ministry, 155 Pinnacle Rd, Rochester NY on Friday March 7 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Keep Memory Alive which supports Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.

The family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many expressions of love, concern and kindness shown to them during their hour of bereavement. May God bless and keep you!

The Uthman Family