JacQueline Kimberly Holland

JacQueline Kimberly Battle Holland was born in Brooklyn, New York. She moved to Columbus, Ohio, before starting elementary school. She was the youngest of four children. Her favorite color was the earthy olive green you can find on printed dollar bills. She delighted in the beauty of her favorite flower, tulips, perfect for a bubbly spring baby such as herself. Although born in the Big Apple, she became a true Ohio girl as she loved to snack on Grippos from the corner store. She is deeply, profoundly loved, and will be missed just as much.

JacQuie attended Columbus Public Schools and graduated from Briggs High School in 1985. She was included in one of the final freshman classes of students to attend Central High School before the historic building was sold and converted into the well-known and widely loved COSI (Center of Science and Industry) in 1999. JacQuie went on to enjoy many fun and enriching adventures at COSI with her own children and many of her students.

JacQuie spent much of her professional life working in many capacities with Columbus City schools, formerly known as Columbus Public Schools. From Ohio Avenue, Kent, and Deschler Elementary Schools, to Johnson Park Middle School, Columbus Alternative High School, and Columbus Downtown High School, JacQuie’s involvement and impact was immeasurable. For over two decades, she provided invaluable support to teachers, administrators, and coaches as they worked together to shape Columbus’ youth. She was instrumental in the success of numerous programs that enriched her students’ lives such as Girls and Boys Clubs, Jump Rope Club, Girl Scouts, Summer School Programs, and countless other extracurriculars that helped the children she worked with to remain safe, to engage in their communities, and to grow into intelligent and incredibly skilled people.  She had an extra special place in her heart for Columbus children with alternative needs, helping many of them togain the necessary skills to live full and independent lives.  The impact of JacQuie’s care and dedication to these students will be revered for years to come.

JacQuie’s familial legacy began when she became a mother to her two beloved children, JoVaughn Yusef and JaMilla Yeimon, with former husband of 21 years, Renato Holland.  When it comes to motherhood, her excellence was unmatched.  She remained devoted to raising brilliant, strong, talented, and hilarious children for the entirety of her life, a feat for which there is no adequate amount of gratitude. Her ability to whip up flavorful, comforting, and nourishing meals kept her family fed in body and in spirit, and her recipes continue to grace many a dinner table even now. She was the self-proclaimed #1 Cheerleader to her children’s endeavors, never missing a spelling bee, honors assembly, football/rugby/basketball game, track meet, choir concert, cheer competition, or graduation ceremony. She expressed her love in so many endearing ways, always being sure to write and decorate cards or notes, create handmade memorabilia, and beam her radiant smile at the camera (when you could catch her) to “make memories,” as she would often say. She imparted in her children a profound dedication to service as well, making sure to involve her family in food and clothing drives, holiday charity organizations, and lending a helping hand to anyone she could, whenever she could. Her children could not be more grateful for the honor of having been
raised by such a truly good person.

JacQuie was preceded in death and welcomed into eternal peace by her beloved sister, Carolyn Battle; cherished friend, Donna Kay Horton; niece, Natalie Holland, brother Tony Battle, and other lovingly missed family and friends. She is survived by her children JoVaughn and JaMilla Holland, former husband Renato Holland, sister Elizabeth Battle, nieces Shasca Battle and Erika Houpe, best friend Jada Jameson Suber, godchildren Maurice, Durrell, and Jaden, as well as countless other family members in North Carolina and Ohio, friends, and former students.

In lieu of flowers, the family request you make financial donations to the family directly.

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