Chapter History

In 1966, a group of Jackson, Mississippi mothers who were interested in maintaining the role of the family as a cohesive unit during the 1960s organized and met to form a Mothers’ Club. This Mothers’ Club was a prerequisite to become a functioning chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated. Mrs. Marguerite Randolph was the leader of the Mothers Club.

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For two years, the Mothers’ Club had meetings and planned programs which incorporated the mission of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated. While waiting for admission into the parent organization, the mothers met with their children and divided them into grade groups. Each grade group was very active in attending different programs in Jackson, Mississippi and in doing things together. There were Family Nights, parties for graduating seniors, panel discussions, and other cultural and educational activities.

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In 1968, the original group of mothers welcomed a new group of five additional mothers into the Mothers’ Club. The yearly programs continued. In June 1969, Mrs. Eleanor DeLoache Brown, National President, officially installed the Mothers’ Club into the national organization in an impressive ceremony and thus, the Jackson MS Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. was chartered. Mrs. Randolph was elected as the first President of the Jackson MS Chapter. The chapter was originally in the South Central Region, and in the summer of 1971, the chapter was represented at the National Convention in Beaumont, Texas. During 1971, there were 21 active members. At the Roanoke, Virginia National Convention in 1973, the chapter successfully petitioned to become associated with the Southeastern Region. Since that time, the Jackson MS Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated has maintained its membership in the national organization and the Southeastern Region.

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Over the years, the Jackson MS Chapter has continued to grow and expand. The chapter currently boasts an active membership of 56 families and 40 Associate members, 32 of which are Life Members. The Jackson MS Chapter has established a rich legacy of leadership and service within the Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated community and the community at large. Our Mothers have held national and regional offices while our Teens have held regional offices and actively participated in Teen Conference events.  The Jackson MS Chapter has established signature projects which generate services to our community and contributions to the Jack and Jill of America Foundation.