Jacqueline Porter Boyd

Jacqueline Renee Porter-Boyd, lovingly known as Jackie, passed away on March 30, 2026, in Red Bank, New Jersey, at the age of 62, after a life marked by faith, laughter, hard work, and devotion to the people she loved. Born on November 11, 1963, in Long Branch, New Jersey, Jackie carried the heart of a servant, the spirit of a comedian, and the steady grace of a Christian woman who knew how to brighten any room she entered.

Jackie was a woman who made ordinary days feel special. She was faith-filled, loving, and friendly, and those qualities showed up in everything she did. She loved the Lord, loved her family, and loved to laugh, often with a quick wit that could catch you off guard and leave you smiling long after the conversation ended. Jackie had a way of telling the truth with kindness and humor, and she made sure that even the hardest days came with a little joy mixed in. If she was around, somebody was going to laugh, and somebody was going to feel cared for.

She was born and raised in Long Branch, New Jersey, and later graduated from Red Bank Regional High School. Jackie built a life rooted in community and service, and she became well known in Red Bank for her strong work ethic and dependable spirit. She began working housekeeping at Molly Picture Inn, the very native Red Bank hotel, and she was remembered for coming home every day in a cab with a cookie for Leah, a simple memory that speaks to the sweetness and consistency of her presence. Later, she joined the Red Bank Borough of Education, where she grew into one of their hardest workers and served faithfully for nearly 30 years. Jackie loved her job, loved all her babies, and built lasting family-like relationships with the staff. Mrs. Jackie was truly a Red Bank Borough superstar.

Her love for children and young people was evident in the places she served, including the Red Bank Primary School and the Boys and Girls Club. Jackie did not just work around children, she cared about them, encouraged them, and treated them with the kind of warmth that made them feel seen. She had a gift for showing up with patience, humor, and heart, and that made her a blessing to everyone who knew her. She was the kind of woman who could discipline with love, laugh with sincerity, and still leave you thinking about her words long after she had gone.

Jackie enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, and she embraced them with style. She loved shopping, especially going to Foodtown like her mother, and she had a green thumb that could make things grow beautifully. She was a Judge Judy fanatic, and one can only imagine how much she enjoyed a good courtroom moment with her own commentary ready to go. Most of all, she cherished spending time with her grandson, family dinners, and the everyday moments that turned into treasured memories. Her home and her heart were places where love was served generously, and where a little laughter always found its way to the table.

Jackie was preceded in death by her loving husband, John William Boyd; her loving parents, John Porter and Blanche Dirickson; her loving brother, Robert “Bootsie” Porter; her loving sisters, Cheryl Holmes, Quetta Porter, known as Aunt Wetta, Elaine Murray, known as Lainey, Patricia Nicholson, and nephew Jimmy Nicholson; and her loving sisters-in-law Wanda Porter, Lois “Sissy” Boyd, Mabel Lang and Marilyn Porter.

She was survived by her loving daughter, Leah Porter; her grandson, Damon Holmes III; her step children, William Mancle and Juanicia Everette; her loving brothers, George and John Porter; her sisters-in-law Linda Porter, Carol Russell, Elaine Boyd, Josephine Boyd, Minnie Boyd, and Theresa Ominiabohs; and her very special nieces and nephews, Sayscha and Robert Hills, Edward Porter, John Porter, Robert and Nikeysha Holmes, Mark Porter, Karrissa Biddle, Katherine (Katie) Porter, Martin Porter, Khiry and Fakasia Porter, Tempestt Porter, Brenda Rockwell,  April, Frankie, and Tootie. Her family was large, loving, and blessed by her presence in ways that words can only begin to describe.

Jackie’s life was a testimony that faith and joy can live in the same heart. She loved the Lord, and she lived in a way that reflected that belief. She was not perfect, because none of us are, but she was genuine, steady, and full of love. She knew how to work hard, how to pray, how to laugh, and how to keep going. That is a beautiful legacy. As the Bible reminds us in Psalm 118:24, “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Jackie did exactly that in her own way, and she encouraged others to do the same

In a fitting tribute to her humor, Jackie would surely appreciate the words of the beloved comedian Phyllis Diller, who said, “A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.” Jackie lived with that kind of smile, the kind that could straighten out a heavy day and make people feel better just by being near her. She will be remembered for her laughter, her loyalty, her work ethic, her love for family, and the way she made Red Bank and everyone around her a little brighter.

Though Jackie has left this earthly life, her memory will remain alive in the hearts of those who loved her. Her family and friends will remember her voice, her humor, her kindness, and the way she carried herself with strength and grace. She has finished her race, kept the faith, and now rests in the peace of her Savior. May her soul rest in eternal glory, and may her loved ones find comfort in the beautiful life she lived and the love she gave so freely.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 9 am until the time of the service at 10 am at the Damiano Funeral Home in Long Branch. Interment will follow at Monmouth Memorial Park Cemetery in Tinton Falls. The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link above.

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