Member Spotlight: Jacqueline Stanley

Interviewed & Written by A'Ja Rolfe

What type of things have contributed you into the woman you are today?

I have worked in the healthcare field for over 20 years now. I am my mother’s primary caretaker and enjoy spending as much time as I can with my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I attribute my positive attitude and work ethic to being a people person.

“I work well with others, I always have. And I have been taking care of people and contributing to helping others feel better, do better and get better all of my life.”

How would you describe your experiences upon first joining the Order?

It has been a challenge because I’m older but I’ve wanted to do this for years. But it has also been a rewarding experience to see you young girls get together and go after everything you’ve worked hard to obtain. Similarly, we are all still learning. Nobody is perfect and no one can do anything all on their own. It helps to have someone to do things with instead of by yourself.

When did you feel most accomplished in your life?

I don’t think I’m where the Lord wants me to be but I’m getting there.

If you could give any young person advice that you wished you were given when you were a young adult, what would it be?

I usually tell [especially young mothers] people not to leave their kids around ANYONE, woman or man, because people are crazy. Also, you shouldn’t treat any child differently because you don’t like their parent(s). I don’t believe in playing favorites. It isn’t right to make one child miss out on eating ice cream if you are going to buy ice cream for the others, children are innocent and should be protected at all times.

What do you remember about the place you grew up? Do they still live there, or have they visited? If so, how has it changed?

I have lived in Little Rock, Arkansas for over fifty years- a great majority of my life. I only lived with my grandparents until around the age of eight years old before I moved here.

What was your first job?

My first job was at a restaurant called Bonanza. I had to arrange all the salad dressings, toppings, and whatever else. I would arrive after my classes and get the big barrels of salad together for the salad bar. I was able to get this job in high school through the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) program at my high school.

What are the most important lessons you’ve learned in your life?

You can’t trust everyone and you can’t depend on everyone. Also, you need to take the time to study people. People can smile in your face and lie straight to you. Your word is your bond.

“I’m not one of those to tell you I’m going to do something and not do it- I hate that! I think you should stand by your word. Just don’t leave people hanging.”

Who has influenced you the most?

Before she passed, my children’s grandmother and I got very close. She ended up being one of my best friends, actually. She was there for me until she transitioned.

If you could go back to any age, what would it be?

It would have to be age 40. I was in a pretty good place then. Things had calmed down for me in my personal life and I was able to celebrate the birth of my first grandchild while mourning the travesty of losing my first born many years before.

“In my lifetime I'm thankful to see the length of my life. When I was growing up about your age, I didn’t think I would even make it to fifty years old. Every time I see another decade, I say “Thank you God!” I’m a GG (great-grandmother), so I’m thankful. We have five generations living, so I’m eternally blessed.”