‘A mother to many,” Dutchess Legislator Barbara Jeter-Jackson dies

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Barbara Jeter-Jackson

POUGHKEEPSIE – Long-time public servant and community leader Barbara Jeter-Jackson has died. She was 82.

Since 2004, she has served as a member of the Dutchess County Legislature.

“She carried herself with a gentleness, warmth, and open heart that was felt by others by her mere presence,” said County Legislature Chairman Gregg Pulver. “She is irreplaceable, but we will honor her by attempting to treat others as she did.”

County Executive Marcus Molinaro said Jeter-Jackson “embodied the very spirit of resilience, dignity, and grace.”

Molinaro said she was “a mother to many (and) she made an immeasurable difference in the life of our county, the city she loved and lives she touched.”

He called her a “friend, partner in service and in many important ways, mentor.”

Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison, Barbara-Jeter-Jackson and Dutchess Executive Marcus Molinaro

Poughkeepsie Mayor Robert Rolison said Jeter-Jackson “dedicated her life to helping others and made the City of Poughkeepsie – and our region – stronger through her selfless work.”

Rolison is “deeply saddened by her loss. She was a dear friend, and someone the community could always count on to provide clear guidance.”

Legislator Barbara Jeter-Jackson, who has represented District 10 since 2004 was honored earlier this year at the Martin Luther King, Jr. breakfast. hosted by the Catharine Street Community Center (CSCC).  The Poughkeepsie icon was praised for her tireless dedication to the city of Poughkeepsie and Dutchess County.  Ms. Jeter-Jackson has been credited with helping to revive a defunct CSCC in 1975 while serving as the Executive Secretary.  The lawmaker’s commitment to the community included serving on the City of Poughkeepsie School Board for 16 years, beginning in 1978, and the Poughkeepsie City Council from 1994-2003.  The lifelong Poughkeepsie resident was currently serving on many boards including St. Simeon Senior Housing Corp., and Real Skills Network, Inc.

City of Poughkeepsie Councilman Chris Petsas was saddened to learn of the passing of Jeter-Jackson.  “I met Barbara several years ago before I ran for office.  She was an icon in the community and served the city in her many roles, with civility and dignity.  Barbara will be missed by everyone.”




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