Janie B Birthday Celebration - 91 & Fabulous Virtual Program

Janie B’s Birthday Celebration 91 & Fabulous!

Saturday, June 26, 2021 Hilton Westchase Hotel – Houston, Texas

Janie B.......A Biographical Sketch Born Janie Louise Jackson, the 5th of 7 children, and the 1st of 3 girls, on the 30th of June in 1930 to Moody and Lou Jackson in Lott, Texas.

She attended A.J. Moore High School and later Paul Quinn College in Waco, TX, where she wowed the student body with both her stunningly beautiful “good looks” and uncharacteristic athleticism on the basketball court. It was in the gymnasium where she met the amazing Leroy Van Nealy Bailey, who was from Yoakum, TX and the “star” center of Paul Quinn’s Male Basketball Team. He was a “tall glass of water”, on an athletic scholarship and considered to be the best dancer on campus.

They later dated, partied and danced center court at all of the hot spots, especially at East Waco’s Walker’s Auditorium, that is, until God’s institution of marriage gave them an ultimatum. Their matrimonial bliss produced “7” girls and defied the odds for more than 62 years of marriage. Then our beloved “Paw-Paw”, aka The Black Streaker, was personally called home to be with our Lord and Savior.

They’d spent their lives together in Waco, Ft. Worth, Newfoundland and Houston. While carefully raising their girls to be well-educated and responsible Christian young ladies, they literally partied every weekend and holiday, hosting the entire community at their home. Then on Sunday morning, “dressed to kill” in a classy, highly accentuated hat with matching shoes and purse, she’d get into the baddest Cadillac in town and drive to Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church on Rosedale and Evans and give thanks to the good Lord for it all. She joined Abiding Faith Baptist Church after her move to Houston.

Never showing or telling anyone her correct age, she kept right on partying, even joining her daughters as they grew up and grand and great grandchildren as well. In fact, she almost never missed an opportunity to show up at her daughters’ or grandkids’ games or sporting events or dance recitals or parties even if they were as far away as Arizona, Oklahoma, Michigan or Iowa.

After struttin’ into, working at and actually retiring from General Motors, somewhere near the age of 65, she finally admitted that she was over 50...but she still looked so much younger than that. Some of us know for sure that she’s of a certain age because a few of us have now reached her age. In fact, rumor has it that even her oldest grandchild is over 50.

Many of us have learned from her first-hand what it’s like to be bold, determined, sassy and free; so we’re honored to pay tribute to the teacher... Our Queen of the Good Life: Ms. Janie B. Note: Black Entrepreneur Herbert Walker founded the Club in 1945, where the sounds of Big Bands, Jazz, The Blues and Rock & Roll were allowed to come together on the dance floor. As the only establishment of its kind open to blacks at the time, its “pea green”, maroon & grey interior was complemented with elegant furnishings, a huge dance floor, pool tables and a mirrored bar that offered both drinks and fried chicken.

Walker’s Auditorium even operated as part of the Chitlin’ Circuit (a cross-country touring route for black entertainers prevented by segregation from playing in white-only establishments.)

PROGRAM Master of Ceremonies, Isaiah Richardson, Grandson Welcome & Entrance of the Birthday Honoree Janie B!

Opening Prayer & Scripture Kerrick Covington, Great Nephew

All About Janie B…

Devin Kendall, Great Grandson

Proclamation from the City of Houston Poem

Written and Presented by Granddaughter Nikki Bailey

Janie B’s Hat Fashions by Granddaughters Amara Richardson, Brittany Walters, Haley Green, Lauryn Richardson & Tairah Johnson

Birthday Tributes:

MaeBelle Jackson, Sister In Law Billy David Covington, Nephew Moody Jackson, Nephew Yvette Williams, Niece Jhannelle Kendall, Granddaughter & Frederic Alexander, Grandson Sister Jackie Shaw, AFBC Church Member

“R E S P E C T” Dance Tribute Performed by Granddaughter Simone Khan

Birthday Video Happy Birthday! – Entrance of the Birthday Cake Remarks - Janie “B” Closing Prayer Vikki Richardson, Daughter

Dinner, Dancing & Family & Friends Photo

Grateful…

We are grateful that each of you have joined in this birthday celebration! Janie B has touched many and continues to do so. Thank you all for celebrating Janie B’s 91st Birthday Celebration!

Grandmother’s Escorts: Dominick Kendall & Noah Johnson Sound Equipment: Josh Johnson, Grandson in Law Janie B’s Biography: Fred Alexander, Son in Law Birthday Cake: Sandra Dupont, Family Friend Decorations: Taylor Durisseau, Granddaughter In Law Special Thank You to Sister Margie Johnson for her help with Decorations

Planning Committee Members:

Amara Richardson, Granddaughter – -Video Production Billy David Covington, Nephew -Roses Brittany Walters, Granddaughter -Invitations Charlotte Sue Walters, Daughter -Birthday Cake Charles Lejon Gordon, Grandson -Decorations Diana Alexander, Daughter Frederic Alexander, Grandson -Music for the EveningJanice Sam, Daughter Jhannelle Kendall, Granddaughter Kathy Johnson Green, Daughter -Program & Hotel Pearl Khan, Daughter -Finance; Guest Gifts; Janie B’s Gift Taibika Johnson, Grandson Sound & Music Tamika Johnson, Granddaughter -Roses Vikki Richardson, Daughter Wesley Walters, Grandson Zoom Director Wyvette Covington, Niece