Jerolene McDonald Pincham

Life’s Journey Jerolene (Jeri) McDonald Pincham was born March 26, 1936, to Mr. Charlie McDonald and Mrs. Alberta Clinton McDonald—the oldest of four daughters born to this union. A 1954 graduate of Elizabeth Heights High School in Great Falls, SC, Jeri was quiet and loving growing up. She worked at National Orthopedic Hospital and The Hecht’s Company when she relocated to Arlington, VA. Jeri loved children and spent 25 years working in the Alexandria Public School system as a lunchroom aide and later, a teacher’s aide. At the time of her retirement, Jeri worked with emotionally disabled children. In 1961, the former Jeri McDonald married the love of her life and best friend, Mr. Leslie R. Pincham, Sr. and was a devoted mother to their three children—Ray, Todd, and Bari. To know Jeri was to know that she was godly proud of her children. With that warm, radiant smile that could light up any room, Jeri cherished her family, friends, and church family. A firm believer that “family is family” Jeri’s love extended to her nieces and nephews as a mother. In fact, family remained the center of Jeri’s existence. Outside the love she had for her family, she also cherished her relationship with her own group of friends called the “Rat Pack” including Charles and Idella Bynum, Louis and Marie Gee, Mark and Julia James, Wilbert and the late Carol Briggs, and the late Dennis and Jeanette Leigh. She also treasured her time and love with her bonus sisters Idella Bynum, Annie Carter, and Shirley Sanders. Jeri’s faith journey began at Paradise A.M.E. Zion Church (Great Falls, SC) where she was baptized. Later she joined her mother at Lomax African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (Arlington, VA) where she was an active, faithful member for more than 70 years. A natural leader, Jeri was appointed a Class Leader by the late Bishop Louis Hunter, Sr. Around 2004, the late Rev. Dr. Cameron W. Jackson named her Leader of Leaders—a position that she maintained for over 36 years retiring in February 2025. Consecrated a Deaconess by the late Bishop Louis Hunter, Sr., Jeri took her vows seriously and served the Lord’s church for more than 30 years. Beloved in Lomax, Jeri was a dutiful member of the Lay Council, the Parent Body of the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society (WHOMS), Senior Ministry, Senior Choir, Couples Ministry, and Combined Choirs. She was an early supporter and volunteer for Sisters Providing Information and Christian Encouragement (SPICE)—a educational and mentoring program for young girls established at Lomax. Jeri enjoyed dancing, poetry, shopping, and the arts. She loved family and Christmas gatherings. Jeri attended just about every special occasion. She loved planting and harvesting her vegetable gardening (i.e. okra, string beans, tomato, cucumbers, peppers, and more). Two of her favorite entrees were a juicy hamburger and seafood. Jeri was as stylish lady who kept up with the latest fashions. She loved her family deeply; and most important she loved God. Jeri completed her earthly journey and returned to her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Southern Maryland Medstar Hospital. She is predeceased by her parents, sisters Ruby Brandon, Ruth King and Charli J. Johnson, and daughter, Bari D. Crawford. While Jeri’s family, extended family and friends were saddened by her sudden and unexpected transition and carry a hole in their hearts, by faith we stand on 2 Corinthians 5:8 “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” Forever to cherish fond memories of Jeri are her husband of sixty-four years, Leslie R. Pincham Sr.; children: L. Ray (Denise) Pincham, Jr. (Brandywine, MD) and Todd A. (Lisa Michele) Pincham (Upper Marlboro, MD); Sister-in-laws: Jackie Reece, Joanne (James) Sibert and Melvia Hudson; Son in law: George Crawford; grandchildren Charli Crawford, Andrew Pincham, Daniel Crawford, William Crawford, Maya Pincham, and Tyrus Pincham; and great-grandchildren Ave Rae, Elijah, Jacob, Judah, and Karlie. Jeri is deeply missed by her family, church family, extended family and a host of relatives, friends.

Tributes

Jerolene McDonald Pincham

March 26, 1936 - August 6, 2025