Dr. Jennifer Lee Moore Harper Jenkins is a testament to the power of dedication, education, and service in transforming communities. Born in Winnsboro, South Carolina, as the second of eight children to Mattie Rebecca Able Moore and Louie Hicklon Moore, her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a distinguished educator and community leader exemplifies a life of purpose and achievement.
Growing up in a close-knit family emphasizing faith and education, Jenkins and her siblings—Julius, Mary Ann, Margaret, Carolyn, James, Louie, and Terance—were active at Saint Paul Baptist Church in Winnsboro. Today, she continues her spiritual leadership as an Elder, Associate Pastor, Executive Secretary, and Choir Director at Living Word Church and Fellowship in Columbia, SC.
Educational Journey and Professional Development
Jenkins' educational journey began when she graduated from Fairfield High School in 1968, earning a full scholarship to Johnson C. Smith University. Her academic pursuits led her to pledge to the AKA Sorority and eventually to complete her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina, a master’s degree from Winthrop University, and a doctorate from the College of the Open Bible. Her commitment to lifelong learning continues as she pursues entrepreneurship studies at Cornell University (2025).
Career Progression and Educational Leadership
Dr. Jennifer Moore Harper Jenkins' distinguished career in education spans multiple decades and school systems across South Carolina and North Carolina. Her remarkable journey through the educational system demonstrates her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to lifelong growth. From humble beginnings, she served in various capacities across Fairfield County, Charlotte Mecklenburg County, Orangeburg County, and Charleston County school systems.
Her career progression is a testament to her determination and capability. She was a sewing machine operator at Fairfield Manufactory and a hosiery inspector at Prosperity Hosiery Factory. Beginning her career in education as a custodian, she advanced through positions as assistant secretary and secretary, gaining valuable administrative experience. She then moved into educational roles as a parent educator and teaching assistant before becoming a full-time teacher. Her leadership abilities soon became evident as she progressed to associate principal and principal positions, ultimately reaching the distinguished role of Associate Superintendent in Charge of Curriculum.
Transformative Leadership at Fairfield Intermediate School (1990-2000)
Her administrative career flourished when she became Assistant Principal in Union County Schools (1988-1989), leading to her transformative tenure as Principal of Fairfield Intermediate School. In 1990, Dr. Jenkins took on the challenging task of opening and establishing a brand-new facility as Principal of Fairfield Intermediate School. She revolutionized the educational landscape during her tenure by implementing numerous pioneering programs. She introduced the district's first comprehensive parenting program, establishing a model that would later be adopted throughout the region. Understanding the importance of mentorship, she created an innovative mentoring program that paired students with community leaders. Her vision extended to career development through the implementation of the first Career Week Program, giving students early exposure to diverse professional paths.
Under her leadership, the school broke new ground with innovative educational initiatives, including the district's first morning and extended day reading program, a groundbreaking home visit program, and an organized intramural program fostering academic and athletic excellence. She further enriched the curriculum by establishing the school’s first French Club and implementing a pioneering library flexible scheduling program that maximized student access to educational resources. Additionally, Dr. Jenkins developed, designed, and implemented the “At Risk-Reverse Program,” which helped stabilize student behavior by fostering self-respect and self-discipline.
Under her guidance, the school achieved remarkable success, earning national recognition in multiple areas. The basketball team ranked #1 in the United States, while the academic programs garnered impressive accolades. The school consistently ranked in the top 10 percent statewide for its Exemplary Reading Program, received state recognition for environmental initiatives, and celebrated multiple state championships in track and field.
Higher Education and Academic Leadership
Dr. Jenkins extended her influence to higher education as an adjunct professor at several prestigious institutions. Her teaching contributions at the University of South Carolina (Columbia, SC), South Carolina State University, and Newberry College helped shape the next generation of educators while allowing her to share her wealth of experience in both classroom and administrative roles.
Professional Recognition and Leadership
Throughout her career, Dr. Jenkins' excellence in educational leadership earned her numerous prestigious honors. Her crowning achievement came in 1998-1999 when she was named State Administrator/Principal of the Year for South Carolina. Her legacy continued to be recognized with her induction into the Fairfield County School District Hall of Fame in 2018, and she received the distinguished Addison Scholarship Award in 2017. The NAACP acknowledged her contributions by naming her Woman of the Year for Fairfield County in 2018, and she achieved First Runner-up for STATE NAACP Woman of the Year in 2019.
Professional Versatility and Business Acumen
Beyond her educational career, Dr. Jenkins has demonstrated remarkable versatility in various professional fields. Since earning her real estate license in 1986, she has maintained an active presence in the industry, working with multiple prestigious agencies. From 1995 to 1998, she served as a Financial Analyst at Citi-Group, Primerica, and Travelers, showcasing her financial acumen. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to serve as Co-owner, President, and Operator of ACH, IV Timber & Trucking Company from 1997 to 2000. She even pursued artistic endeavors as a recording artist with gospel groups from 2001 to 2003, and she has been an inventor with Davison Inventions since 2020.
Community Leadership and Civic Engagement
As NAACP President for Fairfield County since 2013, Dr. Jenkins has maintained an unwavering commitment to community service. Her leadership extends to executive board membership in The Randy Sims Cancer Network, The Citizens for Environmental Justice, and The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW). She is also an active member of the Esther Women of Influence. She has earned multiple certifications that enhance her ability to serve the community, including credentials as a Natural Disaster Shelter Manager, CPR Instructor, CPI Instructor, Certified Facilitator, and Notary Public. These certifications reflect her comprehensive approach to community service and dedication to preparing for any challenge that might affect her community.
Family Life and Personal Achievement
Dr. Jenkins is currently married to retired Army Sergeant, present Associate Pastor, and Deputy Sheriff Edward Jerome Jenkins. She has four children from her previous marriage: Tyrone Harper (deceased), Talya Letrice Harper Seals, Dr. Shana Lenita Brice Harper, and Mattia Renee' Harper. With Edward's three children—Myra Davenport, Elbony Jenkins, and Edward Adonis Jenkins—their blended family includes eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Dr. Jenkins' life story illustrates the profound impact one person can have through dedication to education, family, and community service. Her journey from a young girl in Winnsboro to a respected educational leader and community figure inspires others to pursue excellence and serve their communities. Her legacy in South Carolina's educational system, particularly her innovative approaches at Fairfield Intermediate School, demonstrates how vision, dedication, and continuous personal growth can transform institutions and communities for generations
Willie Pearl Pasey Holloway: A Champion for Community and Youth Empowerment
Willie Pearl Pasey Holloway, born on June 14, 1944, has dedicated her life to the betterment of her community, leaving an indelible mark on education, activism, and youth development. A proud graduate of the historic Riverside High School Class of 1962 in Saluda, South Carolina, she went on to become a beloved figure in her hometown.
On March 30, 1966, she married her high school sweetheart, Jamel Melvin Holloway, Sr., and together they built a legacy of love and commitment, raising six children—four boys and two girls. Though their eldest son has passed away, their family has grown to include thirteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, a testament to their enduring love and dedication.
A Passion for Education and Community Activism
Mrs. Holloway dedicated 18 years of her career as a committed teacher’s assistant before retiring in 2002. However, retirement did not mark the end of her service; rather, it allowed her to invest even more in her community. As a passionate community activist, she led over fifteen women in various efforts to uplift and improve their neighborhood.
Her leadership was instrumental in organizing Women United of SC, an initiative focused on community beautification, youth engagement, and civic responsibility. Under her guidance, the group established flower beds throughout the area, conducted trash cleanups with local youth, and provided enriching experiences for young people, such as field trips, cookouts, and social events.
Her husband, Jamel M. Holloway, Sr., also shared her passion for youth development. He established the Saturday Youth Activity Program, which provided vital educational and recreational opportunities to local children. Mrs. Holloway played a key role in organizing the program, ensuring that students benefited from Black history lessons, homework assistance, and athletic activities—all at no cost to parents.
A Leader in Women’s Empowerment and School Advocacy
Recognizing the power of women to drive change, Mrs. Holloway founded Women to Save Our School (Riverside), an organization devoted to preserving the legacy of Riverside High School. Her efforts gained momentum when she partnered with Citylight Coalition, leading to the formation of the Esther Women of Influence of Saluda. This partnership merged with Citylight Esther Women of Influence Columbia, forming a strong network of women committed to raising funds for community initiatives.
One of their greatest achievements was successfully raising funds to pay off Riverside’s $100,000 mortgage in just eight years—two years ahead of schedule. Mrs. Holloway played a pivotal role in this initiative, rallying women and community members to support the cause.
Her work extended beyond local efforts, as she also encouraged Saluda women to attend Citylight’s Christian Weekend Conference in Myrtle Beach, leading recruitment for over thirty women to participate in the spiritual retreat. For five consecutive years, she also organized trips to Cross Style Christian Training Camp in Lebanon, Tennessee, where youth from Riverside’s afterschool program received training and mentorship.
Impact on Youth and Social Development
As Director of the Riverside Community Development Corporation (RCDC) Afterschool and Summer School Programs, Mrs. Holloway oversaw the education and enrichment of 75–100 children. She was also responsible for organizing the food service program for all RCDC events, managing meal preparation, volunteer coordination, and event decorations. Her commitment ensured that children in the program not only received academic support but also essential nourishment.
Her dedication to youth development extended to volunteering as an Afterschool Director with the SC Department of Juvenile Justice, where she helped guide at-risk teens toward positive paths through the partnership with Riverside C.D.C. Additionally, she served as co-director of the youth choir at her church, Pleasant Hill Baptist, fostering a love for music and faith among young people.
A Tireless Advocate for Civic Engagement
Beyond her work in education and youth programming, Mrs. Holloway was a fierce advocate for civic engagement. Alongside Mrs. Veronica Coleman, she worked tirelessly to register voters and advocate for new school construction. Their efforts played a crucial role in the success of the 1997 school referendums, ensuring that future generations had access to better educational facilities.
A Legacy of Love and Commitment
Faith and family have been the cornerstones of Mrs. Holloway’s life. As a deaconess for 26 years, she has provided spiritual guidance and support to her church community. Her enduring partnership with her husband, Jamel M. Holloway, Sr., stands as a testament to their shared commitment to faith, service, and family.
On March 30, 2023, the couple celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary, marking nearly six decades of unwavering love and partnership.
Mrs. Willie Pearl Pasey Holloway’s lifetime of dedication to education, youth development, and community activism has left an indelible impact on Saluda and beyond. Her legacy serves as an inspiration for future generations to continue the work of strengthening communities, empowering youth, and uplifting one another.