Reverend Funteller H. Jackson is a native of Detroit, Michigan. Jackson
grew up under the strong Christian faith of her parents, grandparents, and
great-grandmother. She received an
undergraduate degree from Mount Holyoke College,
in Massachusetts and received the Master of
Divinity Degree from Virginia Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, Virginia.
Reverend Jackson worked in Municipal Government for 15 years and in
education for several years. She also taught literacy in South Africa. After retiring from Family Services Altoona, she
is currently a substitute teacher for the Hollidaysburg Area
School District. Presently, she is a preaching volunteer for
the State Correctional Institution – Smithfield
and Huntingdon, PA.
Reverend Jackson has been a part of Mt. Zion Baptist Church (MZBC) since 2000 after relocating
from New Jersey. In her role at the church, she has served as
chair of deacon’s, youth minister, and music director. In 2005, Jackson became the first
woman licensed to preach, in the 132 year history of MZBC.
Reverend Jackson is a former fellow of the Fund for Theological Education, a
recipient of the Distinguished Seminarian
Award of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, and a prior
participant in the Profile of Ministry at
Princeton Theological Seminary. Involved in several civic, community, and religious affiliates Jackson is a lifetime member of the NAACP and
2006 NAACP women of the year recipient. She
is a board member of the Ecumenical Conference of Altoona, Prison Ministry of
Blair County, and Mt. Holyoke College Annual Fund.
She is also a certified National Crisis Responder of Keystone Crisis Intervention Team (KCIT), and certified American Red Cross Psychological First
Aid responder (PN19).
Reverend Jackson has traveled extensively in the United States, she has also traveled to Germany, Italy,
Scotland, South Africa, Zimbabwe,
Kenya, Mexico, Bermuda, Canada, Spain
and the Caribbean’s teaching, preaching, singing,
and visiting. Funteller enjoys traveling, cooking, singing, mentoring, and
spreading joy to all people wherever she goes.
Funteller Jackson is married to the love of her life, her friend, her
partner, and loving husband Jackie L. Jackson.
She is the proud parent of four children Rev. Dr. Felicia Y. Thomas, Pastor
Frank K. Thomas, Rev. Lester E. Thomas, and Arva A. Thomas (deceased). She is also the proud “Granny” to sixteen
grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
