Jackie was born in Merton Park in 1959 and started school in St Leonard’s on Sea. She moved to Gillingham in 1965, where she spent most of her childhood. It was here that Jackie started playing the bassoon, showing her passion for music at an early age.
She went to Sheffield University in 1978 and studied a Joint Honours degree in Biblical Studies and English Literature. After graduating with her degree, she completed a PGCE in English with RE the following year.
She met Nigel Martin at Stapleford Baptist Church and they were married in 1982. Together they moved to Long Eaton, Derbyshire and Jackie became a mother in 1983 when Natascha was born. They had two more children together: Kara and Aiden.
After having children, she took a career break to be a full time mum. In 1989 she took a part time job as a care assistant in a local home for the elderly, which soon sparked her interest into a new career path towards social work. In 1993 she started a line of social work qualifications which started with a diploma in social work through the Open University and a Masters in Social Work.
In 1994, Jackie and the family moved to Ravenshead in Nottinghamshire so that Jackie could start a social work career. She worked with children and adults in a number of settings before she became a Team Manager in Mansfield for an Adult Social Work team.
In 2005 she made the decision to combine her two careers of teaching and social work to become a lecturer of social work at De Montford University in Leicester. During this time she had books published on Social Work Practice and completed her PhD.
In 2014 she married David Robinson and together they’ve spent the years since then exploring new countries, bird watching, perfecting their garden and being happy.
Jackie’s wider family saw her as determined: to provide for her children, support the needy and to keep the family together. In 2010 she became a proud Grandma to Ethan, and since to 3 more grandchildren: Ollie, Alice and Louis.
I was so saddened to hear of Jackie’s untimely death. I remember the time she took out of her inevitability busy days as a lecturer at DMU to chat with me over a coffee and welcome me to DMU in my first role as an external. Thank you for your passion for social work and your integrity. Rest in peace✝️
Remembering a dear friend.
I am so sorry that I missed Jackie’s service: I had it in my diary wrongly for 17th January. What a loss to the world this is, though she leaves so much behind with her family, friends and profession.
I first met Jackie when she began work at De Montfort University in 2005. I was by then working independently. She and I were asked to develop and run some workshops for health and social care managers, to enable more integrated working. Jackie brought empathy, understanding and imagination to this challenging task. She persuaded me that we should invite this group of senior managers to do some creative representations of the present and the hoped-for future of their organisations, as well as engaging in discussions. By the end of the workshops they were asking to keep their flipchart creations for future reference. I tell the story because it captured so much of what Jackie brought to her work – commitment, fun, and a willingness to take risks. All of this, her family and friends will know, was underpinned by a never to be diluted concern for greater justice and equality for all.
We shared some other bits of work after that, then would meet occasionally for catch up lunches. I learnt from these of her quiet pride in her family and the sheer enjoyment of life with Dave. Jackie – you were a lovely and important person. Thank you for your friendship.
Greatest condolences
Thank you Jackie for being a wonderful colleague and such a good friend. When things were tough you were always there to make them seem better. When they were good it was because you were there helping to make them so. You were a talented, hard working, and generous person who touched the lives of so many colleagues, students and families. I will miss you so much.
I had the pleasure of knowing Jackie in her role as a lecturer at DMU. She was a kind and dedicated woman. I am sad that I cannot make the funeral to pay my respects. I will always remember Jackie with great fondness and respect. Jackie will be dearly missed.
As Sarah-Jo has said, in the short time we knew you, you made us feel very welcome and truly supported us. Your integrity, generosity and determination are an example to us all and those of us who have got to know you a little, are all the more enriched because of it.
In the short time that I knew Jackie she had a huge impact. A woman of great integrity, warmth and humour; she welcomed, supported and inspired me. I feel so fortunate and privileged to have known her. I am sad not to be able to be at the funeral but will be present in thought and spirit. I will always remember Jackie with huge fondness and respect.
My greatest condolences to all family and friends, may the lord comfort and provide peace to you all.
I sadly never got to meet you but your inspiration to others lives on.RIP . With loving thoughts from a friend of a friend
Millwall2704
One of the kindest and most dedicated people I have had the privilege to know. Jackie will be so dearly missed.
In memory of a much loved Mum to my friend Kara, and Grandma to Alice and Louis. Taken too soon by this awful disease. Thinking of all of Jackie’s family and friends.
In memory of a much loved Mum to Kara and Grandma of Alice and Louis, taken too soon by this awful disease. Thinking of all of Jackie’s family.
In loving memory of a much loved mum and Grandma, forever in your hearts Kara and family.
Jackie you were a true friend and we shared so much. A beautiful, kind and strong woman. It was a privilege to spend so many good times and some of the tough times with you. Your legacy is your wisdom and kindness, your lovely children and your distinguished work. You really did make a difference Jackie. You leave behind a heart-broken David, your children and grandchildren and your many friends. Taken far too soon. Love you Jackie. Chris xxx
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Forever treasured and remembered as a wonderful Mum, Mother-in-law and Grandma xxxxx
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