Mrs. Jacqueline Fennell

It is with heartfelt sympathy that we announce the passing of Mrs. Jacqueline Elyce Fennell, 40, of 8826 Commons Townes Dr., Raleigh, NC on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

Public viewing will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025 from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Dafford Funeral Home in Angier, NC.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm prior to the service beginning at the church.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Poplar Springs Christian Church in Raleigh, NC.

Jacqueline Elyce Fennell was born July 5, 1984, at Central Carolina Hospital in Sanford, NC, to Larice and Pansy Wright. Jacqueline attended Boone Trail Elementary School, Western Harnett Middle and High School in Lillington, NC, where she graduated in 2002. She went on to attend NC State University in Raleigh, NC, graduating on May 13, 2006, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication.

Her father, Larice, gave her the first of her superlatives, the title of Princess, which morphed over the years into Queen as she could be quite bossy sometimes. Jacqueline had a penchant for drama and was often ready for a performance at a moment's notice. For example, dropping some tears to avoid a spanking or singing around the house, in the car, in the grocery store, or anywhere else. All this prepared her for years of singing at The Word Education Church in Lillington, NC, school chorus, and New Horizons Choir at NC State University. 

She enjoyed her time at NC State so much that she went to work for the Alumni Association, where she worked for 13 years. The last 5 years, she worked in her current role as Assistant Director of Donor Relations for the Division of Academic and Student Affairs. Jacqueline was deeply devoted to the NC State community, giving her time, energy, and heart while serving with unwavering commitment.

Our Jacqueline was loud and loved to laugh! She was always full of joy or fire if necessary. She was thoughtful, ready, and willing to help anyone. Most of all, Jacqueline was serious about family; planning November outdoor picture day in Chicago, anniversary parties, surprise birthday parties, trip planning, whatever the family needed, she could get it done!

What sustained Jacqueline during her journey battling breast cancer was her faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her trust in God’s promises gave her strength, peace, and purpose—even in the most difficult moments. It was her deep and abiding faith that guided her life and uplifted those around her.

Jacqueline is survived by her husband Damon Fennell (Le'Tyra, Ty'Quan and Jordan) of Raleigh, NC, parents Larice and Pansy Wright of Lillington, NC, her brothers Michael Newkirk (Noelle) of Chicago, IL and Antoine Wright of Morrisville, NC. Nieces: Ariel, Aniah, Aliyah and Peyton. Across the country, she has aunts, uncles, a host of cousins and extended family of friends from her alma mater NC State University. Anyone who KNEW Jacqueline (don't call her Jackie) knows her life was incomplete without her best friend Danielle Jones of Colorado Springs, CO and her loving husband, Damon, who rendered their love and support every moment until her last breath.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to honor Jacqueline’s memory by contributing to the Jacqueline Elyce Fennell Memorial Endowment Fund, established by her NC State community. This fund will directly benefit the TRIO programs at NC State—a cause close to Jacqueline’s heart. By giving, you help carry forward her legacy of love, support, and empowerment for students striving to reach their educational goals.

To donate, please visit: https://go.ncsu.edu/jacqueline

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