April R. (Swann) Jackson

April was born in Paterson, NJ April 4th, 1964, to the late Carolyn Swann Slappy and the late Leroy Stradford. April accepted Jesus Christ at an early age, she was a true servant of God. She faithfully served in many capacities at several churches during her earthly journey. April was ordained as an Elder in 2011 at Kingdom Embassy in Harrisburg, PA where she also served as a Youth Pastor for many years. April attended the Paterson Public School System and graduated from Eastside High School in 1982. April continued her education at William Paterson College (University) in Wayne, NJ where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Still thirsting for education, April left her beloved home state of New Jersey to pursue a Nutritional Sciences Master's Degree from the University of Missouri where she was all but dissertation from earning her doctorate degree. After graduating she pursued a career in the pharmaceutical industry where she worked for over 23 years. She started her career at Bristol Myers Squibb, there she advanced herself to become a Senior Territory Business Manager. Upon leaving Bristol Myers April went to work for AstraZeneca in their Cardiovascular/Diabetes division. April was the Founder of SISTAHS (Sisters inspiring Sisters to Attain a Holistic Self) an international women's empowerment group that has sparked a growing movement changing the way women relate to themselves and each other. April was an Inspirational Speaker, Thought Provoker and Transformational Coach that had a passion for helping others tap into their greatest resources, THEMSELVES. One of her favorite inspiring quotes was" YOU ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH". April was preceded in death by her brother Michael Williams. April leaves to cherish her memories husband Anthony "Tony" Jackson, 6 sisters Lisa Swann, Lynn Banks, Donna and Mike Beasley, Diane Stradford, India Stradford, Christie and Damond Thomas, and 1 brother Mark and Teresa Holmes. Her beloved Mother in Love (Ma) Ernestine and Ronald Walker and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, sister in laws, brother in laws, friends, coworkers and all of you that are here today.