The late Marion Stubbs Thomas founded Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, on January 24, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Twenty mothers came together to discuss creating an organization to provide social, cultural and educational opportunities for youth between the ages of 2 and 19. In 1946, 10 chapters were involved in the national restructuring process. The constitution and bylaws were drawn up, and the organization was incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware.

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Today, Jack and Jill boasts more than 230 chapters nationwide, representing more than 40,000 family members. Each chapter plans annual programming activities guided under a national theme. Through service projects, Jack and Jill of America creates a medium of contact for children to stimulate their growth and development.

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The Toledo Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. was founded in December 1952 by a group of loving exceptional women who happened to also be dedicated mothers. Catherine Holland was the chapter’s first president. Though the list is much greater, some members of the earlier years were Katee Martin, Helen Duffy, Thelma Adams, Genevieve Dale, Marion Nunn, Ruth H. Smith, Louise Brower, Charlie B. Nunn, Thelma Jones, Ruth Thomas, Eudora Dobois, Erminie Hart, Doris M. Bryant and Isabelle Carter.  Throughout the years, other families involved with Jack and Jill just to name a few include Dr. Sherlon Brown, Zephyr Taylor, Jackie Adams, Lera Doneghy, Yolanda Jackson, Helen Woody, Kay Thorpe, Shirley Duckins, Juanita Price, Gwen Brown, Wanda Brown, Beverly Baker, Vera Rice, Waverly Early, Lucretia Thomas, Odessa Rowan, Rosie Lewis, Olivia Newby, Carol Baker, Kay Cook, Doris Thomas, Danise St. Andrews Fisher, Michele Taylor-Smith, Deborah Carlisle, Theotress Badgett, Joan Coleman, and Brunetta O’Neal.  Some of our prominent alums from the Toledo Chapter are Columbus, Ohio mayor, Michael Coleman, Cleveland O’Neal, a major television producer and Terrance O’Neal, the first African-American elected president of the American Institute of Architects - New York Chapter.

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