Jackie Lee Massey, Sr.

Mr. Jackie L. Massey Sr. was born November 23, 1950 to Ms. Wonnie Massey and Mr. Thomas Jones in Tildenville, Florida and reared in Apopka, Florida. Jackie L. Massey Sr. attended Orange County Public Schools and graduated from Phyllis Wheatley High School in 1968. He attended Florida A & M University in Tallahassee, Florida graduating June 3, 1973 with a bachelor’s in science and attended Nova University, earning his master’s degree on October 27, 1986. “Mr. Massey” as he was called by all, was employed for over 30 years with the Orange County Public Schools System. As a young Educator , he immediately accepted a teaching position at his alma mater, Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School. Mr. Massey held several OCPS positions throughout his career. His assignments included: as a Teacher (Phyllis Wheatley Elementary, Zellwood Elementary), Assistant Principal (Azalea Park), and Principal of Richmond Heights Elementary, Ridgewood Park Elementary. His final assignment was returning, as Principal, to Phyllis Wheatley Elementary. Mr. Massey served as Director of the John H. Bridges Center. He also served his community, for more than 25 years, as a volunteer with Apopka Youth Sports, including Pop Warner baseball, basketball and football. As a youth mentor, Mr. Massey was honored to load his vehicle with kids and transport them to various activities. In 2007, Mr. Massey was appointed by Superintendent, Ronald Blocker to do a great work for the Apopka community and improve student success at Phyllis Wheatley Elementary. The school had been plagued by failing school grades for years. While responsible for the academic success of Phyllis Wheatley Elementary, Mr. Massey received the cooperation and support of the Apopka community. Mr. Massey recruited highly qualified teachers, brought in a successful curriculum, and initiated programs that recognized parents. Mr. Massey also initiated a program called “No Bullies Allowed” (N.B.A.) where students with behavior problems would meet every Saturday for tutoring, mentoring, basketball and food. During the third year of his tenure, Wheatley received the highest academic gains in the entire Orange County School District and received the school grade of “B”. Because of this achievement, Commissioner of Education Eric Smith traveled from Tallahassee, Florida to recognize Mr. Massey with a special ceremony. This Ceremony included Parents, Community Leaders and students. Mr. Massey retired officially in 2009. Due to his willingness, unselfish work ethic, tenacity and dedication to his community and students, he was requested by OCPS to return as Principal of Phyllis Wheatley Elementary in 2010. Although Mr. Massey was officially retired, he continued to work tirelessly in the community in which he loved. Professional Affiliations Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Member Florida A&M Alumni Association Member Florida A&M Investing in Champions Member AWARDS: Magical Moments of Achievements, Pride and Excellence Award ~ April 14, 2004 Men’s Ministry of Mt. Olive SDA Church ~ September 18, 2010 of Principal Award Acknowledgement RELIGIOUS He was a loyal and devoted member of St. Paul AME Church of Apopka, Florida Jackie Massey was preceded in death by his parents: Wonnie Massey and Mr. Thomas Jones; brothers: Gregory Cook, Kenneth Massey and Robert Massey; sister: Ellen Massey; Sister-in-Law Linda Gail Bryant. He leaves to cherish his memory…wife: Cynthia Lewis-Massey of Orlando, Florida; mother-In-Law: Mrs. Bertha Paramore of Orlando, Florida; children: Jackie Massey, Jr. of Hartford, Connecticut, Saishia Massey of Orlando, Florida, Anton Massey of Zellwood, Florida, Keishunna Massey of Apopka, Florida, Samantha Tolbert (Tray) of Apopka, Florida, Dedra Rucker of Orlando, Florida, Jamal Massey of Apopka, Florida, Chad Massey of Zellwood, Florida, Jaylen Massey of Orlando, Florida, Jayci Massey of Orlando, Florida and Tawanta Mars of Zellwood, Florida; siblings: David Massey (Addie Ree), Glenn Massey (Judy) Leroy Massey, Mims Rouse (Precious), Curtis Massey, Connie Allie, Linda Massey, Leon Massey and Carl Massey; a devoted sister in law: Darlene Massey; sister-in-Law: Althea Jackson (Dennis); brother-in-law: Ulysses Lewis; special friends: Charles Richardson (Annette) of Orlando, Florida; Edgar Burch (Genice) of Madison, Florida; and Edgar L. Mathis Sr., Also cherishing his memory: twenty-five grandchildren; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of sorrowing friends, community members as well as his OCPS family.

Tributes

Jackie Lee Massey, Sr.

November 23, 1950 - December 6, 2018