Celebrating a Life and Legacy of Dedicated Service

Mrs. Rosena Pope Jacobs
Woman of God · Entrepreneur · Servant Leader

"If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain."

Rosena Pope Jacobs, affectionately known as "Mable Jean," was born on April 13, 1942, in Dothan, Alabama. She was the cherished daughter of Jesse Lennon and Helen Pope. Rosena brought joy to the lives of her siblings, Rosetta Lee and Tommy Carroll Stewart—both of whom preceded her in death—and her surviving sibling, J.D. Dixon. She was raised with strong family values rooted in faith, discipline, and service, qualities that she carried throughout her lifetime.

Rosena received her early education in the Dothan City School System and later attended Tennessee State University. She married her beloved husband, Shelly Jacobs, and together they embarked on successful ventures in entertainment promotion and nightclub management. Their business brought world-class entertainers such as Ike and Tina Turner, B.B. King, Tyrone Davis, and Bobby "Blue" Bland to Dothan.

From childhood, Rosena displayed an inquisitive mind and a love for learning that followed her into adulthood. She became a member of Southside A.M.E. Church at an early age, which later became Hines Chapel A.M.E. Church. She dearly loved Hines Chapel and her pastor, Rev. Horn. Within the church, she faithfully served as a member of the Steward Board and at one time as President of the Missionary Society. Her leadership, vision, and dedication made her a trusted servant leader in every role she held.

Rosena's leadership extended beyond the church into her community and fraternal organizations. As a devoted member of Wiregrass Temple #566 and later as State Daughter President of the Daughters of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World, she earned respect for her leadership and management skills at local, state, and national levels. She worked diligently to strengthen communities, nurture sisterhood, and model service with dignity and grace.

Known for her directness and honesty, Rosena never minced words. She "walked it like she talked it" and meant what she said. Though she was straightforward, her honesty always came from a place of love, compassion, and justice. She balanced accountability with kindness, which endeared her to so many. At her core, she was a woman of faith, family, and community.

Professionally, Rosena excelled as an Insurance Agent and later as a Retail Sales Associate at MacRae's, Belk, and Parisian, where customers often sought her expertise. Through every role, she never lost her wit, spunk, "sassiness," or contagious joy.

On September 10, 2025, Rosena transitioned from her earthly existence to life eternal. Yet, her legacy continues to live on in the hearts of those she loved and served.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her devoted sons, Tony (Gale) and Reginald; her grandchildren, Aimee, Michael, Shaun, Marvin, Alex, Justin, Chris, and Joseph; her great-grandchildren; her brother, J.D. Dixon; her sisters, Lenora Brown and Beth Arnold; her beloved cousins, Norma Ruth Wise and Jackie Shockley; and her "very special friends," Geraldine McElroy, Robert Ward, and Lonnie Hawkins. Also honoring her memory are her "girls," Rosetta, Rovenia, Rose, and Rolaunda; along with her "dream team" daughters, Alecia "Sunshine" James, Deborah Moss, and Lillian Martin.

Her boldness, honesty, compassion, and love will forever remain in the lives she touched.