OBITUARIES

Jeanette Shelton Briscoe

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jeanette Shelton Briscoe on June 25, 2026. She had lived in Fishkill, NY, since 1966, and was formerly of Poughkeepsie, NY; Chicago, IL; and Duck Hill, MS.

Jeanette was born in Duck Hill, Mississippi, on August 5, 1934, to Ollie and Fitzhugh Shelton. At age 13, she moved to Chicago, IL, where she attended Wells High School before going on to North Park University and Wilberforce University, the latter on scholarship, and later earning her teaching degree from SUNY New Paltz.

She spent 22 years as a beloved 4th-grade schoolteacher at Sargent Elementary School, Beacon, NY. She later became a licensed real estate agent and, in 1985, made history as the first African American female real estate broker in Dutchess County as co-owner of Roots Realty.

Jeanette was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother. She cherished time spent talking with loved ones, staying current on the news, gardening, and working word-find puzzles. Her love of cooking never faded, and she continued preparing meals well past her 90th birthday.

Remarkably healthy and active throughout her later years, she often surprised people who learned her true age. Beyond her family life, Jeanette helped establish the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration in Beacon, NY, and co-founded the Dutchess County chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. In 2022, she published her memoir, From Duck Hill to Fishkill, available on Amazon.

Celebration July 11, 2026 - Gathering of visitation 9:30-10:00. AKA Ceremony 10:00-10:30 Visitation 10:30-11:00. Celebration of Life 11:00 all at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 2607 South Avenue, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. Interment Fishkill Rural Cemetery, Route 9, Fishkill, NY 12524.

ZOOM Link : www.youtube.com/@bmbc2607 Services only available for viewing during Celebration Hours.

Professional Services entrusted to Rhodes Funeral Homes, 18 Lake Street, Newburgh, NY, 12550.

“Committed To Being The Very Best”

Call us anytime at 845-452-2894 or 845-452-6143.