Cassandra Ackerman

A TIME TO BE BORN

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13 ESV

Cassandra Gay Ackerman was born June 18, 1950 in Leesburg (Yalaha), Florida to her amazing parents Thelma and Riddic Ackerman. She was the oldest of her  siblings Doris Ackerman and Tyrone Ackerman. 

A TIME TO GROW

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 ESV

Riddic and Thelma decided to move up north, after leaving Florida. They stopped through South Carolina for a short period. While in South Carolina, the family attended Hickory Hill & Buckhead United Methodist Churches. Later, they continued their journey north. Cassandra grew up in Brooklyn, New York, there, she received her formal education. Continuing to impart Christian values in their children, Riddic and Thelma along with the little ones attended Janes United Methodist Church in Brooklyn. Until the end, Cassandra practiced what her parents taught her and her siblings, love everyone! 

A TIME TO BUILD UP

The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief corner stone."-Psalm 118:22

She attended college at the Fashion Institute for Art and Design and worked for Brooks Fashion in Manhattan. Cassandra worked hard as a merchandiser and later a better opportunity presented itself with the Lane Bryant Company. After her promotion with Lane Bryant, she relocated to Columbus, Ohio and worked as a controller. Her move to Columbus Ohio laid the foundation for everyone on both sides of the family to relocate to Columbus, Ohio. 

A TIME TO HEAL 

“Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord” James 5:14 KJV

Cassandra retired early due to health issues.  After years of battling liver disease, she was blessed to receive a liver transplant. In spite of her health challenges, Cassandra refused to let them deter her from going to see about her family…wherever they were.

A TIME TO SPEAK 

“And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness And of thy praise all the day long.” Psalm 35:28 KJV

Cassandra used her voice and passion to speak for people with HIV and AIDS and cared deeply for her community. She was a passionate advocate for those in need. She was committed to her work at the National AIDS Housing Coalition for many years as a member of the board. She traveled around the country helping people get adequate housing.

A TIME TO LAUGH 

"You will have great joy and gladness" -Luke 1:14

Cassandra loved to travel and especially loved going to family reunions to enjoy laughter and good times with her family. She also loved to eat Chinese food, doing Sudokus, watching football, and watching soap operas. 

A TIME TO DANCE 

“And David danced before the LORD with all his might” 2 Samuel 6:14 KJV

She enjoyed dancing by herself or with a partner. In her youthful days, she danced at parties and concerts, cutting rugs around “the city”. As an adult, she would dance with her daughters and grandchildren. 

A TIME TO LOVE 

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ESV

Cassandra gave birth to her daughter, Teshena Ackerman, with Samuel Durham who was killed on September 8, 1980. In 1983, she was introduced to her forever partner, Ernest Salliey. They were deeply committed to each other for over thirty-eight years. Their loving and caring bond endured to the end.

A TIME TO WORSHIP

“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.” Psalm 122:1 KJV

In Columbus, Cassandra attended New Salem Baptist Church. Later, Cassandra and Ernest  started  visiting New Life Family Christian Center with their grandson Monte`.

A TIME TO DIE 

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21 ESV

On January 27, 2022 at the chiming hour of 4:18 AM, in the stillness of time, Cassandra joined the innumerable caravan that journeys afar to an “unknown” land. In tears, our hearts are sadden but we know she is resting in the arms of Jesus. Ten days after her passing, she returned to usher her forever partner Ernest home. Cassandra was preceded in death by her parents, Riddic and Thelma; her siblings Tyrone and Doris; son, Clarence Salliey; great niece, Deja Ackerman; great nephew, Keishaun Ackerman and niece, Kimbal Ackerman.   

A TIME TO MOURN 

Absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8

Left to cherish her memories and her love is that of her daughter, Teshena Ackerman; her grandchildren Mone Ackerman, Monte Ackerman and Anyae Fields; her daughters, Rochelle Salliey and Celeste Johnson; her sons, Anthony (DeVonne) Salliey, Clyde (Paulette) Salliey, and Otis Salliey daughter-in-law, Judy Salliey; grandchildren, Jaris (Rhonda) Ellis, Cincere Engram, Durron Salliey, Juwan Salliey, Anthony Salliey, Jr., Ayana Salliey, Deja Salliey, Dena Salliey, Mignon Salliey, Clarence Salliey, Jr., Chris Salliey, Kayheem Salliey, Harry Clarke, Clyde Salliey, Jr., Tamika Salliey, Jasmin Salliey; her special great-granddaughter, Jia Ellis, a host of great-grandchildren; nephews, Tyrone (Karen) Ackerman and Terrence (Sontia) Ackerman; nieces, Jasmine (Corey) Moore, Melodi Coney (Dan) Anderson;  great nieces and great nephews, Tyrone Ackerman Jr., Keimonte Ackerman, Terrence Ackerman, Jr., Terrell Ackerman, Latrell Ackerman, Arriana Ackerman and Sonia Ackerman, Ayana Davis, Anasia Davis, Keyon, Jordan Ackerman, and Breland Morrissette; her cousin-sister, Bettye Stephens (LC) Coney; her last living aunt and uncles, Robert Ackerman, Shirley Brown Oscar Ackerman (Sharleen); a special friend, Delores Salliey, and a host of cousins, other relatives and caring friends.  

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