She was also a beloved wife, married to Charles E. Muldrew, and the matriarch of a close-knit family that continues her mission today. 

In 2017, Dr. Muldrew worked with her family to establish the Dr. Jessie Muldrew Education Fund for Women & Girls of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. The idea was sparked when her granddaughter Jacqueline suggested turning a birthday celebration into a fundraiser for a scholarship. Dr. Muldrew enthusiastically agreed. 

“I still remember the gleam in her eye when she signed the documents creating the Dr. Jessie Muldrew Education Fund for Women & Girls,” said daughter DeLois Leapheart. “She started making plans to host events annually to grow the fund. Although she passed a few months after her fund was established, we are grateful to the donors who have chosen to help us to honor her life and legacy by carrying on her dream with their contributions.” 

“She wore many hats,” added daughter Marcia Thomas. “She was the leadership person, the person who always encouraged you, the person who pushed you further. She guided you when you were afraid and told you to keep going. She was always busy helping others—and teaching the rest of us to do the same.” 

Dr. Muldrew was deeply rooted in Flint’s communities. She served Flint Community Schools for nearly 30 years, taught at the university level, published poetry, and was a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Phi Delta Kappa. At Quinn Chapel AME Church, she led women’s ministries and mentorship programs, always uplifting others. 

In 2016, Dr. Muldrew received the Libby Award for her lifetime of service and advocacy on behalf of women and girls in Genesee County.  

“Mom believed that education was key to building self-esteem, independence, and awareness,” said her son Kenneth. “She’d say, ‘Each one teaches one—each one lifts the others up.’” 

Her grandchildren—Jacqueline, David, Jamaris, Jessika, Christina, and Josee’—have also taken part in continuing her legacy. 

“My grandmother’s advocacy for education was deeply personal—an extension of her own journey,” said granddaughter Josee’ Muldrew. “She overcame significant obstacles to earn her doctorate, and those experiences fueled her commitment to championing educational equity. Starting this fund has brought our family closer together. It gives us a shared purpose rooted in something deeply meaningful.” 

Jessika Muldrew echoed that sentiment. “The cause of education represented both personal and societal transformation for her. She wanted girls to have equal access, support, and confidence to lead in every area of life. Creating this fund helped us have conversations about giving back, and it gave us a stronger sense of unity and purpose.” 

Since its founding, the Dr. Jessie Muldrew Education Fund has provided support for organizations across Genesee County that share her mission. Past grants include support for the Women in Education Program at Mott Community College through the Foundation for MCC, scholarships at Creative Expressions Dance Studio, general operating support for Motherly Intercession, and the Alpha Kappa Alpha–Zeta Beta Omega Chapter Scholarship through Ivy House. 

“She didn’t just lead—she lifted,” said granddaughter Jacqueline Leapheart. “She turned classrooms into confidence. She turned churches into classrooms. She turned little Black girls into bold Black leaders. Her legacy isn’t written in resumes—it’s written in generations.” 

Each year, the family watches the fund touch the lives of young women, and in doing so, they feel Jessie’s presence. 

“I believe Dr. Muldrew would be elated to know her legacy continues to support women and girls in the community today,” said Josee’. “Though she is no longer with us physically, the seeds she planted are bearing fruit. Her love language was legacy.” 

Kenneth added, “Starting this project reminded me how true it is that it takes a village to raise a child. Mom would be smiling down on us from heaven knowing that we’re continuing her dream to save the children.” 

“I hope this fund makes dreamers feel safe,” said Jacqueline. “I hope it creates spaces for brilliance to bloom. Jessie’s life deserved not a plaque, but a pipeline—and this fund ensures her influence continues, not just in memory, but in motion.” 

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