12/17/2025
I first met Dr. Pat Herring Jackson in 2011 when we served together on the Meridian Township Planning Commission. At the time, I was a new commissioner, and she was the vice chairperson—already a seasoned leader with more than a decade of service. From the very beginning, Pat exemplified grace, intelligence, and purpose. She possessed a rare gift for teaching others the nuances of land use, zoning, and the deeper responsibilities that come with community stewardship.
Pat didn’t just share her knowledge; she invested in people. If you were willing to learn, she was willing to teach. Her guidance became an invaluable part of my own journey—an education that extended beyond ordinances and master plans to lessons about integrity, civility, and the power of representation.
Over the years, Pat’s encouragement never wavered. She celebrated my milestone as the first Black elected member of our township board with pride, just as I proudly cheered her historic achievements—as the first Black woman elected to the board and ultimately as the first Black person appointed, and later elected, Supervisor of Meridian Township.
Dr. Patricia Herring Jackson leaves behind more than a record of public service; she leaves a legacy of courage, mentorship, and inclusion. Her leadership opened doors and inspired new generations to serve their communities with both heart and conviction. I am grateful to have known her as a colleague, a teacher, and most importantly, a friend.
I will never forget and always cherish, the friendship of Dr. Patricia Herring Jackson!💙🙏🏾💙
~Milton L. Scales
