Joh'Vonnie Nakia Jeboo Jackson was born on August 30, 1974, in Inglewood California. She is the daughter and 11th child of Joseph “Joe” Jackson—the formidable patriarch of the legendary Jackson family—Her birth was the result of a secret, long-term relationship between her father, and her mother, Cheryle Terrell. Their relationship lasted over 25 years, but her existence was a secret that remained hidden from the public for many years, and from most of her half-siblings.

Growing up, she lived in a world that was paradoxically close to fame yet far removed from it. She lived with her mother in a modest home just miles from Encino, California, where her father’s other family, including half-siblings Michael, Janet, La Toya, Rebbie and the rest of the Jackson 5, resided. Despite this proximity, their lives were worlds apart.

From a young age, she knew her father was different. While most fathers came home every night, Joe appeared sporadically. He would visit her mother and Joh’Vonnie, showering her with gifts and attention, but she was always aware of the emotional void that came with being his secret child. Her father’s affection was undeniable. He called her “Joh’Vonnie Girl,” and she was his baby—but his love came at a cost. Her existence had to be hidden to protect the Jackson family's pristine public image.

Growing Up in the Shadows

She grew up knowing about her famous siblings, but they didn’t know about her. Her father never allowed her to visit the Jackson family compound in Encino during her childhood.  Her mother and her were kept at a distance. The secrecy left her feeling like an outsider looking in, a feeling that would shape much of her identity.

Despite this, her father tried to be present in her life. He attended her school events and took her on outings. He even introduced her to some of his music industry friends. But no matter how much he tried, his dual life created a chasm that was hard to bridge.

As she got older, she began to understand the full scope of her father’s other life. She watched siblings on television and heard their music on the radio. The world adored them, yet she longed for their acceptance and acknowledgment. For years, she questioned why she wasn’t part of their world. Did they even know she existed? Would they accept her if they did? Nevertheless, her  mother was her anchor during those years. She never spoke ill of Joe Jackson or his family. Instead, she encouraged her to be proud of who she  was. She made sure Joh'Vonnie understood that her father's love  was real, even if it came with complications. Despite her efforts, Joh'Vonnie often felt like she was living in the shadows, yearning for a connection to the family she barely knew.

Meeting Michael and the Jackson Family

She met Michael Jackson for the first time when she was 29 years old. By then, the King of Pop was already a global icon, and she was just his half-sister from the shadows. Their meeting was brief and awkward. Michael was polite but distant. He struggled to reconcile her existence with the image of the family he had grown up with. That meeting was a turning point for her. It was both a validation of her place in the Jackson lineage and a stark reminder of the emotional barriers that still existed.

She also met Janet and La Toya, who were warmer and more welcoming. However, it was clear that her presence stirred complicated emotions. She wasn’t just a sibling; She believed she was a living reminder of her father’s infidelity, a reality that was difficult for them to face.

Writing My Story

In 2018, Joh’Vonnie decided to tell her story in a memoir, Bastard Child. Writing the book was both therapeutic and terrifying. It allowed her to confront the pain of her upbringing, the complicated love she felt for her father, and the longing for acceptance from her siblings. In the book, she wrote candidly about her struggles with identity, her father’s role in her life, and her experiences as the unacknowledged member of the Jackson family.

Through the memoir, she hoped to humanize her story and show the world a side of the Jackson legacy that had been hidden for decades. She wanted to offer a glimpse into the emotional complexities of being part of such an iconic family, even from the periphery.

Life Beyond the Jackson Name

Joh'Vonnie is the mother of one daughter, Yasmine Jackson, who was born on April 6, 1995, from her previous relationship with Alvin Golden. Today, she lives in Georgia with Yasmine, and her soon to be husband David L David. Both have been her anchor, her motivation, and her greatest joy. She has worked in the timeshare industry for many years and built a life for herself away from the spotlight.

Her journey has been one of searching for acceptance—both within her family and within myself. She has learned that belonging isn’t always about blood or fame. It’s about finding your own voice, owning your story, and embracing the parts of yourself that make you unique. She is a Jackson, but also Joh’Vonnie—a loving woman with her own identity, her own voice, and her own dreams. Her story is one of resilience, acceptance, and the search for belonging. It’s a reminder that even in the shadow of greatness, there is space to carve out your own light. Through her writing and public appearances, she provides insight into the personal dynamics and hidden narratives that have shaped her life and the legacy of the Jackson family.