Held in prayer and surrounded by her loving family, Jewel Elizabeth Hernandez peacefully transitioned  at home to be with the Lord on May 27,2026.   Jewel was born on March 25, 1937, at Freedmen’s Hospital in Washington, DC, to Laura Carroll Tompkins and Ernest Tompkins, and beloved sister Marie.

Jewel met her late husband Colman Hernandez while taking music and business classes at Howard University. They married in 1964 and shared a devoted 30‑year partnership. Together they raised three children, Michael, Risa, & Colline.  Jewel’s home on Morningside Lane—first with Colman and later on her own—was well known as a joyful gathering place filled with music, conversation & celebrations.  It became a refuge and launching pad for many, remembered for warm smiles, lively debates, and plates of her famous pelau.

Jewel’s distinguished public service career spanned four decades, beginning at DC’s Recreation Department. In 1967, she became personal secretary to Councilmember Joseph Yeldell on the first DC City Council appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, during DC’s historic pre-home rule era   Yeldell called her his “efficient and lovely right arm” and tapped her to follow him to the Department of Human Resources (DHR)., where she supported executive operations during a period of major expansion. She later served as a Legislative Assistant and then Legislative Analyst in the Office of the General Counsel.

In retirement, Jewel continued to read, write and serve, and proudly volunteering in the Office of Correspondence for President Barack Obama. She traveled, cherished time with loved ones, and poured herself into her three grandchildren.

A spiritual pillar, Jewel served faithfully at The People’s Community Baptist Church in Maryland for over 20 years, even after moving to Georgia, she continued worshipping online and sharing her spiritual insight.  She is survived by her children Michael, Risa, and Colline; daughter‑in‑law Tahatisha; son‑in‑law Michael; sister‑in‑law Ann Hernandez; brother‑in‑law Leon Nathaniel; grandchildren Sage, Nicolas, and Noah; and a beloved host of nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and colleagues.