Jacquelyn "Jackie" May Kelly

PEKIN ~ It is with all the smiles and happiness in our memories and hearts over the years, that we share the passing of Jacquelyn “Jackie” May (Woolsey) Kelly, 84, of Pekin at 1:01 a.m. Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Villas of Hollybrook in Pekin.

Born September 15, 1940 in Farmingdale to Robert and Geneva (Stephens) Woolsey, she married Jack Linden Kelly on April 25, 1959 in Springfield. He died May 13, 2022 in Lincoln after 63 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her loving daughter, Rebecca Sidles Ippolito and siblings, Sharon Jennings, Lester Woolsey, Ester Courtney Bounds, Robert Woolsey, Eugene Woolsey, Harold Woolsey, James Woolsey, Jannie Woolsey and Arthur Woolsey.

Surviving are her cherished daughter, Sherri (James) Garrett of Springfield; six grandchildren, who were her pride and joy, Aaron (Martina) Sidles, Sam Ippolito, Marky (Molly) Ippolito, Josh (Sami) Garrett and Greg Garrett; six great-grandchildren, Mekhi, Amarian and Beckett Sidles, Norah and Stella Ippolito and Finley and Hazel Garrett; one brother, Norman Woolsey; two sisters, Louise VanHuss and Barbara Snow and several nieces and nephews.

Jackie claimed to have won the lottery when it came to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her nieces and nephews.

She retired in 1999 after 35 years of service with the Secretary of State, where she established many lifelong friends who were dear to her heart.

Jackie loved life and never met a stranger. She enjoyed shopping, luncheons and dinners with the dearest of friends. She was also a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, playing golf, watching NASCAR, traveling RV style and Harley riding with friends across the country.

Her graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be given to Leiomyosarcoma Direct & Research Foundation, P.O. Box 52697, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74152.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com