Jackie spent her first 11 years in Evanston before moving with her family to Key Biscayne, Florida, where she graduated from Miami High School. She met the love of her life, James (Dick) Richard Smith while living on the Key and, upon his return from the Korean War, they were married at St. Agnes Catholic church on August 2, 1958.
Along with being a wife and mother, Jackie was a long-distance telephone operator, the head of personnel for Kmart, a Catechism teacher, a Girl Scout leader, and worked in the finance dept. for the City of Bellaire. She was voted Miss Congeniality in a beauty contest in her teen years. She kept in touch with her friends from the island and was still emailing with them until a few days before her death.
Jackie was an active member of St Albert of Trapani Catholic Church. Even though she and Dick lived in Pearland she traveled across town every Sunday to listen to homilies by Fr. Philip Wilhite and Fr. Vincent Tran. Because these two priests were so kind to Jackie, they will always have a special place in the hearts of her family.
Jackie is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, who passed away in 2010. She will be interred with Dick at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Houston, Texas at a private family service.
Jackie leaves behind her three loving daughters, Cherie (Randy), Donna (Ted), and Cassie (David). Grandsons Kirk (Deanna), Jason (Chris), Justin (Samantha), Nicholas, and Joshua. Great grandsons Kole and Kayson, and four siblings, James, William, Karen, and Marta.
Two of Jackie’s favorite sayings were “KOKO “(keep on keeping on) and “PITA” (Prayer is the Answer). Her faith in Christ was firm and never wavered. She said she was ready to meet Jesus and to see Dick. The only thing she was mad about was not getting to water her gardens at church.
The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The American Cancer Society or St. Vincent de Paul ministry at St. Albert of Trapani Catholic Church.
Funeral services will be at 10am on Saturday, July 31st at St Albert of Trapani Catholic Church, 11027 S. Gessner Rd. 77071. Rev. Vincent Tran and Rev. Philip Wilhite presiding.
It is the family’s request that no reception be held following the funeral.
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