Jackie Juanita Leach

Jackie Juanita Leach was born in Hamilton County on March 15, 1937, to Darnell and Cordie (Wagner) White. She attended elementary school all across Hamilton County, going to school wherever her father was farming at the time. She attended all of her high school years in Hamilton, graduating in 1957. After high school, Jackie worked briefly at Patty’s of Texas before marrying the love of her life, Bobby Dean Leach, on December 29, 1959. Jackie was a devoted wife, always fixing 3 meals a day, taking care of the house, as well as helping and supporting Bobby in all of his endeavors. Together, they would haul cattle for LeRoy Beach from Texas to California, Bobby driving during the day and Jackie driving at night. Eventually when Bobby opened up his own garage, Jackie became his secretary and parts girl, running to various places to pick-up whatever was needed. For so many years, Bobby and Jackie prayed for a family, when finally in 1976, their family of three was complete with the birth of their daughter Patricia Diane Leach. Jackie was an even more devoted and loving mother. She sewed all of Patricia’s clothes, dressing her from head to toe in ruffles. There was no prouder mother than Jackie. Even becoming a mother later in life, she was full of spunk, always taking the kids places and attending ball games. When Patricia entered the 2nd grade, Jackie entered the workforce again, going to work in the lunchroom at Hamilton ISD. For over 25 years, she worked making homemade bread and desserts. Miss Jackie established many great friendships working in the lunchroom for so many years; friendships that carried on even after her retirement. When Bobby was diagnosed with cancer, Jackie retired to devote all of her time and attention to him. They would end up spending 55 years of their lives together on this earth before his passing in 2013.

Jackie loved spending time with her friends and family. She was lovingly known as Aunt Jackie or Nana by most. She loved to cook and bake, always making her loved-ones their favorite things for birthdays and holidays. Everyone loved having Thanksgiving and Christmas at Aunt Jackie’s house. Jackie loved life and lived life to the fullest. She planted beautiful flowers and raised vegetable gardens, canning everything she grew. Jackie also had a love for music and travel. She spent many miles on the roads across Texas, going to concerts and music festivals with Patricia. Although she faced poor health and her vision declined in her later years, she never let it slow her down. Jackie was an example of all things good. She was a sweet, caring soul who treated all people and animals with great compassion. She was a devout Christian, attending church most of her life at Pleasant Valley Baptist before moving her membership to Jonesboro Baptist Church.

Jackie is survived by her daughter Patricia Leach of Hamilton, nephews, Robby & Randy White of Gatesville and Turnersville as well as Mike and Jim Leach of Hamilton. Numerous cousins filled her life with joy, but two had a very special place in her heart, Bea Coble & Kim Tyson both of Hamilton. Aunt Jackie also leaves behind a line of great and great, great nieces and nephews including Dakota White, Trystin White Muff, Lakota Muff, Rhett & Eason White, Chelsea Leach Shepherd, Randy & Richard Leach, and Emma, Tyler, and Ava Leach. Despite having only one child of her own, Jackie was lovingly known as Mom, Miss Jackie, and Nana to a special group of people including Jenny Thompson Tubbs, Jonniece Custer Montgomery, Kelli Blaize Wise, Tanner Courtney, Whitley Quigg, Janna, Dylan, Ivy, & Gracelynn Whitehead, and Jace & Jenna Oglesby. She will be greatly missed by so many people.