Jacqueline Jackie Rae Vandagriff

Jacqueline “Jackie” Vandagriff passed from this life on to her eternal home on September 14, 2016. She was born on March 4, 1992, in Carrollton, Texas, the youngest of two daughters. She grew up in The Colony and Frisco, Texas.

As a child, Jackie loved "Thomas the Tank Engine" and enjoyed reenacting the shows on her own train set. Jackie was also a kinetic child, learning to somersault before learning to walk. At the age of three she started gymnastics at the World Olympic Gymnastics Academy (WOGA), eventually competing at Level 5 in state competition.

Jackie was known for her patriotic spirit. She enjoyed celebrating the 4th of July, Memorial Day and Veterans Day. She enjoyed the annual Army v. Navy football game (“Go Navy, Beat Army!”), as well as viewing the presidential election debates and election returns. Jackie loved reading presidential speeches and enjoyed studying American history and current events. When she sang “Proud to be an American”, a capella, to Col. William Sloan, a retired Air Force officer, he said that it was one of his fondest memories. She truly was proud to be an American, grateful to those who sacrificed to make our country great.

Friends and family remember Jackie as a caring, loving, compassionate person who always strove to help others. Her main passion was to help everyone see their own beauty and talents. She encouraged all of her friends to pursue their dreams. Her compassion also extended to animals. Jackie was a lifelong vegetarian and supported adopting animals from no-kill shelters.

Jackie attended St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in McKinney, Texas. Her favorite colors were yellow and purple. Jackie was an avid reader. She especially loved the "Harry Potter" series by J. K. Rowling, the "Georgia Nicholson" series by Louise Rennison, "Breakfast at Tiffany’s", and, her favorite, "The Count of Monte Cristo". Some of her favorite musical artists were Rob Thomas, Matchbox 20, Third Eye Blind, James Taylor, Cat Stevens, Pink, and Andrew McMahon. Jackie also loved musicals, especially "Rent".

Jackie graduated from Wakeland High School in Frisco, Texas, and went on to become a licensed esthetician via the Paul Mitchell School for Cosmetology. She then attended Texas Woman’s University to major in Nutrition and Food Science.

Jackie loved spending time with her friends in Texas and visiting her friends and relatives across the country. She could often be found with her friends at the Preston Highlands Park near her home.

Jackie’s legacy and memory lives on through her parents, Rick and Sonja Vandagriff of Frisco, TX; her sister, Genny Vandagriff of Little Elm, TX; her grandparents, Ron and Shirley Vandagriff of Fairborn, OH; her grandparents, Gene and Ione Fasbinder of Beavercreek, OH; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins from all over the United States.

Jackie will be desperately missed by her parents, sister, family and friends. May memories of her warm, vibrant, enthusiastic personality and her constant words of love and encouragement continue to inspire and comfort those who were touched by her life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to either of the following:

TWU Foundation

P.O. Box 425618

Denton, TX 76204

www.twu.edu/foundation/

Operation Kindness

3201 Earhart Dr.

Carrollton, TX 75006

www.operationkindness.org/

972-418-PAWS (7297)

Proceeds to the TWU (Texas Woman’s University) Foundation will fund an internship through TWU’s Health and Wellbeing Initiative, in Jackie’s name, for a Food and Nutrition Science major. Operation Kindness is a no-kill shelter for unwanted cats and dogs.