Jackie was born on February 28, 1937, a Sunday. If the birth had been delayed one more day, she would have been a "leap year" baby. Which probably would have been fine with her, as she never liked a fuss. Born to Jack and Dorothy Hurley in Portland, Oregon. She has one sister, Terri who is still living (although she could not be with us today; Terri described her like this, "She was the best sister I could have ever had and always had my back").
Jackie and Richard were junior high sweethearts and eventually ended up getting married (August 31, 1958), when they were in college at The University of Missouri. They had a lot of fun in Columbia. We recall them talking about living on the second floor of a house they rented with Bob and Judy Sands (Richard's brother) and sharing a bathroom. We can only imagine the laughter and stories that were a part of that era! The two brothers ended up getting married only a week apart and the Columbia paper wrote a story about them.
Jackie had perfected the art of asking about others. She was a pro at getting people to talk and being genuinely interested in their story.
She had an accounting degree from the University of Missouri. She used that in her adult career working with numbers and being very efficient. She also worked for a time as the church secretary at Holmeswood Baptist Church, where the family attended for many years.
Then along came the love of their lives, their three boys Doug, Greg (wife Cheryl), and Glen (wife Susan). Followed shortly by their "pride and joys" - their grandchildren Kristin, Courtney, Hunter, and Austin; and later, grandson-in-laws Brandon and Grant.
Jackie was a very involved grandmother who watched the children often when they were young and always made sure birthdays and holidays were very special.
She and Richard were members of First Baptist Raytown (now Connection Point Church). Her faith and her relationship with Jesus were important to her, although she was not one to talk openly about it. She lived it by her good example, never saying a bad word about anyone, always cheering people on and hoping for the best for everyone.
She worked for almost 20 years for the family business, SMB Medical Billing. She put her accounting degree to good use, along with her other skills and attention to detail. She wanted to do it. It kept her mind sharp she said. It was also her way of helping her family, wanting the business to succeed. Those in the company who dealt with her adored her.
Her stroke on December 8th and her departure from this life is not what defined her. Even though her last days were very hard for her and for the family, we remember her in the good times, and there were many. She loved deeply, loyally, and faithfully. There is a big hole in our family, but she left us with determination to move on, wanting to make her proud in the way we treat others with kindness and compassion.
She was one of a kind and we thank God for giving us so much time with her when that is not always the case. Eighty-three years is a "ripe old age" as they say. But you are never ready to let go, especially to someone so loved.
But we take comfort knowing she is not suffering anymore and she is with her Lord and Savior Jesus and reunited with Richard.
Services will be private.
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