Jacquelynn Ann (née Hearn) Ishee (“Jackie”), passed away peacefully at her home on January 26, surrounded by family. She was 87 years old. Jackie was a native of Laurel, Mississippi where she grew up and attended George S. Gardiner High School and met and married her husband of 60 years, James Howard Ishee, Sr. (“Jim”). They subsequently had five children and in addition to Mobile, spent time living in Laurel, Mississippi; Muskegon, Michigan; Memphis, Tennessee; and Atlanta Georgia. Jackie and Jim were fortunate to have made deep and lasting friendships that began when they were a young family at Westlawn Baptist Church in Mobile in the 1950s, then Cottage Hill Baptist Church in the 1970s. Those friendships continued to this day.
Jackie spent her adult life as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to a sizable family who are now spread out over six states. She is survived and remembered by her children, Peggy (Earle), James Howard Ishee, Jr., Julie Ann Martin (Doug), Katie, and Jenifer; along with grandchildren, Kelle (Tim), Daniel, Monty (Sandra), Becca, Amy, James, Jessica, Bess Morgan, Zachary, Laurie, and Ben; as well as great-grandchildren, Christian (Ren), Alyssa, Douglas, Emmett, and Abel; one sister-in-law, Mary Hearn; and a host of nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Jackie is predeceased by her husband, James, as well as grandson Robby; siblings, Malcolm (“Buddy”), and Lou Caroline (“Sister”), both of Laurel, Mississippi; and Nell, of California; and parents, Leonard Franklin and Bessie Morgan Hearn of Laurel.
She taught her large family the most important goals in life were to love God and love each other. The example of her life and her humble but fierce devotion to family and faith is a legacy for her descendants. We count ourselves among the blessed to have had her presence in our lives, and to have fond and loving memories of our parents that will sustain and comfort us.
The family would like to recognize and sincerely thank the team of individuals that assisted us in caring for our mother – Becca, Jessica, Lily; Carolyn, the team at Gentiva Hospice; and Kristin (Touching Hearts Senior Care).
A visitation to honor our mother’s memory will be held on Friday, February 3, 2023 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the little chapel at Cottage Hill Baptist Church; with a graveside service following at 1:00 p.m. at Mobile Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a special donation in Jackie’s memory to the charity of your choice.
