Jackie McDannold

Love, grace, generosity and hilarity all intersected and came to life in one beautiful body when Jackie McDaniel was born April 13, 1935 in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. Family and friends near and far were heartsick when they learned their beloved mother, grandmother, cousin, and friend had passed away after a long illness.

Jackie’s family moved to Seminole, Oklahoma when she was six years old. Upon graduating from Seminole High School, Jackie was a homemaker until moving to Oklahoma City in 1965. She prided herself in her professional job as Executive Secretary at Hall-Jones Oil Corporation, where she worked for many years. No one could take shorthand or type as fast as Jackie! When she was 40, her boss, Brooks Hall, introduced her to her “Knight in Shining Armor,” George McDannold. She and George married in 1975 and together they enjoyed over 30 joyful wonderful years filled with world travels, summers at Grand Lake and Angel Fire, New Mexico and memorable times with countless friends in Oklahoma City.

Summers in Angel Fire were spent with friends and family, along with trips to Red River, Taos, and Santa Fe. Jackie was known by her friends as “the great entertainer” and there was always a feast ready when her guests arrived at their New Mexico home. While in Angel Fire, she gained much enjoyment from volunteering with the annual Music at Angel Fire Concert and Festival for many years.

To know Jackie was to love Jackie. She was like a magnet and people from all walks of life were drawn to her dynamic, warm, and hilarious soul. Yes, she was extremely funny…when she was trying and even when she was not trying! From her sense of humor to the many situations she got herself into, everyone has at least one “Jackie story,” some of which should probably not be repeated!

But, above all, Jackie’s primary focus was toward her family. As a single mother while raising her only child, Leslie, things weren’t always easy, but her priority was always very clear. Time spent with her daughter, Leslie, and son-in-law, Kenny, brought her tremendous joy. She adored her “perfect” grandsons, Mason and Adam, who she called “Nanny’s Little Angels,” and they always felt her unconditional love. We can’t leave out the other focus of Jackie’s love: her animals! Jackie loved her many dogs and cherished them as if they were part of her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie Curtis McDaniel & Helen Irene McDaniel, brother Jerry McDaniel, and husband George McDannold.

Jackie is survived by her daughter, Leslie Gray, and husband, Ken of Oklahoma City, grandsons Mason Gray of Honolulu and Adam Gray of Oklahoma City, along with her dear daughter-in-law, Nichole. She also leaves behind her “Daughter from Another Mother”, Angela Ray, and her precious twins, Harper and Malachi Ray. Jackie was also blessed with many cherished cousins, all of whom she firmly believed to be perfect in every way!

It was a privilege to be a friend or relative of Jackie’s and her loss is far-reaching. To honor her memory, Jackie’s family has asked that in lieu of flowers, you may donate to a favorite charity such as those that give support to two of her favorite things: children and dogs. She especially loved to support Hearts for Hearing of Oklahoma City and Animal Rescue Friends of Nichols Hills.