Jacqueline B. Sonnenburg

Funeral services celebrating her life will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the chapel of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home. She will be entombed at Elmwood Memorial Park in the Bayouth Family Mausoleum.

Jacqueline was born on December 3, 1930, in Memphis, Texas. She was the second of 4 children born to the late Frank and Fodie Bayouth. She was born into a strong and connected family and maintained special relationships with her siblings throughout life. Her father had a department store in Snyder, Texas where the Bayouth family planted roots. She graduated from Snyder High School and later attended college. She married Ray G. Sonnenburg, Sr. and together they had three children, whom she devoted herself to. She initially followed her husband’s career to several cities before settling in Hamlin, Texas in 1960. She and Ray became owners of Frank’s Department Store in Hamlin. Jacqueline was naturally ambitious and always ready for the next challenge. She started another career in jewelry sales later in life. Her business acumen led her to become an award-winning manager for Zales throughout Texas. Locally she managed the store at Westgate Mall and eventually the Mall of Abilene.

She was an avid bridge player, playing in many tournaments, and achieved the top level of Life Master in bridge. She also taught many people how to play bridge. She loved cooking and created many gourmet meals for friends and family. She enjoyed entertaining and being with others. Creating memories with her family was very important to her. She loved being in Abilene where she was able to be a part of the lives of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; stepmother, Lorene “Nanny” Bayouth; her son, Jeffrey Paul Sonnenburg; her siblings, Betty Walls, Dr. Ed Bayouth and Dr. LaNoard Bayouth; sister-in-law, Kay Bayouth; son-in-law, Sam Powell.

She is survived by her children, Fodie Powell and Ray Sonnenburg, Jr. both of Abilene; grandchildren, Ashley Pollard and Matthew Powell; numerous cherished great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Barbara Huff; and numerous nieces and nephews.