COLUMBIA - Jacqueline Sue Bowman Heckel, age 100, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving daughters, Saturday, October 31, 2026. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 70 years, Col. Charles C. Heckel; survived by four daughters, fourteen grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren. She was born in Decatur, IL on December 19, 1925, to James Homer and Adabel Lawrence Bowman.
After graduation from Decatur High School, she worked as secretary and bookkeeper at Archer Daniels and later at Swain & Company, in Decatur. She married her husband on July 1, 1945, shortly after his return from a German Prison Camp. Together, with her husband, a career U.S. Air Force officer, she was stationed throughout the United States, spent four years in England and toured Europe. She attended Ohio State University, Huntington College in Montgomery, AL, the University of Maryland by correspondence, and received a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of South Carolina in 1969.
After her husband’s retirement in 1975, she resided in Columbia, S.C. She loved to play golf and until her later years, was an avid skier. With her husband, she spent most of her winter and summer months in their condo in Park City, Utah. She was an active member of St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, where she was also a member of the Order of the Daughters of the King. She belonged to the Ann Pamela Cunningham Chapter of the DAR, the Iris Garden Club, the National Accredited Judges Club of S.C., the Neighborhood Garden Club of Salt Lake City, Utah, and the Columbia Antique Study Club.
She leaves daughters, Susan H. Johnson, an Episcopal priest, Pamela K. Franklin, a retired Registered Nurse, and her husband Leon "Bud" Hammond, Patricia H. Raymond, a retired middle school math teacher and her husband David R. Raymond, and Anne H. Ewing, Director of Design and Production for Army Aviation Magazine.
A loving and devoted caregiver for four years, Machelle Goodwin became a member of our family. Many thanks to Three Oaks Hospice for the caregiving that was provided in the last three years of her life. Special appreciation to Nurse Andrew Hall, and CNA’s Shamika and Wendy.
Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 12, 2026, at St. Martin’s-in-the Fields Episcopal Church, 5220 Clemson Avenue, Columbia, S.C. Burial will follow at Fort Jackson National Cemetery at 12:00 noon. Visitation will be Wednesday November 11, from 2 -3:30 p.m. at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street, Columbia, SC. Dunbar Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com
