Jacklyn Sue Gatlin

Jacklyn Dowdy Shomody Gatlin, commonly known as Jackie, was born on July 21, 1952, in Hondo, Texas. She returned home to her Heavenly Father on January 8, 2026, at the age of 73. At the time of her passing, she was a resident of Pilot Point, Texas.

Throughout her life, Jackie remained rooted in her community, spending most of her years as a resident of Grand Prairie, Texas, where she was an active and faithful member of Faith Lutheran Church and later The Woods United Methodist Church.

In 1972, Jackie married Edward Shomody, and his career soon took them overseas to West Germany. There, Jackie gave birth to their son, Robert Aaron Shomody. During this period, she embraced the opportunity to travel throughout Europe and Asia before returning to Grand Prairie in the early 1980s.

Jackie worked most of her life as a secretary and personal assistant, roles that reflected her dedication, reliability, and care for others. Outside of work, her greatest joys were her family, her church, and her many hobbies.

Jackie loved all kinds of sports but was especially fond of Sundays spent at her mother's home watching football, and oh, was she a Dallas Cowboys fan, cheering them on through every season -good or bad- and never hesitating to voice her disapproval when scuffles erupted on the field. Her greatest joy as a sports fan, however, was watching her son play in whatever seasonal sport was underway. Missing one of his games greatly disappointed her.

Jackie also enjoyed playing golf, tennis, and fishing. Though she never had the opportunity to participate herself, she loved watching ice skating and gymnastics, and never missed watching the Olympics.

On November 21. In 1998, Jackie married James "Montie" Gatlin, adding stepchildren to her family: Jenny Hoop (husband Bob) and Jeff Gatlin. Some of her fondest memories were family holidays spent at Cedar Creek Lake. She loved watching the nieces and nephews play in the water and fish, and her favorite celebration there was the Fourth of July; she couldn't wait to see the fireworks each year.

They eventually moved back to Grand Prairie and became the caregivers for her parents, Jack and Lois Dowdy. Even so, they found time to enjoy live music, take trips to WinStar, spend time with family and friends, and volunteer through their church.

In 2008, Jackie's family grew again when her son, Robert, married Julie, who brought step-grandchildren and later step-great-grandchildren into Jackie's life, whom she lovingly referred to as "Mimi." Although only a short time was spent with them, she carried memories of them with her when she could no longer visit.

Jackie was a mother, stepmother, Mimi, and friend whose warmth and kindness touched many lives.

She is survived by her son, Robert Shomody, and wife Julie, her stepdaughter Jenny Hoop and husband Bob, and her stepson, Jeff Gatlin. She is also survived by her five step-grandchildren, Ron Billmyre and wife Emily, Clint Kirk and wife Destiny, Cody Kirk; three great step-grandchildren, Riley and Kenley Billmyre and Finley Kirk; and two bonus great step-grandchildren, Willow Gaspard and Wiley Gaspard, who adopted her as their own and lovingly called her "Mimi". She is also survived by a host of extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Monte Gatlin; her father, Jack Conner Dowdy; her mother, Lois Christine Dowdy; and her brother, Melvin L. Pack.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Cedar Ridge Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center and the medical staff of Medical City Denton for their compassionate care and support.

To say the least, Jackie lived a full life -a well-lived one - and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Family and friends may share memories and condolences at www.grandprairiefh.com