Jacqueline Newsom McKenzie

She is survived by her children, Stephen McKenzie, Ann McKenzie Piercy (Patrick), and Laura McKenzie Backus (David); grandchildren Kate McKenzie Lipscomb, Margaret McKenzie Whatley (Will), Christine McKenzie, Blair Flynn, John Piercy (Julie), Chris Thomas (Pam), Claire Backus, and Julian Backus; great-grandchildren Bradley Lipscomb, Abigail Whatley, Joseph Whatley, Taylor Flynn, McKenzie Flynn, Kaitlyn Piercy, Haley Piercy, and Ben Thomas along with great-great grandchild Bentley Varney.

Jackie was predeceased by her loving husband of 58 years Julian, her parents Jim and Jesse Newsom, her sister Peggy Newsom Jacqmein, her brother Hal Newsom, and beloved daughter-in law Gail Orr McKenzie.

She was born in June 1928 in Woodruff, S.C. She graduated from Hartsville High School and attended Coker College. After marriage to Julian and having children, a move brought them to Jacksonville. She worked for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida for more than 30 years. After retiring she and Julian enjoyed European travel with friends, family activities and celebrations, and hosting friends and family at their home. One of her passion projects was finding their dream home, renovating it, and decorating it with the beautiful antiques that she loved. She enjoyed a delicious meal, great company, and a cocktail or two. She never attended a party or gathering she did not enjoy.

Jackie was a long-time member of San Jose Episcopal Church and enjoyed volunteering in many activities over the years. She had an interest in genealogy and had traced her ancestry back to the 17th century. She was an active member of Colonial Dames, Daughters of the American Revolution, Southern Dames of America, and United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Our family would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to the kind caregivers who enhanced Mom’s quality of life with their tireless efforts over the last year. Caregivers are doing God’s work on earth.

A funeral service is scheduled at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 18, at San Jose Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be offered to San Jose Episcopal Church, or Community Hospice and Palliative Care, Jacksonville, Florida.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgmandarin.com for the McKenzie family.