Throughout her life, Jacqueline carried herself with a steady devotion to others by offering compassion to everyone. She worked as a social worker and brought loving care to troubled teens and young adults, meeting them in seasons of hopelessness and helping them find their way forward. Her faithful heart was also evident in the quiet strength of her witness; she took deep pride in her ability to lead others to the Lord, and she did so with sincerity, constancy, and respect.
On April 26, 1975, Jacqueline married Donald “Don” Avery. She loved her husband and his children dearly, and her loyalty to family was expressed in the everyday work of nurturing and guiding. She was proud to help raise the Houston family children into who they have become today—an enduring legacy of care and commitment.
She found joy in simple, life-giving pleasures: time at the beach, painting and coloring, reading, word search puzzles, gardening, and watching the Olympics.
Jacqueline was a member of the Siena Seniors at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Kennesaw, Georgia, as well as a member of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate. In these communities, her devoted spirit and compassionate presence were felt in the fellowship she shared and the faithful purpose she upheld.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald "Don" Avery; father, Gerard F. Cusick Sr.; mother, Jacqueline Saunders Cusick; brothers, Gerard F. Cusick Jr. and Peter A. Cusick; and her stepdaughter, Sylvia A. Bass.
She is survived by her sisters, Regina M. Halpern and Judith E. Niemi; her brothers, Phillip P. Cusick and Michael J. Cusick; her stepdaughter, Diana Stubbs; and stepson, Thomas Brownell.
Jacqueline also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.
She will be placed with her loving husband, Don, at Massachusetts National Cemetery at a later date.
A funeral Mass will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Kennesaw, Georgia on Friday, October 23, 2026 at 11:00AM with refreshments to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 680 W. Memorial Drive, Dallas, Georgia 30132 (https://giving.parishsoft.com/app/giving/PS-438),
or to
St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1618 Ben King Road, Kennesaw, Georgia 30144 (https://osvhub.com/stcatherinercc/giving/funds).
