Jacquelyn “Jackie” Stevens Smith, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2021. A consummate hostess who loved ball games, beautiful jewelry, and big get-togethers with family and friends, Jackie was a model for how to nurture a family, build a career, and maintain close friendships lasting 50 years or more. She was always perfectly put-together, even after a long day in the kitchen or boating on the lake, and she made working hard look easy, with a big smile on her face and a margarita in her hand. She was the kindest, most loving woman any of us will ever know, and we will miss her hugs and kisses dearly.
Jackie was born in Abilene, Texas, on May 14, 1930. It was not the easiest childhood: She was separated from her only brother at a young age and didn’t see him again until they were adults, and she was raised mainly in her grandmother's boarding house, where she helped wash sheets and cook meals in between her schoolwork. But Jackie’s positivity, perseverance and fierce inner strength helped her overcome these early challenges, and the lessons she learned about the importance of family helped guide the rest of her years.
At Lamar High School in Houston, the beautiful Jackie met a tall, dark-haired boy named Foster Smith, who introduced himself with a rather forward pickup line about her bobby socks. Thankfully, she gave him a chance anyway, and after dating for a little over a year, they eloped on July 10, 1948, two months after Jackie’s 18th birthday. She spent the rest of her life loving and supporting Foster -- helping him run his candy factory, driving the boat while he water-skied, and patiently caring for the parade of stray and exotic animals he was always bringing home, from dogs and cats, to monkeys and raccoons, to a baby deer and a donkey named Daisy June. They enjoyed 75 wonderful years together, and were side by side until the day she died.
After their wedding, Jackie and Foster moved to Galveston and then Taylor, where she became active in many civic groups and the Methodist Church. She also reunited with her beloved brother Don, and remained close to him and his family for the rest of her life. Then her two children were born, and Jackie became a full-time mom. She was tirelessly encouraging of Steve and Karen, driving them to countless baseball practices and dance lessons and proudly bragging about their many personal and professional successes. Their home in Austin became the social hub of the neighborhood, a revolving door of backyard ball games, after-school dance parties, ping pong tournaments, and boisterous sleepovers. Jackie had so much motherly love to share, she couldn’t even stop at her own kids: She generously opened her doors to family and any of Steve and Karen’s friends who needed a place to stay, often for months at a time.
Once her children reached middle school, Jackie went back to work, the start of a highly rewarding three-decade career in the jewelry business. For many years she worked the jewelry counter at Joske’s department store, where her warmth, charm and discerning eye made her an excellent saleswoman. She was proud to count several prominent Austinites as customers, including her favorite, then-First Lady of Texas Janey Briscoe. Jackie always got a thrill when she’d wrap up Mrs. Briscoe’s latest purchase and drive over to drop it off at the Governor’s Mansion. For a time, she was the top seller in the entire Central Texas region, and eventually she was promoted to lead the department. Even after retirement, Jackie stayed busy, spending many years delivering food to seniors with Meals on Wheels.
When her grandchildren came along, Jackie relished the role of “Grandmama.” She would watch as they jumped off the dock at her home on Lake Austin and spoil them with piles of birthday and Christmas gifts. The holidays were her favorite: Every Christmas, Jackie would work long days during the shopping rush, then host a huge Christmas Eve dinner for the whole family and whatever friends might drop by, after which she’d take the grandkids for her famous “walk up the hill” so Santa could deliver their presents. When her grandkids had kids of their own, Jackie delighted in taking her great-grandchildren for the same walk — a little bit slower, perhaps, but with the same contented smile.
Jackie was preceded in death by her brother, Don Stevens, and her brothers-in-law, Larry and Jerry Smith. She is survived by her husband of 73 years, Foster Smith; her son, Steve (Cindy) Smith; her daughter, Karen (Steve) Eells; her grandchildren Jessica Smith, Cal Smith and Josh (Annabel) Eells; her great-grandchildren Jacob and Frances Smith, Dylan Barnes and Rosemary Eells; her sisters-in-law Bonnie Stevens and Pat Hartman; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A private family service was held at Cook-Walden Capital Parks. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Central Texas Food Bank <https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/> or German Shepherd Rescue of Central Texas <https://www.gsdrescuectx.com/
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