Jackie Sue Washington McVey

Dr. Jackie Sue Washington McVey returned home to the Lord on December 23, 2025 at the age of 88, holding the hand of her dear friend and colleague, Pamela Lake. Her passing marks the close of a remarkable life lived with deep faith, purpose, and compassion.

A native of Louisiana, Jackie was born on September 1, 1937. While she attended most of high school in Lumberton, Mississippi, she ultimately graduated from New Iberia Senior High School in Louisiana in 1955. She received her Diploma in Nursing from Lillie Jolly School of Nursing Memorial Hospital (now Houston Christian University). Later she completed a Bachelor of Arts in English and Social Sciences from Blue Mountain College where she was selected by her peers as the student who best represented the virtue of versatility. In 1959 she officially became a registered nurse, eventually becoming licensed in Mississippi, Texas, California, and Louisiana. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Christian University, followed by her Master of Science from the University of California in San Francisco. Her love of learning eventually led her to earn a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from the University of Texas at Austin, a testament to her dedication to healing, compassion, and excellence in care. Her dissertation was titled: Mother’s Interpretations of Their Preschool Children as Persons and of Themselves as Contextual Influences: Process and Content.

During Jackie’s nursing career, she worked as a school nurse in Alameda County, CA as well as Van, TX. Her special interest in early childhood studies led her to positions at Stanford University and the O’Connor Hospital Children’s Center. She also worked as a project and program developer with several federal grants including West Valley College and Alviso Health Center. She was honored to serve as Vice President and Member of the Board for Sigma Theta Tau, International Honor Society for Nursing, Iota Nu Chapter, and was also inducted into the Northwest Oklahoma Honor Society of Nursing.

After a dedicated career as a bedside nurse, Jackie discovered her true passion as a nursing instructor, joining the faculties of Texas Women’s University, Northwestern State University, and the University of Texas at Tyler where she served until her retirement in 2011. Even after retirement Jackie was a highly requested lecturer, including traveling by invitation to Cambridge, England with her dear friend and mentee, Lisa Herterich. In 2004 they presented at the International Association for Human Caring at Robinson College.

Jackie’s heart for service extended far beyond her profession. While still a student at Blue Mountain College, she was one of five students who were selected for summer mission work in Nigeria, always guided by her faith and a sincere desire to help others. Her life reflected her deep love for God and her belief in serving Him through acts of kindness and compassion. In the late 1960’s Jackie was given the opportunity to study, becoming fluent in Spanish in preparation for her two tours of service in the Peace Corps at its inception. After serving in Chile, she was unexpectedly recalled to assist with humanitarian efforts after the 1970 Ancash (Great Peruvian) earthquake, even receiving a letter of commendation from President John F. Kennedy.

In addition to her career as a nurse and educator, Jackie worked in interior decorating and was the head teacher for professional model training at the John Robert Powers School, where she had a special interest in personal development and speech. She was the Lecture Procedures Coordinator Salon of Color, as well as the Training director at the Amfac Hotel, San Francisco International Airport. When it was brand new, she became certified in DOS.

Jackie also filled her days with meaningful hobbies and interests. An avid gardener (a gift she inherited from her mother), she found joy and peace in nurturing growing things, seeing beauty and hope in the simple act of tending the earth. She was a member of the Blue Moon Garden Club and attained the rank of Master Gardener. She was also a gifted visual artist, a birder with membership in the Audubon Society, and she adored her cats (Gringo, Luna, Joshua, and Eva just to name a few). She was a nationally recognized award winning poet, gifted with words that reflected her thoughtful spirit and deep appreciation for life. She was a dedicated member of the Rusk County Poetry Society and was particularly fond of haikus—in her own words:

Hope for deeper peace

Safe enfolded in God’s grace

Eternal comfort

Jackie was a staunchly devoted daughter, big sister, aunt, friend, neighbor, and hostess until her final breath. Above all Jackie cherished her family and friends. She loved deeply, listened thoughtfully, and offered wisdom and encouragement freely. Her presence was steady and comforting, and her faith, generosity, and gentle strength will be remembered by all who knew her. While she never had children of her own, her students became her life’s work and passion.

Although Jackie cherished her time as a resident of Northern California, she ultimately put down roots in her beloved Tyler, TX surrounded by her neighbors of the cul-de-sac at Sparrow Circle. The family would like to thank Garden Estates of Tyler, all of the physicians and staff at UT Tyler, the palliative care team, led by Dr. Laura Ferguson, but most of all her “posse” of the most amazing friends anyone could ask for—Belinda Deal, Lisa Hertrich, Pamela Lake, and Judy Beam.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Ruth Taylor Washington, brothers, Donald Wayne Washington & Harold Best, sister, Patricia DeMoss, and close friends Sue Thompson and Katherine Strout. She is survived by her brother, Dennis Washington, her sisters Gloria Washington and Judith Robinson, nephews Dennis Washington, Jr (Cindy), Donald Washington, Daniel Washington, and Michael Demoss (Deborah), nieces Emily Hobson (David), and Rachel Powell (Curtis), as well as numerous great nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home in Shreveport, LA on Friday, January 2, 2026 at 2:00 pm with graveside services to follow. The family will receive visitors at 1:00 pm. In honor of Jackie, please consider wearing yellow, light green, or any shade of purple. Donations may be made to any of the organizations listed above.