Jackie Sue (Poor) McCollum

Known by her family and friends as Jackie Sue, she grew up in Burnt Cabin on Lake Tenkiller. Much of her childhood was spent on the water, walking down to the “Yellow House” to swim and fish with her loyal red hound dog by her side.

Jackie left school early to start a family and became a proud mother of three sons. Determined to build a better life, she later went back to school and earned her GED, continuing on to achieve her L.P.N. license on November 30, 1988.

Her nursing career began with the Cherokee Nation, where she first worked at the Women’s Clinic. During this time, she gave birth to her daughter after having three boys and finally experienced the special bond between a mother and daughter. Jackie raised her family in Westville, Oklahoma, while dedicating herself to her patients and her craft.

Over the years, she worked in several departments, including podiatry and home visits, and eventually found her home in Urgent Care at the Cherokee Nation Emergency Department. Nursing was not just her job; it was her calling. She poured her heart into caring for others and took pride in serving the Native American community she loved.

After leaving Cherokee Nation, Jackie continued her work in Home Health, where her compassion and dedication shined just as brightly. Outside of work, she had a passion for gardening, especially her beloved hostas, and enjoyed antiquing, always finding the diamond in the rough.

In retirement, Jackie cherished her time surrounded by her children and grandchildren, the true joys of her life.

Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Ella Mae Poor, and her infant brother, Stevie.

She is survived by her three sisters, Phyllis Jimmeye, Kathy Kilpatrick, and Karen Hubbard, all of Tahlequah: her four children, Jimmy Hicks of Tulsa, Everett and Bobby Hicks of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, Jack and Sarah Hicks of Tahlequah, and Whitney and Justin Burney of Westville ; eight grandchildren, Taylor, Isaac, Mattie, Josie, Samuel, Christopher, Paxton, and Lilly; and four great-grandchildren, Olivia, Benson, Amaiah, and Lilliana, along with a host of extended family and friends who loved her dearly.