Jackie's Hope
Submitted by Ginger Cochran
Jackie Stanley was born in Eldorado, Arkansas on January 28, 1958. She was the 2nd born in a family of 5 children. She was the oldest daughter and the one that all of her siblings looked up to. Jackie was the foundation her family stood on. She was quiet and somewhat reserved, however, you never questioned her when she meant business.
Jackie was a dedicated mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, co-worker and most of all a friend, toall that shared in her life. She lived her life in a very simple, yet very real way. She worked for the same company for over 20 years, lived in the same house for 25 years, and maintained friendships for life. She would always be the first one to show up whenever anyone she knew, or didn’t know, needed a helping hand. She would always listen to anyone that needed someone to talk to and give advice when asked. She was a long time member of the Ladies Auxiliary and acted as a “Big Sister” to a young girl from the Denton State School. Jackie was involved in many charitable events and organizations over the course of her life, however, she is most remembered for her willingness to give, and share everything she had to anyone in need. Her home was always open and welcome to anyone that may be in need of a place to stay. She offered it with love and support while they put their lives back together, or just a place to lay their head for a night.
Jackie was diagnosed in Mid-June of 2008 with Lung Cancer and it claimed her life only a few weeks after. Jackie died on July 27, 2008 at the very young age of 50.This insidious disease robbed her of watching her granddaughter grow up and enjoy all the many blessings that go along with being a grandparent. She was taken from all that love her so early in life.
I had the very special privilege of visiting with Jackie in her last days and I will forever remember what she told me “life is so fragile and should be enjoyed every day…don’t worry about all the stuff that really doesn’t matter…quit working so many hours, because you will never get them back…love yourself, your family and friends, and the rest will fall into place”. Jackie had a real zest for life and a strong respect for what it gave her and what it took away. Although her battle against this relentless killer was brief, she fought it courageously.
When she knew her days were few she gathered her two closest friends and together they made all of her funeral arrangements, down to the last detail. She wanted wildflowers placed in coffee cans. She did this in hope of sparing her loved ones the burden and a small piece of their heartache after she was gone. She was truly a remarkable woman.
Jackie was a dedicated mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, co-worker and most of all a friend, toall that shared in her life. She lived her life in a very simple, yet very real way. She worked for the same company for over 20 years, lived in the same house for 25 years, and maintained friendships for life. She would always be the first one to show up whenever anyone she knew, or didn’t know, needed a helping hand. She would always listen to anyone that needed someone to talk to and give advice when asked. She was a long time member of the Ladies Auxiliary and acted as a “Big Sister” to a young girl from the Denton State School. Jackie was involved in many charitable events and organizations over the course of her life, however, she is most remembered for her willingness to give, and share everything she had to anyone in need. Her home was always open and welcome to anyone that may be in need of a place to stay. She offered it with love and support while they put their lives back together, or just a place to lay their head for a night.
Jackie was diagnosed in Mid-June of 2008 with Lung Cancer and it claimed her life only a few weeks after. Jackie died on July 27, 2008 at the very young age of 50.This insidious disease robbed her of watching her granddaughter grow up and enjoy all the many blessings that go along with being a grandparent. She was taken from all that love her so early in life.
I had the very special privilege of visiting with Jackie in her last days and I will forever remember what she told me “life is so fragile and should be enjoyed every day…don’t worry about all the stuff that really doesn’t matter…quit working so many hours, because you will never get them back…love yourself, your family and friends, and the rest will fall into place”. Jackie had a real zest for life and a strong respect for what it gave her and what it took away. Although her battle against this relentless killer was brief, she fought it courageously.
When she knew her days were few she gathered her two closest friends and together they made all of her funeral arrangements, down to the last detail. She wanted wildflowers placed in coffee cans. She did this in hope of sparing her loved ones the burden and a small piece of their heartache after she was gone. She was truly a remarkable woman.
