Jacqueline Marie Proctor

Jacqueline Marie Brown-Smith-Proctor, born in Emporia, Kansas on September 8, 1937, was an exceptional soul, who passed away peacefully on March 19, 2024. She was the eldest child of Joseph M. Brown and Mary Griffin- Brown, who both preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death, by Sidney Smith and Roger Proctor, and brothers Kenneth Morris Brown and William Joseph Brown.

Jacqueline graduated from Sumner High School, in Kansas City, Kansas. After graduation, she joined the United States Army, where she completed nursing school. After her Army career, she worked as a nurse at St. Louis City Hospital Number 1, Malcolm Bliss Hospital, and later she became Director of Nursing at St. Sophia and Manor Health Nursing Homes. She retired after working as Director of Quality Improvement Processes of Manor Care/Vitalink Pharmacy after a more than 25-year career. While she was in the Army she met and married her first husband Sidney Smith. From this union Christopher Smith and Polly Smith-Jordan were born. After Sidney’s untimely passing, Jacqueline married Roger Proctor and that union lasted forty-five years. Jacky’s marriage to Roger blended two families which included Leona Proctor-Montano and Jimmy Proctor. In addition to her nursing career, Jacqueline became an entrepreneur with her friend Kathy Taylor. In 1978 they opened Tole Country, a shop where they taught Tole Painting classes, sold tole supplies, hand-made gifts, silk flower arrangements, and paintings.

Jacky was a devoted member of John Knox Presbyterian Church for 21 years and loved being a part of her church community. As an Elder, she served the Presbytery in many ways. She was on the Session Nominating Committee and was Chairperson of the Peacemaking and Presbytery Committee on Ministry for over 6 years. Along with her late husband Roger, they started the Room at the Inn, a monthly overnight hosting of the unhoused at John Knox. The program for over 12 years. She was an Usher/Greeter, and part of the sanctuary team. Jacky was an active member of the Deborah Circle, since its inception and took communion to home bound members for several years. Jacky was recognized with numerous awards for her participation in the Juvenile Justice program that offered counseling alternatives to youth to keep them from being involved in the Criminal Justice System. She stated in an interview once that “a greater degree of understanding, tolerance, and recognition that we all belong to one race, the human race” would go a long way to help our community.

Jacky dedicated her life to her family, making sure that there was a wealth of activities. Family nights filled with playing cards, fish fries, board games, and laughter. Her love of travel started while she was stationed in Germany and continued after she returned to the U.S. She was able to visit forty-nine of the fifty states, and a host of other countries. Jacky loved to travel and organize family trips such as: The Smoky Mountains, a Caribbean cruise, and Dubai. Some of her last trips were visiting India and Africa with her sister Joetta, and Iceland with her friend and fellow church member Elly. She took one last trip to Canada with her daughter and grandchildren, in 2022 for Christmas. Friends and family will remember Jacky for her love of Christmas and her special Christmas tree with over 20 years of collected Peanuts ornaments. Jacky had an avid interest in cultural activities, holding a season ticket to the St. Louis Symphony and The Muny.

Jacky will be remembered for her leadership, organization, compassion, and love for others.

She leaves to cherish her memories: her children, Christopher Smith, Polly Smith-Jordan, Leona Proctor Montano and Jimmy Proctor; grandchildren Jasmine Jordan-Allen (Keith), Jeremy Jordan, Chantel Tyler, her sister Joetta Brown, niece Michelle Brown, grandnephew Jonathan Brown-McClary, nephew Nantambu Brown (Nneka), grandniece Noelle Brown, sister-in-law Shirley Brown, nephews Kenneth Brown and Keith Brown, cousin Ann Fraction-Burchett, The Smith Family in Berne, Switzerland and a host of other family, and friends.

A visitation for Jacqueline will be held Tuesday, April 2, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:45 AM at John Knox Presbyterian Church, 13200 New Halls Ferry Road, Florissant, MO 63033. A funeral service will follow at 11:45, with burial at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to TEAM, a local food pantry in Florissant, Missouri.