Jackie Clawson

She spent her early life with her mother, Margaret Camp and grandmother, Leone Camp in a little house on Center Street in Midvale, Utah. Jackie’s biological father, Akonie Hoopiiaina, and Margaret had divorced many years before and so the house was populated entirely by strong women - and cats - until their hearts welcomed her precious dad, James Buck, when he and Margaret married during Jackie’s 4th grade year. This was also when she developed a lifelong friendship - that became family - with Aunt Renae Richards, Renae’s daughter Kate Wilcox, son-in-law, Steve, and grandchildren, Beth, Max, and Devin.

She attended Hillcrest High School and The University of Utah, where she earned a degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. She loved singing in her beautiful alto voice and playing the cello. She was a splendid artist and writer and was a fan of animals, the outdoors, and holidays.

It was through her musical involvement in high school that she became acquainted with Blair Clawson and they fell in love. In April of 1972, near her graduation from college, they married. After Blair’s graduation from college, they moved with their daughter, Bonnie, to Arizona. It was there they joyfully welcomed their second daughter, Renae, and their son, Daniel.

The family relocated from northern Arizona to Tallahassee, Florida in 1984. Jackie and Blair divorced in 1989, but always lived in close proximity to each other so the commute for their children was short. Jackie lived in Tallahassee until she went home to God on January 24, 2021.

Jackie’s working career was varied. She was a full time work-at-home Mom, a lecturer for Weight Watchers, a bartender, and a long-time employee for the State of Florida. She had exceptional “people skills,” a keen mind, a humorous and sharp wit, and a compassionate heart, which helped her excel in each milieu.

She loved to travel and she made friends wherever she went. She was a fabulous cook and seamstress and was grateful she could contribute with her hard-earned acumen. Nothing made her happier than nurturing and nourishing those she loved and spending time with her family and friends.

She was the Best Mama Cat and Gramini in the world - to her human family and to her fur babies. She fiercely and unconditionally loved Dan, Renae, Reggie, Ari, Eliana, Bonnie, Hyeon Ho, and her nineteen-year-old Ragdoll, Latte’. She would always say that, “nothing would keep me from my babies, even if I had to tear a building down brick by brick.” Her grand-kittens, Ari and Eliana, were the center of her soul and, “more fun to watch than primetime TV.”

Jackie had many accomplishments in her lifetime, but she always felt her greatest accomplishments were her strong family and meaningful bonds with beloved friends. The legacy of love she created is broad, treasured, and infinite.

If desired, suggested donations in memory of Jackie Clawson can be made to: Judeo Christian Health Clinic (Tampa, Florida): http://www.judeochristianhealthclinic.org/giving.html or Leon County Humane Society: https://www.leoncountyhumane.org/donate/