March 7, 1929 – September 12, 2022
Jacqueline Ann McCulla Abell “Jackie”, passed away peacefully surrounded by family September 12, 2022, in Lake Charles. At 93, she still cherished life and was truly blessed and determined to spend her final days with faith, grace, courage, and with a sense of humor making the best of her circumstances while setting an example for all who knew her.
Jackie was born in Abbeville, La. She attended boarding school and graduated from St. Charles Academy. She attended the University of Southwestern and McNeese State University.
Mom met the love of her life, Charles William “Bill” Abell, Sr., in Welsh around the age of 2. As an advisor she was an integral part of the growth and success of Abell & Son, Inc., third generation tractor dealerships in Southwest Louisiana. She was a devoted wife and homemaker, mother, grandmother and became known as Nan to all her family and friends who loved her. Nan especially loved and cherished her time spent with all her grandchildren.
Jackie was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Church in Welsh. She taught catechism and volunteered with the Junior Catholic Daughters. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America and the East Deanery Serra Club. She received the Devoted Service Award from the Bishop. She had a special relationship with the nuns that served the Welsh community and also with the nuns that taught her at St. Charles Academy. Mom continued to keep in touch with several of them and nurtured their friendship throughout her life. She always held a deep appreciation for the many wonderful priest who were assigned to Our Lady of Seven Dolors Church. In addition to her church, she truly loved and always supported the Town of Welsh.
Those left behind to cherish Mom’s memory are her children: Charles “Chuck” W. Abell, Jr. (Dianna), Mary Lynn Bryant (Bernard “Bunzy”), Anita Ellen Carter (Chuck), and Donna Elizabeth Abell. She is survived by eight grandchildren: Chad Abell, Ryan Abell, Allison Logan, Clint Bryant, Elizabeth Salas, Chase Carter, Lauren Segerson, and Jessica Hardy. She is also survived by eighteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. She is also survived by her brother, Ernest Joseph “Joe” McCulla.
Preceding her in death is her beloved husband, Charles W. Abell, Sr. “Bill” of 67 years. She is also predeceased by her parents, Octavia Himel and Ignatius Joseph McCulla and by her daughter, Jacqueline Ann Abell “Jan”, and granddaughter, Emily Moreland Abell.
Special thanks to Mom’s card group and many great friends who spent cherished time together. She was grateful for all the support, visits, phone calls, and love in the fifteen months following her fall. The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to Heart of Hospice, Sherie Chandler, Brittany Campbell, Nneka Leblanc, and Julie Price for their compassion, support, and guidance. A very special thanks to Sue Moore for the many years she spent with Mom and to Tracy Ozane, Angelica Sinegal, and Pat Guillory who lovingly and compassionately cared for Mom in her final days.
Visitation for Jackie will be held at Hixson funeral home September 17, 2022 at 412 E. South Street in Welsh Chapel beginning at 10:00 am with a rosary at 11:00 am. Procession to Our Lady of Seven Dolors following visitation for Funeral Mass at 1:00 pm. Entombment to follow Mass at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorials be sent to Our Lady of Seven Dolors Church, 209 North Adams Street, Welsh, LA 70591.
