Jacquelyn A. Pratt

Jackie was born on February 2, 1945 in Ennis, Texas to John William Purcell and Mary Virginia Purcell. She was the eldest of three children. When she was eight years old her parents relocated to Austin where she spent the rest of her life. She enrolled in the University of Texas in 1963, where she majored in Education. Jackie met the love of her life, Dickson F. Pratt, in 1966 while attending university. She graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

In the Spring of 1968, Jackie and Dick took a trip to the “pound” to find a puppy. They promptly adopted Oso, and thus began their lifelong love affair with animals. They married soon after, on June 22, 1968, and immediately moved into a split level apartment on Bee Caves Road, in a densely wooded area in West Lake Hills. The one-bedroom was tiny, but the view was magnificent.

From their second-story study window, they could take in a sea of cedar-covered hills, and farther out, the Capitol building and the UT Tower. They spent five fun-filled years there, while Dick attended Grad school at UT. Jackie began her teaching career in 1967, at St. Elmo Elementary under Principal and mentor Jewel Haig.

On July 1, 1973 their first son, Aaron, was born. Needing more space, the young family moved to a rented house on Little Walnut Drive in North Austin. They missed West Lake Hills, but at the time it was the best they could manage. Jackie returned to teaching a year later, in 1974, now at Blackshear Elementary. In 1975, Jackie joined the faculty of Highland Park Elementary, a school to which she dedicated the next 28 years of her life, and cherished until her retirement.

While at Highland Park, “Mrs. Pratt” taught first grade, second grade, and third grades — touching the lives of countless students and their families. Jackie taught with endless patience and grace, and helped her students to feel loved as if they were her own children. Like all great teachers, she also made them feel like they were the most brilliant children in the world. Jackie’s colleagues admired and loved her as well. They learned from her, laughed with her, were comforted by her, and felt cherished by her. They were also inspired by her leadership, bravery, steadfast friendship and collegiality. Without a doubt, Jackie represented the best in her chosen vocation.

In 1976, twins Heath and Heather were born. Jackie took leave for a year and dedicated that time to caring for her growing family. The rental soon grew cramped for the family of five, so in the summer of 1981 they purchased their first and only home on Cologne Lane, in Northwest Austin. It was in this neighborhood, known as Milwood, that their children grew up. Although all three eventually married and moved away, they remained close and often visited.

Although Jackie retired from teaching in 2002, her passion for education did not end there. She continued to exercise her calling as a lifelong teacher by devoting her time to her grandchildren. She provided daily care to several of them as newborns, and as they grew into adolescence, continued to guide and tutor them after school throughout the week. In the process, she became an active and cherished participant in her many grandchildren's lives. Grandma was always a phone call or text away, and for several of her grandchildren, also only a short walk away.

Jackie loved animals immensely, and took great comfort in providing care for the many four-legged friends that were blessed to know her. Over the years, she cared for many dogs and cats, and in later years even spent her mornings and afternoons with several “grand-dogs” that would visit during the week. She enjoyed watching them come in and out the backdoor, nap on her lap, beg for treats, and chase squirrels in the backyard.

Jackie took special pleasure in hosting family functions and Holiday get-togethers. Her Christmas parties were especially cherished by her family. She took great care to pick out just the right gifts, and would spend months finding unique items that would bring a smile to her kids and grandkids. These annual gatherings would typically begin in the early morning and extend to the afternoon, and were always filled with laughter, good food, football, and lots of stories. She was doing this up until she became ill in April of 2023. Her love and care will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know her.

Jacquelyn Pratt is preceded in death by her parents John William Purcell and Mary Virginia Purcell. Jackie is survived by her siblings, Sally Cavness and John William “Buddy” Purcell, her husband of 55 years, Dickson Pratt, her three children Aaron, Heath and Heather, their respective spouses, Carole, Katie, Gabriel, as well as her six grandchildren Bronte, Aidan, Alexa, Eilee, Micah, and Eli.

A celebration of life for Jacquelyn will be held Saturday, June 24, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Highland Park Elementary, 4900 Fairview Drive, Austin, Texas 78731.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Pratt family.