Jacqueline Helen Lang

Jacqueline Helen Kratky Lang entered Heaven’s gates on Wednesday, February 12, 2020. While we weep for our loss, we rejoice and give thanks for her well-lived and well-loved time on this earth and are filled with gratitude for the everlasting imprint she has left on all of us.

Jackie was born in St. Louis, Missouri on June 6, 1926, to Chester Kratky and Nellie O’Connor Kratky, where she grew up with her parents and beloved sister, Patricia Kratky Levine. Growing up, Jackie liked running and other sports and was always extremely creative and highly regarded. She met the love of her life and husband, Ervin Jacob (“Bud”) Lang, Jr., while they were both attending Washington University after Bud returned from serving in the Navy during World War II. Their life adventures led Jackie and Bud to Minnesota, Iowa, New Jersey, St. Louis, and then, eventually, to Texas.

Jackie was an accomplished woman, beginning her career in the earliest stages of computer development. She completed college later in life and went on to become a highly-regarded college career counselor. Jackie was creative, a gifted writer and an artist, but also known for her quick wit and no-nonsense attitude. She was a fierce protector of her family. She loved sports, especially her Dallas Cowboys and her St. Louis Cardinals, often found listening to sports broadcasts while working in the kitchen. And her grandchildren will always believe that she was the best cook to walk the planet, particularly loving her meatballs and Christmas cookies.

She was referred to by many names during her 93 years: Jackie, Mom, Grandma, GG, and Aunt Jackie. But regardless of the name, she was treasured by many and will be missed greatly. While her earthly frame was small in stature, her personality and love for everyone was larger than life.

Jackie is survived by her children and their spouses, Doug and Martha Lang, Sue and John Grimes, and Liz Lang-Miers and Jeb Miers, grandchildren Scott Grimes (Holly), Kristina Gipson (Troy), Brian Lang (Sandra), Chris Lang (Jennifer), Ellen Peeples (William), and James Miers (Elizabeth), and sixteen great-grandchildren, Lee and Luke Grimes, Brody, Colton, and Kinsley Gipson, Graciela and Jacob Lang, Jackson and Avery Lang, Charlotte and Taylor Lang, Holland, James, and Ellie Peeples, and John and Abigail Miers.

She is preceded in passing by loving family and friends, including her husband, Bud Lang, her parents, Chester and Nellie Kratky, her sister, Pat Levine, her grandson, Stewart Lang, and great-grandson Noah Gipson.

A memorial service celebrating Jackie’s life will be held on Monday, February 17, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home located at 7405 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas 75225.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests that contributions be made to the Grant Halliburton Foundation, 6390 LBJ Freeway, Suite 100, Dallas, Texas 75240.