While Jackie was definitely a city girl, she also loved summering at the family cottage in Ocean City, New Jersey, land of lifeguards, jitneys, Dot’s Bakery, saltwater taffy and the boardwalk. She may or may not have dated Jack Kelly, Grace’s brother, who lived just around the corner.
After graduating from Temple University, Jackie married and had her first son Jim. She said aye as her husband enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in Long Beach, California; land of sunshine and avocado trees. There, she had her second child, a daughter, Lisa, before driving back across county (in a convertible) to Florida- land of Burdines, jai alai, orange groves and her beloved Gators. Here her third child, a son, John, was born.
In 1967 the family moved to Raleigh- land of Belk, “we don’t do it like that” and her Wolfpack. Every August, Jackie would say “Why on earth do children go to school before Labor Day- we don’t do it like that.” And we didn’t.
Jackie was always busy- “put a nickel in it” she would say. She was a den mother, PTA president, Junior Women’s Club member (she couldn’t believe they invited a Northerner to join), a fierce and accomplished bridge player with a Life Masters achievement and an animal lover. Missing her are Teddy and Spot.
Jackie died peacefully in her sleep on September 19, 2020. She must have told God to put a nickel in it. May she rest in peace in Heaven swooning to the music of Frank Sinatra.
She is survived by her daughter, Lisa May; son, John May and his wife, Blair. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Lauren of Asheville and Mac of Raleigh- the children of our brother, Jim May, who predeceased his mother.
Services will be private.
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