My childhood of course was filled with the sound of my mother’s voice. And what stands out in memory right now is story and song. She loved to tell stories: funny stories, family stories, and she read to me. so. much. The books her father, my Pop, read to her conveyed love to her. She passed that on in fairy tales, poetry, books like Laura Ingalls’ Little House series, stories she made up on the spot, and always, the greatest story the Bible. Even when I was grown, she would call me on the phone and say, “Let me tell you this movie I saw,” or “this book I just read,” and summarize the plot so I could enjoy it with her.

And she sang. She sang to me, she sang with me, she sang around the house, she sang in the car, she sang to her Lord. She would drop little snippets of song into the middle of a conversation if a word reminded her of the lyrics. Children's songs, folk songs, songs her mother sang, TV themes, hymns.

One of the questions you get asked in this process is, “Did your mother have a favorite hymn?” There are so many she loved, I don’t think I could name a favorite. But I do want to share one with you, that characterizes my mother: her life, her death, her faith. As I love you, let me encourage you to follow Mom’s example of trusting Jesus Christ, Yeshua Mashiach, with your heart, with your family, with your life.

My life flows on in endless song;

Above earth's lamentation,

I hear the sweet, tho' far-off hymn

That hails a new creation;

Thro' all the tumult and the strife

I hear the music ringing;

It finds an echo in my soul—

How can I keep from singing?

What tho' my joys and comforts die?

The Lord my Savior liveth;

What tho' the darkness gather round?

Songs in the night He giveth.

No storm can shake my inmost calm

While to that refuge clinging;

Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,

How can I keep from singing?

I lift my eyes; the cloud grows thin;

I see the blue above it;

And day by day this pathway smooths,

Since first I learned to love it;

The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,

A fountain ever springing;

All things are mine since I am His—

How can I keep from singing?

Sending heart-felt sympathy to all family members, loved ones and friends of Jackie.

I met Jackie a few years ago, here in Leisure Village West, She was taking a walk with her cat, Patrick. Patrick decided to stop at my back door to say Hello to me and to my cat, Sophie. I never saw a cat that took pleasure in taking an afternoon stroll with his /her human - No leash involved - just contented to casually walk alongside his Mom It was a sight to see, and they both imprinted on my heart. Jackie complimented me on my new garden ; she obviously loved flowers as well as animals.

A bright light has gone out here in our Village. However, Jackie leaves us with fond memories. I am honored to have known her and will cherish my memory of her and Patrick taking their afternoon strolls together.

Rest in peace dear Jackie.

Marcy, Andy and family. So very sorry to hear about your Mom. She will definitely be missed. My memories of your Mom are of her reading to the children whenever we were together and doing art projects!

To the family of Jackie Meeks, I am so sorry for your loss of this beautiful person. She was truly one of a kind!

I met Jackie a few years ago in Leisure Village West . We enjoyed gathering at our pool here with our friends to enjoy our summer days. Jackie always had a great big smile and a kind word for everyone. She never hesitated to offer help to any of her friends. She was such a truly giving person! All of her friends in Leisure Village West will miss her a great deal.

Cindi Sergi