Jacqueline Watson

NAME Jacqueline "Jackie" Watson,age 74, of Maple Park, IL, passed away peacefully at her home following a brief but fierce battle with Burkitts Cancer that took her body, but never her spirit. Claiming the promise of her savior, she past from this life to the next surrounded by the love of her family on Friday, August 11, 2006. BORN: She was born February 24, 1932, the daughter of Albert and Rosalie Spencer in Hannibal, MO.EARLY YEARS :While she was still quite young, Jackie and her family moved to Burlington, IA, where she would graduate with fond memories of her art classes. EDUCACATIONFollowing graduation, she went on to attend Olivet Nazarene University where she blossomed into an active student. A music Major, she became a member of the traveling Orpheus Choir, several prominent trio’s as well as the Olivetians, a musical ensemble. She also made time to serve her fellow students by serving on the student council, a residence president, and the women’s O-Club president. Jackie also excelled in sports and made time for softball, track and basketball. Because of her accomplishments she was honored with a "Who’s Who" designation and was later inducted into Olivet’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005.MARRIAGE Jackie used her degree in music to teach grade school children in the towns of Chebanse, Clifton and Askum, IL, the beauty she saw in music. In 1955, she was united in marriage to Donald Watson whom she had met in college. Three years later they made their home in Fort Wayne, Indiana where Jackie switched to the sixth grade, teaching two years at Francis Slocum School. RESIDENTIAL HISTORY: Eventually the family would follow Don’s work to Elgin, IL where Jackie shared her passion for teaching at a small grade school in Wayne, IL. OCCUPATION / WORK HISTORY During her 35 year tenure she finished her Masters Degree in Education from Northern Illinois University, began an after school reading program which featured her favorite book on Michael Jordon that included a life-size replica of the man himself, and passed on her most treasured lesson in life, "to teach, is to touch a life forever". Upon her retirement in 1997, Jackie became a member of the famed "Red Hat Society". She finally could embrace her "dreams" of wearing her favorite colors, red and purple and subscribe to the virtues of the book, "When I Am Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple", and sit down on the pavement when tired, go out in her slippers in the rain, learn to whistle and learn to spit. LIFE NOTES Thousands of memories were made through her years, though some were more memorable than others. Jackie and Don braved the Zion National Park with friends and less than two years later they met again to challenge the 26 mile hike across the Grand Canyon. Jackie also became involved in the Senior Olympics and was a member of the She-Ca-Go basketball team that captured the gold medal at the National Championships in Tucson, AZ. SURVIVORS She now leaves her loving husband Don;Two sons:Jay Watson of Malta, IL and James Watson of Wheaton, IL;One sister, Helen (Richard) Chatfield of Florissant, MO, And a family of friends. PRECEDED She now joins her parents and grandparents who preceded her in death. MEMORIAL In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in her name to benefit the Celebration Chorale at the 1st United Methodist Church in DeKalb. Checks may be made to the "Jacqueline Watson Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the family at the same address or through www.conleycare.com.

Friends may call from 4-8 p.m., Tuesday, August 15, 2006, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. A service to celebrate her life will begin at 11 a.m., Wednesday, August 16, at the 1st United Methodist Church, 321 Oak St., DeKalb, IL. Rev. Jane Eesley, pastor of the church.

Interment will follow at Kaneville Cemetery.