Jacquelin “Jackie” Elizabeth Smith Yarbrough, 96 of Guthrie, passed away Friday, October 15, 2021 at her home in Guthrie, with her family by her side.
Jackie was born on Thursday, September 10, 1925 in Atlanta, Georgia to George Glennwood and Ida Elizabeth Thompson Smith. In her early life, Jackie attended the Girls High School, which was the only exclusively girl’s school in Atlanta. She was always a good student and while in grades 10 and 11, she actually substituted for teachers for hours or a day at a time, mainly in math, her favorite subject. Jackie had a strong desire to be a nurse, but after moving to Brunswick, Georgia, she met the love of her life, William (Bill) Elmer Yarbrough. Jackie was adamant that she was only going to be married one time. After Bill agreed to Jackie’s terms, they were married on April 22,1944. Bill and Jackie kept this promise to each other. The union lasted until Bill’s passing, on January 17, 2010.
While Bill pursued a career in the U.S. Army, Jackie put any career aspirations she had on hold to become a military wife. Through the years she assumed many additional duties, serving on committees, boards and support groups while she followed Bill around the country and the world. They served in WWII in the Pacific, in Korea, and in Viet Nam. Their service to our country culminated in 1978 with Bill’s retirement from the U.S. Army as a Sergeant Major (E9). Jackie was every bit as proud of her service accomplishments as any career soldier and rightfully so.
Along with the military spouse duties Jackie acquired, she became a mother in December 1946, with the birth of her first child, Cheryl Elizabeth. Shortly after that, in November 1947, Jackie gave birth to her second child, Billie Jeanne. Jackie thrived in the motherhood/homemaker aspect of her life. She travelled from Georgia, to Indiana, to Texas, to Tokyo, Japan, to Virginia, Hawaii, Louisiana and to Oklahoma, where her final home was made.
Jackie is predeceased by her parents, sister and brother, Geraldine and George, grandson, Michael and great-granddaughter, Megan.
She is survived by her daughters, Cheryl Downs (Harry), and Billie Jeanne Everett of Guthrie. Also, surviving are her brother-in-law, Bud Yarbrough (Karen) of Jacksonville, FL, her grandchildren, Kevin Downs and fiancé, Lauren of Charlotte, NC, Robert Downs, Terry Downs and his wife, Shana, of Guthrie, Bret Gordon of OKC, her great-grandchildren, David Gordon (US Navy) and wife, Michele of San Diego, CA, Douglas Gordon of Eatonton, GA, Easton Downs and wife, Kaylee of Yukon, Lauryn, Cooper, Paige and Mallory Downs of Guthrie, Avery Ann Downs of Charlotte, NC., one great-great-grandchild, Charlie Gordon of San Diego, CA, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, her church family and close friends, all of which, held a special place in her heart.
The family wishes a special thank you to Companion Health nurse, Jennifer, music therapist, Karri, social worker, Natalie, and chaplains Josh and Gene. A very special thank you to caregiver/companion Maribelle Hammons who was/is a Godsend to both Jackie and her family.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Jackie’s name to the Dementia Society of America, P.O. Box 66, Doylestown, PA 18901.
A funeral service was held October 20, 2021.