Jacqueline Cochran Williams December 16, 1942 -January 29, 2021
Jackie (Jacqueline) Williams was a story teller, but actually she WAS the story. She followed the journey Life called her to. She passed peacefully at her home in Virginia Beach on January 29, 2021, as family, friends and Spirit stayed by her. Jackie, an ever-curious one, was born to Mary and Arthur Cochran on December 16, 1942 and was raised in Lawrenceville and Beach Haven, NJ. She leaves her sister Judie Nemeth, cousin Ed Murph, and special and life-long friends.
After attending Vassar College she joined David Cartlidge in marriage. She supported them in NYC until his graduation from NYU, then moved to Ohio. Waiving the path to motherhood, Jackie created wonderful memories for Judie’s children, Darryl Nemeth and Adrienne and Vic Ferreira who she adored. Her fun-loving and entertaining energy will be sadly missed by her great nieces Emily Ferreira and Alexandra Ferreira and great nephew Becket Nemeth.
In Ohio, Raynaud challenges came with the snow and cold, so she frequently warmed up in sunny Florida. She launched three Hallmark stores in Naples and Ft. Myers where creativity and interactions with employees and customers delighted her.
Ending her business and marriage to Bob Williams, she moved to the big city of Dallas TX. Great music held a special spot in Jackie’s heart and opera had been introduced to her early by her grandmother. Soon volunteering with The Dallas Opera, she gave visiting stars a place to stay in her home. Always ready for travel, she saw the arts through their lenses…the most remarkable trip was touring St. Petersburg and Moscow, Russia.
In 1982, at the start-up of The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer foundation, as a breast cancer survivor Jackie enthusiastically joined Susan’s sister and team. Their mission was to heighten understanding of the disease, while making great efforts to win the cure.
Satisfying a wish to practice nursing, Jackie entered Texas Women’s University in 1995 and graduated (straight ‘A’s) with an RN, BSN in 1999. She accomplished it alongside her devoted home care for her Dad till he passed. Followed by care for her Mom, they joined their curious minds and shared their eager interest in learning, till graduation. Mom passed soon after Jackie’s diploma was received.
She began nursing in Dallas then moved to Virginia Beach, closer to family. Employed at Virginia Beach Psychiatric Hospital until 2018, she was embraced by her patients for her spirit of acceptance and open heart to serve. As an RN Meditation Specialist she shared her practice, received with enthusiasm and immeasurable success. A meditation practice brought great peace and satisfaction to Jackie’s own Life.
Leaving joyful memories with us as she transitions to her next adventure, she’ll always evoke a smile and quick laughter. Her soul partner, Dr. Bob Henry, and other friends and ancestors who have predeceased her, are delighted to dance with her Spirit again!
Memorial donations can be made to The Unity Church of Tidewater, 5580 Shell Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23455 or The Bridge Breast Network serving low income and uninsured, in Dallas, TX , wwwbridgebreast.org
Please text your email address to Judie at 609 213 4892 if interested in joining a ZOOM celebration of Jackie’s Life.