Jackie Weaver

Jackie Jo Weaver of Safford, AZ was born April 11, 1954 in Morenci, AZ to Jackie David Clemons and Betty Jo Howell Clemons. She departed from this life on February 22. 2021 in Tucson, AZ at the age of 66 years, 10 months and 11 days. Jackie grew up in Morenci, AZ , and was active in Band, Choir, Girl Scouts and Job's daughters International. At 16, she served as Honored Queen of Old Morenci Bethel number 16 and at 18 became a majority member. She was well known for her talents on the clarinet and for her beautiful soprano singing voice. She graduated from Morenci High School in 1972. Jackie attended college at Western New Mexico State University in Silver City, NM, and at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK, obtaining her bachelor's degree in Education. She taught music for time and then attended nursing school at Bacone College, where she graduated in 1991. She worked as a Registered Nurse for 20 years in a variety of settings. She was kind, compassionate, and hard working. She was very knowledgeable and never hesitated to lend a helping hand to her fellow nurses. She was kind and compassionate to her patients and was loved by all that met her. Jackie had a passion for knitting and was very talented, knitting a variety of blankets, scarfs and afghans for friends and family. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and did at least one a day. She loved history, astronomy and reading. And, everyone knew not to disturb her when Dancing with the Stars, Vikings or Ancient Aliens were on. Jackie had many friends and loved to have a good time. She loved to shop, sing karaoke, make jokes, and make people laugh. She was kind and supportive to her friends, and usually made friends for life. Some of her best memories were the good times and laughter that she shared with her best friend, Marcia Pennington. Jackie's greatest joys in her life were her children and grandchildren. She was always available for advice and encouragement. She was generous and kind, and happily gave when her kids needed help or encouragement. She worked while raising a family, teaching her kids the values of strength and hard work. She was a woman of strong faith. She believed in the goodness of Jesus, and the importance of prayer and family. She taught her kids the importance of a relationship with God and of treating people right. Jackie is survived by her three children: son Steven Lemley of the home, son Christopher Crawford of Oklahoma City, OK, and daughter Bryanne Smith and husband Thomas of Tulsa,OK; three grandchildren: Betty Jo Sudekum and husband Michael of York Valley, AZ, Jessalyn Lemley and Steven Lemley, Jr, of Safford, AZ; her great-grandchild Charlene Dowdney of York Valley, AZ; one brother: George Clemons and wife Shauna of Carrolton, TX, one aunt: Jolene Johns of Layton, Utah; one great aunt: Wyhilla Pendergraft of Eufaula, OK; five nephews: Dylan Weaver of Tulsa, OK, Kirk Clemons of Plano, TX, Thomas Nance and Dylan Clemons of Carrolton, TX; and Corey Nance of Canyon, TX. She had many, many cousins and even more friends. Jackie was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents, one brother and one sister. So many people were touched by Jackie, and everyone is saddened by her passing. To honor her, some of her friends and family have shared their favorite memories of her. From her brother George: My sister was funny and kind. Jackie taught me the importance of family, and what a family of love and encouragement looked like. She brought my family together and protected me from bullying. She encouraged me in my businesses. I will forever miss Jackie Jo. From her high school sweetheart Greg Wood: Jackie talked me into playing the lead part of Joseph for our High School's production of The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She had an important part as well, and sang beside me. She coached me and gave me the confidence to do the role, and went over each song note by note with me. She was the kindest and most loving person ever. She comforted me and gave me good advice when I went through some health issues a few years ago. I will never forget Jackie. From her best friend, Marcia Pennington: Jackie and I met in kindergarten and were friends for over 60 years. We had many sleepovers and fun camping trips at the Black River. We were in Brownies, Girl Scouts, 4-H, Job's Daughters, Glee Club and Band together. Jackie , our friend Carolyn Simms and I played Clarinet and always sat together, challenging each other for first chair. We loved going to prom and wearing formals that Grandma Elsie had made. One day during our sophomore year of high school, I was staying at Jackie's while my parents were out of town. We decided to play sick from school and be sent home. We wanted Jackie's mom, Betty Jo to pick us up. When the school nurse walked out of the room, we held our thermometers up to the heater. When the nurse looked at our thermometers and then us, she said we had better go home because we had fevers of 107!! We called each other Marc and Jay, and we truly were friends forever. Jackie, I loved you your whole life, and will miss you for the rest of mine. A viewing will be held at McDougal's Caldwell Funeral Chapel for family and friends on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 2:00 p.m., with Funeral Services immediately following at 3:00 p.m. Interment will be in Bower Cemetery in Eufaula, Oklahoma at a later date.