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Eithel J. "Jackie" Abbott completed her service to this world on July 8th, 2009 at the age of 91, after a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer's disease.
Jackie's legacy is one of great warmth, integrity, humor, and a work ethic second to none.
Jackie was born on March 20, 1918 in Wilburton, Oklahoma to Floyd and Etta Jackson. Much of Jackie's strong character was formed growing up poor in Oklahoma where she forged a life for herself by excelling in school, graduating from Oklahoma University in 1939 and that same year being certified as a Registered Nurse.
While working as a nurse in Norfolk, Virginia, Jackie met William Gerald Briggs and they married there in December 1940. With Bill, Jackie would have her only child, Nancy. Bill Briggs died in May 1959 of complications from a childhood bout with Rheumatic fever.
Jackie assumed sole responsibility for her family, providing a secure home and enjoyable childhood for her daughter while earning the respect of supervisors and co-workers that resulted in steadily increasing responsibilities at KMC. During this time, Jackie met, became friends with, and eventually married Milo M. Abbott, a skilled electrician and fine man who brought to Jackie's life great companionship and a caring, generous stepfather to her daughter. Milo also brought to their marriage a large family including two children from a previous marriage, Candy and Jim, and numerous siblings.
Milo and Jackie retired in the mid-1970s to travel and help care for Nancy's two young children, Jaden and Christina. Their lives were further enriched with the arrival from Southern California of Jackie's brother Jack, his wife, Dot, and their daughters Deana and Donna.
When Milo fell victim to Parkinson's Disease, Jackie concentrated on caring for him until his death in February 1995.
In the ensuing years, Jackie focused on caring for her grandchildren, proving to be as great a grandmother as she was a mother, wife and nurse.
Late in life, Jackie was fortunate to enjoy quality care at Glennwood Gardens, St. Catherine's Elderly Care and Parkview Julian Convalescent Hospital.
Special thanks to Cathy Daniels, Vivian Thoene, Herlinda and Amalia Necer and her entire family for treating my mother like gold. To Hoffman Hospice, a remarkable organization, I don't know what I would have done without you. Thanks to Ann, and especially Colleen. You women are truly angels on earth.
Mom will be buried at Hillcrest Cemetery and honored in a private service.
Jackie Abbott was a very special person who blessed the lives of many. Those who remain cherish her memory and, in that sense, she remains with us always. Always in our hearts, Nancy, John, Jaden and Christina Teves and her precious great grandchild Ireland Varner.
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