Jacqueline Smith

Jacqueline Gaye Smith, 73, of Decatur, Il, joined her Heavenly Father at 11:45A.M, Thursday, November 17, 2011, at Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO. In Celebration of her life, a memorial service will be held on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, IL. at 11:00 A.M. Visitation will be Monday, November 28 from 5 to 7 P.M. at the funeral home. Brintlinger and Earl funeral home are handling the arrangements. Jacqueline was born March 28, 1938 in Decatur, IL the daughter of Charles W. and Leola (Lee) M. (Booker) Runyan. She married R. Lane Smith and had children Kim and Tami. Later in life (1988) she married Gilbert Armstrong who preceded her in death. After graduating from Stephen Decatur High School in 1956, Jackie Gaye won several beauty pageants including Miss Decatur and Miss Macon County Armed Forces. While her children were young, Jackie was a homemaker. She took pride in her children. Later she worked as a supervisor at Warham Security Company and as a nail technician and bridal consultant. Her hobbies were gardening and decorating. Civically, Jackie volunteered as a Brownie Scout leader, served as a Vice President for the PTA and was involved in a homeless ministry focused on feeding the hungry. Jacqueline was a member of Life Foursquare Church. She long for people to come to know their need for a Savoir. It was also her desire that all Christians (especially young people) experience the joy and power of God by receiving the infilling of the Holy Spirit. She adored her brother, grandchildren and nephews. They meant the world to her. Just as God's fingerprint for each individual is unique and all it's own, Jackie Gaye's charismatic personality and life reflected God's unique design of her. Jackie loved the Lord. She depended on Him and always worked to strengthen her relationship with Him. And she was always willing to share her love of the Lord with everyone. In doing so, she exemplified compassion, charity and kindness. Jackie loved doing 3 things: laughing, listening and loving. Jackie loved to laugh. She was not too dignified to act silly or have fun. When she laughed, it made everyone else laugh too. She was a great listener. Her family knew they could talk to her and she would not only listen but would truly hear them with understanding. Only her loving heart exceeded her beauty and charm. She never knew a stranger and had a great heart for all people. Most people who knew her thought of her as their best friend.. She is survived by her children Kimberly (Scott) Bowers and Tami Smith, all of Decatur, IL; grandchildren Teaven Smith, Olivia Bowers and Blakemen Bowers: Brother Mark (Sharon) Runyan of Centennial, Co; nephews Brandon Runyan of Phoenix, AZ and Brett Runyan of Centennial, CO; and beloved pets, LuLu and Rafferty. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Gilbert. Mama, Grandma, Sis, Aunt, Friend, we love you and without you, our lives will never be the same. "Your handprint is on our heart and because we knew you, we have been changed for good." We find peace and comfort in knowing that you are with Jesus, YOUR best friend and Savior and that, one day, we will all be together again. In lue of flowers, memorials can be made to the family who will apply gifts to an account set aside to buy and distribute the book, as a ministry, "Heaven is for Real". "
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