Jacquelyn Z. Huffman
Jacquelyn Z. Huffman passed away on May 5, 2023, at the Baptist Home in Ironton, MO at the age of 83 years, 10 months, and 16 days. Jacquelyn (Jackie) was born to Oscar and Octa Upchurch in Glen Allen, MO on June 19, 1939.
Jackie graduated from Lutesville High School in 1956, and graduated from Arkansas State University, Jonesboro in 1960. She later taught High School English for Portageville High School and for Liberty High School. She also gave piano lessons and did substitute teaching for many years. During her last years of teaching she enjoyed teaching ESL and GED courses at various places.
Jackie and Keith were married June 2, 1962 at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Clarkton, MO.
She is survived by her husband Keith, one daughter, Becki Lyn Brungardt of Arcadia, MO, and one granddaughter, Kayla Beth Huffman. Also surviving are two nieces, Judith Trittler of Kirkwood, MO, and Sharon Robbins of Fredericktown, MO, two nephews, Richard Woods of New Zealand, and Steven Upchurch of Glen Allen, MO, several great-nieces and great-nephews, and many more loving family members and friends.
Jackie was a member of First Baptist Church, Doe Run, MO, where Keith is the pastor. Her favorite hobbies were quilting and researching family history. For several years she wrote a monthly article in the Southeast Missourian daily newspaper in Cape Girardeau called “The Best Years”. Jackie was a faithful pastor’s wife for over 60 years. She often served as pianist and/or organist in her church. She was a capable Sunday school teacher most of those years. She and Keith did Mission trips to Australia and Paraguay. She enjoyed traveling and was able to visit all the states except for Alaska. One highlight of her travels was when they visited her nephew in New Zealand in 2007. Her favorite destination was The Smoky Mountains from where her family moved many years before and enjoyed going almost every year.
Jackie was preceded in rest by her parents, two brothers, Oscar, Jr. and Winferd Upchurch, and two sisters, Josephine Upchurch and Mary “Beth” Woods. Jackie is now whole again and free again from that terrible disease which robbed her of her many talents and joys. She will be missed by countless friends and loved ones.
A Celebration of Life was held Thursday, May 11, 2023, at 11:00 am at the First Baptist Church of Ironton. Visitation for friends to gather was held on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 5:00 pm and lasting until 8:00 pm from the First Baptist Church of Ironton. Interment followed the services in the Bollinger County Memorial Park Cemetery in Marble Hill, MO. Rev. Alan Berry officiated the services. Memorials may be made to the Missouri Baptist Convention Disaster Relief Fund.
