Mrs. Jacqueline J. McGraw, beloved mother and wife, aged 71 years, was called to her heavenly home at 2:36pm on Tuesday, September 17, 2019, from OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg, Illinois.
Jackie was born on November 18, 1947 in Galesburg, the daughter of Elmer and Doris (Foote) Courson. She graduated from Galesburg High School in 1965. In 1966, she married Jerry L. McGraw at Allen Park Baptist Church in Galesburg.
In addition to being a dedicated homemaker for over 50 years, Jackie worked as a cook at Knox County Nursing home for eight years and volunteered at Knox Prairie Community Kitchen for five years.
She is survived by her loving husband, companion and soul mate of 53 years, Jerry; one daughter, Tamby (Rob) Peterson of Galesburg; one son, Shane (Heather) McGraw of Peoria; six grandchildren, Garett Plue, Sarah Albrecht, Brandon McGraw, Jared Plue, Ash McGraw and Calliope McGraw; four great-grandchildren, Jordyn McGraw, Jackson McGraw, Redmond Albrecht and Weston Plue; three brothers, Ron (Sherry) Courson of Green Valley, Arizona; David (Becky) Courson of Elmwood; Sherman Courson of Galesburg; and one sister, Pat (Dennis) Hansum of Platte, South Dakota.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Jean Banks of Galesburg.
Jackie was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Galesburg. She derived a great deal of joy from nature, delighting in gardening and taking walks in God’s creation. A testament to her fun-loving and playful nature, she also loved to collect Popeye the Sailor figurines and related articles.
Jackie will forever be known to her friends and loved ones as a generous and gentle woman whose kindness in thoughts and deeds were a true reflection of the love in her heart.
A Celebration of Life service is planned for Jackie on Saturday, October 12 from 11am-1pm at Faith Baptist Church in Galesburg, officiated by Pastor Curt Lipe. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. The family asks that memorials be made to Faith Baptist Church for its “Operation Christmas Child” program. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
