Jacqueline (Reynolds) Liles

Jacqueline Reynolds was born on a very chilly night in El Dorado, Arkansas on January 30, 1927. She was the sixth child of Homer Pinson (Pat) and Amanda (Mandy) Folsom Reynolds. She always wondered why she never got a middle name, but, with her siblings – Lancelot, Homer, Elfred Juanice, Gerald D, Betty Sue, Pat, and Bill Kirk - - she was incredibly happy with Jackie!

Being the very middle child, she joined in at fancy dances with her older sisters, and boy could she jitterbug! Jackie could play anything on the piano by ear from Amazing Grace to the Beatles. Everyone’s favorite was “You Are My Sunshine” with all the extra notes and runs. She kept a close eye on her baby brothers. Somewhat of a tattletale, she kept those boys in line. Her youngest brother, Billy Kirk always said if it wasn’t for Jackie he and Pat would never have gone to school!

Jackie was a high school stand-out and was the national president of her sorority. She traveled by train in the 1940’s to regal gatherings across the south and was front and center in all the photos. Ater graduation she worked at Lion Oil, as the administrative assistant to Mr. Murphy – yes, that Murphy Oil Company. She also worked at the local dress shop, to keep up with all the high fashions!

On a blind date, Jackie met the love of her life, William (Bill) Gail Liles. They met at a dance hall, which she always remembered as the “strip club.”  They had an extravagant wedding, and he then whisked her away to hot, windy, dusty Andrews, Texas. Jackie loved volunteering at their church, and they had endless friends and parties. She could make a fancy party out of a backyard picnic – she loved entertaining, decorating, and making people happy. 

In their short stay in west Texas, they welcomed two children, first a daughter Janet Gail. Jan was always dressed in the cutest little ruffly dresses and had perfectly permed hair. Jackie and Jan often had matching outfits, and even purses that matched. They were always best friends and such good shopping buddies!

Next was an incredibly special little boy, William Kirk. Kirk was born with Down Syndrome, and at that time the doctors thought the parents should not see their child with special needs. Well, not Jackie! She had them bring him to her, and they took Kirky home to grow up with his family. They commuted thousands of hours together for preschool, therapy, Special Olympics, high school, and she volunteered at every event. He was the life of the party, and Jackie was so proud of him!

Moving from west Texas to Ft Worth, Tulsa, Denver, and Houston, with friends, trips, family, and fun along the way was just another adventure for Jackie. She never met a stranger – even in the restroom at the campground Jackie would strike up a conversation and meet a new best friend. Although she could not or would not swim (it would mess up her Friday Hair Do) she would be out on the boat with the family every weekend. She took pride in all the time and prep that led to all those wonderful memories – she sat regally up front in the hot boat, with a big smile and her scarf protecting her new hairdo!

In “retirement” Jackie and Bill owned a Pro Golf store in Houston. Jackie was the buyer, and got to travel, golf, and even better – shop! She shared many adventures with her three grandchildren, Melissa, Matthew, and Amanda, all along the west coast and everywhere in-between. She loved being a big part of their lives, and sat through years of soccer, Disneyland, Hawaii, Stanford medical trips, graduations, and weddings. She found joy everywhere she went with her family. Adding two more grandchildren, Nikki and Gus was fantastic, and great grandchildren Eli and Eloise were the light of her life. Nana was delighted to spend time with them, and oh how she loved them all – including all the grand dogs!

At 96, our Jackie gently passed away with her family by her side. She loved looking out of her big window where the hummingbirds gathered  – ready to fly her home to her Bill Honey and Kirky. We all will love and miss you so much, Nana. Hummingbirds are always with us, now.

Committal Service 11:30 AM, Friday Sept. 15, 2023 at Ft. Logan National Cemetery 3698 S. Sheridan Blvd. Denver, CO 80235  (Staging Area "B") Please arrive by 11:15 AM at the staging area. 
 

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