Jacqueline Spears Pickett

Mrs. Jaqueline Kathleen Spears Pickett, 68 years old, of Jasper, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2019 at her residence with her beloved Oscar at her bedside.

She was affectionately known as “Jack” to some and “Jackie” to many more (nicknames which caused her mother to say, “I named her Jacqueline!”).

She was born prematurely to the late George Glancey Spears, Sr. and Lora Beene Spears on March 4, 1951 in Jasper, TN. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, George Glancey Spears, Jr, (June).

Jacqueline graduated from Marion County High School in 1971. During her high school years, she met her future husband, William Oscar Pickett. After graduation from MCHS, she was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart on December 31, 1971. To their union was born one child, Kimberly Lynn Pickett, M.D.  She was a lifetime member of Wells Chapel United Methodist Church where she served as treasurer and secretary. Jacqueline truly loved the Lord and served Him accordingly.  Her faith never wavered even during her darkest hours. 

During the early years of her marriage, she was employed at the Marion County Health Department. She took a brief hiatus from work after the birth of her daughter. She reentered the workforce when hired as a receptionist at The Tokheim Corporation in Jasper, TN. During her tenure at Tokheim, she met lifelong friends, Eleanor Alred, Debra Bennett, Martha Pope, and Doris Rogers. Throughout the years they were there for each other during the birth of children, graduations, weddings and funerals.  After leaving Tokheim, she went to Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company (present day Unum).  Jacqueline retired from Provident after 20 years of service.   While employed at Provident she attended and subsequently graduated from The Southeast Tennessee Cosmetology Academy in 1989.  She then operated a small “shop” within her private residence. On the weekends she worked as a part-time US Postal Service Mail Carrier in Jasper, TN.  Jackie was a busy lady! She made friends wherever she went. She never met a stranger. Many will remember her for her infectious laugh, heart of gold and ever-present smile.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 48 years, William Oscar Pickett of Jasper, TN; and daughter, Kimberly Lynn Pickett, M.D. of Jasper, TN; one sister, Janelle Vaughn (Jesse) of Chattanooga, TN; one brother, Lemuel Spears of Hephzibah, GA.; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and friends.

The visitation for Jacqueline will be held on Monday, June 24, 2019 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm CDT at Tate Funeral Home in Jasper, Tennessee with the funeral following immediately in Tate Chapel.

Interment will be at Sequatchie Valley Memorial Gardens, Jasper, TN.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Tate Funeral Home, LLC, 950 Mel Dixon Lane, Jasper, TN  37347, 423-942-9500.

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