Jacqueline "Jackie" Holmes Williams

Jackie Williams (Jacqueline Holmes) dedicated all 83 years of her life to family. She died on June 13, 2020 from complications of Covid 19 and renal failure. Jackie was born in Des Moines, IA on January 13, 1937 to Virginia and Paul Holmes. She was the baby of three sisters and the “goody-two-shoes” according to the oldest. She graduated from Roosevelt High School where she helped run the pep club and remained proud of her school her whole life. She attended Drake University for one year where she met and fell in love with Joe Williams.

Jackie and Joe had four children: Julie Williams of Des Moines, IA; Jenny Amos of Castle Rock, CO, married to Will Amos; Matt Williams of Suwanee, GA, married to Mary Anne Williams; and Joy Williams of Alpharetta, GA, married to Dino Barylski. They also have five grandchildren: Eddie Amos, Abby Rahe, Jake Williams, Molly Williams, and Katie Williams, as well as a great-grandchild, Wyatt Amos. Jackie was always our role model for putting family first.

Jackie is survived by all of her children, mentioned above, as well as numerous nieces and nephews who have always been special to her. She is predeceased by her husband, Joe Williams, exactly one month prior; also her siblings and their spouses: Nancy and Harold Rathert and Suzy and Jim Bulwan. As well as her siblings-in-law and their spouses: Marilee and Victor Thomas, Lloyd and Darlene Williams, Wilbur Williams, Don Williams, Kay and Carroll Slump.

Jackie and Joe have lived across the nation: Des Moines, Iowa and Johnston, Iowa; Fort Gordon, Georgia and Martinez, Georgia; Fort Huachuca, Arizona; Lynchburg, Virginia; Manhattan, Kansas; and Grand Junction, Colorado. Most recently, Jackie and Joe lived at Edencrest Senior Living in Beaverdale, IA.

Jackie was passionate about family and animals. Her friends meant a lot and lasted for life. Her “adopted” kids - aka her children’s friends who were always part of the family - were as loved as her own children. She was the quintessential stay-at-home mom, she chaperoned all the field trips, supplied treats, never missed an event and was her children’s biggest cheerleader. Her lucky number was 13 - she turned 13 on Friday 13th and was in the paper for it! She loved to read, hated to cook, watched As the World Turns for 50 years, loved John Denver, loved to travel, loved rhubarb, watermelon, ice cream and strong black coffee; she loved to find the perfect Hallmark card for someone, loved Younkers Tea Room, Rush Limbaugh, and mostly loved doing anything with her family, especially cruising and playing cards. Lilacs were her favorite flower.

She will feel blessed to reunite with her husband, sisters, parents, and dogs. As her mom, Virginia, said decades ago, “To be remembered with love is life’s greatest achievement.” Jackie achieved that to the moon and back.

Due to the state of the world right now, there will not be a visitation or a service at this time. When the world has calmed down again, the family will share details regarding a memorial celebration. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jackie by clicking the link to the Heavenly Pet Sanctuary (where she found her beloved dog, Mister) or Hope MinistriesHope Ministries are very appreciated.

For more info, read a mini-bio by clicking here: Jackie Williams.

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