Mrs. Jacqueline (Jackie) M. Wesley, 80, of Yulee, Florida, passed away Friday, February 26, 2021 at Baptist Medical Center of Nassau. Mrs. Wesley died from respiratory complications resulting from COVID-19.
Born in Fernandina Beach, Florida, Mrs. Wesley was a daughter of the late James and Flossie Mullin.
Always a social butterfly, Mrs. Wesley loved to travel and be with people. Throughout her life, Jackie had traveled to many locations in both the United States and Europe, as well as lived and traveled extensively throughout South Africa.
Mrs. Wesley loved her family and friends dearly and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with those she loved. Jackie will always be remembered for her beautiful smile and bright eyes, her kindness and sweet nature, and her zest and enthusiasm for life.
Mrs. Wesley was an active member of the 1958 graduating class of Fernandina High School and would go on to attend Valdosta State College and the University of North Florida where she obtained both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Elementary Education. Jackie remained very close to her Fernandina classmates throughout the years and helped coordinate many reunions and class activities.
Mrs. Wesley was an educator in the Nassau County School system, primarily at Emma Love Hardee Elementary School. She began her career in a regular classroom and migrated into the field of special education. Her love of teaching and children inspired and helped students for over 30 years.
Mrs. Wesley was a lifelong and active member of First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach. Jackie’s passion for teaching led her to teach young girls in the GA program at the church. She was an active member in both the Ladies Circle groups and Sunday School. Her willingness to lend a helping hand wherever she could, involved her in many different activities at her church.
Mrs. Wesley’s talents and enthusiam seemed never-ending. Among the things Jackie will be remembered for were her intricate works of crochet and the beautiful baskets she wove for the Shrimp Festival. Jackie was also a diehard Florida State fan and could always be counted on to support “her team”.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Wesley was predeceased by her husband, Dr. J. William Wesley, her daughter, Cindy Hambrick and her brother, Jimmy Mullin.
She leaves behind her daughters, Robin Humphreys and her husband, Shawn, of Charleston, SC and Kim Kirkland of Yulee; her step-son, William Wesley and his wife, Kristen, of Jacksonville Beach; her sister, Peggy Lawhorne and her husband, Royce, of Fernandina Beach; grandchildren, Lauren Humphreys, Brandon Humphreys, Jason Feltz, Emily Hambrick, Ethan Hambrick, Kyle Kirkland and his wife, Amanda, Cole Kirkland, Kalli Kirkland, Reid Wesley, Robbie Emerson and Alex Emerson; twin great-granddaughters that will be born in April, as well as many nieces and nephews and cousins.
Family and close friends will gather to remember her life during a graveside funeral service on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at Bosque Bello Cemetery beginning at 2:00 PM. Mrs. Wesley will be laid to rest beside her husband.
For family and friends who are unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed on Facebook and may be accessed via Kim Blackwelder Kirkland’s Facebook homepage starting at 2:00 PM. There will also be an opportunity for a drive-by procession immediately following the graveside service at approximately 2:30 PM for those who would prefer to remain in their cars out of caution due to COVID-19. Cars may enter Bosque Bello through the 2nd entrance and exit through the 1st entrance.
The family asks of those who attend to be respectful of social distancing and masks will be required. The family asks donations be made, in her memory, to one's favorite animal charity.