A memorial service for Jackie Carnes, age 86, of Brownwood, will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 2, 2017 at Union Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends at Heartland Funeral Home on Friday evening from 6:00 until 8:00. A private family burial will take place prior to the service.
Jackie passed from this life on Saturday, August 26, 2017 in Brownwood.
Jackie Rae Griffin (Cunningham) Carnes was born on September 27, 1930 in Brownwood to Pearl (King) and Jacob P. Griffin. She attended Brownwood schools and graduated from Brownwood High in 1948, where she was a cheerleader. She attended Daniel Baker College a semester before marrying. Jackie was a faithful member of Austin Avenue Presbyterian Church from an early age and remained active in Union Presbyterian up until her death.
Jackie had a passion for music from a young age. While in elementary school, she began piano lessons and loved every minute of it. She played the organ at church on many occasions. Jackie also provided accompaniment for dance recitals and voice solos during high school UIL competitions. Her family enjoyed hearing her play the piano around the home and she always had a song or a jingle for every occasion. Jackie sang in her church choir until the Lord called her home.
Jackie taught Sunday School for all ages -children to adults- for most of her life. After raising her family, she went back to school and began a 20 year career in nursing at Brownwood Regional Hospital. Jackie retired from nursing in 1995. She was actively involved in Good Samaritan Ministries and helped deliver Meals on Wheels for 20 years.
Jackie enjoyed travelling and made several trips around the U.S. She also visited Alaska and Mexico. Jackie was a serious game player. She had fun, but did not like to lose!
She was, as one of her granddaughters stated, “the textbook grandmother.” She was the “most loved” by all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and supported them in all of their activities- dance, sports, cheerleading, etc.
Jackie is survived by her husband, Richard Carnes, who she wed in 1988, and a brother, Scott Griffin; her four children, Cathy Mundy and husband Mike, Beverly Day and husband Gene, Jim Cunningham and wife Hollye and Diane Newton and husband Terry; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Barnhart, Brenna Day, Kellye O’Kelly, Geanna Tubbs, Shan Newton, Claire Cunningham, and Carly Bill and nine great-grandchildren.
Jackie was always full of laughter, joy and love! Everyone who knew her was touched in a positive way by her life. We will all miss her terribly, but are confident she is resting in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Good Samaritan Ministries or the charity of your choice.
Condolences, memories and tributes can be offered to the family online at heartlandfunerahome.net.