Jackie Lou Williams McMullian passed away on November 1, 2022, at the age of 84. Born in Brownfield, TX on November 20, 1937 to Grace Marie Raney Williams and Winford James Williams. Jackie attended more than 20 schools in multiple states as the daughter of an oil field wildcatter. Her family’s travels eventually led her to Marianna, FL, where she completed her senior year at Marianna High School in 1956.
Jackie continued her education at Chipola Junior College, where she was crowned Homecoming Queen in 1957 and met her loving and devoted husband of 62 years, Amos Ryals McMullian. She also attended Florida State University and graduated from the University of Florida before becoming a first and second grade teacher at Jerger Elementary School in Thomasville, GA. Jackie loved being a teacher and was dedicated to helping her students find their unique talents and strengths to excel, not only in the classroom, but in life. She wanted each child to feel self-confident, capable and surrounded by unconditional love and security.
However, Jackie’s most important and impactful teaching moments were bestowed upon her two children and five grandchildren throughout her life. Devoting herself to her family and ensuring they always felt loved, Jackie created a home that fostered kindness, compassion, curiosity, self-reliance, accountability, independence and service.
Unshakably loyal to her friends and the causes she deemed important, Jackie would never back down from a challenge and aspired to leave the world better than she found it. She extended her sense of purpose and service into the community that she loved. She was a founding member of All Saints’ Episcopal Church and served on the Board of Trustees and Chairwoman of the Board of Directors for Brookwood School. Jackie also led the Thomasville Park Conservancy in their revitalization of the community’s parks, including Paradise Park.
Jackie was a talented gardener and a fierce competitor in dominos. She enjoyed listening to Il Divo and John Denver, and always loved a good antique store (she even loved a bad one). She was always ready to travel, especially to the beach, Nova Scotia and Wyoming. Having lived in Wyoming and Yellowstone, she always had one foot pointed west. But most of all, Jackie cherished every moment with her children and grandchildren, and an evening on the porch with Amos.
Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, Jimmie Sue Sims (sister), Aaron Winford Smith (great-nephew), and her beloved husband, Amos. Jackie is survived by their children, A. Ryals McMullian, Jr. (Cecilia) and Britton McMullian Josey (Treadwell); and their grandchildren, Ryals McMullian, III, Raney McMullian, Gabriel McMullian, Jack Josey and Grace Josey; her niece, Cindy Sims Smith (Chuck); her nephew, William Robert Sims (Shirley); great-nieces, Taylor Sims Smith and Kelly Ann Sims and her great-nephew, Rob Sims.
There will be no public service in Jackson County, Florida. However, the family would like to invite all those who wish to celebrate and honor both Jackie and Amos to a public memorial service to be held at All Saint’s Episcopal Church in Thomasville, GA, on November 19, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. ET.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Jackie to All Saint’s Episcopal Church, 443 S Hansell Street, Thomasville, GA 31792.
