Jacquelyn Kay Harkey

Jacquelyn Kay Harkey, beloved wife and mother passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at the age of 56. She leaves behind the love of her life for 29 years, Robert Harkey; her children, Stephanie Bennett and Brandon Harkey; her sisters, Renee Frantz, Debbie Gaulden, and Kathy White; and her brother, Ron Harry. Jackie was predeceased by her parents, Chuck and Freda Harry.

 

Although born in McAlester, Oklahoma, Jackie grew up on the west coast. The California girl returned to Oklahoma with her family in the mid 1980s where she graduated from Allen High School in 1985. After studying pre-pharmacy at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma, Jackie was accepted into the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in pharmacy.

Jackie touched the lives of many, not only in her nearly 31 years as a pharmacist, but as a faithful servant of Christ in her home churches – from her family’s first church, First Baptist of Noble, Oklahoma, to their current church, Balboa Baptist Church in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. Jackie’s living testimony to God was the way she treated others. With tender kindness and an infectious giggle, she offered friendship and encouragement to all who met her. While her golden curls may be what first caught someone’s eye, it was Jackie’s bubbly personality and genuine compassion for others that made her everyone’s friend. She was not loud, but she was not quiet. Many even said, and Jackie agreed, she was “the most extroverted introvert we have ever known”.

To know Jackie for even a moment, was to know that she loved her husband and her children unconditionally. Her favorite times were anytime they spent together. In retirement, she and Robert enjoyed many traveling adventures, focusing primarily “anywhere there is a beach” as this was Jackie’s prerequisite. The island of St. John and the Dominican Republic were just a couple of her favorite places to explore. For Jackie, though, time in their pool or hot tub served as wonderful alternatives between tropical travels.

An avid dancer of late, especially at the Bee Hive, Jackie loved music of all kinds. She especially enjoyed watching musicals and listening to live music. Her favorite bass player, without doubt, was her son, Brandon. Although his musical preferences may not have mirrored hers, she loved to listen to Brandon play and proudly did so any chance she had.

If not traveling or dancing, Jackie could be found doing a number of other activities, including one of her favorite, shopping. While Jackie could shop for anything at any time, she preferred shopping alongside her loving daughter, Stephanie. Whether antique shopping for pie plates or autumn leaf designed dishes, Jackie treasured those shopping times together above all others. They had great fun in their shopping journeys together.

As a retiree, Jackie also recently took up golf. She was learning the sport well, although some wonder if she really took it up so she could watch and listen to the birds nearby. She treasured all of God’s creatures, and especially found delight and affection for birds and her fur babies whom she loved as her own children. 

Jackie loved and was loved so much. Her legacy dwells in the hearts and minds of her family and countless friends touched by her life.

Visitation will be held at Balboa Baptist Church, Hot Springs Village, Arkansas on June 29, 2023 at 1:00 pm and is open to family and friends. The funeral service will follow immediately at 2:00 pm. Loved ones unable to attend in person may observe the service at: https://balboa.live/.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.