Jacquelyn Welburn

Jacquelyn "Jackie" Welburn, 85, of Madison, Alabama, passed away on January 21, 2024. She was born on August 6, 1938, in Columbus, Georgia, to her late parents John C. Bedsole, Sr., and Myrtle Lee Paulk Bedsole. Jackie is also preceded in death by her loving husband, William Drummond Welburn III, sister, Patricia Mathis, brother, John C. Bedsole, Jr., niece, Jackie Mathis Lincoln, and grandsons Will, Robert, and Michael Mixon.

 Jackie grew up in Opelika, AL and was very active in school as a cheerleader and member of the band. She was a Girl Scout and active in youth group and choir at her church. She graduated from Decatur High School in 1956. Jackie met Drummond during her junior year at Marianna High School. He was in Basic Training at Graham Air Force Base and had gone to observe the local band rehearsal where Jackie happened to play percussion. Drummond was also a percussionist. Their hearts marched to the same beat for 50 years. Jackie and Drummond were married on October 6, 1956 at First Baptist Church, Opelika, Alabama.

 Jackie was a loving and devoted daughter, wife, mother, sister, and "Grandmommy." As an Air Force and IBM pilot's wife, Jackie had the opportunity to live in multiple cities and states, embracing each move as an adventure, including: Santa Barbara, CA; Tacoma, WA; Goose Bay, Newfoundland, Canada; and Willingboro, New Jersey. With IBM, the family relocated to Wappingers Falls, NY; Wheaton, MD; Hopewell Junction, NY; and Katonah, NY. Jackie handled the day-to-day responsibilities of raising three children and running the household since Drummond could be on travel for weeks or months at a time. Wherever she landed, she made it a point to get involved in various volunteer opportunities, including the Red Cross, PTA, Girl Scouts, the Hopewell Junction Garden Club, Hopewell Reformed Church, and the Historical Society in Hopewell Junction, New York.

 After Drummond's retirement, they moved to Madison, Alabama, where they could dote on their only grandchildren at that time and be closer to Jackie’s remaining relatives. She was a very active member in Madison's Optimist Club and Asbury United Methodist Church. They moved full time to Destin, FL in 1999 where Jackie was an active member of Destin United Methodist Church, a bunco group, and a member of the Red Hat Society. After becoming widowed, Jackie also became a Stephen Minister to help others through difficult times. She was also a dedicated leader of the ministry of providing “Chemo Kits” to local cancer patients with United Methodist Women. Jackie moved in with her daughter, Lauren, before health concerns necessitated her move to Merrill Gardens Assisted Living, where Jackie was thrilled to be an ambassador featured on their website. She was also an active member of the Table, a United Methodist church plant at Merrill Gardens that meets weekly to support each other and several different missions. She continued her hospitable ways to the very end by looking for newcomers at Merrill Gardens to welcome in the halls and share a table in the dining room. 

Jackie was known for her friendly nature, generosity, beautiful smile, hearty laugh, fierce devotion to family, strong faith, honesty, and grit. She had a passion for sports and could certainly teach the referees a thing or two if given the chance to be heard or throw flags through the TV. Playing games with friends and family brought her joy, and she often pulled off her requested "miracle draw" while playing Canasta. She was a formidable Bridge player or any other card game that utilized memory. Additionally, she was an excellent cook and baker and loved sharing food with friends and by hosting dinner parties and large family gatherings. 

Jackie is survived by her children, William Dru[mmond] Welburn IV (Doreen), Stacey Mixon (Kyle), and Lauren Welburn; sister-in-law, Donna Bedsole; grandchildren, Brandon Wencil (Marian), Heather Poschel (Tyler), David Wencil (Jessie), Billye Welburn, Laura Welburn, and Hannah Mixon; great-grandchildren Mason Poschel, Joel Poschel, Neil Wencil, and Stevie Wencil. She is also survived by her nieces Beth Yates and Jeanine Mathis and nephew, Jay Bedsole. Jackie also leaves behind dear friends Sue and Larry Mcwhorter, John, Angie, Kate, and Alex Hood, Pat Rusak, John and Beth Ryberg, and Barbara Largent. 

The family would like to thank the medical staff at Huntsville Hospital's ER, Acute Care wing, and Hospice Family Care facility for their exemplary treatment, care, and kindness given to Jackie and the family in her last days. A funeral service to celebrate Jackie's life will be held at Legacy Chapel Funeral Home on Saturday, February 3rd. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by the service at 2:00 p.m. A graveside service will immediately follow at Huntsville Memory Gardens. Please join us in celebrating Jackie's life and the legacy of love and kindness she leaves behind. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable contribution to: 

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163 https://www.michaeljfox.org 

Huntsville Hospital Hospice Family Care 10000 Serenity Ln, Huntsville, AL 35803, www.huntsvillehospitalfoundation.org 

Another charity of your choice