Jacqueline W. Everitt

Jacqueline “Jackie” Everitt, age 89, of Niceville, Florida passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on September 21, 2023.

Jackie was born January 11, 1934, in Hartford, Alabama. She graduated from Graceville High School where she was a vibrant student who participated in basketball, softball, volleyball, cheerleading, Glee Club, Theatre, FHA, Student Council, and was voted friendliest for Senior Favorite. She was also active in the community and won the title of Miss Graceville in 1949, giving her the opportunity to represent Graceville in the 1949 Peanut Festival.

In her later teen years, Jackie met the love of her life, RG, and the two were married June 8, 1953, in Slocomb, Alabama. The two built a beautiful life together having 6 children, 8 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Jackie was a devoted wife, dedicated mother, grandmother, friend and neighbor. Her entire life was centered around her loved ones and enjoying them is what made her happiest.

Jackie was a caregiver at heart who gave meaning to the word hospitality. She never missed a chance to take care of those she loved. Her home was always warm and welcoming, her door was always open, and there was always an open seat at her table for a delicious, southern, home-cooked meal. Jackie was an excellent cook and her made-from-scratch biscuits and fried cornbread were just two of the many family favorites.

Jackie’s faith was another constant that was woven throughout everything in her life. She was Methodist and attended Crosspoint Church, Niceville. She was part of the United Methodist Women, and her favorite book is her Bible. She was the epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman and her favorite verse was Proverbs 31:28. We rejoice in knowing that she is now at home in glory with her Lord.

In her professional life, Jackie was a tireless worker doing whatever needed to help provide for her family. While she held various jobs in her younger years, she started her career in 1974 with the Christian-based company, Home Interiors and Gifts where she found her passion of helping other women make their houses into beautiful homes. She retired as a Unit Manager after 35 years and even though she left having mentored many women, more importantly she came away with lifelong friends. She was a member of the American Businesswomen’s Association and was a vocational speaker.

In her free time, Jackie enjoyed watching football and was an avid Florida Gators fan. She enjoyed working in her yard, visiting friends, travelling, and supporting her children and grandchildren in all their activities.

Throughout her life, Jackie (a.k.a Mom, Mommy Everitt, & Mema) was a loving, gifted, woman of God who lived out her life as a beautiful example for those who came behind her. Her legacy of love, hard work, and compassion will carry on for generations and she will be missed beyond measure.

She was preceded in death by her father, Almer Whitehead, mother, Eura Dell Sumblin, her husband, RG Everitt, her sister, Linda Whitehead, her brother, Gerald Don Whitehead, and son-in-law, Carl Cole.

Jackie is survived by her six children: Gerald Everitt (Leslie) of Dalton, GA, Jana Everitt Cole of Raleigh, NC, Cheryl Everitt Ward of Crestview, FL, Gary Everitt (Sondra) of Chattanooga, TN, Steven Everitt (Candy) of Newnan, GA; and Angela Everitt Willard of Ft. Walton Beach, FL; Eight Grandchildren: Holly Cole Baldwin (Brad), Trey Ward (Candace), Ashley Ward Willmont (Justin), Brian Everitt (Kara), Kelly Everitt Underwood (Daniel), Nikki Cole (Dillon), Tyler Willard (Amber), and Wesley Everitt (Bobbie); Twelve great grandchildren: Cadence Baldwin, Jacob Baldwin, Madison Ward, Aidan Pine, Carson Willmont, Calla Everitt, Laurence Underwood, Jaxon Cole, Carlynn Allred, Westen Everitt, Remington Everitt, Oakley Everitt; brother, Frank Whitehead (Diane) of Lynn Haven, FL; and many other relatives, and friends.

Visitation will be September 26, 2023, at 1:15 pm followed by a funeral service at 2:00 pm at Crosspoint Church, Niceville. A Burial Service will be held immediately after at Beal Memorial Cemetery in Ft. Walton Beach. Services will be performed by Rev. Herstel Carter.

The family extends their sincerest gratitude to Dr. Schroeder, Dr. Weisburch, Dr. Henien, Dr. Sandwith; Baptist Home Health; Emerald Coast Hospice; John Macon and Mary Lou Sparks of Crosspoint Church, Niceville and the support, prayers, and well wishes from friends and neighbors.

Flowers are being accepted, or you may make a contribution to Crosspoint Church of Niceville’s Building Fund, or Emerald Coast Hospice.

You can view a memorial to Mrs. Everitt and sign her guestbook at www.heritagegardensfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Heritage Gardens Funeral Home in Niceville, FL.

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