Jacquelyn Roberts

The family of Jacquelyn McDonald Roberts is saddened to announce her passing after a short battle with cancer.  She died peacefully in her home at 85 years of age on August 7, 2018.

Jackie was born September 20, 1932 in Scotland, Georgia to the late Allie Mae (Coleman) and Roy McDonald. She was predeceased by sisters Faye (Lamar) Murdaugh, Betty Haywood and Jane Bowling. She is also predeceased by her husband Ralph and their son, Bernard Suttler Roberts.

Jackie graduated high school at 15 years old in 1948.  She started college on her 16^th birthday.  She received an Associate’s degree in accounting from Middle Georgia College in Cochran, Georgia.  She moved to Atlanta and worked for the Pacific National Insurance Company.  This is where she met the love of her life, saying that he was the most handsome man she had ever seen before.

Jackie and Ralph Roberts, Jr. were united in marriage at Saint Phillips Cathedral on February 2, 1952 in Atlanta, Georgia.  Ralph could remember their anniversary every year because it was “Groundhog’s Day.”  He adored her.

Her family was her sole priority, including caring for her parents, a sister, and her husband.  Jackie gave birth to five children, but can be credited with raising dozens more. In addition to Michael, Libby, Sally, John and Bernard, they adopted Benny Bracewell at the age of 13 and raised him as their own. Their home was also opened to Danny Ivey and Mike Bracewell and they continued lasting loving relationships with them and their families until Ralph’s and Jackie’s respective deaths.

The rambling Victorian house on Green Street that Jackie and Ralph called home had multiple entrances and exits, none of them ever locked.  Jackie never knew until morning exactly how many children spent the night at her house, but she always managed to have enough food and made all at her table feel like one of her own. She was nicknamed “Make-do” by her mother because she could literally make do with whatever was at hand, no matter what it happened to be. Jackie was also a one woman carpool for the neighborhood for many years.  Her station wagon was well known by all of her children’s friends and made many adventures possible.

She loved babies and all children, seeing them as reason for celebration.  She rejoiced with each addition to the family. She often babysat so that parents could work, opening her doors to kids of all ages.

Following the death of her beloved Ralph in 1997, Jackie joined several bridge groups.  She enjoyed many years of fun and friendship with these women and they were very dear to her. She attended Grace Episcopal Church as long as her health allowed.

She is survived by her sister Ruth (Marvin) Alexander, brother Bob McDonald and brother-in-law  Gene Haywood. She is also survived by her children Michael Roberts, Benny (Jenny) Bracewell , Libby (Sandy) Jackson, Sally (Greg) Williams,  and John Roberts. Her grandchildren include Cori (Dave) Wiseman, Jenny Maureen (Bo) Ramsey, Joshua (Amber) Jackson, Benjamin (Kara) Jackson, Caroline (Henslee) Hill, Brad (Jade) Williams, Ally & Bo Roberts.  Her great-grandchildren include Olivia, Alex & Max Wiseman, Logan & Layla Ramsey, Christopher & Evan Jackson, Harrison & Liza Kate Jackson , Charlie & Mallory Hill and Stella Rose Williams.  She enjoyed the love of a host of nieces and nephews as well.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 11, with the service at 1 at Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel with Rev. Mike Freeman officiating.  Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Good News at Noon, 979 Davis St., Gainesville, GA 30501.

Online condolences can be made at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com. Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, Georgia 30501. 770-297-6200