Jacqueline Pope Kelley departed this life on December 12, 2024, in Columbia, Tennessee. Born in Walker County, Georgia, to the late Jack Pope and Reva Kelley Pope, Jacqueline’s remarkable journey was defined by her sharp intellect, creativity, a passion for learning, and zest for life.
A scholar at heart, Jacqueline received an Associate of Arts degree from Georgia Southern College, a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from the University of South Carolina, and a Master of Arts degree in Special Education at California State University of Sacramento. She applied her education by working for over 30 years as a Resource Specialist to elementary school aged children.
While at Georgia Southern College, Jacqueline met Joe W. Lindsey, who would become her first husband and the father of her beloved daughters. Jacqueline and Joe married in 1960, relocating frequently as a military family serving the country in the Air Force. On a 2nd relocation to Sacramento, California it became home for many decades where Jackie met her second husband Tom Windsperger. Tom and Jackie met through a passion for running and had a wonderful and adventurous 25 years together. They created a warm, funny, and inviting family environment and instilled in their family a love of an active outdoor lifestyle including hiking, kayaking, and in particular trail running in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Jackie and Tom moved to Tennessee in 2006, where they continued to pursue their passion for an active lifestyle. Jacqueline undertook the challenge of walking the entire 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway at the age of 72! Later in life Jacqueline enjoyed yoga, time with family, Trivia and through her strategic acumen, she was fantastic at Bridge. Jacqueline’s artistic talents were a highlight of her life and extended to quilting and photography. In quieter moments, she found joy in her favorite television programs, such as Judge Judy, Survivor, the Voice, and Fox News!
At the core of Jacqueline’s life was her devotion to her family, particularly her treasured grandchildren, who brought her great joy. Jacqueline’s legacy is one of love, resilience, determination, curiosity, creativity, familial devotion and a boundless spirit. Her memory will continue to inspire and uplift those she leaves behind.
Jacqueline is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Cynthia (Gregory) Lindsey-Goodman and Sandra L. Ross; her adored grandchildren, Emma Lindsey Nieman and Claire Lindsey Ross; her brother, Darrell (Becky) Pope; her nephew, Kelley Pope; and her niece, Elizabeth Pope.
She is preceded in death by her first husband, Joe W. Lindsey, and her second husband, Thomas Windsperger, both of whom played integral roles in her extraordinary life.
The care of Ms. Jacqueline Pope Kelley and her family has been entrusted to the staff of Williams Funeral Home in Columbia, Tennessee. To share words of comfort and condolences, please visit www.williamsfh.com.
Her memory will be celebrated at a Celebration of Life in the New Year and she will be laid to final rest at Chattanooga Valley Baptist Church near her mother and father.
