Jacquelyn Berniece Edmondson

Jacki Edmondson passed on to her place in the Heavenly Choir May 1, 2010, while holding the hand of her husband and soul mate, Bill. She passed peacefully from her home at the age of 79. She was the cherished only child born in San Francisco to William A. and Berniece S. Nauer. She displayed a love and aptitude for music early in life that grew as she did. Moving to Garberville as a teen with her parents, she attended South Fork High School where she graduated with distinction. Her marriage to musician Joseph Stull produced her first quartet as children Michael, Timothy, William and Patricia arrived on the scene. They were taught close harmony and a good musical "ear". The family moved to Eureka and following the dissolution of her marriage, the "Old House" at 16th & H became home. After a brief marriage to Ken Majors, her son Jon, came onto the scene, and Ken's children became a part of her life. Jacki encouraged and supported musical development for her children, and her love for all types of music - especially Barbershop harmony grew with each passing year. She immersed herself in "Sweet Adelines," organizing and directing the Eureka chapter. She sang in successive quartets, most notably "Momma's Music Company." While busy with her musical avocation, she also worked for the County of Humboldt as a Milk Laboratory Technician. Jacki's generous spirit and wonderful ability to find humor in almost any situation resulted in a wonderful HOME atmosphere for friends and family. Friends could stay for dinner; the cookie jar was always full and the coffee was always on. Jacki began directing a foundering men's chorus, "The Humboldt Harmonaires" in 1972, where she met the love of her life, Bill Edmondson, who sang with the group. Through the magic medium of music, they fell in love and were married in May 1973. They were just about to celebrate their 37th wedding anniversary! All who knew Bill and Jacki would agree that their mutual devotion was exemplary. Jacki was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1976, fighting the progression and intrusion of this disease with every fiber of her being, and had the dubious distinction of being one of the longest-surviving persons with P.D. in our area. She rose to the challenges of this cruel disease and continued to make her first priorities that of her home, her husband, her family and MUSIC. She never complained despite the hurdles and roadblocks that came. Jacki continued to direct "The Humboldt Harmonaires" until 1987 when the disease no longer permitted, and her husband, Bill, began directing in her footsteps. Jacki was preceded in death by her parents, William and Berniece Nauer, and sons, Billy and Michael. She is survived by her loving husband, William (Bill) Edmondson, daughter, Trish and her husband, Steve, of Portland, OR., son, Timothy and his wife, Lori, of Chicago, son Jon Majors of Eureka, Sharon R. Edmondson and Steve Littlefield of Eureka, Andrea Ekker of Eureka; her grandchildren, J.W. Majors and his mother, Terri Majors, of Eureka, Wilson Majors of St. Charles, MO., Brian Ekker of Eureka and Michael Moehnke of Eureka. Special thanks to her loving husband, who retired early to care for her, and who exemplified self-sacrifice to care for his wife most unselfishly. In addition, we would like to thank caregivers Dr. Beth Abels and staff, Dr. John Gambin and staff, and Rachel Kostick, and so many loving friends. The family asks that you consider a donation to Barbershop Harmony Society (www.barbershop.org) or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (michaeljfox.org). A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, may 15th, from 1:00-4:00 at Bethel Church, 2734 Hubbard Lane, in Eureka. Please join us to celebrate a wonderful wife, mother, and woman! She was the Proverbs 31 wife! Please sign our online guestbook at www.times-standard.com, click on Obits.