Kiln, Mississippi
1937 - 2014
JACKEEN KELLEHER CHURCHILL
July 24, 1937-June 26, 2014
Kiln, Mississippi
JACKEEN KELLEHER CHURCHILL, died on Thursday, June 26, 2014 from complications of a rare disease of the immune system which she endured for many years. Although she was known as "Jackeen", her legal name was "Nellie May".
Jackeen was 76 years old at the time of her death. She was a native of New Orleans and a resident of Hancock County, Mississippi. She and her husband built a new house on Jourdan River near Kiln in 2005-2007 ( no thanks to Katrina ). Her long confinement due to illness was made more bearable by the love shown her from her many loyal friends.
Jackeen graduated from Metairie Park Country Day School and Wellesley College. She served as President of the Junior League of New Orleans and as a member of the boards of Country Day, The Wellesley College Alumni Association, Family Service Society, and the New Orleans 1984 World's Fair. She was co-founder and member of the board of the Lousiana Nature Center. She was queen of Twelfth Night and Comus during the 1958 Mardi Gras season. Perhaps her greatest love was the venerable book group of close friends, to which she belonged for decades.
In 1988, Jackeen and Jim moved from New Orleans to Los Angeles and then to Tokyo in 1992. In 1995, they returned to California. Jackeen's interest in Asian art led to her service as a docent for the Pacific Asia Museum of Pasadena. The museum and her fellow docents occupied a special place in her heart. In 2004, the Churchills returned to New Orleans and Mississippi.
Jackeen's parents were Harry B. Kelleher and "Jack" Bartlett Kelleher, both of New Orleans.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Jim Churchill of Kiln, Mississippi; a son, Allen Churchill and his wife Kelli, of Mandeville, Louisiana, and daughter and son-in-law, Courtney and John Crane, and two grandchildren, Jack and Cally Crane, all of Studio City, California, her brother, Harry B. Kelleher Jr. of Kiln, Mississippi, a niece, Elizabeth Kelleher Roberts of Jackson, Wyoming, and a nephew Harry B. Kelleher III of Metairie, Louisiana.
An "open house" gathering in honor of Jackeen will be held at the Churchill home on the Jourdan River in Mississippi from 11:00am to 2:00pm on Saturday, July 26, 2014. The address is 4030 Nicola Road, Kiln Mississippi 39556. No flowers please. Contributions, in memory of Jackeen, may be made to the charity of your choice.
Please visit www.honakerforestlawn.com to sign guestbook.
My sympathy goes out to the family during your time of grief. May God's loving-kindness comfort you and help you through this difficult time. (Psalm 119:50,76)
August 05, 2014
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. She was a wonderful woman and will certainly be missed by many.
Sincerely,
Eleanor Farnsworth
Eleanor Farnsworth
July 25, 2014 | New Orleans, LA
Jim, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Much Love Karolyn Westervelt
karolyn westervelt
July 25, 2014 | New Orleans, LA
Jim,
Susan was telling me about Jackeen's death and said the world has lost a very brave lady. I could not agree more. We will miss her as we know you do. Please extend our sympathy to your family.
George White
July 24, 2014 | Pass Christian, MS
Jim - I remember being a senior in high school in 1969 when I went to interview with Jackeen for my application to Wellesley College.
There was a lot of fanfare en route because my father, Leo Bruno, insisted on driving me and because of his friendship with Jackeen. By the time I arrived, I was a little intimidated, but that melted away instantly when I met your cheerful and brilliant wife.
When Wellesley offered me admission, I snapped up the opportunity based on my interaction...
Stephanie Bruno
July 24, 2014 | New Orleans, LA
My heartfelt sympathy is with your family. May you have encouraging support from family members and friends.
May your memories bring you comfort and God's word the strength to endure.-Ps 62: 8
July 23, 2014
Jim,
My deepest sympathy for your loss.
Remy Fransen
Remy Fransen
July 23, 2014 | New Orleans, LA
The thoughts and prayers of the entire Rudman/Berglass clan are with you.
Larry Rudman
July 20, 2014 | Metairie, LA
Jackeen was an energetic, creative President of Family Service in the 1960's and 1970's. She gave generously of her time and talent. Her dynamism and leadership had a major impact on Family Service and the thousands of families served.
Sincerest sympathy to the Kellerher/ Churchill family at this time of loss. May God bring strength, comfort and peace.
Bob Quintana
July 20, 2014
