Jacqueline Spooner Wilhoit

1958 - 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jacqueline Spooner Wilhoit on September 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving husband Gene, and sons Max and Austin.

Jacqueline Anne Spooner was born in New York City in 1958. She was the daughter of the late Francine Sohn Spooner (1988) and George l. Spooner (1962). She was the granddaughter of the late Frank Sohn (1968), a prominent artist from Chicago, who was known for paintings of cityscapes, skyscrapers and florals.

Jackie grew up on Long Island, N.Y. She graduated from Oyster Bay High School in 1976. In 1980, she graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Art degree.

Jackie's love of the arts began at a very young age, surrounded by her grandfather's paintings and the directoire-style furniture that her mother brought back from Paris. She enjoyed spending much of her younger years going on client jobs with her mother and time in her mother's interior design store in Locust Valley, NY.

Jackie moved to Hilton Head Island in 1987, where she met Gene Wilhoit. They married in October 1990 and raised two sons, Max and Austin, who were her pride and joy. Wherever and whatever the boys were involved in, she was their greatest champion. She soon established her own design firm, Jacqueline Spooner Interiors, and became a founding partner of House of Design. Her endless talents resulted in many of her clients becoming wonderful friends. She loved the art of photography and took countless photos of architecture, nature and most especially her loved ones. She started each day with a picture of the sunrise at the beach and wishing her family and friends a wonderful day. Jackie was involved with the Hilton Head Art League as chairwomen creating special events which raised many needed funds. She spent many years on the Island School Council of the Arts, and continued her support of local artisans, throughout her lifetime. She was also an avid participant in Palmetto Dunes community events.

Left to cherish Jackie's memory are her beloved husband, Gene; sons Max and Austin (Caitlin); and her fur babies.

Everyone is welcome at Jackie's Celebration of Life on November 22, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. in Hilton Head Plantation at Spring Lake Pavillion - 231 Seabrook Drive, Hilton Head Island SC 29926. Passes will be issued at the gate.

Donations can be made in Jackie's memory to the American Kidney Foundation, the H.H. Art League or Humane Society.