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Jacqueline Donahue Obituary

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Jacqueline "Jackie" Donahue, a sister of Grammy-winning rapper Nelly, died Thursday at a St. Louis hospital after a long battle with leukemia, the artist's publicist said.

Donahue had been diagnosed with leukemia on March 29, 2001. The cancer was in remission for nearly two years before she suffered a relapse, p rompting Nelly to arrange a number of bone marrow drives. A match was never found.

Publicist Jane Higgins said Nelly and Donahue, who had the same father, were very close as they grew older. Donahue, a 31-year-old mother of two, worked as Nelly's stylist until her illness forced her to leave that position.

In March 2003, Nelly and Donahue formed a campaign called "Jes Us 4 Jackie" to find donors for Donahue and others, and to raise awareness about bone marrow donations.

Donahue's family said in a statement they were "deeply saddened" by her death and offered their thanks for those who had supported her and the bone marrow drives.

"We are very proud of her efforts to educate and raise awareness about the disease and the need for African-Americans to join the National Donor Registry," the family said.

"She will always be remembered for her loving spirit, energy and unshakable faith."

The 30-year-old rapper said through Universal Records that several dates on his tour had been postponed.


Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press
Published by The Times-Picayune on Mar. 24, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Jacqueline Donahue

Not sure what to say?





1023 Entries

Earlene

December 8, 2023

Rih beautiful

Nyesha

November 16, 2023

I didn’t know but RIH beautiful queen

Gladys Ortiz

November 3, 2023

So very sorry for the loss of your sister may she rest in peace you were a good brother to her

ANDREA L HALL

September 23, 2023

I don't physically know you but I know the pain you must be feeling while mourning your sister. Lost my sister as well yeah she was only four but it still hurts all the same. Rest in heaven Jacqueline.

Shelia Sutton

June 22, 2019

Rest on sister

Teresa Singleton Jones

September 28, 2018

Jackie I used to take care of you at a hospital in St Louis Mo. I fell in love with your spirit. You were tough and sensitive at the same time. I'll never forget our personal conversations about life. I was happy to reconnect with you at your sons football game and for us to catch up. That was the last time I saw you. You are tremendously missed and loved. I remember I told you that you reminded me of my own sister with the freckles. I also remember you sending me to the cafeteria for a V8splash on several occasions. Lol! I just want you to know that I love you and remember us laughing and crying. Rest in heaven.

Charmaine Williams

September 12, 2018

Rest in peace beautiful one. I didn't know you but I love you.

Nicole Haynes Mister

June 20, 2018

Celebrating you!!!

Nicole Haynes Mister

March 24, 2018

Thinking of you as I Always and Forever will do!!

Charlize Modley

March 20, 2018

Rest In Peace

alexia kyles

October 30, 2017

she was fighting and god just called her to come home signed alexia kyles

Marama Crowell

October 9, 2017

Continue to rest peacefully

Shakira Williams

August 5, 2017

I am lighting this candle for jackie donuhue. May ur soul rest with god nelly has done a wonderful with ur children i love ur brother so much i am so proud of him. U angel now looking down on ur family

Me'Chelle Montano

July 16, 2017

I know your beautiful sister, mother, daughter passed away years ago and that she is in Heaven looking down on you and your family. I pray that God comforts your family and always know that you will all see her again one day in Heaven. I lost my sister and best friend September 2, 2014. Just knowing she is in Heaven and that I will
See her again one day comforts me. God bless your family and her beautiful children.
Love,
Me'Chelle

Victoria Stokes

May 25, 2017

I will always remember you sweetheart.... Rest in heaven.

Nicole Haynes-Mister

June 20, 2016

11 years...I Remember! Spirit isn't born therefore spirit can't die! Celebrating your birthday in honor and memory of you!

Tee Shey

March 31, 2016

God Bless your soul. I watched closely as you fought your battle. I am originally from St Louis my family is there. I was diagnosed today with the same cancer. I am a single mother of 4.I am ready to fight and afraid to suffer. Peace to all. God gives his battles to his strongest soldiers.

March 20, 2016

rest easy

Nakita W

January 6, 2016

Rest peacefully ms Donahue . You gave us two angel (son,daughter)

shakira williams

November 24, 2015

jackie i miss u sorry wish they would had test me like i wanted may be u would be here today sorry baby girl u in a better place love may god bless u

November 15, 2015

R.I.P ms.donahue i am so sorry i hope you rest well

August 31, 2015

May your beautiful soul rest in peace.

Thomas Rutledge

August 21, 2015

Awesome job nelly is doin in your behalf. You should have the bigest and brightest smile up there. I hope you and my son are embracing each other. People would call him nelly because he resembled him very strong and he was an awesome rapper before his untimely murder. Your sis should be very proud of u ma man. Much love

shakira williams

August 14, 2015

may god bless ur family at ur sister is a angel now and she is lucky to have a brother like u nelly to raise her children may she rest in peace with god u will always be in my prayers nelly and family

shakira williams

August 14, 2015

may god rest ur soul jackie nelly is doing a great job raising shawn and sydeny u would be proud of them love u jackie god bless love u nelly and family

ttacie barnes

August 11, 2015

Your brother has done a wonderful job with your children u would be so proud to see how they grown into wonderful adults

August 8, 2015

god bless you your children are being well looked after by your loving brother x

Jackie Solitaire

July 16, 2015

GOD rest her soul

Kaylyn Davis

June 24, 2015

DI am sorry for your lost she is in heaven and I hope you have good memories of her in Jesus name I pray amen

Allure Searles

June 2, 2015

I'm lighting a candle for jackie donahue may she rest in peace her memory will live on forever rip.

Allure Searles

June 2, 2015

I never knew jackie personally I have always heard Good things about her when I had heard about her story and what happened to her I was sad by it especially felt bad for Nelly I know that he was trying to find his sister a donor but couldn't I send my condolences to him and his family I ask that father jehovah and Jesus continue to watch over him and his family and help stay strong and have peace rip jackie donahue you'll never be forgotten your missed.

valerie alarcon

June 1, 2015

God bless you

valerie alarcon

June 1, 2015

Iam so sorry for your loss of your sister Nelly my condolences go to the family god bless her rip Jackie my pray go to the family sadly going to be miss she is up in heaven your family will forget about you they all will alway love you

Shakonda Cloud

May 29, 2015

"Hevean's Angel, your brother is carrying out your wishes, may your soul be at peace"

Kim Crawford

May 28, 2015

RIP JACKIE YOU ARE MISSED MOSTLY BY YOUR CHILDREN BUT WE KNOW YOU ARE IN A BETTER PLACE PAIN FREE!!!!!! NELLY I KNOW YOUR PAIN TO LOOSE A SIBLING IS VERY PAINFUL

Jerri mosely

May 26, 2015

RIP you're in a much better place.

Elizabeth Gonzales

May 26, 2015

First of all I would like to give my condolocence to nelley and his family....your doing an awesome job on raising Ur Newphew and niece....as if they were your own...your a wonderful father...my prayers go out to you all ; I know its been 10 yrs...My heart is with your family...rest in paradise Jackie...I know she is very happy and proud of you all. sorry for Ur loss...

William Frazier

May 26, 2015

Nelly we are praying that God will keep you'll strong daily. He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. (Psalms 91:1-4 KJV)

Latisha Benard

May 26, 2015

May your soul rest peacefully, and to her family God has this battle and keep your faith...Nelly your an excellent brother, father,great promoter on kids doing right.. Your sister is in Heaven Gates looking down on you all for being continuously strong..So sorry about your loss Nelly and family sorry about your loss ...prayers sent

Miss Scott

May 21, 2015

It is amazing how Sydney looks exactly like her Mom!Its hard for a young girl to be without her Mom.Be strong Sydney,God blessed you with an Uncle that will give his life to keep you safe.What a blessing.I love how Shawn takes care of his little sister. Chanelle is such a loving big sister.Jackie is looking down and smiling saying,look at my beautiful babies.She's proud of ALL of you.Prayers keep going up and blessings keep falling down. God Bless.

Teura Stigler

May 11, 2015

Death is so unnatural. That's why the pain of losing a love one never goes away. But God promises a time when we can see our loves again and death will be gone forever! May the father of all comfort continue to provide you with strength.

daddy lele

May 8, 2015

she was so beautiful.

daddy lele

May 8, 2015

god bless , I know it must be hard for you all but you have eachother to stick with. she had some beautiful children . omg stink is so gorgeous and goofy and Tab OMG he just give me life wit his cute self and his pretty smile but god bless you have my condolences.

Dwayne Bickham,Sr.

May 7, 2015

In God's care rest in peace

mykeia dunkin

May 6, 2015

God bless u

May 4, 2015

GOD bless

Jo Buck

May 4, 2015

I know it's been years since she died. But may God bless your family. May you Rest In Heaven

Mitzi Adeyemi

May 3, 2015

While watching Nellyville I came to realize that Nelly was raising Jackie's children. My condolences go out to the family and most of all her beautiful children who are all grown up now. May God continue to bless them and keep them. You are their angel in Heaven. Nelly is their angel on earth. They are in good hands. RIP sister RIP. God bless.

Tbaby Henderson

April 12, 2015

Keep your head up,it's important to the lord and your sister,most of all for your beautiful family much love Tbaby Henderson from Gulfport ms.

regina caulton

March 23, 2015

God got it you nelly he will keep blessing you for everything you do your sister is smiling down on you... Stay Strong

March 23, 2015

You're doing a blessed job nellyYou're sister will be proud of you up in heaven.shes there smiling.rest in peace my love
0

Nicole Haynes-Mister

March 7, 2015

There's a VOID that will NEVER be filled. I remember.....

not important

February 27, 2015

RIP. You left behind two beautiful angels. Nelly seems to be doing an awesome job at taking care of them. Hope you are able to look down on them and smile.

Danielle Sharp

February 15, 2015

TO ONE OF GOD's ANGELS...

Danielle Sharp

February 15, 2015

What a beautiful reflection of you I see through your children and brother,GOD ALWAYS BLESS AND COVER YOUR FAMILY THROUGH THEIR JOURNEY,AS YOU THE ANGEL IN HEAVEN OBSERVES AND WAITS PATIENTLY FOR GOD TO REUNITE.

Shawn Williams

February 15, 2015

YOU'RE AN AWESOME DAD!!!!!!!! YOUR SISTER WOULD BE SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!!! WE SEE THE LOVE YOU HAVE FOR YOUR FAMILY!!! IT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING!!!!

Tashika Dixon

February 15, 2015

Continue to Rest in Peace Angel.
Praying for the continued strength of your children.

Neshia Gines

February 15, 2015

R.I.P Jackie...your brother Nelly is doing an awesome jobs raising your kids.

mary gilliam

January 21, 2015

My prayers goes out to the family rip

Lynn Anderson

January 20, 2015

So very sorry for your loss praying for your family??????

Dre White

January 20, 2015

Love your show brother, stay strong. RIP Jackie!

Lashun

January 19, 2015

I remember a moment when i seen an interview about nelly they were talking about how his beloved sister was ill and nelly was doin whatever he can to save his sis. i was heart broken about her loss. my heart goes out to her and her kids, and Most of all?... her bro Nelly for all he's done. stay Strong nelly.. love ur music... p.s ur sister was Beautiful!!!!...

Oddesty Johnson

January 16, 2015

You are doing a wonderful job!! You have not only showed the world how strong you are but your sister as we'll . She's smiling down in heaven.

Latishia

January 13, 2015

Nelly,I know it not easy but keep your head up and continue to be the loving brother,uncle,father and role model. I love your show. You keep it real and honesty.
My mother was diagnosis with Leukemia in Sept 2014. She is taking one day at a time, her faith is very strong. She told me this " you know what people go threw until you walk in their shoes," we are try to raised money and doing fundraiser for her.
Her loving daughter tishia.

jakayla Sanders

January 10, 2015

Jakayla sanders rip jakie I am so sorry for your loss

Olivia Ware

January 3, 2015

My heart goes out to Nelly & the kids. R.I.P Jackie, Nelly is doing an excellent job.

Nentay Bonds

January 3, 2015

R.I.P Ur brother is doing a terrific job

Mary Thomas

January 3, 2015

Nelly, I was so sorry to here about your sister, she will always be the Angel in her kids life as well as your life, so, Nelly keep on doing what you are doing, being a great male role model. God Bless

lanisha Rowell

January 3, 2015

I'm sorry for you lost!!

Courtney Rich

January 3, 2015

Rip Jackie

Karen Gillespie

January 3, 2015

Nelly we love you and your family

Jamie Slack

January 3, 2015

RIP Jackie. Your brother is doing a wonderful job.

Darchelle Harlan

January 2, 2015

Rip.

Your doing an unbelievable job Nelly with balancing your busy lifestyle, and being a dad. Keep doing what your doing. God bless!!

Tiffany Robinson

January 1, 2015

You Never Forgotten.R.I.P

Will Bowen

January 1, 2015

Nelly I know how it feels losing your sister and when she is your best friend too it's sad R.I.P Jaqueline We all love you Nelly keep strong and keep doing what you are doing because you are blessed you have a beautiful family and everything.Keep strong

Joyjoy Comp.

January 1, 2015

Nelly this shows your Christ Light Spirit walk you are truly being a blessing to someone I'm proud of you!

Felicia

December 31, 2014

Gone way to soon. You are missed but never forgotten.
P.S. Just so you know your brother is doing an awesome job with your beautiful babies. R.I.P. Baby

Carolyn B

December 30, 2014

R.I.P. You have beautiful children.

Patrice Smith

December 30, 2014

R.I.P... Didn't know but I'm sure you was a beautiful person.... I watch nellyville... Your kids sure do miss you ... I can feel there pain I lost my mom in the same year and cancer as well.. I know you looking down on them.. .. May you rest in peace....

uvonda garland

December 30, 2014

You and your family are very strong and blessed I knew your sister had passed but never knew how it felt til I lost my brother to asthma attack June 24,2014..my life forever changed i visit cemetery often and I cry it's hard he left me too soon but I have my one nephew god will continue to bless u nelly and family for stepping up I feel your pain but I yet trust god..be blessed good job if no one have told you and I hope u and Ms Jackson seal the deal u 2 look beautiful

Kyla Morrow

December 30, 2014

RIP we'll miss u

Kyla Morrow

December 30, 2014

RIP we'll miss u very

Natasha Dawson

December 30, 2014

R.I.P Angel

Robin Lee

December 30, 2014

Gone too Soon. R.I P. You have a Very Beautiful and Loving Family.

Robin Edley

December 30, 2014

My prayers are with you all. I know how it is to lose your mom; but stay strong and keep the faith every thing will be alright. Much love to you all
God bless

December 30, 2014

Prayers for all Ur loved ones

renee Mason

December 26, 2014

May the spirit of our savior continues to bless you and your family

December 23, 2014

No more pain,no more worries ,untillvwe meet again

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