Jackie Radford

Graveside services for Jackie Radford, 90, of Corpus Christi and formerly of Mexia, will be 10:00 AM, Friday, August 27, 2010 at Ft. Parker Memorial Park. Rev. Marcus Sheffield will officiate. Visitation with the family will be 5-7 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home. Jackie Radford began her life on this earth on August 4, 1920. She was the second of three children born to Joe L. and Robbie Coker of Corsicana. Her journey through this life ended August 20, 2010 as she walked into the waiting arms of her Savior. In May 1939, Jackie met William Richard (Bill) Radford on a blind date. On February 25, 1940, they eloped with their best friends and had a double marriage ceremony in Marlin. Jackie accepted Christ as her Savior at a very early age and her church was always a big part of her life. When she moved to Mexia in 1945, she joined First Baptist Church. She was very active with the WMU and through the years taught many young women in Sunday School. While growing up, Linda and Carole always knew that she was available for them. She was always a Room Mother at Ross Elementary while Linda and Carole were in school. She was a parent sponsor for the first senior MHS girl's club in 1966 and was involved in all of Linda's and Carole's activities through the church. Although Jackie's ambition was to be the best "stay at home" Mother and wife, when Linda and Carole were young teenagers, Jackie went to work to provide all of those extras that young girls need. She retired in 1980, as manager of the Merle Norman Studio in Mexia. Bill died in 1978 and Jackie felt that it was time to become active in the daily lives of her two grandchildren, Chris and Melissa Strong. So in 1981, she started the next chapter of her life when she moved to Corpus Christi. This was a huge step for her, but her role as "Nana" was her second greatest ambition in life. Jackie joined the First Baptist Church as soon as she moved to Corpus. There she found the most wonderful group of friends that immediately accepted her and made her feel at home. They were a close group that supported each other through many happy times and sad times and they were there to support her when she needed them the most. Jackie was blessed during the past year and a half with the presence of Lupe Fuentes in her life. Lupe's Christen and loving personality provided Jackie with comfort, security and love. God sends angels into people's lives at their times of need and Lupe was her angel. Jackie looked forward to the "girls' trips" that she took with Linda and Carole. After living in Corpus for so many years, she missed the trees, lakes and rivers of central Texas. So for the past 15 years, they would find a beautiful spot in the Texas Hill Country to vacation. It was a time filled with laughter, reminiscing and games of "chicken foot". She loved her family, her friends, her church and her Lord. Her radiant smile and radiant personality were her trademarks. Jackie was known for her smile and her sweet disposition. Her life can be summed up by the scripture "Well done, thy good and faithful servant." Jackie graduated from Corsicana High School. After moving to Corpus, she attended Bible Classes at Howard Payne University Bible College. Jackie is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Burk Strong of Corpus Christi, her daughter, Carole Radford of Austin, grandson, Christopher Burk Strong of Dubai United Arab Emirates, granddaughter, Melissa (Bo) Lemire, great-grandchildren, Zachary Burk Lemire and Sophia Grace Lemire. Also, nieces and nephews, Diane (Joe) Garner of Lubbock, Lana (Dewayne) Gragg of Lake Mexia and Chuck (Susan) McClanahan of Corsicana. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Radford; her parents; her sister, Jo L. McClanahan of Corsicana; and her brother, Billy Gene Coker of Corsicana. Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church in Mexia.