Jacque McNeely

Jacqueline Sue McNeely died Sunday evening, September 22, 2019 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Behind her faith in God and Christ, family was everything to Jacque: her husband of over 62 years, Melton; children Steve (and Mary), Debbie (and Mike) Machin, and Pam Penn; grandchildren Danielle McNeely, Kristine (McNeely) Taylor, Stephen McNeely, Michael Machin, Meredith Machin, Marissa Machin, Billy Penn, and Dillon Penn; their spouses, 11 great grandchildren, sister Sandra (and Sol) Becker, and many nieces and nephews.
Jacque was born on April 11, 1938 in Abilene, Texas to Robert Lee (RL) and Johnye (Eason) Welch. She grew up with her siblings Bill (deceased) and Sandra in Abilene where she met her future husband at Wylie High School. Married young, Melton and Jacque first lived in Farmington, New Mexico where he worked for El Paso Natural Gas. Stephen and Deborah were born in Farmington. Tragically, Jacque’s Mom was killed in a car wreck during this time when her parents were en route for a visit.
Melton and Jacque were baptized into the Body of Jesus Christ on March 22, 1960.
In 1962, the family moved to Pasadena, California so Melton could attend Ambassador College—a small, religious-based liberal arts college. Pamela was born shortly thereafter, and Jacque worked tirelessly to keep spotless homes and diligently raise children while Melton worked in escalating positions in finance at Ambassador College and the Worldwide Church of God. Jacque and Melton loved entertaining students, friends, and co-workers in their home. After all the kids were in school, Jacque worked as a clerk in the church’s accounting department where her sense of humor and “Southern accent” endeared her to all.
In 1978 Melton, Jacque, Debbie and Pam relocated to Dallas, Texas where Melton started a CPA firm. Melton was later recruited to become the Director of Financial Affairs at the Ambassador College Big Sandy campus, so they sold the small firm and moved to East Texas in 1981.
Jacque was a loving wife, Mom, Granny, and Great-Granny. She was devout, impeccable, and classy; a tireless worker, fastidious homemaker, kindhearted friend, gracious hostess, and had a keen wit. Later in life her favorite activities revolved around grandkids and great grandkids: sleepovers, lots of fun food and deserts—like fried eggs, hot cocoa, and S’mores—watching old classic musicals like Singing in the Rain, and traveling all over with Melton to attend every ball game, recital, and activity that a school or congregation could dream up.
Sadly, Jacque’s activities were curtailed and then cut off as she was struck down with Alzheimer’s starting in her early seventies. Melton lovingly and tenderly cared completely for Jacque over the last five years as she gradually became incapacitated. Yet, no matter how absent she appeared to be, the presence of a small great-grandchild always made her react with huge smiles. Her love for family never dimmed.
Even as all have longed for Jacque’s old self for years, she is now missed more than ever. Yet Jacque is at rest, awaiting her resurrection and crowning when Jesus Christ returns.