Jacqueline Raye (Michael) Gabard

Jacqueline Raye Gabard 67, of Lexington, NC left us on Monday March 28, 2022, at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC. She was born in Newport News, Virginia on June 12, 1954.  Though we miss her, she will always be with us. She was preceded in death by her parents Geraldine Taylor Michael and Rayvon Michael, and 3 brothers: Sandford Samuel Couey, Thomas Wayne Michael, and Robert Brett Michael. c

Jackie has gone fishing in heaven, dipping her rod into a sea of stars. Having been one for a good laugh and many a joke, she’s laughing up a good storm right this very moment. I’m sure you’ve heard the heavens rumble with her mirth. Even burdened by her health, she always made time for a quick quip. Or two. Or that third one she snuck in there at the last moment. Flying free now, she’s sure to be strumming away on her guitar while waiting for those nibbles on the line. She took the old Volks to the waters today, perhaps the Harley tomorrow.

Don’t fret for even a moment that she’s alone. The Good Lord himself is sitting right beside her, listening to her song, for the nibble on their lines, to a couple of her crack jokes. Okay, a couple, couple more. Her laugh is infectious! Her mother and father are right there, too. They’ve been waiting awhile with her brothers. Oh, family and friends, don’t be too jealous. While she rests along those shimmering waters amidst a glorious garden, time flows differently. Soon, others will join her; past, present, and future. Those she knows, and loves, and cherishes. And she will play her music for us and crack her jokes (I’m sure she’s already learned quite a few more by now!), fry up some heavenly fish she’s caught (she always was a mean cook), and shower us all with her love.

Until then, her sister Bettie Lynne Schumerth (Jeffry) of Huntsville, AL, and brothers Jesse Ervin Michael of Lexington, NC, and Billy Dean Couey (June) of Ga, will just have to miss her, and they – along with all her nieces and nephews: Pamala Annette Michael, Cassandra Faith Marie Schumerth, David Anthony Schumerth, Chad Jason Michael, Sherri Renee Michael, Joshua Ryan Michael, Gerald Anthony Couey, Brian Lamar Couey and extended family and friends – must take up the mantle of keeping her memory alive. That we must love one another. That we should always have compassion for everyone. Especially the weak. Especially for lost cats and dogs. To take time to get our hands dirty and plant a few trees and some flowers. To always be on the lookout for a good deal. To read as many novels as we can. To share a good movie. To share a joke. And most importantly, that everything needs an extra cup of sugar.

A celebration of her life will be held at a future date.

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