Jacklyn Ann Beard

Jacklyn Ann Beard, May 26, 1954 – September 30, 2021

Jacklyn Ann Beard, of Lansing, Michigan, entered eternal slumber September 30, 2021. She is preceded in death by her father, John (Jack) A. Beard, Jr. Ms. Beard leaves bereaved her mother, Phyllis Beard of Portland; two brothers, Michael (Carole) of Portland and Dennis of Grand Rapids. She was a doting aunt to three nieces, Pamela Gensterblum of Lansing, Jennifer (Leif) Dykstra of Chicago, Denise (Jason) Llamas of New York; one nephew, Darryl (Anna) of Illinois; and three great nieces and two great nephews. Ms. Beard leaves behind many friends, including close family friend Bill McMurray.

Jacklyn began her professional career with the Tri-County Office on Aging and then was employed by the Lansing Police Department, serving 30 years in multiple civilian positions. Jackie then embarked on a career with the Michigan State University Detroit College of Law. Jackie, benevolent by nature, could often be found volunteering at the Hospice House of Lansing, the McRee House, and McLaren Hospital. She was also a member of the Portland VFW Auxiliary.

Jackie delighted in travel. If she was not attending a quilting retreat or planning a bus trip to the next quilt show, she had her mother in tow traveling to spend time with family spread across the country. She spent many vacations abroad making new lifelong acquaintances and acquiring new treasures in England and Ireland.

Though her family and friends grieve her loss, Jacklyn leaves a rich legacy. She spent many hours sorting through genealogical records and documenting her family history.  Throughout her life, Jackie was an avid quilter. She was an expert in the appraisal of quilts, antique sewing equipment, as well as a true artist with needle and thread. Jackie was an early member of the Capitol City Quilt Guild and several small quilting groups including the Variable Stars.

Jackie’s quilts are cherished keepsakes by all who were fortunate enough to receive one. She often donated them through Quilts of Valor to military veterans, forming a bond with her father’s Sergeant from World War II. Her immediate family members were sure to receive a hand-stitched work of art for major lifetime milestones. Though today is dark and gloomy, we will wrap ourselves in a hand-crafted quilt by Jackie Beard and remember the days she brought us so much joy and happiness.

Memorial donations can be made to a hospice organization of your choice, American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association.

Funeral Mass 11:00 AM Thursday, October 21, 2021 at St. Patrick Catholic Church.  Visitation at the Church one hour prior to the Service.  Luncheon will follow the Mass at the VFW Hall in Portland.  Graveside Services at 1:30 PM immediately following the luncheon at Portland Cemetery.

Please visit the special web page made for Jacklyn to leave a condolence or light a candle: www.RosierFuneralHome.com.

The family has entrusted the arrangements to the Independent Family-Owned Funeral Home in Sunfield:  Rosier Funeral Home.

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