Jacqueline “Jackie” Cline was a woman who knew how to work hard, care deeply, and get things done. A devoted wife, mother, nurse, and lifelong learner, she spent much of her life caring for others. She often went above and beyond what was asked of her. Her determination, quick wit, and generous heart made a lasting difference in the lives of those around her.
Jackie passed away on October 26, 2026, at Crestwood Care Center in Shelby. She was 76.
Born March 13, 1950, in Shelby, Jackie was the daughter of Charles Leroy and Ruth Lucille (Winbigler) Garrett. She graduated from Madison High School and later married Jerry Paul Cline on April 26, 1969, after he returned home from his military service. The two were introduced by Jerry’s aunt. They were shy at first, but soon built a life centered on family, hard work, and shared adventures.
Jackie and Jerry raised three sons. Once her boys were in school, Jackie set her sights on a new goal. She returned to college at North Central Technical College to study nursing, earning her license as a RN. Jackie was determined, resourceful, and unwilling to let obstacles stop her. When her lack of a middle name caused a paperwork complication that stopped her from taking her nursing boards, she simply gave her maiden name as her middle name and moved forward.
Over more than 30 years, Jackie worked in care facilities throughout North Central Ohio, including Ashland Manor (now Kingston), Mansfield Memorial Homes, Whispering Hills, and several other facilities in New Pittsburg, Mount Vernon, North Royalton, and Perrysburg. Her work took her through a variety of leadership roles, including supervisor, director of nursing, and infection control.
Later in her career, Jackie became a nurse aide trainer. She traveled throughout Ohio to help facilities implement procedures and prepare new caregivers to be their best. Nursing was more than a job; it proved to be a calling that suited her caring nature, curiosity, and drive. She was known to finish a long shift only to return home and spend late hours completing charting and paperwork. Even near the end of her life, she was still sharing her knowledge. It was difficult to separate Jackie from the work she loved, and she continued giving of herself for as long as she could.
Her commitment to serving others reached well beyond the nursing home. A longtime member of East Hills Presbyterian Church and later a member of Trinity Grace Fellowship Church. Jackie put her faith into action. She volunteered with Love INC (In the Name of Christ), serving as an intake coordinator and helping receive donations for people in need. She was also active in Civitan, a service organization where she served as both president and vice president.
Jackie was much more than her busy schedule and impressive work ethic. She was curious, ambitious, caring, and always ready to take on something new. A few of her many projects included genealogy, playing the piano, and being a ham radio operator. She also took part in the Great Ohio Bike Adventure, cycling across the state over five days.
Jackie was also a devoted dog lover who opened her heart and home to many canine friends over the years. Her dogs were an important part of her life, and caring for them was another way she showed her generous, nurturing nature. They were faithful companions through the years and brought her plenty of love and friendship.
Of all her accomplishments, two stood especially close to her heart: earning her RN and raising the family she and Jerry built. About 18 years ago, their family grew in a very special way when Jackie and Jerry took custody of 10-year-old Courtney. She stole their hearts, and there was never any question that she was theirs. Love, after all, is not always about how a family begins, but about the people who choose one another and stay. She and Courtney enjoyed finding fun ways to spend time together including garage sales, visiting COSI, attending concerts, and trips to Cedar Point.
Jackie leaves behind a legacy of compassion, determination, service, and hard-earned wisdom. She was the kind of woman who kept learning, kept working, and kept caring. Her family and the many people whose lives she touched will remember a woman who could meet a challenge head-on, lend a helping hand, and bring her own unique sense of humor to just about any situation.The care she gave, the lessons she taught, and the love she shared will continue through the people she leaves behind.
She is survived by her husband Jerry Paul Cline, sons Douglas Alan Cline, Christopher Charles (Julie) Cline, and Michael Gregory (Jada) Cline; a daughter Courtney Kaye Elizabeth Timbs, two grandsons Isaac Thomas Cline, and Caleb Andrew Cline; a brother Donald Leroy Garrett (Laura Johnson), nieces, nephews and extended family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two infant siblings Caroline Marie and Jonathan Wayne Garrett.
Jackie will be laid to rest in a private graveside service in Windsor Park Cemetery. A brief memorial service will begin at 1 pm. Following the memorial service, family and friends can honor and celebrate her life until 4 pm, all on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at Trinity Grace Fellowship, 1592 Grace Street, Mansfield.
Memorial donations in honor of Jacqueline may be made to SouthernCare Hospice.
The Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Cline family and encourage messages of support by visiting snyderfuneralhomes.com.
Funeral Home: Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com