Jacquelyn J. Jacob

Jacquelyn Jo Jacob, 73, of Henderson, Illinois, died at 12:36 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg, Illinois.

Jacque was born July 6, 1952 in Galesburg, the daughter of Kent Elmo “Jake” and Estellina Roberta (Laird) Jacob. Jackie is survived by her significant other of 35+ years, Scott Michael Holden of Henderson; one son, Zac (Sarah) Jacob of Berwick, Illinois; one daughter, Cassandra (Matt Gavin) Jacob of Macomb, Illinois; and one brother, Ken Jacob of Florida. Jacque is also survived by five grandchildren, Braydon (Kayleen Jern) Jones, Lainey Gavin, Hadley Gavin, Mazi Jacob, and Whitley Jacob; two great grandchildren, Oakley and Lyrik; along with several cousins and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Larry Jacob.

Jacque worked as an insurance agent for Combined Insurance before later serving as both a manager and ticket agent at the Burlington Trailways Bus Station in Galesburg. She had a passion for crafting, creating a wide variety of handmade items that she sold at local flea markets, where she often also took on a management role. Above all, Jacque cherished time with her family, frequently expressing her love by cooking meals for them. Jacque would often invite anyone she knew who might be alone on a holiday to her house for a lovely meal. Jacque also relished her monthly lunch’s with many of her high school classmates.

Per her wishes, Jacque has chosen to donate her body to science. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Knoxville American Legion, Knoxville, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to WIAR (Western Illinois Animal Rescue). Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg, Illinois. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.