Jacqueline Slay

Jacqueline hope Slay passed away peacefully on July 7th, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was blessed to enter her heavenly home, reunited with many loved ones that went before her to welcome her with open arms. 'Jackie' was born in Abilene, Texas on May 3, 1939, to Truett and Lavelle Stovall, the first born of three children. After High School, she went on to attend college at Wayland Baptist University, majoring in Music.

Throughout her life, she was a source of unwavering love, strength and compassion. She was influential in encouraging her family and friends to seek Christ's plan for their lives and to place their unwavering faith in Him. She married Robin Lee Slay on April 8,1958, at Crescent Baptist Church in Anaheim, California and together they built 67 years of cherished memories! She was the pilar of strength, a faithful helpmate and rock of encouragement to Rob. The foundation that a Proverbs 31 woman of God, brings to a family and others. She was a devoted Wife to Rob, Mother to Son Jeff and Daughter Tammy, Grandmother to Jeremy, Brandon, Jordan and Keaton... Great Grandmother to nine Great Grandchildren Kinley, Tegan, Parker, Presley, Truett, Colt, Gentry, Sabine and Ansel! She is also survived by her younger Brother Randall T. Stovall, Nephews Tony Bigbee, Andy Bigbee & Nathan Stovall as well as Niece’s Karissa Vath, Kayla Bigbee and Ashlie Romero. Jackie touched the lives of so many others that call her Mom. They speak of how she touched their hearts and became an example to them…the person they wanted to emulate!

Jackie loved everyone equally and always strived to make you feel at home, no matter where you were. She was the best at Southern cooking and if you never had her fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy…. You really missed out! Her grandchildren would often request that specific meal and her sweet tea, when she came to visit.

When she married Rob, the Sailor she had met 3 months prior. She didn't expect to be a Pastor’s wife like her Mother. However, 2 weeks after they were married, Rob surrendered his life, to be a Preacher and their road to serving others together began. She had many other jobs along life’s way, besides being a loving wife and Mother. When her husband Rob pastored in Manhattan Beach, California, she worked for an investment firm. The Lord soon called them in 1969, to move to LaHabra, California where he Pastored the First Southern Baptist Church. Jackie accepted an Administrator position at Beverly Manor skilled living facility, where her love of helping others was put to good use. She also spent many hours working as the church Secretary, Women’s Bible Study leader, Wedding Coordinator and sometimes, the church pianist!

Being a Pastors wife, she knew that their lives as a family, were in God’s hands and if called, they would move again. And he did again in 1979, and they moved to Bellflower, California and after that, to Santa Paula California where Rob pastored the First Baptist Church there. While in Santa Paula, Jackie worked for Thomas Aquinas College coordinating all their major events, fundraisers, overseeing building projects, donor retention and nurturing the sensitive, relationships of those donors with the College. She was a master organizer with an ability to recognize and meet the needs of all involved, resulting in extremely productive, successful events.

Once she and Rob decided to retire, they moved to their 60-acre ranch in Lindrith, New Mexico for a more peaceful, relaxing life amongst the natural beauty there, that she loved so much. Eventually, they moved to Rio Rancho, N.M. She loved her church family there, morning Bible studies by the fireplace with Rob, planting her garden, spoiling Lovie, their puppy… eating breakfast at Weck’s with that side of green chili, dinners at Pelicans, Dions & of course El Brunos when family came to town. Followed by a piece of dark chocolate as a snack and definitely popcorn.

She loved her whole family fiercely! She was beyond strong and was an example of pure, selfless dedication to all. She will be more than missed here on earth, but she is rejoicing in Heaven with family and our Savior.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church of Rio Rancho, 3906 19th Ave. SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124, with a reception to follow. A graveside service will take place on Monday, July 21, 2025 at 11:00am at Santa Fe National Cemetery.