Jacqueline Slay

Jacqueline Hope Slay passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Surrounded by love, she entered her heavenly home and was joyfully reunited with the many loved ones who went before her, surely welcoming her with open arms.

Born on May 3, 1939, in Abilene, Texas, to Truett and Lavelle Stovall, Jackie was the eldest of three children. After graduating high school, she pursued her love of music at Wayland Baptist University, majoring in the subject that brought her joy and meaning.

Jackie was a radiant source of love, strength, and compassion. Her unwavering faith and gentle encouragement inspired countless family members and friends to seek Christ and trust in His plan for their lives. On April 8, 1958, she married the love of her life, Robin Lee Slay, at Crescent Baptist Church in Anaheim, California. Together, they built a life of deep faith, laughter, and devotion that spanned 67 beautiful years.

Jackie was the definition of a Proverbs 31 woman-a faithful helpmate, a pillar of strength, and a steadfast encourager. She poured her love into her family: a devoted wife to Rob, beloved mother to Jeff and Tammy, cherished grandmother to Jeremy, Brandon, Jordan, and Keaton, and proud great-grandmother to Kinley, Tegan, Parker, Presley, Truett, Colt, Gentry, Sabine, and Ansel.

She is also survived by her loving brother, Randall T. Stovall; her nephews Tony Bigbee, Andy Bigbee, and Nathan Stovall; and her nieces Karissa Vath, Kayla Bigbee, and Ashlie Romero. Beyond her immediate family, Jackie was a mother figure to many, touching lives with a warmth and wisdom that left a lasting impression. Those who knew her often speak of how she became a role model and someone they hoped to emulate.

Jackie had a gift for making everyone feel at home. She loved deeply and equally, and her hospitality was legendary-especially when it came to her Southern cooking. Her fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, and sweet tea were staples requested by her grandchildren any time she came to visit.

Though she may not have expected to become a pastor's wife like her mother, just two weeks after marrying Rob-the sailor she'd only met three months prior-he felt the call to ministry, and their shared journey of serving others began. Jackie embraced every role with grace and dedication: wife, mother, administrator, secretary, church pianist, women's Bible study leader, wedding coordinator, and more. While pastoring in Manhattan Beach, she worked for an investment firm. Later, in La Habra, California, she served as an administrator for Beverly Manor skilled nursing facility while actively supporting the church in multiple roles.

Their path in ministry led them to Bellflower and later Santa Paula, California. In Santa Paula, Jackie worked at Thomas Aquinas College, coordinating major events, fundraising, and nurturing important relationships-her attention to detail and heart for service made her a master at everything she touched.

Eventually, Jackie and Rob retired to their peaceful 60-acre ranch in Lindrith, New Mexico, soaking in the natural beauty she adored. They later settled in Rio Rancho, where Jackie continued to pour her love into her home, her church family, and her simple joys: morning Bible studies with Rob by the fire, gardening, spoiling her puppy Lovie, and eating at her favorite local spots like Weck's (with green chile, of course), Pelican's, Dion's, and El Bruno's when family came to visit-always followed by some dark chocolate and a bowl of popcorn.

Jackie loved her family fiercely. Her strength, grace, and selfless dedication will never be forgotten. While her absence leaves an ache in our hearts, we rejoice in knowing she is now surrounded by glory, reunited with family, and resting in the arms of her Savior.

She will be missed beyond measure-and remembered always with love.

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.