Jacalyn Marie Stevens, 51, of Murphysboro, Illinois, passed away on January 3, 2022, at Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin, Illinois.
Jackie was born on January 5, 1970, in Luverne, Minnesota, the daughter of Richard James and Delores Evelyn (Paulson) Stevens. She was Luverne Minnesota’s first baby of the new year and the youngest of four siblings. Early in Jackie’s life, the Stevens family moved from Minnesota to Atlantic, Iowa, where she spent her childhood.
After graduating from Atlantic High School, Jackie attended Iowa State University, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1994. She was proud to be an Iowa State alumna and still kept up with the Cyclones.
After college, Jackie moved to Columbus, Ohio, where she spent 20 loyal years as an I.T. Analyst at Nationwide Insurance.
Computers were Jackie’s passion, not only at work, but in the world of gaming. She had many online and virtual friends who meant the world to her and gave her considerable joy and happiness.
Jackie’s interests also included renaissance fairs, knitting, crocheting, spinning yarn, and horticulture.
She had an inquisitive mind and a wonderful sense of humor. She cared deeply for those around her, including those with four paws (Spook, Bibby, and Goob).
She was predeceased by her parents, Richard and Delores Stevens, her brother, Jeffrey “Mutt” Stevens, and her brother-in-law, Edward Atwood.
Jackie is survived by her sisters, Lynnette Stevens-Johnson of Fort Smith, Arkansas and Michelle (Tim Legere) Atwood of Big Sandy, Tennessee; her best friends, Jack and Dixie Needles of Columbus, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews.
A private family burial will be held at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Atlantic.
Roland Funeral Service is caring for Jackie’s family and her arrangements.
