of Benton, AR
March 31, 1956 - November 6, 2019
The sweet soul of Jacqueline (Jackie) Summerlin Hurd was set free to fly when she passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 6th, 2019. Jackie leaves behind a lifetime of friends, co-workers and close family members that will always miss her positive outlook and incredible spirit. Jackie was Born March 31st, 1956 in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada but spent most of her life as a proud Arkansan. Always an exceptional student, Jackie graduated from McClellan High School in Little Rock in 1974 and then graduated with Honors from Ouachita Baptist University with a B.S. in Dietetics and Nutrition. She loved having close friends and while at OBU was in the band and the Chi Delta sorority. Many of her college friends, she referred to as her ''Ouachita girls'' remained a close group of friends throughout her entire life.
After a UAMS internship, Jackie started her life-long career with the Baptist Medical System and at the age of 24 became the youngest department director in the Baptist System. She was chosen as the young Dietician of the year for the state of Arkansas early in her career and never quit pursuing excellence throughout her lifetime as one of the state's leading Dieticians, Nutrition, and Food service providers at facilities throughout the state of Arkansas. The number of lives that she touched, people she mentored, staff members she led, and co-workers she worked closely with is immeasurable over the course of her almost 40 years of service to the Baptist Health System. Always open to new ways of approaching her career, she innovated Dietetics throughout her career staying on the front edge of changes and advancements in her field. After retiring from Baptist Health Systems in 2018; Jackie went to work for Sodexo still working closely with the Baptist Health System.
For those of us lucky enough to have truly known Jackie, she was a ray of bright light in the room with an always happy disposition when often behind the scenes she was battling for her life with physical health issues and great personal tragedy and loss. Small in stature, Jackie lived as a giant facing battle after battle with positivity. Well known to say ''I'm fine'' during the worst of moments to simply comfort those around her, very few on the outside knew the level of suffering she endured for most of her life. She has now left her earthly vessel and has been set free of pain and illness.
Jackie loved her family dearly - her ''Hobbies'' as she liked to call them included her nieces and nephew's - Carly, Shelbi, Lindsey, Alex, Tanner, and Brittany. She adored them all and leave each of them with the ability to look at life through rose colored glasses with positive energy and a refusal to be defined by your obstacles in life. She also found great joy later in life with great nephew Dylan and great nieces Charli and Hadli.
Jackie leaves behind her husband John Douglas (Doug) Hurd. Their 36 years together of love, unending support and appreciation for each other brought Jackie a lifetime of happiness. One brother, Jay Summerlin, Sister-in-Law Jennifer Summerlin, Brother-in-Law and Sister-in-Law - Todd and Jennifer Hurd, Mother-in-law Jackie N. Hurd, Father-in-Law John M. Hurd and his wife Ann. She was proceeded in death by parents Jack and Nellie Summerlin and her sister Janet Summerlin Cowan.
A memorial service will be at Roller Chenal Funeral Home in Little Rock on Saturday, November 16th, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. Visitation will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, Jackie's family and friends prefer you to contribute to her memory with a donation to the Jackie Summerlin Hurd Memorial Scholarship Fund for the Dietetic Internship Program at Ouachita Baptist University.
There are two ways to donate, https://obu.edu/development/give. Please be sure to indicate the exact wording above under ''instructions for your gift''. Or, you can mail a donation to Ouachita Baptist University, P.O. Box 3754, Arkadelphia, AR 71998. Please indicate on your check the specific scholarship information above.
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25 Condolence(s)
Ronnie Smith
Tuesday, October 25, 2022
I had no idea that Jackie had passed until I was looking up old college friends and found out. We dated for a short while at OBU and what a sweet girl she was. Heaven gained an angel when Jackie entered.
Michelle Morgan
Friday, June 24, 2022
I had no idea that Jackie had passed away until this moment. I was looking for her contact information and it is a complete shock to find this memorial.
Jackie was my first boss in the field of dietetics and she was fierce. She made sure I was ready and prepared to take on the world of nutrition.
Her words of wisdom and mentoring style will be remembered. She was so kind when I lost my first baby and so excited when I had my daughter.
I shared many important steps of my life with her and she was there to help me through out my career. I remember just five years ago her calling me to offer a position she had available that she felt I would be a perfect fit. A year later she had left to live with the Lord.
I know her family is proud of her beautiful soul and miss her immensely. I can’t wait to see her later.
Sarah Kay
Thursday, November 21, 2019
To my nephew Doug and my sister Jackie...You have lost one of the sweetest, kindest persons I have ever known in my life. Her lose to you both is unimaginable to me. As I write this I am remembering introducing you Doug to my friend Jackie and what a wonderful thing that was for both of you!! And my sister found not only a daughter in law, but a friend and a daughter she never had. I am still having difficulty believing she is gone. I am so sorry for the pain of losing her that you both are going through. I love you both very much. Love Sarah Kay
Laurie Theiss
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
I met Jackie through her sister in law Jennifer when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. Jackie didn’t know me but would send the sweetest cards to encourage me through treatment. I will never forget the kindness she showed me and I’m praying for her family during this difficult time.
Terry Peacock Stroh
Sunday, November 17, 2019
Jackie and I met in our dietetic internship at UAMS and were close friends for several years afterward as single ladies in Little Rock. We had so much fun and made so many happy memories! I will never forget Jackie's infectious laugh and quick wit. She was such a joy and always had a smile on her face. We lost touch when I moved away from Arkansas in 1995 but Jackie has always had a special place in my heart. God bless you Doug and Jay and condolences to your families.
Gracie Hamlin and Diedra Middleton
Saturday, November 16, 2019
My mother and I had the pleasure of working for and with Mrs. Hurd at Baptist Health (Arkadelphia). She was a kind and caring person to her staff and fellow employees. She will be greatly missed. God Bless You!!!
Debbie Francis
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
I had the great privilege to w or I for Jackie Hurd years ago. She was such as n amazing lady to work for. Very gracious and always had a smile. She will be greatly missed.
Mark Hart
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Doug, Jay, and Debi,
My heart goes out to you as you endure this loss. Jackie meant so much to so many people and her death is tragic shock. Obviously I knew her during our OBU days and she was a genuine person full of life and always in a state of helping others. She will be missed sorely. My prayer is that Father would wrap His arms of love around you and comfort you during this time. There is comfort knowing that this dear dear sweet lady touch the lives of so many. Mark
Robert Evans-Fant
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
It has been one of my greatest honors to work beside and privilege's to be the recipient of Jackie's leadership. She will forever be remembered for her commitment to excellence and passion for our team. A day working with Jackie was the best day of all. Her friendship was pure, genuine and true.
Brenda Rice
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Doug,
I am very saddened to hear that Jackie passed. I did my dietetic internship with Jackie and then worked with her at Baptist Health for several years. Jackie was a joy to work with. She was an excellent employee as well as a very positive and caring person. I am so sorry for you loss. I am praying that God will comfort your heart, encourage your spirit and give you peace of mind during this time. God Bless.
Ame English
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
I had the pleasure of working and learning so much from Jackie over the last 20 years . She was a wonderful lady and a delight to work with ! Your family will be in my prayers , God Bless
Ame English
Jim Malcolm
Monday, November 11, 2019
What a great example to us all - thanks for your courage and determination as well as your friendship Jackie. See you again someday!
Kellye Wooe
Monday, November 11, 2019
I am so sorry to hear about Jackie's death. I worked with her at Baptist Arkadelphia for several years and she was always such a joy to be around. Always a kind word and sweet attitude. She definitely made her mark on this world and left it a better place.
Dana (Roberts) Hill
Monday, November 11, 2019
Doug and family - Jackie was an angel on this earth. I’ve always had the greatest respect and love for her. She made such a difference in every life she touched. She will be missed terribly. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Carol Young Pinkston
Monday, November 11, 2019
So many of my memories of junior high, high school, and college include Jackie. We have lost a treasure and heaven has gained a loved one. I am thankful to have had you for my friend. I look forward to joining you in heaven one of these days.
Megan McQueen Crowe
Monday, November 11, 2019
I am so lucky I had the honor to meet and get to know Jackie. She was so kind, helpful, and a wonderful example to us all. She will be greatly missed. Love to her family.
Preston Cowan
Sunday, November 10, 2019
I’ve loved this lady since the day I met her. What a wonderful woman! Friend and mentor to my daughter. Aunt Jackie..gone too soon😥 prayers for Doug and Jay.
Phyllis Blacksten
Sunday, November 10, 2019
Doug, please accept my deepest condolences for your loss of sweet Jackie. She served as a role model for so many, and earned the respect of even more in both her daily work and her service in state associations and projects. She will be deeply missed. Remember her joy when coping is tough - she could always make the day brighter!
Caren Beard
Sunday, November 10, 2019
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Jackie's passing. I worked with her for a number of years and learned what a special person she was. May God comfort the many friends and family who loved her. She will be greatly missed.
Buddy Voan
Sunday, November 10, 2019
I'm sorry to hear she has passed, may God Bless her family and grant Peace, Comfort, and Understanding in your time of need.
Veronica king
Sunday, November 10, 2019
I am so very sorry for the loss the family feels at the loss of such an angel on earth. While I was attending OBU Jackie became my mentor. She hired me and taught me so much a out how to be a better person and great worker and advance in nutrition all in one. Loved loved her.
Becky Jo Kerr Green
Sunday, November 10, 2019
I remember this sweet classmate with fondness. She was so nice in school. My prayers for all of you. McClellan class of 1975.
Ron Sherman
Sunday, November 10, 2019
Doug, I'm so sorry for Your loss. Jacqueline's brother Jay and I have been friends for years! He talked about Her many times with such fondness and love! Sheila and I offer our condolence to You and Your Family! Ron
Lorie Hale
Friday, November 8, 2019
Jackie was an inspiration to all of us at Baptist Health!! I don't know what we will do without her. Her contributions are so numerous I can't even begin to list them. Prayers to the family in this very hard time. We will all miss her everyday.
Ina Rogers
Friday, November 8, 2019
Sorry to hear of her passing loved her so much a.prayers for all her family