Obituary for Jacquelene “Jackie” Hunsucker

Jackie Hunsucker

August 5, 1940 – June 27, 2024

Jacquelene “Jackie” Marie Hunsucker, of Norfork, Arkansas, formerly of Ponca City, Oklahoma, passed away on June 27, 2024 in Little Rock, Arkansas at the age of 83. Viewing will be held on Saturday, July 6 from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm, and Sunday from 1pm – 7pm, with the family greeting friends from 5pm – 7pm at the funeral home. A Celebration of her life will take place at 11:00 am on Monday, July 8, 2024 at the Trout Funeral Home Chapel, with her brother, Richard Newman officiating. Burial will follow at Longview Cemetery in Ponca City, Oklahoma. Pallbearers will include Mitch Coatney, Michael Coatney, Brandon Wood, Chase Cookson, Drew Pettys, Ben Pettys, Knox Hunsucker, Dexton Jones, and Calloway Warren. Honorary Pallbearers will be Mason Coatney, Collin Coatney, and Wyatt Davy. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, located at 505 W. Grand Ave. in Ponca City, Oklahoma 74601.

Jackie was born on August 5, 1940 in Ponca City, Oklahoma to Jack and Roberta (Long) Newman. She grew up in Ponca City and was actively involved in the school’s band and orchestra, playing the bells and harp. Jackie began playing the harp at the age of 13 and continued to play throughout her life. She obtained her Water Safety Instructor Certification, which led to a job as a lifeguard at Wentz Swimming Pool. After graduating from high school, she attended Carson Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee, a college founded by her five-times great-grandfather, Isaac Newman. During her time at college, she wrote the program for synchronized swimming.

She married Jerry Cookson Sr. at a young age. They enjoyed racing drag cars and achieved great success by winning The World Championship in Green Valley, Texas. In addition to their racing pursuits, they also competed in sailboat races and were proud parents of two children, Kimberly Kay Cookson and Jerry Dean Cookson, Jr. Jackie found fulfillment in working at Cookson Stone during her high school years and eagerly contributed in various ways to her father’s businesses, Paul A. Long and Sons Oil Company, and Ponca Ice. Upon completing her studies at Carson Newman, she returned to Ponca City where she pursued various hobbies and interests. Jackie was an avid golfer and served as the President of the Women’s Golf Association at the Ponca City Country Club. She also had a passion for gardening and held the position of President in the Garden Club.

After marrying Larry Hunsucker, Jackie became a mother to his three children: Lauri, Traci, and Whit. Together, Larry and Jackie welcomed their son, Louis McKamie Hunsucker. Managing a farm and raising six children kept them busy. She decided to further her education by returning to school to pursue a career in nursing, ultimately becoming a Registered Nurse in 1977. Nurse Jackie, had a distinguished career in nursing, spanning over thirty years. Her career began in the Operating Room, where she became one of the first Certified Nurse Operating Room Nurses at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She eventually rose to the role of Operating Nurse Supervisor at the same medical center. Jackie also dedicated several years to serving as the House Supervisor and selling surgical microscopes for the operating room. Known for her selflessness, Jackie often volunteered to work holidays so that her colleagues could have time off. As a respected leader in nursing, she expanded her expertise by becoming an S.A.N.E nurse (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner), a role she was deeply passionate about. Her dedication to serving the community extended to volunteering with the Ponca City Police Department, where she acted as an “extra eye.” Jackie’s commitment to the well-being of young people led her to establish the Drug Free Youth program at the local high school, an initiative that recognized and rewarded teens for choosing to stay drug-free.

After retiring, Jackie could often be found playing Mahjongg or teaching others how to play. When not engaged in these activities, she enjoyed giving tours at the Marland Mansion or portraying “Mollie Miller” in the 101 Ranch reenactment at local schools. In her leisure time, she would swim at the YMCA with her friends, even earning a 100-mile T-shirt for her dedication. Together with her husband Larry, Jackie cherished traveling, fishing, and camping adventures. They frequently journeyed to Texas with their camper and fishing gear in tow. Following her husband’s passing after 40 years of marriage, Jackie relocated to Amity, Arkansas to assist Kim and Russell with Amity Trade Days. Known as the top seller at the event, she warmly engaged with visitors at her booth, forming many meaningful friendships along the way.

In 2020, Jackie reconnected with her college sweetheart, Ed Peck. They made the decision to move to Norfork, Arkansas, where they could often be found sitting on their porch swing and “reporting” from Highway 5. Together, they rediscovered true love. Jackie and Ed relished in spending all their time together and assisting at her daughter and son-in-law’s Trout Fishing Resort, with Jackie humorously referring to herself as the pool manager and head lifeguard.

Jackie was enthusiastic about genealogy research and held a 54-year membership with the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). As she delved into the history of her Revolutionary War ancestors, she made a fascinating discovery: both her and Ed’s ancestors, five generations back, had been instrumental in founding a church in Tennessee and had fought together near Mossy Creek during the Revolutionary War.

Jackie exuded a zest for life and embraced each day with joy and enthusiasm. Her deep faith in her Lord and Savior led her to consider Him her best friend.

Jackie is survived by her devoted husband, Ed Peck, and her loving children: Kim Jones and her husband Russell, Lauri Kelly and her husband Darrell, Traci Pettys and her husband Loren, Jerry Cookson Jr. and his wife Lisa, M.C. Hunsucker and his wife Robyn, Whit Hunsucker and his wife Marty. She is also survived by her brother, Richard Newman, and his wife Elaine, her grandchildren Calie Marie Warren, Mitch Coatney, Michael Dean Coatney, Cambri DeLeo, McKayla Wood, Brandon Wood, Chase Cookson, Knox Hunsucker, Parker Hunsucker, Layne Runnels, Lacey Foster, Amy Pardo, Lindley Cameron, Ben Pettys, Drew Pettys, and Sarah Beth Hunsucker. She was lovingly referred to as “Great” by, Coatney, Calloway, Mason, Collin, Lynie, Ian, Colleen, KayLynn, Dexton, Wyatt, Easton, Cole, Vada, Viola, Benjamin, Hannah, Will, and Levi. In addition, Jackie is survived by her nephews Greg Newman, Brad Newman, niece Eden Newman, numerous cousins, and a wide circle of friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Roberta Newman, her husband Larry Hunsucker, and great-grandson Karsen Strickland.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly asks that you donate to: The Gideon’s, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251, 1-866-382-4253, www.gideons.org

Source: Trout Funeral Home