Jacquelyn "Jackie" Sylvester

Jacquelyn ‘Jackie’ Sylvester, a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2025, at the age of 83. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, on August 22, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Arthur Werder and Nathalie Kammerer. Jackie leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and service that will continue to inspire all who knew her. After graduating from high school, Jackie worked as a flight attendant for Eastern Airlines, where she traveled the world and had many adventures. In 1963, she married and became the proud mother of two children, Scott and Stephanie. However, her marriage ultimately came to an end. Jackie then became a successful business owner, but despite her professional achievements, she still felt an emptiness in her life that success alone could not fill. In December of 1975, Jackie’s life was transformed when she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord. This personal decision led her to discover the true purpose of life. She had always felt a calling to serve in the mission field, and soon, the Lord opened the door for her to fulfill that calling. She answered by serving as a missionary in the Philippines. There, she touched countless lives and experienced the fulfillment of living out her faith in service to others. After serving 15 years in the Philippines, she returned to the U.S. settling back into St. Louis and worked as a site director at the West County YMCA and a teacher at Mason Ridge Elementary, both roles in which she left a lasting impact. After retiring, Jackie found joy in starting Fur Buddy, a pet-sitting business that allowed her to care for animals—one of her greatest passions. Jackie was known for her zest for life and her commitment to staying active. She worked out regularly at Curves and took long walks daily, maintaining her vitality and energy. Through all the activities and organizations she was involved in, Jackie developed lifelong friendships, and her tight-knit neighborhood community was also filled with many close friends. A deeply devoted follower of Jesus Christ, Jackie’s unwavering faith was the foundation of her life. She was an active member of St. Louis Family Church, participated in weekly Bible study and prayer groups, and lived each day with the love and grace that came from her relationship with God. Jackie always said that if the time ever came for her to “go”, she would be ready to be with Jesus—and, it seems, He was ready for her now. Jackie's strength was evident in her remarkable journey of recovery after surviving a stroke in 2021, followed by another stroke the summer of 2024. Despite these challenges, Jackie’s determination and fierce spirit kept her going. She worked hard through rehabilitation, gradually making progress and working her way back to the life she loved. However, just over a week before she was set to return to her home, a serious brain infection altered the course of her recovery, and it was then that her path with us came to a close. Jackie’s greatest joy was spending time with her family, no matter the activity. Whether it was exploring new places, relaxing on the beach, or simply being together, her heart was happiest when surrounded by loved ones. Special memories include time spent in Colorado, Georgia, and cherished beach vacations in Destin and Charleston. Above all, Jackie was most proud of her children, Scott and Stephanie. She loved to brag about them, sharing their accomplishments with anyone who would listen. Being with her children was the greatest blessing, and she took immense pride in the bond they shared. Jackie is survived by her son, Scott (Angela Duprel) Sylvester, daughter, Stephanie (Jay) Brooks, granddaughter Rachael, grandson Josh, her sister, Sandra (Robert) Eno, her nieces, Jamie (David) Lucks, Tonya Pollak, her nephew, Todd (Amy) Eno, many grandnieces, grandnephews, and countless friends who will all deeply miss her compassionate spirit. Jackie’s love for her family was boundless, and her memory will be cherished by all who knew her. Her life was a true reflection of her favorite verse, Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Jackie lived out this verse daily, confident that the work God began in her would continue throughout her life. She dedicated herself to her faith, her family, and to serving others. Her steadfast belief in God's plan for her life and her unwavering faith in His timing are a testament to the strength and grace with which she lived. Rest in peace, Jackie. You did the good work that God began in you, and now you are with Him, lovingly welcomed home. A celebration of Jackie’s life will be held on Friday, April 11th at Chapel Hill Mortuary in Kirkwood, MO, located at 10301 Big Bend Road. The service will begin at 2:00 PM, followed by a light reception where we invite you to share more stories and memories of Jackie.

Jacquelyn "Jackie" Sylvester

August 22, 1941 - March 2, 2025