Jacquelyn Marie Dillman

Jacquelyn Marie Dillman, known affectionately as Jackie to her friends and family, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on December 22nd, 2023, in her hometown of Topeka, KS. Born on January 2nd, 1948, Jackie was a beacon of joy and resilience to all who knew her, living a life filled with laughter, strength, and a wide array of interests that captivated and inspired many.

Jackie, the daughter of Richard and Ruth Lewis, both of whom preceded her in death, grew up in Topeka with a vibrant imagination and an eternal zest for life. Despite the challenges she faced, including the loss of her sister, Teresa Howard, Jackie channeled her energy into a radiant and courageous demeanor that those around her could not help but emulate. Her legacy of strength is carried on by her loving family, including her son, Chad Simms, her daughter-in-law, Machelle Simms, and her treasured grandchildren, Ricky, Linda, and Nesa Marie and great grandchildren William, Journey, Annabelle, Summer, and Michael.

Her brother, Richard "Joe" Lewis, her sister, Mary Kalous, sister-in-law, Cathy Lewis, and her brother-in-law, Keith Howard, her pastor Bishop Pearson Carter, God-sister Vickie Carter, and special friends Mike and Michelle York all share fond memories of Jackie's incredible wit and the conversations that would light up any room she entered. Her nieces and nephews, Jodi Cirque, Erin Lewis, Shannon Lewis, Kara Kalous, Pearson Carter Jr along with her grandnieces and grandnephews - Pjay, Pearmella, Pete, Tommie, Jedidiah, Shantel, Victor, Chanel, Ethan, Amory, Akayla, Amani, and Suh'kai - will forever cherish the memories of their "Auntie Jackie" and her knack for making every family gathering unforgettable.

A proud graduate of Highland Park High School, Jackie's pursuit of knowledge did not end there. Fueled by a passion for helping others, she furthered her education in nursing at the Kaw Area Vocational School. Jackie's diverse career path is a testimony to her versatility and work ethic. She devoted herself to nursing, ensuring care and comfort to those she served. Jackie's leadership abilities also shone through her roles as a retail manager and a restaurant manager, and her creative spirit was beautifully expressed in her work as a beautician.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Jackie was a woman of many interests. She thrived on spending quality time with her family, where her humor and storytelling were the heartbeat of countless cherished moments. Her lifetime of experiences made her not only an interesting and engaging individual but also an inspiring matriarch whose tales will be told for generations.

One of her favorite quotes, attributed to the inimitable Maya Angelou, was, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Indeed, Jackie lived by these words, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of everyone she touched. She was a person who made others feel valued, heard, and perpetually entertained, her laughter and spirit a comforting presence that will be sorely missed.

To have known Jackie Dillman was to know life's potential for spontaneous joy and unwavering bravery. Her stories, sometimes uproariously funny and other times raw with honesty, painted a portrait of a woman who fully embraced the breadth of the human experience. Jackie's very essence was one of courage, not just in the face of her own hardships but also in her relentless support of her loved ones during their struggles.

As we say farewell to Jacquelyn Marie Dillman, we celebrate a life extraordinarily lived and the many lives she touched. Jackie's memory will continue to shine brightly as a symbol of love, humor, and the enduring strength of family. She will be greatly missed, but her laughter, her courage, and the interesting tapestry of her life's journey will be remembered and honored forever.