Jacqueline Rose Lawler

Jacqueline (“Jackie”) Rose Lawler, 78, of Clearwater, Florida passed away September 18, 2020.

Jackie is survived by her husband of 59 years, John David Lawler, daughter Jessica Battaglia (Brian), son Jeff Lawler, son Jon Lawler (Tammy), grandchildren Steven and Taylor Dall, Kaylee, Kyle, Jack, and Megan Lawler, sister in law Shirley Williams, nephew Keith Williams (Paula), great nieces Celeste Inghram (Robert), Kelsy Williams, aunt Annie Williams, as well as numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents Jack Rose Williams and Ottilee Sawyer Williams, brother Donnie Williams, niece Sheryl Rose Williams, and uncle Harry Williams.

Jackie was born in Key West, Florida on February 20, 1942, and was a fifth-generation Key West Conch. In her youth she was a Cheerleader captain for Key West HS where she graduated in 1960.  She married her high school sweetheart, John, and together they lived among the cities of Key West, Tampa, Leesburg, and Daytona Beach before settling down to raise their family in Clearwater, FL.

Jackie received her AA degree from St. Petersburg Junior College and her BA degree from Eckerd College.  She worked in various roles in Sales and Business.  She worked for Florida Power Corporation where she was a business manager.  Following her work in the corporate world, Jackie followed her passion for helping others by working as a Volunteer coordinator for Pinellas County Schools and St Petersburg College and last worked as a Financial Aid Officer before retiring in 2012.  Following her working career, Jackie was involved with her church family at Heritage United Methodist Church in Clearwater FL and various volunteering activities.  A loving wife, mother, and doting grandmother, Jackie loved spending her free time with her 6 grandchildren and extended family and friends.  She was admired as a friend and mentor to many.  She and John made many wonderful memories with travels and enjoying life.

Interment will be at the Bay Pines National Cemetery, St. Petersburg FL.

Look, how beautiful, see how much I love you

By Jon Lawler

To know Jackie was to know love. When you were near her, you felt warmth, kindness, love.

So proud she was of the people and places and richness in her life. Always sharing, doting, boasting. Not a sinful pride, but she wanted you to experience the beauty that she saw.

Look, how beautiful, see how much I love you

Born in the beautiful island of Key West, she was a proud Conch! She spent her youth growing up an island girl. She was so happy to remind us we were from there too and made sure we experienced some of those island times too. Salt water, Key lime Pie, Duval street, Front porch swings, homemade ice cream

Look, how beautiful, see how much I love you

Married to her high school sweetheart John and bearing three children, she would always remind us how she managed raising the 3 of us. Lots of work to be sure but providing a home and childhood full of laughter and love. She was always supportive and let you know she had high expectations of you because she could see things in you before you could see them yourself.

Look, how beautiful, see how much I love you

Educated at St. Pete Junior College and Eckerd College, she pursued knowledge and degrees in order to enrich her life and provide more for her family. She went to college while we were still in school, managing a job, school, and raising 3 teens. What an example and role model she was to those in her life. She had nothing to prove but she showed you the way.

Look, how beautiful, see how much I love you

When her 3 children were grown and on their own, she made sure you were never more than a phone call or a car ride away from a great big hug and her words of encouragement and when she had grandchildren to dote over, Jackie would tell you it was heaven on Earth. For Jackie, family meant if she showed up to your door, you were part of her family and how she would boast about the positive things you had to offer. Always a kind word about those she knew.

Look, how beautiful, see how much I love you

Later in life, we have watched her faith and service to others grow to become a greater part of her life. Delivering medicines to others, serving her church family, organizing family vacations or get togethers and especially game nights, she simply adored bringing joy and laughter into peoples lives. I will always cherish how we laugh as a family. Beautiful times as a family and a legacy to last lifetimes. And so when she wanted to show us the next beautiful thing she closed her eyes and saw a beautiful place called heaven. She is showing us another example of love.

Look, how beautiful, see how much I love you

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Suncoast Hospice.”